# AI-Powered Speakers The Alibaba Tmall Genie X1 is a Small-Scale Smart Speaker for the Home By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-07-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tmall-genie-x1 References: [techpp](http://techpp.com/2017/07/05/alibaba-genie-x1/) & [bot.tmall](https://bot.tmall.com/) The Tmall Genie X1 was recently announced as a new technology to be released by [Alibaba](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alibaba-4), launching the online marketplace company into the world of smart speakers. The new artificially intelligent smart speakers are set to be available to only 1,000 buyers during a short-term trial period that offers the device at an affordable price, especially in comparison to other smart speakers on the market. While devices like the Apple [HomePod](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/denon-smart-speaker-siri) and [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/galaxy-home-mini-2) Home retail for $350 and $130 respectively, the Tmall Genie X1 is set to be available for just $73 as part of a one-month trial period. With this smart speaker, users who speak Mandarin will be able to interact with the Tmall Genie to play music, get weather reports, take notes, set reminders and shop Alibaba's e-commerce site. Following the release of the Amazon Echo and Google Home, a number of leading tech brands including Apple and Line have released their own smart speakers in the hopes of offering the must-have hub for homes of the future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Affordable Smart Speakers:** Creating smart speakers that are both technologically advanced and cost-effective for a larger market. - **Artificial Intelligence in Smart Speakers:** Incorporating AI technology in smart speakers to improve functionality and user experience. - **Expanding Smart Speaker Use Cases:** Exploring new applications for smart speakers beyond music playback and home automation. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Electronics:** Developing smart speaker products that cater to specific markets and price points. - **Artificial Intelligence:** Creating innovative AI-based solutions and products for the smart speaker market. - **E-commerce:** Using smart speaker technology for personalized shopping experiences and voice-activated purchasing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Next-Generation AI Assistant Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-echo-devices.md) - [Transparent AI Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiantian-casa-aria.md) - [Kids-Focused Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kidsfocused-smart-speaker.md) - [Entry-Level Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echo-pop.md) - [AI-Powered Speaker Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turningai-speaker.md) - [Smart-Designed Portable Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartdesigned-portable-speaker.md) - [Physically Interactive AI Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iris-hybrid-speaker.md) - [Enhanced Generative AI Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-alexa-plus.md) - [Sleek Smart AI Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alibaba-4.md)