Alibaba Qwen Go! adds My Apps for no-code app creation

From tasks to tools

Alibaba recently introduced a new feature for its personal agent, Qwen Go!, called My Apps. While the agent was originally pitched as a way to handle specific errands like tracking price protection or filing flight-delay claims, this update changes the scope of what users can do. Instead of just completing a single request, users can now create their own functional tools.

The My Apps feature allows people to build applications for daily life, work, or study by simply describing what they want. For example, a user could describe a need for a family outing guide or a fitness class booking assistant. The system then generates a specific tool designed to handle those recurring needs without the user needing to write any code.

As reported by pandaily.com, this move represents a shift in the AI landscape from performing tasks to creating tools. By allowing users to build their own software, Alibaba is providing a creation layer to its existing agent framework. This framework relies on a combination of models, memory, and a broader ecosystem to function effectively for the end user.

How the technology works

The underlying technology for My Apps is built on Meoo, which is Alibaba Cloud's AI application production platform. Meoo is designed to handle the technical hurdles that typically prevent non-programmers from building software. It automatically builds the app, configures the necessary database, and deploys the final product online for use.

For those who do have technical skills, Alibaba also provides a command-line tool on GitHub that points to the same back end as Meoo. This ensures that while non-programmers can use the simplified interface in Qwen Go!, developers still have access to the core infrastructure. The platform handles the heavy lifting of deployment and data management automatically.

Furthermore, the feature works in tandem with Qwen Go!'s cloud Pro mode. This mode is capable of operating cloud phones and cloud computers on behalf of the user. By combining these capabilities, the system can execute complex actions and maintain the app's functionality over long periods of time.

Data integration and sharing

One of the most significant aspects of the My Apps feature is its persistence. In a standard AI chat, the information and tools created often disappear once the conversation ends. However, the apps built through this feature stay available over time and can be shared with other people for collective use.

With the user's explicit authorization, these custom apps can also draw on data from a variety of Alibaba services. This includes access to information from Taobao, Damai, and Quark's cloud drive. This integration allows for a much higher level of personalization than a generic application could provide.

For instance, a user could build a tool that specifically pulls in their own shopping information or ticket details. Because the app can access these specific data points, it becomes a tailored utility that fits the user's unique needs. This makes the resulting tools much more practical for managing personal logistics or specialized work workflows.

Use cases and availability

Alibaba has highlighted several specific examples of what users can create with this technology. These include interactive course materials for students or event sign-up pages for organizers. They also suggest tools for tracking fitness classes or creating guides for family trips, which are tasks that usually require a developer or a pre-made website template.

Because these are small, specific tools, they are often more useful than a large, general-purpose application. People tend to want to keep using and sharing these specific utilities once they are built. By providing a way to create them instantly, Alibaba is targeting the demand for niche, functional software.

Currently, both My Apps and the cloud Pro mode are still in an invite-only testing phase. Alibaba has stated that access is opening up quickly for those who want to try it. Interested users can join a waitlist on the invitation page located inside the Qwen app to gain access to these new features.

The broader AI framework

Jiang Guanjun, a representative for Qwen, spoke about this development at the CNCC conference. He described a personal agent framework that depends on three main pillars: models, memory, and an ecosystem. By adding app building to this mix, Alibaba is creating a more comprehensive way for users to interact with AI.

The goal is to move beyond a simple chatbot that answers questions. By giving users the ability to build their own apps, the AI becomes a platform for creation. This allows the agent to serve as a foundation for many different types of custom software that users can build and maintain themselves.

As the testing phase continues, the focus remains on how these tools can integrate with the broader Alibaba ecosystem. The ability to pull in data from multiple services while maintaining a persistent, shareable interface is a key part of this strategy. It aims to make the AI more useful for complex, multi-step processes in both professional and personal environments.