# Free-to-Use AI Models Baidu Made its Ernie X1 and 4.5 Turbo Models Free for Specific Users By Colin Smith | Published 2025-04-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ernie-x1 References: [artificialintelligence-news](https://www.artificialintelligence-news.com/news/baidu-ernie-x1-and-4-5-turbo-high-performance-low-cost/) & [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baidu-unveils-ernie-4-5-and-reasoning-model-ernie-x1--makes-ernie-bot-free-ahead-of-schedule-302402490.html)  [Baidu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baidu-ernie-5) has introduced its latest AI models, ERNIE X1 and ERNIE 4.5, making them freely accessible to individual users, including educational institutions. ERNIE X1 is designed as a [deep-thinking reasoning model](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gpt5) with multimodal capabilities, offering advanced performance at a lower cost. ERNIE 4.5, Baidu’s newest foundation model, integrates [multimodal comprehension](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mai-transcribe), enhancing its ability to process text, images, audio, and video content. The initiative aligns with Baidu’s broader strategy to expand AI accessibility and promote technological advancements in various sectors, including education. The launch of these models is expected to support schools by providing AI-driven tools that enhance learning experiences and facilitate research. Baidu has also announced plans to integrate ERNIE X1 and ERNIE 4.5 into its product ecosystem, including Baidu Search and other applications. By making these models freely available ahead of schedule, Baidu aims to accelerate AI adoption and encourage innovation in academic environments. The initiative reflects the company’s commitment to advancing AI technology while ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. Image Credit: Baidu ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.8/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 40% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Open-access AI Models:** AI models like ERNIE X1 and 4.5 becoming freely available for educational and personal use signals a shift towards democratizing AI technology. - **Multimodal AI Integration:** ERNIE 4.5's ability to process various types of content demonstrates the enhanced functionality of AI in handling complex multimodal tasks. - **AI-driven Education:** The use of advanced AI models in educational settings can revolutionize learning by providing interactive and personalized educational tools. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Education Technology:** Incorporating cutting-edge AI models into educational tools creates opportunities for more interactive and effective learning solutions. - **Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:** The release of sophisticated AI models pushes innovation and lowers the entry barriers for developing advanced AI solutions. - **Digital Content Creation:** Integrating AI models with multimodal capabilities into digital platforms enables more dynamic and versatile content creation across media. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Open-Source AI Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baidu-ernie-5.md) - [Content-Generating AI Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ernie-40.md) - [AI Built-In Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baidu-1.md) - [Free AI Image Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/midjourney-ai.md) - [Free AI Access](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freepass-ai.md) - [Machine Learning Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deepcraft-starter-models.md) - [Web Search AI Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trained-ai-model.md) - [Lightweight Desktop AI Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gemma-ai.md) - [Increased AI Accessibility Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chatgpt-plus-is-free.md)