Tag: Baidu

  • China Introduces Baidu Apollo Go Robotaxis for Ride-Hailing in Dubai

    China Introduces Baidu Apollo Go Robotaxis for Ride-Hailing in Dubai

    Key Takeaways

    1. Baidu’s Apollo Go partners with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to launch autonomous ride-hailing services, marking its first international expansion outside China and Hong Kong.

    2. The initial deployment will feature 100 RT6 robotaxis in Dubai by the end of 2025, with plans to expand to at least 1,000 vehicles by 2028, supporting Dubai’s goal of 25% autonomous transport by 2030.

    3. Apollo Go has a proven safety record, completing over 150 million kilometers of safe travel and providing over 10 million rides, ensuring reliability in urban environments like Dubai.

    4. Dubai’s high-tech infrastructure and commitment to innovation create a supportive environment for autonomous vehicle initiatives, with initial testing planned in central areas.

    5. Baidu’s global ambitions are strengthened by this collaboration, following the acquisition of the first autonomous vehicle test license in Hong Kong, showcasing strong support from the UAE government.

    Baidu’s Apollo Go has entered into a partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai to initiate autonomous ride-hailing services within the city. This is a major milestone in Apollo Go’s efforts to expand globally, with Dubai being the first international location outside of mainland China and Hong Kong. The collaboration aligns perfectly with Dubai’s ambition to enhance smart mobility and incorporate autonomous technologies into its transport system.

    Plans for Robotaxi Deployment

    The first stage of this venture will involve the launch of 100 Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in Dubai by the conclusion of 2025. These self-driving vehicles are engineered for safe and effective driverless travel, featuring highly reliable systems and a user-friendly experience. By 2028, the fleet is expected to grow to at least 1,000 vehicles, which supports Dubai’s target of achieving 25% of its transport system being autonomous by 2030. This extensive rollout highlights the city’s dedication to leading in self-driving innovations.

    Impressive Safety Record and Experience

    Apollo Go boasts an impressive history in autonomous driving, having successfully completed over 150 million kilometers of safe travel and provided upwards of 10 million rides. The RT6 robotaxis come equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, promising a comfortable and secure journey. With significant experience operating in major cities like Wuhan, China, Apollo Go is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of an urban setting like Dubai. The company plans to work closely with local authorities to ensure that their technology aligns with regional regulations and road conditions.

    Supportive Environment for Innovation

    Dubai has consistently been at the leading edge of autonomous vehicle initiatives, making it a prime location for Apollo Go’s international growth. The city’s high-tech infrastructure and dedication to innovation lay a strong groundwork for autonomous mobility services. Initial testing will take place in central Dubai to ensure that the technology integrates well with local traffic dynamics and urban challenges.

    Strengthened Global Ambitions

    Baidu’s aspirations for Apollo Go have been bolstered by obtaining the first autonomous vehicle test license in Hong Kong in November 2024. Choosing Dubai as the first market for complete fleet deployment underscores the confidence and backing from the UAE government. This collaboration follows a meeting between Baidu’s CEO, Robin Li, and UAE leaders at the World Governments Summit in February 2025, where they expressed strong support for Apollo Go’s vision of sustainable and smart urban transport.

    A Vision for the Future of Urban Transport

    Apollo Go is set on transforming urban transport by offering safe, efficient, and intelligent transportation options. As cities around the globe adopt smart transport solutions, Baidu’s entry into Dubai signifies a crucial step toward making autonomous ride-hailing a reality worldwide. The partnership with the RTA is a significant advancement towards a more intelligent and interconnected future for urban transportation.

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  • Baidu Launches I-RAG, Miaoda, and Innovative Smart Glasses

    Baidu Launches I-RAG, Miaoda, and Innovative Smart Glasses

    Chinese AI and internet company Baidu has revealed new AI-driven software and hardware during its annual Baidu World Conference. Similar to Google, Baidu stands as China’s top search engine, and over the years, it has gradually expanded its business to encompass AI technologies.

    Launch of New Innovations

    As per a report from Reuters, after investing heavily in AI for the past two years, Baidu has introduced its initial image generator and a no-code platform. They also mentioned that their AI chatbot, Ernie, manages to answer over 1.5 billion user inquiries each day.

    Features of New Tools

    The firm claims that its latest text-to-image tool, known as I-RAG, reduces the chances of “hallucinations” in visuals while utilizing the search engine to enhance prompts and image results.

