Baidu just announced plans to open-source its upcoming Ernie 4.5 large language model series on June 30. The models will roll out to users over the coming months before the code is released. The shift comes shortly after DeepSeek-R1 shook up the industry, putting pressure on tech giants to rethink their open-source AI strategies.
Baidu just officially launched its Ernie Bot chatbot to the public following regulatory clearance in China, racking up over 1 million users within its first 19 hours. The ChatGPT rival handles text analysis, summaries, and creative brainstorming, alongside an ecosystem of new plug-ins. While available globally in app stores, users still need a mainland Chinese phone number to register.
Baidu just upgraded its foundation model to Ernie 3.5, claiming it beats ChatGPT and GPT 4 on multiple Chinese language benchmark tests. The update also adds plugin support, letting Ernie Bot connect directly to tools like Baidu search. While it still trails OpenAI on English and broad academic tests, Baidu is pushing hard to defend its home turf.
Baidu just launched a 1 billion yuan ($145M) fund to back generative AI startups, aiming to boost real-world adoption of its Ernie Bot. The venture will cut checks of up to 10 million yuan for early-stage projects. Instead of backing more foundational models, Baidu is betting China's next AI winners will be in consumer applications.
Baidu just hosted a closed-door session unveiling new capabilities for Ernie Bot, demonstrating automated financial summaries, PowerPoint deck creation, and virtual avatar generation. The company also confirmed a dedicated industrial version is coming alongside its chatbot, opening for enterprise signups on March 31. Why it matters: Baidu is aggressively positioning Ernie as the foundational B2B interface for Chinese enterprises.
Baidu just unveiled its ChatGPT rival Ernie Bot in Beijing, but reliance on pre-recorded video demos instead of a live test triggered an investor selloff. Shares dropped 6.4% in Hong Kong, wiping out $3 billion. Why it matters: China's biggest AI launch stumbled right out of the gate, with CEO Robin Li admitting the tool is not yet ready.
Chinese regulators have ordered tech giants like Tencent and Ant Group to shut down third-party ChatGPT services across their platforms. State media warned the bot spreads US propaganda, leaving local users cut off just as Chinese firms rush to launch domestic alternatives like Baidu's Ernie Bot next month.
