Quark AI

What is Quark AI?

Quark AI is a set of AI-related services offered by Alibaba, including search functions, assistants, a browser, and cloud storage solutions. The product was originally known for its simple browser and Quark Cloud Storage; now it is positioned by the company as an \"AI flagship application,\" with various tools such as Qianwen Assistant, AI search, writing assistance, question-solving features, PPT creation tools, scanning functions, PDF handling, translation services, novel reading options, cloud storage, and video editing tools all available through a single interface.

Users can either ask questions in the search box, or upload text, audio, photos, and documents for the AI to process.

The core model for quarks comes from Ali Qwen’s Thousand Questions series. The official statement is simply that “the latest Qwen model is used,” and multiple models are available for selection; no specific version is specified on the consumer-facing page. Therefore, it is not appropriate to list versions such as Qwen2.5, Qwen3, or any temporary model from older news items as the default models.

Quark AI is not the same product as the standalone “Qianwen” app: although both make use of Alibaba’s model ecosystem, Quark places greater emphasis on search, a browser, PDF handling, scanning, cloud storage, and content services.

Core functions

• Qianwen AI Assistant:It handles daily quizzes, writing tasks, translation, reasoning, formula calculations, and multi-step analyses. Multiple model options are available, and answers can be presented in the form of charts, bullet points, or a structured layout.
• AI search:It understands search intent, retrieves web pages, and generates summaries – making it suitable for finding information, news, and answers to complex questions. The developers claim that the search interface is ad-free, but AI-generated answers may still omit sources or misinterpret the original text.
• In-depth searching and thinking:Deeper analysis is conducted for complex logic, research-level reasoning, and multi-step decision-making. The more complex the task, the longer the waiting time, and it does not necessarily mean that the outcome will be correct.
• Multimodal input:It supports text, voice, photo, and document-based conversations; it can extract key points, identify content in images, and convert file formats, making it suitable for asking questions on mobile devices.
• AI writing:It can generate plans, reports, official documents, paper outlines, social media posts, and other types of text; it also allows for rewriting, expansion, and adjustment of the tone. Before formal publication, it is necessary to check the facts, citations, and originality.
• Quark PPT:Enter a topic to generate a presentation structure and pages; the content is automatically formatted and optimized, making it suitable for reports, courses, and defenses. Some templates, export options, or advanced features may require a separate membership.
• Topic selection and learning:It allows for the recognition of questions through photos, the correction of homework, and step-by-step explanations; in addition, it offers services such as information on universities and programs via Kvakao Gaokao, as well as strategies for choosing admission options and AI-generated reports on those options. Decisions regarding further education should be based on official data provided by the examination authorities.
• Quark Scan King:It can identify text and tables from photographs, automatically crop the image, remove unwanted elements, and export the result in PDF, Word, or Excel format; however, contracts, documents, and complex tables still require manual verification of the recognition results.
• Quark PDF:Preview, process, and edit PDFs online, restoring as much as possible the font style, colors, and format of the scanned documents; it also offers side-by-side translation for easy reading of papers and foreign-language materials.
• AI browser:It offers a sidebar, word selection, screenshotting, screen reading, and shortcut boxes, allowing users to ask the AI about the content of a webpage while browsing; intelligent tag management and wireless file transfer are provided for organizing information and continuing work across different devices.
• Quark Cloud Storage:Members are offered up to 6T of storage space, fast download speeds, the ability to transfer large files of 100G in size, multi-device backup, and intelligent file search. Images, text, document content, and various scenarios within the cloud storage can be searched using natural language.
• Super Player:It supports various video formats, high-definition playback, speed control, AI subtitles and bilingual translation; it can also extract text from web pages, lesson materials, and mind maps.
• Novels and audiobooks:It offers access to legitimate novels for reading as well as AI-powered audio readings with various voice tones; it is a content service and should not be confused with the benefits associated with membership in large-model services.

Quark AI Usage Guide

Complete a basic task.

