China’s Baidu announced a number of new services based on artificial intelligence, including an image generator based on text descriptions and a service that allows you to create applications without programming skills. The company also introduced smart glasses with cameras and an AI assistant.
Image source: Baidu
At the annual Baidu World Conference event, the Chinese search giant unveiled Xiaodu AI Glasses with built-in Ernie voice-controlled AI assistant. The gadget was developed by the Xiaodu division, which specializes in the production of devices. Smart glasses weigh only 45 grams and are equipped with a 16-megapixel wide-angle camera with electronic stabilization. There is also a chip responsible for local AI operation, but there are no details about it yet. The glasses provide impressive battery life – up to 56 hours of standby time or more than 5 hours of continuous audio playback. There is also fast charging – in just 30 minutes the gadget will be fully charged. The glasses use a four-microphone array for calls, and the open-back, water-resistant speakers provide clear sound.
Xiaodu AI Glasses are scheduled to be released in the first half of next year, with an expected price of less than 2,100 yuan (about $290). This release marks a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence with wearable technology as Baidu strives to redefine the user experience with advanced and accessible artificial intelligence applications.
The Chinese web search market leader is among a number of technology companies that are releasing commercial applications based on large language models, which Baidu has been actively working on over the past two years. At the conference, Baidu CEO Robin Li presented the I-RAG service, an image generator based on text queries. The problem of “hallucinations” is solved by connecting to the Baidu web search system – thanks to it, the output images deviate less from requests and contain non-existent elements to a lesser extent.
Baidu’s Ernie AI platform currently handles 1.5 billion queries and other user interactions, up from 200 million in May. Interaction scenarios include text generation, answering questions, and working with various AI applications. Baidu largely monetizes its developments through “AI agents” that allow users to create their own applications. AI systems are integrated into Baidu’s existing product line; they are also available to customers through the company’s cloud services.
Baidu does not have a goal to create a “super app” with a set of AI services, Mr. Li said. The company also introduced the Miaoda service, which offers program code generation using a large language model – you can create entire applications without extensive programming knowledge.