Baidu (6do encyclopedia)



Baidu, Inc. is a Chinese multinational technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence (AI), internet-related services, and products. Founded in 2000, the company is headquartered in the Haidian District of Beijing, China, and it is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.

Baidu has established itself as one of the leading technology companies in China, known for its search engine, Baidu Search. The company’s mission is to “make the complicated world simpler through technology,” and it has achieved this by developing a variety of products and services that cater to the specific needs of Chinese internet users.

Search Engine

Baidu’s search engine, Baidu Search, is the company’s flagship product. It is the most popular search engine in China, with a market share of over 70%. Launched in 2000, Baidu Search initially focused on Chinese language search results, but it has since expanded to include results in English and other languages.

Baidu Search uses a proprietary algorithm that places a heavy emphasis on content produced by Baidu itself. This content includes Baidu Zhidao, Baidu Baike, and Baidu Tieba, which are user-generated question-and-answer, encyclopedia, and discussion forum platforms, respectively. Baidu Search also features sponsored search results, which generate revenue for the company.

Artificial Intelligence

In recent years, Baidu has become increasingly focused on artificial intelligence (AI) research and development. The company has invested heavily in AI, with the goal of becoming a global leader in the field. Baidu has established AI research centers in China, the United States, and Canada, and has hired some of the world’s top AI researchers.

One of Baidu’s most notable AI products is the Baidu Brain, a suite of AI technologies that includes machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Baidu Brain is used in many of the company’s products and services, such as its voice-activated virtual assistant, Duer, and its self-driving car platform, Apollo.

Internet Services

Beyond its search engine and AI products, Baidu offers a wide variety of internet-related services. Baidu Maps is a popular mapping and navigation service in China, while Baidu Music is a streaming music service. Baidu Wallet is a mobile payment platform, and Baidu Nuomi is a group-buying and local deals platform.

Baidu has also entered into partnerships with other technology companies to offer joint products and services. For example, the company has partnered with Chinese automakers to develop intelligent connected vehicles, and it has collaborated with Xiaomi to integrate its voice assistant technology into Xiaomi’s smart home products.

Financial Performance

Baidu has been a publicly traded company since 2005, and it has seen impressive financial performance over the years. In 2020, the company reported total revenues of $16.4 billion and net income of $3.2 billion. Its market capitalization is currently over $80 billion.

In Conclusion

Baidu is a dominant force in the Chinese technology industry, known for its search engine, artificial intelligence products, and internet services. The company’s focus on AI research and development has positioned it as a global leader in the field, and its partnerships with other technology companies have enabled it to expand its reach into new markets. With a solid financial performance and a talented team of researchers and engineers, Baidu is poised for continued success in the years to come.


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Morning Bid: ASIA Slump or recovery in China?

Reuters

23-05-15 21:48


Investors are to receive several key pieces of economic data from China that will give them clarity on whether their fears regarding Asia's largest economy are justified. If sales, urban investment and industrial production come in weaker than expected and consensus forecasts indicate weak rebounds from the previous month, the China bears will temporarily come to the fore. On a broader front, Wall Street saw modest gains despite continued deadlock in US debt ceiling negotiations.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/global-markets-view-asia-graphic-pix-2023-05-15/
Baidu charts an AI future after posting better-than-expected earnings

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 09:49


China's biggest search engine and AI innovator, Baidu, has released its Q1 results and beat revenue estimates by posting $4.5bn. Its net income reached ¥5.8bn for the period, compared to the first quarter of last year which made a loss of ¥885m. Although advertising accounted for the largest chunk of its sales revenue, Baidu has expressed that its future lies within AI and has developed its Ernie Bot to break into the market for AI-powered chatbots. Its competitors, Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings, are also developing similar technologies to ChatGPT.

https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3220746/chinese-search-giant-baidu-reports-better-expected-earnings-it-refocuses-chatgpt-style-services
China's Baidu beats quarterly revenue estimates on ad strength

