Alibaba's Taobao Launches 3D Shopping App for Apple's Vision Pro - A New Era for Online Retail in China

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd BABA has introduced a novel shopping application for Taobao, China’s largest online market. The application is designed for Apple Inc’s AAPL Vision Pro mixed-reality headset. 

This initiative emerges as Chinese consumers eagerly anticipate the headset’s launch in China, which Apple CEO Tim Cook anticipates later this year. 

The application, which debuted last Friday, is currently compatible with the Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,499, and available only in the United States, SCMP reports.

Early adopters in China, who acquired the headset from the US, have shared their positive experiences with Taobao’s 3D app on social media, applauding its enhanced product visualization features.

The app offers users a more immersive view of Taobao’s diverse product range, such as electronics, home appliances, and furniture, making these items appear as they would in real life. 

For instance, users can see a DJI drone in 3D, complete with spinning propellers, and interact with it through hand gestures to view detailed aspects from every angle. Despite its innovative approach, feedback suggests that the virtual representation of product sizes could be more accurate.

Currently in its testing phase, the final version of Taobao’s 3D shopping app will launch concurrently with the Vision Pro’s official release in China. In addition to the shopping app, Alibaba has also launched a DingTalk app for Vision Pro, enabling workplace communication in a virtual 3D setting with message sending, video meetings, and interactive screen option features.

Taobao recently established a live commerce subsidiary within Taobao Live, leveraging its momentum during significant events such as the Singles’ Day festival, significantly increasing its gross merchandise value (GMV). Concurrently, Alibaba is expanding its international footprint, with its global e-commerce division—encompassing platforms like AliExpress, Lazada, Daraz, and Trendyol—experiencing a 44% surge in revenue to $4 billion during the December quarter, outpacing the growth of its leading e-commerce platforms, Taobao and Tmall Group.

Alibaba stock plunged over 26% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF PGJ and Tidal Trust II CoreValues Alpha Greater China Growth ETF CGRO.

Price Action: BABA shares traded lower by 0.62% at $68.45 premarket on the last check Friday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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