Baidu steps up its game by launching virtual assistant Duer. (Photo : www.techlomedia.in)
Online search giant Baidu Inc. has launched Duer, its own Siri-like virtual assistant, at the firm's annual technology event, Baidu World.
Chief Executive Officer Robin Li helmed the demonstration of Duer's abilities. He asked the virtual assistant to search for a restaurant that allows pets in Beijing's Gulou area.
In turn, Duer showed off its skills and processed Li's voice request. Apart from recommending him a restaurant, it also helped him make a reservation.
For Li, a search for services is way more specific than pure information searches. He cited this as the reason why the Beijing-based company intended to "launch an artificial intelligence-powered assistant" and "match search requests with high-quality services."
The launching is closely tied with Baidu's 20-billion-yuan plan to invest in online-to-offline services for the next three years. The initiative plans to transform Baidu into a platform that links people via different services.
Analysts see the unveiling of Duer as a significant step in the process. For the company itself, the move serves as a turning point for them to step up their game and keep up with the highly competitive mobile Internet market.
As the Internet becomes more reliant on mobile devices, there is a need for Baidu to advance new innovations and new strategies, according to Tian Hou of the Beijing-based TH Capital.
"As we all know, being a gateway generates a lot of visitors and traffic, and therefore money. Baidu is no doubt a gateway in the personal computer-based Internet industry, as everyone needs to use its search engine to get information," she said.
"That thirst for information has now gone mobile, but it is still not as strong as digital demand for social networking and shopping. That's why Baidu must change," she added.
The virtual assistant can be accessed through the Mobile Baidu search app. Initially, Duer can provide assistance in three services, namely dining, pets and movies.