    Miaoda, the no-code platform, is said to enable individuals without programming skills to create application prototypes. The company states that it will leverage the Ernie LLM to produce code that’s simple to modify and adjust.

    Additional Hardware Showcase

    In addition to the software innovations, Baidu also presented smart glasses from its hardware branch, Xiaodu. These glasses feature an AI assistant that operates on the Ernie Foundation model and will work in conjunction with services such as Baidu Maps and Baike.

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  • Baidu Launches Xiaodu AI Glasses: First AI Glasses with Chinese Support

    Baidu Launches Xiaodu AI Glasses: First AI Glasses with Chinese Support

    At the recent Baidu World Conference in 2024, Baidu introduced its Xiaodu AI Glasses, heralded as the “first AI glasses in the world featuring a native Chinese language model.” Developed by Baidu’s hardware division, Xiaodu Technology, these glasses highlight Baidu’s sophisticated Ernie language model. They aim to blend AI technology into wearable devices specifically for Chinese-speaking users, going up against the well-known Ray-Bans by Meta.

    Specifications

    Weighing in at only 45 grams, the Xiaodu AI Glasses are outfitted with a 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera that includes AI stabilization, allowing for smooth, stable photographs from a first-person viewpoint. Moreover, they come with a four-microphone setup designed to capture sound effectively and have open-ear anti-leakage speakers for clear audio delivery. This design enables users to have an immersive, hands-free experience.

    The glasses boast six main features: real-time Q&A via walk-and-ask inquiries, calorie detection, object identification through an encyclopedia function, audio-visual translation, and smart reminders. Additionally, they include AI anti-shake technology for both photos and videos, allowing users to document their adventures effortlessly.

    Battery Life and Operating System

    When it comes to battery performance, the Xiaodu AI Glasses can last up to 56 hours on standby and provide over 5 hours of continuous audio playback. With rapid-charging capabilities, they can be fully charged in just 30 minutes, making them convenient for everyday use. These glasses operate on the DuerOS AI native system and are expected to integrate smoothly with popular Baidu applications like Baidu Maps and Baike, further enriching the user experience with Baidu’s offerings.

    Pricing & Availability

    Baidu has announced that the Xiaodu AI Glasses will officially be available in the first half of 2025, with a projected retail price of under 2,100 yuan (around $290).

    In other news, Apple has initiated a project for smart glasses, codenamed “Atlas.” This initiative aims to revolutionize wearable technology by providing a genuine AR experience. Spearheaded by Apple’s Product Systems Quality team, the project is currently in a research phase, gathering feedback from internal focus groups. Apple intends to create a lightweight, fashionable model that will initially work with the iPhone, utilizing its processing power, with the long-term vision of developing fully standalone smart glasses. Nevertheless, due to stringent quality standards, the launch might be delayed for up to five years. In the meantime, Apple is planning to unveil the Vision Pro 2 by 2025 or early 2026, which will feature an enhanced M5 chip for better AR functionalities.

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  • Baidu CEO: 99% of AI Companies Likely to Fail Despite Boom

    Baidu CEO: 99% of AI Companies Likely to Fail Despite Boom

    Baidu’s CEO, Robin Li, believes that the AI sector is on the verge of a significant market correction, similar to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. Speaking at the Future of Business conference hosted by Harvard Business Review, he expressed his opinion that maybe only one percent of the current AI firms will endure and provide genuine value to society.

    The Rapid Rise of AI

    Recently, the AI industry has been experiencing explosive growth. Nvidia’s market capitalization soared from $300 billion to an astonishing $3.4 trillion within a mere two years. Major players like Google, Microsoft, and Apple are heavily investing in AI initiatives, pouring vast sums into these projects. Chip manufacturers such as AMD and Intel have also revamped their server-grade products to cater to the demands of AI computing.

    AI’s Journey Towards Accuracy

    Li highlighted the remarkable progress AI has made, particularly in addressing its previous inaccuracies. "I think over the past 18 months, that problem has pretty much been solved—meaning when you talk to a frontier model-based chatbot, you can basically trust the answer," Li remarked during the conference.

    A Cautious Outlook on the Future

    Despite the current excitement surrounding AI, Li cautioned that this trend is likely to lead to a bubble. He believes the industry must streamline itself, cutting out products that fail to meet customer needs. However, he is not overly concerned about AI significantly displacing jobs in the near future. Li estimates that it could take anywhere from 10 to 30 years before we see substantial changes in the workplace due to AI advancements.

