Baidu, the Chinese search engine, has announced the launch of two new artificial intelligence (AI) models, intensifying its involvement in the global AI competition, according to Reuters news agency.
ERNIE X1: A Reasoning-Focused AI
One of the new models, named ERNIE X1, is designed with a focus on reasoning capabilities. Baidu claims that ERNIE X1 can compete with the AI models developed by DeepSeek, another Chinese AI startup. Furthermore, Baidu highlights that ERNIE X1 offers comparable performance to DeepSeek R1, but with a lower price point. Specifically, the company asserts that ERNIE X1 costs only half as much. Baidu also states that ERNIE X1 exhibits strengths in comprehension, planning, reflection, and evolution. A notable feature of ERNIE X1, Baidu emphasizes, is its ability to independently utilize tools, marking it as a first of its kind in deep-thinking models.
ERNIE 4.5: Advanced Multimodal Capabilities
Baidu also introduced ERNIE 4.5, its latest foundation model, which boasts advanced multimodal understanding capabilities, according to the company. ERNIE 4.5 is highlighted as having enhanced language skills along with significant improvements in comprehension, generation, logic, and memory. Moreover, Baidu notes that the model demonstrates high emotional intelligence, enabling it to understand network memes and satirical cartoons. This indicates a focus on recognizing and responding to nuanced forms of communication.
Baidu’s existing large language model, ERNIE, previously struggled to gain widespread adoption despite claims of performance similar to OpenAI’s GPT-4. The company had launched an early version of a ChatGPT-like chatbot, but faced fierce competition from other tech companies. The introduction of ERNIE X1 and ERNIE 4.5 suggests a renewed commitment.
The Global AI Landscape
The announcement positions Baidu within the rapidly evolving landscape of the global AI race. The AI startup DeepSeek has also made waves by introducing models that challenge the capabilities of leading United States-based models, but at a reduced cost. This has injected a new urgency into the AI industry. Additionally, Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn has entered the market with its own AI model, named FoxBrain.
