Baidu, China’s leading search engine, has introduced two new AI models: Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1. Ernie 4.5 is the latest iteration of Baidu’s foundational AI model, first launched two years ago, while Ernie X1 is a newly developed reasoning model.
According to Reuters, Baidu claims that Ernie X1 delivers performance on par with DeepSeek R1 but at half the cost, making it a more affordable alternative. Meanwhile, Ernie 4.5 is touted for its “high EQ,” allowing it to understand humor, satire, and memes—an area where AI often struggles. Both models offer multimodal capabilities, meaning they can process not only text but also video, images, and audio, broadening their range of applications.
Baidu was among the first Chinese companies to launch a competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, despite its early entry, it has reportedly struggled to gain widespread market adoption. In contrast, DeepSeek has been making waves by offering AI models with comparable power at a significantly lower cost, attracting attention from both American AI companies and investors.
Looking ahead, Baidu has ambitious plans for its AI development. According to a CNBC report, the company intends to release its next-generation model, Ernie 5, later this year. This upcoming version is expected to bring further improvements in multimodal processing, making it even more advanced and versatile.
With the AI landscape becoming increasingly competitive, Baidu is striving to solidify its position against both domestic and international rivals. Its latest models signal a continued effort to push innovation forward while addressing challenges such as affordability and user adoption. As the global AI race intensifies, Baidu’s advancements will play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI in China and beyond.
