Alibaba's "Qianwen Input Method" Launches on iOS

Alibaba's AI-powered "Qianwen Input Method" has officially launched on the App Store for iOS devices on July 16, following its release on macOS. The application is currently exclusive to Apple's iPhone.

The input method is positioned as an AI tool designed to convert speech directly into text, claiming a "finished draft as soon as you speak" capability. It utilizes Alibaba's proprietary CosyVoice large language model for speech recognition, reportedly achieving speeds of up to 300 Chinese characters per minute. The tool also supports voice input for nine Chinese dialects and mixed Chinese-English speech, with a maximum recording length of three minutes, suitable for tasks like dictating long emails or meeting minutes.

Key differentiators for Qianwen Input Method include its AI-driven semantic understanding and content polishing features. It automatically filters out filler words, corrects speech errors, and restructures spoken content into formatted text. For instance, a spoken phrase with a correction can be refined into clear, structured text. The system can also transform conversational input into lists, summaries, or notes.

In terms of user experience, Qianwen emphasizes a "clean" interface, free from advertisements, pop-ups, and news feeds. Core functionalities are accessible without requiring user registration. Standard keyboard features like multiple layouts, intelligent word suggestions, and typo correction are also included.