Baidu to offer AI chatbot free for all users starting April

Baidu will make its AI chatbot, Ernie Bot, free for all users starting Apr. 1, citing technological advancements and lower operational costs.

The chatbot will be available on desktop and mobile, alongside a new advanced search feature that enhances reasoning and tool integration, Baidu announced on WeChat.

This move comes as competition in China’s AI market grows, with rivals like DeepSeek offering free chatbot services.

In late 2023, Baidu introduced premium Ernie 4.0 features for 59.9 yuan (US$8.18) per month, claiming GPT-4-level performance.

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01-Dec-2024 🚗 Baidu’s Apollo gets HK’s first license to test driverless cars Baidu gets Hong Kong’s first self-driving license 10 autonomous vehicles to be tested in North Lantau

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