ALIBABA Group Holding has released a major upgraded version of its Amap, claiming that the 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 1 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 stated. 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.” Alibaba vowed in February to invest heavily in AI-driven business transformation over the next three years. The company integrated AI into its Quark internet browser in March. Navigation platforms are evolving into comprehensive lifestyle assistants, offering services far beyond navigation to meet diverse user needs. “Future maps will connect with various lifestyle services and integrate with multiple apps and platforms,” NBD News reported. (SD-Agencies) | 