Baidu launches two new versions of its AI model Ernie

Baidu, the Chinese search engine giant, has introduced two new AI models – Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1. Ernie 4.5 is an updated version of their original model, boasting enhanced capabilities since its initial release two years ago. On the other hand, Ernie X1 is a new reasoning model that Baidu claims performs on par with DeepSeek R1 at a significantly lower cost. Additionally, Ernie 4.5 is praised for its “high EQ,” enabling it to comprehend memes and satire. Both models are equipped with multimodal features, allowing them to process various types of data including video, images, audio, and text.

Despite being an early contender in the AI space with models like ChatGPT, Baidu has faced challenges in achieving widespread adoption. DeepSeek, a competitor, has raised eyebrows in the industry by offering powerful models at more affordable prices. Baidu is gearing up to launch Ernie 5, its next-generation model, later this year, promising further enhancements in multimodal capabilities.