Baidu has introduced Ernie 4.0 Turbo, an upgraded AI model, aiming to strengthen its foothold in China’s AI market, while OpenAI’s impending API block in China prompts domestic AI firms to offer migration incentives.
28 June 2024 – Chinese search engine giant Baidu has unveiled an enhanced version of its artificial intelligence (AI) model, Ernie 4.0 Turbo, on Friday. This strategic move is aimed at solidifying Baidu’s position in China’s highly competitive AI market.
The new AI model follows the release of Ernie 4 in October 2023, which Baidu claimed could rival OpenAI’s GPT-4 in terms of capabilities. Ernie 4.0 Turbo will be accessible to the public through web and mobile app interfaces, while developers can integrate the technology via Baidu’s Qianfan AI platform. At a corporate event, Baidu’s Chief Technology Officer, Wang Haifeng, announced that Ernie has amassed 300 million users since its inception.
In addition to launching the new AI model, Baidu also announced an upgrade to its PaddlePaddle AI ecosystem. The enhanced ecosystem now supports 14.65 million developers and serves 370,000 businesses and institutions.
This launch comes at a crucial time, as OpenAI recently announced plans to block access to its API from China and other countries starting July 9. This decision impacts numerous Chinese startups that have been relying on OpenAI’s technology. In response, Baidu, along with other domestic AI firms like Alibaba (9988.HK), has launched initiatives to attract affected users, offering free migration services and various incentives.
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