Alibaba Unveils 100+ Open-Source AI Models and Text-to-Video Tool

Alibaba releases 100+ open-source AI models and a text-to-video tool, boosting competition with giants like Microsoft and OpenAI. Discover more now!

NEWS

Shubham Sahu

9/19/20242 min read

AI generated image of Alibaba with graphics of AI
AI generated image of Alibaba with graphics of AI

China’s Alibaba Launches Over 100 New Open-Source AI Models and Text-to-Video Generator

Alibaba Unveils Extensive AI Model Collection

On Thursday, Alibaba released a substantial update to its AI capabilities, introducing over 100 new open-source AI models, collectively known as Qwen 2.5. These models span diverse applications, including automotive, gaming, and scientific research. Alibaba aims to enhance competition with domestic rivals such as Baidu and Huawei, and international giants like Microsoft and OpenAI. The new AI models offer advanced features in math and coding and are designed to understand prompts, generating text and images efficiently.

New Text-to-Video AI Tool

Alibaba has also launched a cutting-edge text-to-video AI tool, enabling users to generate videos from text prompts. This tool, similar to OpenAI’s Sora, represents a significant advancement in AI video generation from text, providing users with the ability to create AI-generated videos directly from written input. By open-sourcing this technology, Alibaba hopes to make its AI models widely accessible, allowing researchers, academics, and companies globally to develop their own generative AI applications.

Related: Microsoft to Open Two New AI Centers in Abu Dhabi

Open Source AI Models: A Leap Forward

The company’s decision to open-source its AI models allows global users to utilize these tools without the need to train their own systems. This move aims to save time and costs for users, promoting broader adoption of Alibaba’s AI technology. Since the initial launch of its Tongyi Qianwen (Qwen) model last year, Alibaba’s open-source models have been downloaded 40 million times.

Upgraded Qwen-Max Model

Alongside the open-source release, Alibaba has upgraded its proprietary Qwen-Max model, which is not open-source. The new Qwen-Max 2.5-Max surpasses other models like Meta’s Llama and OpenAI’s GPT-4 in reasoning and language comprehension. Alibaba’s Qwen-Max technology is available through its cloud computing services, offering enhanced AI capabilities to businesses.

Strategic Move by Alibaba Cloud

Alibaba Cloud is intensifying its investment in AI technology and global infrastructure. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to strengthen its position in the cloud computing market, where it faces competition from Amazon and Microsoft. Alibaba’s latest AI offerings are expected to attract both domestic and international customers, boosting the company's cloud services division.

Related: California Governor Signs New Laws Regulating AI-Generated Deepfakes for Election

Global AI Landscape

Globally, efforts to regulate and utilize AI technology vary. For instance, the European Union has advanced legislation with its AI Act, while the United States adopts a more voluntary approach. China, with its focus on social stability, has also implemented regulations surrounding AI.

Conclusion

Alibaba’s latest advancements in open-source AI models and text-to-video AI tools highlight the company's commitment to leading the AI technology space. These innovations are set to transform how AI is utilized across various sectors, offering new opportunities for users worldwide.