    TomsHardware (in English) via Baidu (in English)

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  • Integration of advanced AI into smartphones through partnership between Lenovo and Baidu

    Integration of advanced AI into smartphones through partnership between Lenovo and Baidu

    Baidu, China’s leading tech giant, has struck a significant partnership with Lenovo, to embed its cutting-edge generative AI technology, particularly the Ernie large language model (LLM), into Lenovo smartphones. This collaboration follows similar agreements Baidu has forged with other smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung and Honor, marking a strategic move to expand its presence in the mobile market.

    Lenovo Integrates Baidu’s Ernie Model into Smartphones

    Lenovo, known for its diverse portfolio that includes personal computers and tablets, will now integrate Baidu’s Ernie model into its branded smartphones, a step aimed at capitalizing on the growing trend of AI-powered features in mobile devices. This trend gained traction following the success of ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, in late 2022.

    Competition in the AI Capabilities Market

    While Google’s Pixel phones currently lead the market in terms of AI capabilities, backed by robust cloud-based AI services, Apple is reportedly working on incorporating generative AI models into its iPhones. The collaboration between Baidu and Lenovo signals a concerted effort to compete in this space and offer consumers innovative AI-driven features such as chatbots and real-time translation directly on their smartphones.

    The Growing Demand for AI-Integrated Smartphones

    According to projections by research firm Canalys, approximately 5% of smartphones shipped globally in 2024, translating to around 60 million devices, will boast AI capabilities. This underscores the growing demand for AI-integrated smartphones and the potential for such features to become essential for consumers in the long run.

    China’s Dominance in the AI Services Market

    In China, where AI services from U.S. firms are not readily available, the market is dominated by homegrown companies like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent, offering over 200 AI models. Baidu CEO Robin Li has emphasized the importance of practical AI applications and has leveraged collaborations with smartphone manufacturers to enhance Baidu’s LLM and compete effectively with U.S. rivals.

    Investments by Top Chinese Phone Brands

    Apart from Lenovo, other top Chinese phone brands including Vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei are also investing in developing their on-device AI models, although specific details have not been disclosed publicly.

    Strategic Move to Position AI as a “Must-Have” Functionality

    Analysts view the integration of Baidu’s LLM into smartphones as a strategic move, positioning AI-powered features as potential “must-have” functionalities in the future, despite existing limitations. These collaborations not only benefit Baidu but also provide access to vast amounts of data, which could further enhance the capabilities of Baidu’s AI models and strengthen its competitive position in the global smartphone market.

    Enhancing User Experiences and Driving Innovation

    The partnership between Baidu and Lenovo underscores the increasing importance of AI in smartphones and reflects a broader trend within the industry towards integrating advanced AI technologies to enhance user experiences and drive innovation.

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  • ERNE 4.0 AI to Boost Galaxy S24 Series in Collaboration between Samsung China and Baidu

    ERNE 4.0 AI to Boost Galaxy S24 Series in Collaboration between Samsung China and Baidu

    Samsung Electronics China has partnered with Baidu AI Cloud to enhance the AI capabilities of its latest flagship phone, the Galaxy S24 Series. By leveraging Baidu's advanced ERNIE model, Samsung aims to introduce new tools and functionalities to its phone AI.

    Enhancing the Galaxy S24 Series with Advanced AI Features

    Through this collaboration, the Galaxy S24 Series is now equipped with smarter AI features. These include the ability to condense lengthy texts into concise and clear formats, organize text in a neat manner, and provide real-time call translation. The updated Samsung Note Assistant, powered by ERNIE, enables users to effortlessly translate and summarize content into easily understandable formats with just a simple button press.

    Revolutionizing Communication and Productivity

    The Galaxy S24 Series phones now offer the remarkable capability to instantly convert spoken words into written text, accurately identify the speaker, and facilitate seamless language translation. This functionality proves particularly beneficial for professionals working in office environments and individuals who frequently communicate in multiple languages.

    Introducing "Circle to Search" Feature

    A notable addition to the S24 Series is the "Circle to Search" feature, which allows users to effortlessly search for information within texts, images, audio, or videos using intuitive gestures. This feature seamlessly integrates with Baidu Search, providing users with rapid and precise search results.

    Future Prospects and Baidu's ERNIE Bot

    Chen Yifan, a prominent executive at Baidu, expressed excitement about the future applications of the ERNIE Bot. This advanced AI model excels in processing various types of data, including text, images, sound, and video, catering to diverse user needs. Baidu's ERNIE 4.0, launched last year, has made significant advancements in AI technology and has already garnered over 100 million users.

