(Yicai) Aug. 5 -- Alibaba Group Holding has released a major upgraded version of its Amap, with the Chinese internet giant claiming that the now artificial intelligence‑powered navigation platform is the world's first AI-native map app.

Powered by Qwen, Alibaba’s flagship AI model, Amap 2025 will gradually roll out to more than one billion users worldwide, marking a big step in Alibaba's strategic shift toward AI-driven user experiences across its entire ecosystem, the Hangzhou-based company announced today.

The upgrade comes as competition in AI-enhanced map services is heating up. Baidu Maps has already integrated DeepSeek, allowing the use of voice queries for destination recommendations, though it has not yet launched a personalized AI assistant and still requires manual search input.

At the heart of Amap 2025 is Xiao Gao, an AI assistant combining navigation expertise with reasoning capabilities that was co-developed with Alibaba’s Tongyi Lab. It goes beyond typical voice search by predicting user needs, adjusting plans for traffic and weather changes, and even handling tasks such as booking reservations and planning trips, all in real-time.

“Spatial intelligence is the capability to perceive, reason, and act within three-dimensional space and time, enabling maps to evolve from passive sensing to proactive prediction,” said Amap Chief Executive Guo Ning. “With Amap 2025, we aspire to transform AI from a conversational tool to an actionable partner for our users.”

The move echoes Alibaba’s February commitment to invest heavily in AI-driven business transformation over the next three years. Following the integration of AI into its Quark internet browser in March, Amap’s upgrade is another key milestone in the company's strategy to create tangible user value through AI.

Combining AI models with map services has become inevitable, industry insiders point out. Navigation platforms are evolving into comprehensive lifestyle assistants, offering services far beyond basic navigation to meet diverse user needs, they note.

"Future maps will connect with various lifestyle services and integrate with multiple apps and platforms," NBD News reported, citing industry expert Ding Daoshi. "For map developers, this is an interface battle and a service competition -- a fight they cannot afford to lose."

Editor: Martin Kadiev