Baidu has taken a significant step forward in artificial intelligence with the launch of two new AI models: Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1. Ernie 4.5 is the latest iteration of the company’s flagship AI, continuously refined since its initial debut two years ago, while Ernie X1 introduces a more advanced reasoning model designed to compete with top-tier AI systems.
According to Reuters, Baidu asserts that Ernie X1 matches the performance of DeepSeek R1—a rival AI model—while being 50% more cost-effective. Additionally, Ernie 4.5 boasts what Baidu describes as “high emotional intelligence,” enabling it to comprehend and interpret humor, memes, and satire—an area where AI often struggles. Both models are multimodal, meaning they can seamlessly analyze and generate not just text but also images, video, and audio.
Despite being a frontrunner among Chinese companies racing to challenge OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Baidu has faced difficulties in achieving widespread adoption. Meanwhile, DeepSeek has shaken up the AI industry by launching models that appear to match OpenAI’s capabilities but at a fraction of the cost, capturing the attention of investors and tech leaders.
As reported by CNBC, Baidu is already preparing for the next evolution in its AI development: Ernie 5, which is expected to launch later this year. The next-generation model is anticipated to bring even more advanced multimodal enhancements, pushing the boundaries of AI comprehension and interactivity.