    Simplifying AI App Development with Baidu AI Cloud

    In addition to the collaboration on the Galaxy S24 Series, Baidu AI Cloud is also streamlining the development of AI applications. Tools like ModelBuilder and AppBuilder empower developers to create customized AI models with ease, facilitating the creation of innovative and personalized AI solutions.

    Overall, the partnership between Samsung Electronics China and Baidu AI Cloud has enhanced the AI capabilities of the Galaxy S24 Series, making it a more intelligent and versatile smartphone. With features like text summarization, real-time translation, and gesture-based search, users can experience heightened productivity and seamless communication. As Baidu continues to innovate with its ERNIE Bot and AI development tools, the future of AI-powered smartphones looks promising.

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  • Huawei, Tencent, and Baidu Spearhead China’s Ambitious Three-Year Metaverse Initiative

    Huawei, Tencent, and Baidu Spearhead China’s Ambitious Three-Year Metaverse Initiative

    China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has announced a new initiative to drive the growth of the metaverse. The initiative involves the establishment of a dynamic working group consisting of industry leaders such as Huawei, Tencent, Ant Group, and Baidu, as well as academic experts from renowned institutions. The goal is to propel China’s metaverse ambitions and position the country as a frontrunner in this emerging field.

    Three-Year Action Plan for Metaverse Growth

    MIIT has unveiled a comprehensive three-year action plan that aims to foster the development of the metaverse. The plan’s primary objective is to nurture three to five globally influential metaverse companies by 2025, with a particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. This forward-looking strategy demonstrates China’s commitment to shaping the future of the metaverse.

    Integrating Cutting-Edge Technologies

    The action plan recognizes the critical role of cutting-edge technologies in shaping the metaverse. China aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, and virtual reality to not only establish industry standards but also fuel innovation within the metaverse ecosystem. By integrating these technologies, China seeks to create a robust and dynamic metaverse that offers immersive experiences to its users.

    Collaboration with Industry Leaders

    The involvement of industry leaders such as Huawei, Tencent, Ant Group, and Baidu highlights the significance of collaboration in driving the growth of the metaverse. These companies bring their expertise and resources to the table, contributing to the development of the metaverse ecosystem. By working together with academic experts from renowned institutions, this collaboration aims to accelerate the advancement of the metaverse in China.

    Conclusion

    China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has taken a significant step towards promoting the metaverse’s growth with its new initiative. By establishing a dynamic working group comprising industry leaders and academic experts, China aims to position itself as a frontrunner in the metaverse landscape. The three-year action plan, which emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge technologies, demonstrates China’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating a thriving metaverse ecosystem.

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  • State Lab Receives Quantum Computing Facility as Baidu Participates in Tech Philanthropy Trend

    State Lab Receives Quantum Computing Facility as Baidu Participates in Tech Philanthropy Trend

    Chinese search engine giant Baidu has made a significant announcement, stating that it will donate its quantum computing research facility to the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences (BAQIS). This move is in line with the growing trend of tech giants contributing to state-backed initiatives, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing.

    Baidu's Quantum Computing Journey

    Baidu's foray into quantum computing began in early 2018 when it established the Baidu Institute for Quantum Computing. The company set out with an ambitious mission to establish itself as a leading global player in quantum computing research. It focused on various areas such as quantum AI, algorithms, and architecture.

    In March last year, Baidu joined forces with BAQIS to form China's first quantum computing intellectual property (IP) alliance. The aim of this collaboration was to facilitate IP cross-licensing and foster innovation in the industry.

    Quantum Computing and its Potential

    Quantum computing is at the forefront of scientific advancement, utilizing fundamental physics to tackle problems that traditional computers cannot solve. Its ability to perform multiple calculations simultaneously provides unprecedented speed in solving complex statistical problems. However, it is important to note that quantum computing is not intended to replace conventional computing.

    A Strategic Alignment

    The donation of Baidu's quantum computing research facility to BAQIS holds great significance in the tech world. It is not merely an act of corporate generosity but also a strategic alignment with national priorities. Both China and the United States are fiercely competing in the quantum computing race, an area that was recently recognized as a national priority by Beijing. Collaborative partnerships like this have the potential to accelerate breakthroughs in quantum computing, ultimately benefiting sectors beyond technology, including healthcare and agriculture.

