Chinese tech giant Baidu has introduced two powerful AI models, including Ernie X1, a reasoning-focused model designed to compete with DeepSeek R1. Baidu claims Ernie X1 offers similar performance to DeepSeek R1 but at half the cost. It features advanced understanding, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
Baidu also unveiled Ernie 4.5, a multimodal AI model that competes with OpenAI’s GPT-4o. It has improved language skills, memory, and the ability to process text, images, videos, and audio. The company says Ernie 4.5 can better understand internet memes and satire.
DeepSeek R1 has set a new benchmark in AI, quickly gaining support from China’s government and businesses. Baidu, which was among the first in China to launch a ChatGPT-style AI, now faces tough competition from companies like ByteDance and Tencent.
To keep up, Baidu plans to open-source its Ernie models later this year. The AI race in China is heating up, with major players like Tencent and Alibaba also investing heavily in AI development.
Source: siliconangle
