Alibaba Qwen Office launches e-commerce AI productivity tool in invite-only beta

On October 13, 2026, reports revealed that Alibaba is developing an e-commerce version of its AI workplace product Qianwen Office tailored for multi-platform merchants, with a planned release ahead of the Singles' Day presale. Initiated in June and entering intensive development in September, the project is built by a team of nearly 100 people overseen by Chen Yusen and managed by Huang Pipei. E-commerce users currently account for about 20% of Qianwen Office's paid user base, representing its largest and most deeply engaged industry segment. The e-commerce edition combines industry skills and merchant insights from Alibaba's e-commerce teams with general Agent capabilities from the Qianwen Office team. Rather than a standalone app, it operates as an Agent with an independent interface and product logic accessible via web or client by switching from the general version, marking the first vertical industry version tested by Qianwen Office. Its homepage features five sections: a Singles' Day zone, business analysis, product management, material production, and marketing promotion. Currently functioning as a cross-platform analysis and production workspace, it allows merchants to upload products, apparel, and model materials, and consolidates performance dashboards across multiple platforms and stores. However, at this stage, it cannot yet directly adjust traffic-buying plans or spend money for merchants, nor is it a fully automated Agent capable of taking over store operations.