Baidu expands AI offerings with new text-to-image tools

• Baidu introduced I-RAG, a text-to-image generator addressing “hallucination” issues.
• The company’s Ernie platform now handles 1.5 billion daily user interactions.
• Baidu aims to compete with OpenAI by advancing its AI tools for commercial use.

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What happened

Baidu unveiled new AI tools at its Baidu World Conference, including the I-RAG text-to-image generator and a no-code app builder. This shift marks a move from R&D to the commercialization of large language models (LLMs). After nearly two years of development, Baidu positions its LLMs as alternatives to OpenAI’s GPT, aiming to expand AI applications across industries. Notably, the I-RAG tool addresses the “hallucination” issue in AI-generated images, correcting errors or non-existent elements. CEO Robin Li highlighted that Baidu’s Ernie platform now handles 1.5 billion daily queries, up from 200 million in May, reflecting the growing adoption of its AI services. Overall, these advancements underline Baidu’s push to compete with firms like OpenAI and establish itself as a global AI leader.

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Why this is important

Baidu’s new AI tools show its shift toward commercializing large language models (LLMs), positioning it as a competitor to OpenAI and other AI leaders. The I-RAG text-to-image generator and no-code app builder demonstrate how AI can be integrated into business tools, making them accessible to non-technical users. This is significant as AI reshapes industries like e-commerce and software, with Microsoft, Google, and Baidu leading the way. By addressing “hallucinations” in AI-generated images, Baidu aims to improve reliability and drive wider adoption.

For readers, this is important as it highlights the growing availability of AI tools, opening new opportunities for businesses and creators. As AI becomes more commercialized, competition among tech giants will likely speed up innovation. This shift also raises ethical concerns about data privacy and AI’s broader impact, affecting both industries and individuals.