Reuters

23-05-16 09:30


Baidu, the Chinese search engine, saw a 10% increase in revenue in Q1 2021 to ¥31.14bn ($4.54bn), helped by the end of Covid-19 restrictions in China, according to Refinitiv data. Revenue from Baidu Core, which includes search-based ad sales, cloud offerings and autonomous driving initiatives, rose 8% to ¥23bn in the quarter, while revenue at its streaming service iQIYI rose 15% to ¥8.3bn.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/chinas-baidu-beats-quarterly-revenue-estimates-ad-strength-2023-05-16/
China's Baidu confident its AI chatbot won't make mistakes on 'sensitive topics'

Reuters

23-05-16 16:50


Baidu CEO Robin Li has said that the company's artificial intelligence-driven chatbot will be able to avoid "hallucinating" on sensitive topics due to its experience "tailoring its search engine to Chinese regulatory requirements". The bot, akin to OpenAI's GPT, is waiting for government clearance before launch. The firm, which has more than 20 years' experience operating search in China and working with regulators, is well positioned for forthcoming draft measures aimed at managing services driven by generative AI, said Li.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/chinas-baidu-confident-its-ai-chatbot-wont-make-mistakes-sensitive-topics-2023-05-16/
Baidu to ensure AI won't 'hallucinate' on sensitive topics: CEO

Nikkei Asia

23-05-16 16:29


Baidu CEO Robin Li has said that providing “appropriate” online content for viral chatbots such as ChatGPT is difficult in China. While models such as ChatGPT may be probabilistic, regulations in the country mean that content must comply with laws concerning political, sexual and violent material. The company recently launched its own chatbot, Ernie Bot, and plans to use it to gain ground in areas including cloud services, online marketing and smart devices.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/China-tech/Baidu-to-ensure-AI-won-t-hallucinate-on-sensitive-topics-CEO
ASIA Eyes on Japan GDP, China losing steam

Reuters

23-05-16 21:46


Japan's GDP figures for the first quarter are set to be the highlight for Asian markets on Wednesday, with expectations of annualised growth of 0.7%, the fastest rate in three quarters, leading to Tokyo stocks opening up 0.2%. China's weaker than expected economic data for April has resulted in slumps across Chinese financial assets, with April house prices also due on Wednesday. Although offshore investors have a new scheme to link Hong Kong with the mainland in order to access interest rate derivatives to help hedge their Chinese bond exposure, concerns about debt demand have cast extra doubt over the yuan's ability to gain reserve currency status.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/global-markets-view-asia-graphic-pix-2023-05-16/
Hong Kong stocks fall as investors look to earnings reports for positive signs

South China Morning Post

23-05-17 02:38


Hong Kong stocks have slipped amid investor caution about China's recent economic data and anticipation of updates from tech giants' quarterly earnings. HSBC and logistics firm Orient Overseas International were among companies facing losses as the Hang Seng Index fell by 0.3%. While the Tech Index displayed only minor movement, the Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.3%. Baidu's first-quarter results came out on Tuesday, with sales of CNY 31bn ($4.78bn) and a net income of CNY5.4bn beating expectations. Despite recent stock fluctuations, online retailer Alibaba has gained 1%.

https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3220807/hong-kong-stocks-fall-investors-wait-tech-earnings-fret-over-china-recovery-and-us-debt-ceiling
Tencent slashes cloud service prices by up to 40% as price war intensifies

Reuters

23-05-17 09:50


Tencent Holdings will cut prices for cloud services by up to 40% from June amid similar moves from rivals that have plunged the sector into a price war. Alibaba Group Holding will slash prices for some cloud products by up to 50%. State-owned China Mobile also joined Tencent on Tuesday in announcing cuts, saying prices for some services would be reduced by up to 60% for a limited time.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/tencent-slashes-cloud-service-prices-by-up-40-price-war-intensifies-2023-05-17/
US Investors Putting China Tech Engagement ‘On Hold,’ Patrick Zhong Says