1. Clarify the issue, time frame, location, source priority, and output format;
2. In Quark AI, upload materials for which you have usage rights or enter search queries;
3. First, use the Qianwen AI assistant to establish a framework, and then use AI search to obtain additional evidence.
4. It is necessary to distinguish between factual information from the source, the author’s opinions, and AI-generated conclusions.
5. Check each item for dates, numbers, the original location, and any conflicting evidence;
6. The conclusions are manually revised, the verification time is recorded, and then they are published;

Create reusable professional workflows

1. Break down complex topics into four categories of questions: background, data, comparison, and conclusions;
2. The combination of the Qianwen AI assistant, AI search, and advanced search capabilities forms a fixed set of steps for research.
3. Give priority to using the official website, research papers, regulatory documents, and raw data;
4. A second person is assigned to review conclusions that are considered high-risk;
5. Save queries, evidence, versions, and unresolved issues;
6. Re-run after the data changes and update the conclusions;

In what scenarios is the “AI Super Frame” suitable?

• Quark described the unified input interface as an “AI super framework”: users do not need to decide in advance whether to use a search tool, a scanning tool, a cloud storage service, or a writing tool; they simply need to enter their query or upload content, and the system will then select the appropriate tool.
• It is suitable for students to search for information, take notes on questions, and organize lesson materials; it is also appropriate for professionals to work with web pages, PDF files, PPT presentations, and files stored in cloud storage.
• The trade-off for a unified entry point is that the boundaries of rights and responsibilities become more complex.
• AI assistants, scanning tools, PPT functions, cloud storage services, novel reading options, and college entrance exam-related services may belong to different categories, and the names of members as well as the features available to them may vary.
• Before purchasing a particular membership, one should determine whether what is needed are the number of AI model uses, the ability to export PDF files, scanning capabilities, or storage space and download speed.

Free use and member prices

The Quark app can be downloaded for free; basic browsing, searching, and certain AI functions are available at no cost. High-speed file transfer, 6TB of storage space, high-definition playback, as well as support for certain PDF/PPT files and advanced tools require a membership or limited access.

Free trials and introductory discounts usually come with automatic renewal; the promotional price cannot be considered a permanent monthly fee.

On the App Store in China, the Quark main app currently lists the Quark cloud storage SVIP subscription option at 20 yuan or 25 yuan per month; different products and promotions may display different prices. The instructions for the iPad version indicate that the cloud storage membership subscription costs 20 yuan per month, 58 yuan per quarter, and 198 yuan per year.

For Quark Cloud Storage SVIP+, scanning memberships, or features related to AI/PPT, there may be separate purchase pages; therefore, the more accurate description in the catalog is “Basic functions are free, while subscriptions for cloud storage and advanced tools are required”.

A recurring subscription is automatically renewed 24 hours before it expires; to cancel it, one must go through the settings in their Apple account in advance. Before making a purchase, it is important to check the membership name, the price for the first month and for renewals, the storage space available, the maximum size of individual files, the download speed, the options for exporting PDF/PPT files, the number of AI operations allowed, and the refund policies, so as to avoid being attracted only by the low price of a trial version.

How can cloud storage be combined with AI capabilities?

The advantage of Quark is that AI can directly process files saved by users: it allows users to find photos or documents using natural language, summarize PDFs, translate text in foreign languages, generate subtitles and notes from videos, and then use those elements to create PPTs or reports. The standalone Quark cloud storage app also offers a feature called Skill, which enables integration with apps such as Qianwen, WorkBuddy, and OpenClaw, allowing for the saving, searching, and organizing of files through conversations.

The cloud storage feature Skill allows external agents to access personal files; therefore, only the necessary directories should be granted access, in order to prevent unauthorized access to identification documents, private photos, company contracts, and keys. Before automatically organizing or deleting files, it is necessary to maintain a recycle bin and obtain manual confirmation.

API and open-source status

Quark is aimed at individual users, and it does not provide a publicly available standard pricing list for its \"Quark AI API\". Developers who wish to use the Qwen model must obtain access through official platforms such as Alibaba Cloud’s BaiLian.

