AI frenzy: Baidu confirms plan to launch ChatGPT-like bot called 'Ernie'
JasonDoiy


Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU) has confirmed an earlier report that it will complete internal testing and launch its ChatGPT-like bot in March, joining a global race as interest in generative artificial intelligence gathers steam. The news sent Baidu's Hong Kong-listed shares up nearly 15% on Tuesday.

The platform will be named "Wenxin Yiyan" or "Ernie Bot," which stands for "Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration."
Baidu (BIDU) aims to make the service available as a standalone application and gradually merge it into its search engine by incorporating chatbot-generated results when users make search requests.
The decision comes after Microsoft-backed (MSFT) ChatGPT has surged in popularity. Google (GOOG) (GOOGL) has also doubled down on a similar service called Bard A. I. as it steps up its generative AI offerings.