Baidu has launched two new AI models called ERNIE X1 and ERNIE 4.5 to stand out in the global race for smarter machines. The company says ERNIE X1 can think deeply, plan its steps, and even use tools without help. ERNIE 4.5 can work with text, video, images, and audio while showing better logic and memory skills. Both models come at a lower price than similar offerings from other firms.
About ERNIE X1
ERNIE X1 is a reasoning model that Baidu says matches DeepSeek R1 in performance at only half the price. The model can plan its responses, weigh options, reflect on answers, and even adapt as it works. It can call on built-in tools to fetch data or run tasks on its own.
Key Features of ERNIE X1
ERNIE X1 uses a set of layers that let it map out steps before answering. The model supports tasks that need careful thought, such as solving math puzzles or writing code. It is designed to work quickly for real-time use in apps and tools.
About ERNIE 4.5
ERNIE 4.5 is a foundation model that can handle many kinds of data in one system. It reads text, watches videos, listens to audio, and studies images, all in a single run. The model has what Baidu calls high EQ, so it can understand jokes, memes, and satire with ease. It also shows more skill in creating text that feels natural and in solving problems that need deep memory recall.
What This Means
Baidu first launched its Ernie chatbot years ago, but it needed models that could do more to win users. DeepSeek shook the market by offering a fast reasoning model at a low cost, which drove Baidu to respond quickly. The new models may help Baidu regain ground against rivals like OpenAI and other startups in China and abroad. Early trader reports show Baidu shares rose after the news, as investors saw a fresh push into advanced AI services.
A New Chapter
The arrival of ERNIE X1 and ERNIE 4.5 marks a fresh push by Baidu to lead in AI technology. The company plans to make ERNIE X1 tools free to users and to open source parts of its system by mid-mid-year these models roll out, they may fuel new apps and services that use deep reasoning and rich media skills. The journey of Baidu’s AI work continues with these advances, setting a strong pace for what comes next.