Baidu has launched two new AI models, Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1. The Ernie Bot is now free, with Ernie 4.5 being multimodal and outperforming GPT-4.5. Ernie X1 focuses on reasoning and will be priced lower than Ernie 4.

Chinese search engine Baidu has launched two new AI models — Ernie 4.5, the latest version of the company’s foundational model first released two years ago, as well as a new reasoning model, Ernie X1.

Baidu's efforts comes on the heels of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek unveiling its AI model R1 in January and detailing in a paper how large language models, or LLMs, could be built on tight budgets and improved without human supervision. U.S. tech stocks plunged on Jan. 27, with Nvidia seeing around $589B in market cap erased on that day.

Baidu introduced Ernie X1, a reasoning model that can support tools such as advanced search, generation of AI images, and webpage reading.

Baidu, a major AI and internet company, has unveiled its latest foundation models: ERNIE 4.5, a native multimodal model, and ERNIE X1, a deep-thinking reasoning model. The company noted that this launch highlights its focus on advancing next-generation AI technologies.

Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU and HKEX: 9888), a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, today launched its latest foundation models, including native multimodal foundation model ERNIE 4.5 and deep-thinking reasoning model ERNIE X1.

Baidu introduces its low-cost AI models, including Ernie 4.5, to rival DeepSeek and strengthen its position in China’s growing AI market.

Chinese search engine Baidu reports that it launched two new artificial intelligence (AI) models. One of those models, ERNIE X1, focuses on reasoning and

China's Baidu said on Sunday it has launched two new artificial intelligence models, including a new reasoning-focused model that it said rivalled DeepSeek's model, as it vies to stand out in a fiercely competitive AI race.