(Yicai) June 17 -- Ant Group has launched an artificial intelligence-native version of its online payment platform Alipay, which boasts more than one billion users, as China’s tech companies race to add AI functions to their super apps so as to attract users and increase traffic.

The AI-native version of Alipay has started being tested by selected users and will be rolled out gradually to all users, Hangzhou-based Ant announced yesterday. The updated app introduces Ah Bao, an AI agent that can help users find services more easily and complete everyday tasks through voice commands.

Users can access more than 10,000 daily services through natural conversations with Ah Bao, including ride hailing, food delivery, and home appliance repair bookings, Ant noted.

“Alipay has always pursued one goal: using technology to remove frictions from everyday services -- whether it is paying bills without leaving home or booking doctor appointments without waiting in line,” said Li Jun, president of Alipay Business Group. “Today, we’re continuing to explore how AI can optimize the way users access services, transforming AI from a productivity tool for the few into an everyday helper for the many.”

As these services are integrated into the AI agent, the new interface has a streamlined design with only two modules at the top: “Ah Bao” and “Asset,” the latter providing an overview of the user’s personal account. Financial functions such as transfers and payments still require manual confirmation, preserving a boundary around the AI agent’s access.

In addition to bringing consumers more convenient and intuitive experiences, Ah Bao provides a more direct entry point for merchants and brands to match their services with consumers, Ant noted, adding that Alipay will also launch an open-source agent platform for developers, merchants, and independent software vendors to help them better connect with the Ah Bao ecosystem.

WeChat, another Chinese super app with over one billion users developed by Tencent Holdings, is also expected to launch a similar AI function. Tencent is trying to build an AI agent that will connect WeChat’s mini programs, social networking, and payment, President Martin Lau said on its earnings conference call in March.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Futura Costaglione