Quark members and Netdisk SVIP plans do not include any quota for the BaiLian API, and the model options available in the consumer-facing QianWen Assistant cannot be considered as API versions.

Quark App, search sorting, cloud storage, scanning, PDF editing, PPT tools, as well as the overall cloud services are all proprietary products for which the complete source code is not made public. Alibaba has made the Qwen model, Spring AI Alibaba, OpenSandbox, QuarkAudio and other projects available under an open-source license on GitHub, but these projects are distinct from Quark’s consumer-oriented products.

The catalog should label Quark AI as “a product whose code is not open source; there are separate open-source projects for its underlying ecosystem.”

Supported platforms

Quark is available for iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, macOS, the web, TV, and as a browser extension. The main app in the Chinese market is currently indicated as being suitable only for iPhone and requires iOS 13.0 or later; there is also a separate Quark HD version for iPad.

The PC version is more suitable for browser sidebars, PDF editing, cloud storage, and cross-platform file handling.

The AI features, content, and member benefits may not be fully synchronized across different devices.

Which users are it suitable for

• Ordinary users who need ad-free searches, webpage summaries, and the Qianwen Assistant;
• Students who need to take photos of exam questions, scan documents, translate PDFs, arrange college application options, and organize teaching materials;
• Professionals who need to write reports, create PowerPoint presentations, and work with files in various formats;
• Users of cloud storage services who need large-capacity backups, fast downloads, and intelligent file searching;
• Mobile users who wish to use a single application for searching, browsing, as well as learning from files and videos.

Usage restrictions and privacy considerations

• AI search and Qianwen Assistant may generate illusions, incorrect calculations, and outdated content;
• For matters related to health, education, law, finance, and academic citations, it is necessary to rely on authoritative sources.
• The college entrance examination application options can only serve as a guide; it is necessary to consult the information provided by the local examination authority regarding enrollment plans, ranking systems, and admission rules.
• Before scanning contracts, documents, work sheets, and images, or uploading company files to a cloud storage service, it is necessary to first ensure that there is proper authorization in place and that data security is maintained.
• The app’s privacy policy states that it may process purchase records, precise or approximate location data, search history, device and user identifiers, as well as usage and diagnostic data; it may also use this location and identifier information for tracking or advertising purposes.
• Turn off permissions for location, album, microphone, and notifications as needed;
• The “fast speed,” “ad-free” features, and storage capacity associated with the cloud storage service depend on the actual membership level, as well as the network and device used; it is not possible to ensure that all files will always be transferred at the stated speeds.
• When sharing files externally, it is necessary to set an expiration date and access permissions, and keep a local copy before deleting important information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quark AI free?

The basic app, search functions, and certain AI features can be used for free; however, fast downloads from cloud storage, 6TB of storage space, as well as certain advanced PDF, scanning, PPT, and AI functionalities require a membership.

What models does Quark AI use?

The official statement is that the latest Qwen model is used, with multiple models available for selection; no single version is mandated for end-users. The specific model to be used will be indicated on the assistant’s interface.

Can Quark generate PPTs and process PDFs?

Yes. Quark PPT supports theme creation and automatic layout; Quark PDF allows for previewing, editing, restoring scanned documents, and two-column translation. Some export functions may require a membership.

Is Quark AI the same as a Quark cloud storage membership?

It’s not exactly the same. The SVIP version of the cloud storage service offers benefits related to storage space, downloading, and playback; functions such as scanning, handling PPT files, or using other advanced AI features may be available under different membership plans or through separate interfaces. It’s necessary to check the list of benefits before making a purchase.

Does Quark provide an API?

Quark does not provide a public pricing list for AI APIs for end-users. To use the Qwen model, one must rely on developer platforms such as Alibaba Cloud BaiLian, and the costs are separate from those associated with Quark membership.

Is Quark AI open source?

The full Quark product is not open-source. Alibaba’s open-source Qwen and Agent frameworks, as well as its audio research projects, cannot be equated with the open-sourcing of the Quark app, its search functions, and its cloud storage services.