    The Future of Quantum Computing

    While the journey towards large-scale commercialization of quantum computing remains challenging, recent developments in generative AI technologies, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, demonstrate the potential of cutting-edge tech to reshape our world. Baidu's decision to donate its research facility could serve as a stepping stone towards more collaborative efforts in the field. Only time will tell if this move proves to be lucrative or not.

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  • JOYY’s Major Live Streaming Deal with Baidu Gets Terminated

    JOYY’s Major Live Streaming Deal with Baidu Gets Terminated

    Baidu, a well-known tech giant, recently made headlines with a significant shift in its business strategy. In a surprising move, Moon SPV Limited, affiliated with Baidu, has pulled out of a major deal involving JOYY Inc. This decision, announced on January 1, 2024, marks the termination of a share purchase agreement originally set in November 2020.

    Baidu’s Strategic Expansion into Live Streaming

    This agreement was a big deal in the tech world. Baidu’s Hong Kong branch was set to acquire JOYY’s video-based entertainment live streaming business in China. This move was seen as a strategic expansion for Baidu into the thriving world of live streaming, a sector that has seen enormous growth in China.

    Challenges and Regulatory Hurdles

    However, the deal faced challenges right from the start. It was contingent on several conditions, including obtaining necessary approvals from government authorities. As the December 31, 2023 deadline approached, it became clear that these conditions hadn’t been fully met. This led to the agreement’s termination.

    The fallout from this decision raises several questions. Why couldn’t Baidu and JOYY meet the deal’s conditions? What regulatory hurdles stood in their way? This situation highlights the complexities and uncertainties tech companies face in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, especially in markets like China where regulatory environments are evolving.

    A Setback or an Opportunity?

    The termination of this agreement might seem like a setback for Baidu, but it could also be an opportunity for the company to reassess and realign its strategies. In the tech world, flexibility and adaptability are key. Baidu’s ability to pivot and explore new avenues could be crucial for its future growth.

    The Future for JOYY

    As for JOYY, the termination opens up new possibilities. Will it seek another buyer or take a different route altogether? Only time will tell. What’s certain is that in the dynamic world of technology, change is the only constant, and both Baidu and JOYY will continue to evolve and adapt in this ever-changing landscape.

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  • Baidu’s ERNIE AI Bot Engages 100M Users

    Baidu’s ERNIE AI Bot Engages 100M Users

    Baidu’s ERNIE Bot: Reaching 100 Million Users and Boosting Performance by 32%

    Baidu, a prominent Chinese AI firm, has achieved a remarkable milestone with its cutting-edge generative AI tool, the ERNIE Bot. Derived from the advanced ERNIE Foundation Model, the bot has now garnered a substantial user base exceeding 100 million. Noteworthy is the recent enhancement in performance seen in the ERNIE Foundation Model 4.0, boasting a notable 32% improvement within a brief span of two months.

    Noteworthy Milestones of the ERNIE Bot

    Since its debut in late August 2023, the ERNIE Bot has swiftly become a preferred solution across various domains. Its adaptability is underscored by usage metrics: generating a whopping 3.7 billion words in professional environments, aiding over 2 million users, crafting 300 million lines of code, and processing 400 million words in contractual documents. Beyond occupational tasks, the bot has facilitated 5 million travel itineraries and crafted 10.83 million encouraging messages, accruing a commendable 20 million user likes.

    Redefining Task Approaches

    These figures transcend mere data, illustrating an increasing reliance on AI utilities in daily routines and professions. From coding endeavors to travel scheduling, the ERNIE Bot fundamentally alters how we tackle once intricate and time-intensive responsibilities. It exemplifies the evolving dynamics between humans and technology, where AI evolves into more than a mere aide, transitioning into a collaborative partner.

    Baidu’s Endorsement of AI Progressions

    Baidu’s commitment to AI advancements transcends the ERNIE Bot. At the Wave Summit, the corporation introduced its PaddlePaddle platform, serving as a pivotal asset for developers and businesses. Boasting an impressive user count of over 10.7 million developers and 235,000 enterprises, PaddlePaddle spearheads AI innovation, having engendered an impressive 860,000 models.

    Evolution in AI’s Function

    The escalating popularity of the ERNIE Bot, in conjunction with ongoing enhancements in the ERNIE Foundation Model, signifies a significant transformation in AI’s role in society. As these tools embed deeper across diverse sectors, revolutionary shifts are expected, streamlining tasks and ushering in novel prospects for innovation and efficacy. The future of AI holds promise, with Baidu positioned at the helm of this transformative technological landscape.

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