Baidu, a leading force in China’s artificial intelligence sector, is preparing to launch its upgraded Ernie 4.5 AI model in mid-March. This new version will feature enhanced reasoning and multimodal capabilities, allowing it to process text, images, video, and audio more efficiently. In a significant strategic shift, Baidu has announced that Ernie 4.5 will be fully open-source by June 30, marking a departure from its previous closed-source approach.
The decision to embrace open-source development comes as competition in China’s AI landscape heats up. DeepSeek, a rising AI startup, has introduced cost-effective models that rival leading Western competitors, forcing Baidu to reevaluate its AI strategy. CEO Robin Li, who initially supported a closed-source model, acknowledged that the company’s shift was influenced by growing pressure from DeepSeek and the broader AI market.
Despite Baidu’s early entry into AI chatbots, Ernie has struggled to gain widespread adoption. By opening up Ernie 4.5, Baidu aims to increase accessibility and foster a stronger AI ecosystem, positioning itself more competitively against domestic rivals and global AI leaders like OpenAI and Google.
Baidu is not alone in this shift. Alibaba recently announced that its AI model, Wan 2.1, will also be open-source, signaling a broader move towards transparency and collaboration in China’s AI industry. This trend could reshape the AI development landscape, encouraging innovation through collective contributions.
As the mid-March launch of Ernie 4.5 approaches, Baidu’s open-source strategy will be closely watched. The next few months will determine whether this bold move helps the company solidify its standing in China’s increasingly competitive AI sector.
Read athe Full [Article Baidu Set to Launch Ernie 4.5 AI Model in Mid-March, Adopting Open-Source Strategy
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