Baidu Set to Launch Ernie 4.5 AI Model in Mid-March, Adopting Open-Source Strategy
Baidu has long been a dominant player in China’s artificial intelligence landscape. In 2016, it pioneered AI-driven innovations like Baidu Brain and launched Ernie, a ChatGPT-style chatbot, in 2023. However, as AI competition heats up, Baidu is shifting gears to stay ahead. The company is preparing to launch its upgraded AI model, Ernie 4.5, in mid-March. This model will introduce improved reasoning and multimodal capabilities to more effectively process text, images, video, and audio.
Baidu had previously announced that it would gradually roll out the Ernie 4.5 series over the coming months, with a fully open-source release planned for 30 June. This represents a significant shift in the company’s approach. CEO Robin Li, who once believed in keeping AI models closed-source, has recently acknowledged that growing competition from the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek influenced Baidu’s decision to adopt open-source development.
Despite Baidu’s early entry into the AI chatbot arena, Ernie has struggled to secure mass adoption. DeepSeek, which has launched affordable AI models comparable to leading Western competitors, has further compelled Baidu to reassess its AI strategy. With the impending launch of Ernie 4.5, Baidu is making a clear statement—it is prepared to adapt and compete with both domestic challengers and AI leaders such as OpenAI and Google.
The AI race in China is intensifying, particularly after Alibaba recently announced that its video and image-generating AI model, Wan 2.1, would also be open-source. Baidu’s latest move suggests that the future of AI development in China may favour greater transparency and collaboration, a trend that could reshape the industry. As the official launch of Ernie 4.5 approaches in mid-March, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Baidu’s strategic shift will enable it to strengthen its position in the AI landscape.
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