In a strategic move aimed at leveraging the burgeoning demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled smartphones, Chinese tech giant Baidu has announced a partnership with Lenovo, a leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics. This collaboration underscores Baidu’s commitment to advancing practical applications for its AI models, particularly in the realm of mobile technology.
Baidu and Lenovo partnership
The partnership entails Lenovo integrating Baidu’s Ernie large language model (LLM) into its range of smartphones, including both Lenovo-branded devices and Motorola phones, which Lenovo owns. This collaboration mirrors similar ventures recently established by Baidu with other prominent smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and Honor. By embedding Ernie into the ecosystem of Lenovo’s personal computers and tablets, the partnership aims to enhance user experience by offering advanced AI features such as chatbots and real-time translation.
Global trend in AI smartphones
The integration of generative AI features into smartphones has emerged as a significant trend in the global tech landscape, catalyzed by the increasing popularity of AI technology following the launch of innovations like ChatGPT. Major players in the industry, including Google and Apple, have been actively developing AI capabilities for their respective smartphone offerings. Research projections indicate a substantial growth trajectory for AI-capable smartphones, with Canalys forecasting that 5% of smartphones shipped worldwide in 2024 will possess AI capabilities.
China’s dominance in AI smartphone market
The absence of AI services from leading U.S. firms like OpenAI and Google in the Chinese market has paved the way for domestic companies to dominate the AI smartphone sector. Baidu’s collaboration with Lenovo exemplifies this trend, with over 200 AI models currently available in China, including offerings from Baidu’s competitors such as Alibaba and Tencent. The partnership not only strengthens Baidu’s foothold in the AI smartphone arena but also underscores the growing significance of on-device AI models developed by Chinese tech companies.
Focus on practical applications
Baidu’s CEO, Robin Li, emphasized the importance of developing practical applications for AI technology, signaling a shift in focus within the industry. While major Chinese smartphone brands like Vivo, Xiaomi, and Huawei are also investing in on-device AI models, collaborations with established manufacturers like Lenovo provide Baidu with an opportunity to enhance its AI capabilities and accumulate valuable user data.
The integration of Baidu’s Ernie LLM into Lenovo smartphones signifies a pivotal moment in the promotion of AI-powered features in mobile devices. The integration of Baidu’s AI features into smartphones not only enhances user experience but also positions the company to compete more effectively against U.S. rivals in the AI market.
Analysts anticipate that incorporating Baidu’s LLM into smartphones presents a strategic opportunity to promote AI-powered features, laying the groundwork for future advancements in the AI smartphone landscape. While limitations may exist in the short term, the long-term potential of AI-enabled smartphones suggests that such features could become indispensable to consumers.
Source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/baidu-and-lenovo-to-integrate-ai-smartphones/