China’s answer to Amazon, Alibaba may invest 10 billion yuan (approx. US $1.15 billion) to boost the artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem that supports its smart speaker, Tmall Genie.
Reports like this one on ZDNet said it would include integrating Alipay mini-apps as well as more Content and services from Alibaba’s ecosystem spanning entertainment, healthcare, shopping, and so on.
The Chinese e-commerce giant also plans to develop proprietary AI and IoT technologies to enhance natural voice and visual interactions between the smart speaker and consumers. This development work would be carried out alongside its cloud and R&D unit, Alibaba Cloud and Alibaba DAMO Academy, respectively, said the report.
via: ZDNet