In a significant milestone, Chinese tech giant Baidu proudly announced that its ChatGPT-like artificial intelligence product, Ernie bot, has now exceeded 100 million users. This achievement positions Baidu as a formidable player in the competitive landscape of chatbot technologies. The company’s shares saw a 3% uptick in U.S. trading, contributing to a mildly positive performance for Baidu in 2023.
The company, however, did not specify whether these numbers represent active users or pertain to a specific time period. In November, Microsoft-backed OpenAI revealed that its ChatGPT boasted approximately 100 million weekly active users, indicating the robust demand for such AI-driven conversational platforms.
Ernie bot, available for use in both English and its primary language, Chinese, mandates user registration with a China mobile number. Referred to as Wenxinyiyan in Mandarin Chinese, the app received regulatory approval for mass rollout in late August, aligning with several other local players.
Competing in the same arena, TikTok parent company ByteDance offers Doubao, a chatbot that secured the second position in the free-to-use productivity category on Apple’s app store in China. Tencent and Alibaba, major players in the tech industry, have predominantly focused on AI products for business applications but also offer chatbots to the Chinese public. Tencent’s chatbot is integrated into its popular WeChat messaging and social media app.
In November, Baidu made a strategic move by introducing a subscription model for its advanced Ernie bot version, charging approximately $8 a month. This approach mirrors OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which levies a $20 monthly fee for accessing its latest available model.
The chatbot market competition underscores conversational AI’s growing significance in shaping user interactions and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is Baidu's Ernie bot?
Baidu's Ernie bot is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Chinese tech giant Baidu. It is similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT and is designed to offer conversational experiences to users.
How many users does Ernie bot have?
Ernie bot has surpassed 100 million users, according to Baidu. However, it is not specified whether these numbers represent active users or pertain to a specific time period.
What languages is Ernie bot available in?
Ernie bot is available for use in both English and its primary language, Chinese.
Do users need to register to use Ernie bot?
Yes, users are required to register with a China mobile number in order to use Ernie bot.
Is Ernie bot the only chatbot available in the market?
No, there are other chatbot options available in the market, including Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT, TikTok parent company ByteDance's Doubao, and chatbots offered by Tencent and Alibaba.
How does Ernie bot generate revenue?
In November, Baidu introduced a subscription model for its advanced Ernie bot version, charging approximately $8 a month for access. This is similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT, which also utilizes a subscription-based revenue model.
Why is the chatbot market significant?
The chatbot market is significant because conversational AI is playing an increasingly important role in shaping user interactions and experiences. These AI-driven platforms provide users with conversational and interactive experiences, making them valuable tools in various industries and sectors.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
