The Latest Iteration of Baidu’s AI Chatbot, Ernie 4.0, Unveiled
China-based tech giant Baidu (NASDAQ: BAIDF) has recently introduced the newest version of its generative artificial intelligence chatbot, Ernie 4.0. The launch of Ernie 4.0 comes shortly after the implementation of security measures for AI companies by authorities.
During the launch event, Baidu CEO Robin Li expressed that Ernie 4.0 is equal in performance to GPT-4, showcasing its advanced capabilities in understanding, generation, reasoning, and memory. With this latest iteration, the chatbot now possesses the ability to comprehend “out-of-order statements, vague expressions, and implied meanings” through text inputs. Additionally, its generation capabilities have received significant enhancements, turning “a single person into a marketing team.”
Ernie 4.0 has undergone a series of tests that revealed exceptional problem-solving abilities, coding skills, and auditing proficiency, comparable to OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4, which is considered the industry standard for generative AI chatbots. Remarkably, even after engaging in five rounds of conversation and producing thousands of words, Ernie Bot can recall previously generated content, underscoring its remarkable memory capabilities as a foundation model.
Training and Compliance
The latest model has undergone extensive training in Mandarin, enabling users to interact with it using conversational prompts. Baidu’s chatbot also received training using substantial real-world human feedback, pushing the boundaries of generative AI.
Under the new regulatory regime in China, AI developers must conduct security evaluations before launching new AI products into the market. Baidu appears to have complied with these regulations, ensuring its commercial release aligns with the regulatory requirements.
Ernie 3.0, launched by Baidu in August, achieved critical acclaim and skyrocketed to the top of Chinese app stores within 24 hours. Since then, it has gained widespread adoption, proving useful in generating texts, images, and videos. However, it faces stiff competition from other domestic technology firms.
The Influx of AI Products in the Chinese Market
Following the introduction of interim measures for AI in China, more than 70 generative AI models have entered the commercial market within 30 days. Tencent launched its Hunyuan AI model, while Alibaba (NASDAQ: BABAF) unveiled its open-source AI model, providing consumers with a range of options.
In their efforts to develop domestically designed AI systems that can rival Western-based counterparts like Meta’s Llama 2 (NASDAQ: META), Google’s Bard (NASDAQ: GOOGL), and ChatGPT, Chinese authorities are determined to promote local AI development. Similar to how they handle the digital currency ecosystem, Chinese authorities aim to regulate AI to safeguard users and eliminate malicious actors.
Editor Notes
China’s tech scene continues to thrive with the release of Baidu’s Ernie 4.0, showcasing the country’s advancements in artificial intelligence. As AI chatbots like Ernie become more sophisticated and capable, they have the potential to revolutionize industries and enhance human-machine interactions. It is exciting to witness the rapid progress of AI technology, and we can anticipate further growth and innovation in the field.
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