Baidu ERNIE 4.5 & X1: Multimodal AI meets logical thinking

The release of Baidu’s ERNIE 4.5, a multimodal AI model, and ERNIE X1, which specializes in deep reasoning, marks an extraordinary advance in the global AI competition. Both models combine advanced technology with impressive cost-efficiency and have become more accessible to both individuals and organizations.

ERNIE 4.5: Multimodal perfection at a fraction of the cost

The ERNIE 4.5 AI model impresses with its ability to process text, images, audio and video effectively. The combination of outstanding performance and extremely low costs is particularly striking. According to Baidu, ERNIE 4.5 clearly beats the benchmark performance of OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 and costs only 1% of the GPT-4.5 price. Companies benefit above all from the efficiency: input costs start at just 0.004 RMB per thousand tokens.

Thanks to the dynamic integration of multimodality and storage capacities, ERNIE 4.5 opens up possibilities for fields of use such as complex data evaluation, content creation and personalized recommendations. BAIDU has set a new benchmark with this model, particularly in the area of machine understanding and collaborative applications.

ERNIE X1: The new standard for logical thinking

The second model, ERNIE X1, focuses on deep analytical thinking to cover complex issues and scenarios. It demonstrates strong competence in areas such as Chinese knowledge, manuscript-based text production, and logical and mathematical operations. It should be emphasized that ERNIE X1 delivers unrivaled results in its Q&A functionalities for the Chinese market. In the context of AI research, this model also shows how problem-based learning techniques and reasoning-oriented architectures can be used in a future-oriented way.

Free accessibility as a strategic market positioning

The free availability of ERNIE 4.5 via the ERNIE Bot website before the date originally planned for April 1 makes the models accessible to a wide audience – from students to research-oriented developers. Here is the link: https://yiyan.baidu.com .For enterprises, Baidu is offering usage via the Qianfan platform, now for ERNIE 4.5 and soon for ERNIE X1. This offensive indicates that the Chinese AI giant wants to accelerate the market penetration of its technologies in the face of intense global competition.

Global impact: The next phase of the AI race

The pace of Baidu’s development underscores the increasing competition between Western and Asian companies in the overall AI race. ERNIE 4.5’s price-performance model could contribute significantly to the widespread adoption of such technologies and increase the pressure on other AI models worldwide. In addition to strategic integration into products such as Baidu Search or the Wenxiaoyan app, Baidu’s push also reinforces the open source trend in China and enables global innovation opportunities across various platforms.

The most important facts about the update:

1. Multimodal capabilities: ERNIE 4.5 processes text, images and audio with remarkable efficiency, at the lowest cost.
2. Focus on reasoning: ERNIE X1 outperforms previous benchmarks for reasoning-oriented tasks.
3. Cost reduction and accessibility: Significant price savings combined with free availability for individual users.
4. Strategic integration: Seamless integration with tools such as Baidu Search emphasizes competitive advantages.
5. Global Implications: Influential market movement that continues to fuel momentum in the AI industry.

Source: PRNewswire