Baidu launches free AI models to compete with DeepSeek

Baidu, a major tech company in China, has launched two new artificial intelligence models to compete with DeepSeek. The first model is called ERNIE X1, which Baidu claims performs on par with DeepSeek's R1 model but at half the price. The second model is ERNIE 4.5. According to Baidu, this model has advanced language capabilities, improving understanding, generation, logic, and memory. It is also a multimodal model, meaning it can work with images, audio, and video. Reports suggest that ERNIE 4.5 outperforms not only DeepSeek V3 but also OpenAI’s GPT-4o in various benchmarks. Baidu's models come with unique features. ERNIE X1 is designed for tool use and complex reasoning. It can support academic and business searches among other tasks. Both ERNIE models are available for free on the ERNIE bot website. In contrast, while DeepSeek offers a free version, ChatGPT's free version has limited features. Baidu's API pricing is also lower than many competitors, which can help developers use these AI models more effectively. These advancements highlight China's ongoing focus on technology and innovation in artificial intelligence. As the competition intensifies, we can expect to see more innovative AI products and services in the market.