Bloomberg

23-05-17 19:19


US investors are calling quits on China technology investments because of tensions between the countries, according to Ventures Capitalist Patrick Zhong. He said that a great deal of investors and company CEOs no longer travel to China because of Covid-19 restrictions which has caused everyone to put it on hold because of geopolitical concerns. Before founding M31 Capital, which has heavy ties to China, Mr Zhong invested in companies such as Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu. While he is not concerned about China's technology regulation efforts, he said that he is optimistic entrepreneurs from different countries can work together in the future.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-17/us-investors-putting-china-tech-engagement-on-hold-says-zhong?srnd=next-china
Midjourney’s fate in China is up in the air after launch post vanishes

South China Morning Post

23-05-18 00:00


Chinese company Nanjing Pengyuhui Technologies has promised users in China access to US-based AI art platform Midjourney, but the social media post was removed within a day due to concerns over uncensored content, the South China Morning Post reports. The deletion underscored the difficulties faced by generative AI services trying to enter China, which require internet operators to censor content. Officials are wary of the use of apps that generate deep fakes, which manipulate people’s faces in a digital format to look like someone else. Midjourney has been criticised for generating fake images of famous figures.

https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3220909/midjourneys-fate-china-air-after-wechat-post-announcing-beta-test-local-services-vanishes
Alibaba, Baidu pace Hong Kong stocks on earnings sentiment while Tencent drops

South China Morning Post

23-05-18 02:41


Hong Kong stocks rose due to positive earnings reports from tech giants including Tencent and Baidu, which reported better-than-expected revenue. Alibaba is poised to reveal its latest report. The Hang Seng Index added 0.9%, but the Tech Index sank 0.8% and the Shanghai Composite Index slipped by 0.3%. Two new companies began trading in China, with defense technology manufacturer Aerospace Nanhu Electronic rising 18% and household appliance manufacturer Guangdong Deerma Technology falling 0.5%. Most Asian markets closed higher.

https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3220948/alibaba-baidu-pace-hong-kong-stocks-earnings-sentiment-while-tencent-drops-after-falling-short
Alibaba Plans Unit IPOs After Sales Disappoint in Shaky Economy

Bloomberg

23-05-18 11:16


Alibaba has announced plans to explore IPOs for its Cainiao logistics arm and Freshippo grocery chain, as well as secure external financing for its international commerce division, following Q1 2022 earnings of CNY208.2bn ($32.4bn) and net income of CNY23.8bn. The Chinese e-commerce giant, which saw domestic commerce shrink 3% and cloud losses of 2%, aims by the restructuring to reverse anemic growth. Allegedly acting with a focus on cost cuts, Alibaba undoubtedly faces fierce competition at home and moves towards downsizing overseas global ambitions. Further IPOs of the company's six constituent units are expected this year.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-18/alibaba-sales-growth-disappoints-with-chinese-rebound-uncertain?srnd=next-china
China plans to set up regional AI ‘highlands’ and related tech platforms

South China Morning Post

23-05-18 14:30


China is to create regional artificial intelligence (AI) "highlands" to promote research and development. China's Minister of Science and Technology, Wang Zhigang, made the announcement at the opening of the 7th World Intelligence Conference. China, currently the world's second-largest economy, is promoting AI development and applications with the development of censor-compliant home-grown alternatives to major foreign services such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard. Chinese tech firms including Baidu, Alibaba Group Holding, SenseTime and iFlyTek have launched domestic services. The new AI facilities will include governance guidance and ethical norms.

https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3221053/china-plans-set-regional-ai-highlands-and-related-technology-platforms-beijing-pushes-bridge-hi-tech
Alibaba’s disappointing results put Hong Kong stocks on course for weekly loss

South China Morning Post

23-05-19 02:45


Hong Kong stocks, including Alibaba, Tencent Holdings, and Baidu, fell following disappointing revenue growth of 2% for the fourth quarter at Alibaba, and concerns that China's post-Covid recovery is losing momentum. The Hang Seng Index slumped by 0.9%, with the Tech Index falling by 1.8%. While the Shanghai Composite Index was little changed. Goldman Sachs warned that rising government debt levels would limit China's ability to roll out additional pro-growth policies through fiscal policy. Major Asian markets were trading higher, however, with Japan's Nikkei 225 up by 1% and South Korea's Kospi rising 0.7%.

