China’s tech giants, Alibaba and Baidu, are leading the way in the development of consumer AI services. This is particularly notable considering that popular Western AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard are not accessible in China.
Multiple AI Services Launched in China
Alibaba’s marketplace, Taobao, recently introduced Duxiaoxiao, a digital assistant powered by Baidu’s AI, Ernie Bot. Duxiaoxiao is designed to adapt to shopper preferences, showcasing the growing trend of personalized digital services. The service gained significant popularity and generated sales within days of its launch.
Another Chinese tech giant, Meituan, is making its mark with Wow, an AI service aimed at creating a virtual community of AI friends for the younger generation. While still in its early stages, Wow signifies a shift towards interactive, youth-oriented AI experiences.
Expanding into Innovative Territories
Chinese companies are investing heavily in AI development as they seek to expand beyond traditional sectors and venture into more innovative territories. However, these AI services currently represent only a small fraction of their overall revenue, which is still dominated by their core businesses.
For example, Baidu offers access to its AI models at competitive prices and has even launched a subscription-based model for its advanced Ernie Bot 4.0. This subscription-based approach aligns with the global trend of AI services being offered on a subscription basis.
Challenges and Uncertainty
Despite the progress being made, there are challenges that come with developing AI services in China. The country’s stringent AI regulations could potentially hinder the growth and innovation of these services. Beijing has only approved a select few AI chatbots, and strict rules are in place. This uncertainty regarding the future landscape of AI endeavors in China could potentially limit the country’s ability to compete globally in the personal AI product market.
Nevertheless, China’s commitment to AI innovation is evident. The push for advancements in AI technology within the country showcases its determination to play a significant role in the global tech scene.
