Baidu to Launch Smart Speaker-Integrated Phone Next Week

Baidu, the Chinese tech giant known for its search engine and artificial intelligence technology, is set to launch a new smartphone that integrates its smart speaker technology. The phone is expected to be unveiled next week, and it is likely to take on competitors like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei in the global smartphone market.

The new device, called the Baidu Xiaodu Phone, will feature the company’s smart speaker technology, which is already integrated into its line of smart speakers. According to Baidu, the new phone will offer users “an immersive audio experience” and will be powered by the company’s DuerOS voice assistant.

The move into the smartphone market is a strategic one for Baidu, as it seeks to expand its presence beyond its core businesses of search and advertising. By integrating its smart speaker technology into a smartphone, the company is hoping to offer a differentiated product that can compete with other high-end smartphones.

The launch of the Baidu Xiaodu Phone comes at a time when the global smartphone market is experiencing a slowdown in growth. According to research firm IDC, global smartphone shipments declined by 5.9% in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in consumer spending and disrupted supply chains.

However, the smartphone market is still a lucrative one, with over 1.4 billion devices sold in 2020. Baidu will be hoping to capture a share of this market with its new device, which is expected to be priced competitively compared to other high-end smartphones.

The integration of smart speaker technology into a smartphone is not a new concept. Both Amazon and Google have released smartphones that feature their smart speaker technology, with Amazon’s Fire Phone and Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 devices. However, neither of these devices has seen significant success in the market.

Baidu will be hoping to succeed where these companies have failed, by leveraging its existing expertise in smart speaker technology and artificial intelligence. The company has already made significant investments in these areas, and it is likely that the new smartphone will benefit from this expertise.

The Baidu Xiaodu Phone is also expected to feature a high-quality camera and other advanced features, which could help it stand out from competitors. The device will be launched in China initially, but it is expected to be available in other markets later this year.

In addition to the smartphone market, Baidu is also exploring other areas for growth, including autonomous driving and cloud computing. The company is already testing autonomous vehicles in China, and it has recently signed a partnership with Chinese automaker Geely to develop electric vehicles.

Overall, the launch of the Baidu Xiaodu Phone represents an important strategic move for the company, as it seeks to diversify its revenue streams and expand beyond its core businesses. With its expertise in smart speaker technology and artificial intelligence, Baidu could be well-positioned to succeed in the competitive smartphone market.