https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3221077/alibaba-results-weigh-hong-kong-stocks-baidu-tencent-and-meituan-pressuring-index-further
Slowdown Fears Grip China Tech Despite Upbeat Sales: Tech Watch

Bloomberg

23-05-19 06:01


Chinese technology stocks are continuing to struggle despite recent strong earnings results from the industry's leading companies. Tencent, China's most valuable firm, reported its fastest revenue growth in over a year, while the country's internet search leader, Baidu, announced better-than-expected sales results on Tuesday. However, shares have declined by more than 2.5% for Tencent and 2% for Baidu, reflecting the broader malaise that is affecting Chinese equities. Investors remain concerned over a slowing economic recovery that is not receiving government policy support, as well as the ongoing trade spat with the US.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-19/china-tech-stocks-in-grip-of-slowdown-fears-lag-global-peers?srnd=next-china
This Week in China: Nothing Is Good Enough for Impatient Market

Bloomberg

23-05-19 05:59


China's economy is falling into a "confidence trap", with anxiety elevated after three years of heated tensions with the West, President Xi Jinping's punishing regulatory campaigns, and strict Covid-control policies that have left a record number of young people unemployed and undermined commerce, warns Bloomberg. China has slipped into a confidence trap for consumers, businesses, and investors, leading to increasing calls for greater forceful stimulus measures. However, investors have shown little tolerance for negative news and only a meaningful policy response will give companies and consumers long-sought clarity to spend.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-19/this-week-in-china-nothing-is-good-enough-for-impatient-market?srnd=next-china
Alibaba to Exit Cloud Business After Beijing Undercuts Potential

Bloomberg

23-05-19 05:48


Alibaba Group's plan to relinquish control of its Alibaba Cloud business is drawing speculation as to whether it's a reaction to market or political realities. In a historic six-way shakeup, CEO Daniel Zhang announced Alibaba would fully spin-out its once-thriving cloud operation, whose flagship event is the annual Singles' Day gala. Following government scrutiny of private clod services and a software flaw, there has been a shift toward state-owned providers such as China Mobile which have been attracting risk-averse institutions. Zhang said the spinoff was intended to simplify the structure and respond to market needs.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-19/alibaba-to-exit-lucrative-cloud-business-as-beijing-mars-promise?srnd=next-china
Baidu’s metaverse chief quits as search engine giant shifts focus to AI

South China Morning Post

23-05-19 12:00


Baidu’s head of metaverse operations, Ma Jie, has left the company. The departure comes after Baidu made a pivot to investing in generative AI. Ma’s position at the company could not be located on the internal computer system as of Friday, indicating a recent change in employment. As well as overseeing Baidu’s metaverse arm, Ma also headed cybersecurity for the tech giant. The recent shift in Baidu’s approach to AI came just 18 months after they of their virtual environment and user community XiRang. Although it launched to attention, XiRang did not gain significant traction.

https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3221168/baidus-metaverse-chief-quits-search-engine-giant-shifts-focus-ai-amid-chatgpt-frenzy
China’s Tech Giants Signal the First Steps in a Bumpy Recovery

NY Times

23-05-19 14:54


Leading Chinese internet companies, including Baidu, Tencent and Alibaba, have reported double-digit revenue growth in Q1 2021 from the same period the previous year. However, the companies' futures remain dependent on China's economy. Even though the country is reopening economically, Chinese consumers' low confidence levels in job prospects and future incomes could dampen sales recovery. The companies are also involved in the beginnings of a makeover that involves new growth areas, such as artificial intelligence (AI), which is driving new AI cloud divisions. However, US rivalry and tensions are limiting China's access to crucial microchips needed to develop AI, while a lucrative pool of domestic customers (China's state-owned enterprises) are preferring to use government-backed providers rather than private cloud computing providers. This is alongside client losses due to non-product reasons and investor wariness as growth cannot be expected to return to previous decades' levels.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/19/technology/alibaba-baidu-tencent-q1-earnings.html?searchResultPosition=1