Baidu Unveils New AI Reasoning Model, Makes Chatbot Services Free for Consumers
Competition Heats Up in China’s AI Sector
BEIJING: Chinese internet search giant Baidu has released a new artificial intelligence reasoning model, X1, and made its AI chatbot services free for individual users, as the sector remains highly competitive.
New X1 Reasoning Model
Baidu’s latest X1 reasoning model features "enhanced capabilities in understanding, planning, reflection, and evolution" and claims to perform similarly to DeepSeek’s model but at a lower cost. The company also announced a new foundation model, Ernie 4.5, which "outperforms" US-based OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 model in "multiple benchmarks".
Free Chatbot Services
Baidu made its AI chatbot, Ernie Bot, free for individual users more than two weeks ahead of schedule. Previously, users had to pay a subscription to access the company’s latest AI models via Ernie Bot.
Competition in the AI Sector
The announcement comes as technology companies in China are scrambling to release improved AI platforms since start-up DeepSeek shocked its rivals with its open-source and highly cost-efficient model in January. Chinese companies and local government agencies have been rushing to incorporate DeepSeek’s open-source model into their work, while other technology companies have been playing catch-up.
Baidu’s Response
Baidu has integrated DeepSeek’s R1 reasoning model into its search engine and plans to make its Ernie AI models open-source from June 30. The company was one of China’s first to roll out a generative AI platform publicly, in 2023, but rival chatbots from companies such as TikTok owner ByteDance and Moonshot AI have since gained more users.
Conclusion
The AI sector in China is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent racing to release improved AI platforms. As the competition heats up, consumers can expect more innovative and affordable AI services. With its new X1 reasoning model and free chatbot services, Baidu is positioning itself to remain competitive in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Baidu’s new AI reasoning model, X1?
A: X1 is a new artificial intelligence reasoning model that features "enhanced capabilities in understanding, planning, reflection, and evolution" and claims to perform similarly to DeepSeek’s model but at a lower cost.
Q: What is Ernie 4.5?
A: Ernie 4.5 is a new foundation model that "outperforms" US-based OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 model in "multiple benchmarks".
Q: Is Baidu’s Ernie Bot free for individual users?
A: Yes, Baidu made its AI chatbot, Ernie Bot, free for individual users more than two weeks ahead of schedule.