Core Viewpoint - Baidu has undergone a significant transformation in its search engine, marking the largest overhaul in nearly a decade, aiming to redefine user experience and enhance functionality through AI integration [1][10][11]. Group 1: New Features and Functionalities - The new AI smart box replaces the traditional search bar, allowing for searches of over 1,000 characters and supporting file uploads in more than 10 common formats [13][14][15]. - The "Bai Kan" feature automatically analyzes and matches user needs, presenting the most relevant multimodal rich media content first [2][31]. - The AI-generated camera has evolved to automatically diagnose issues from images without requiring user input, enhancing user interaction [6][23][30]. Group 2: User Experience Enhancements - The search results interface has been revamped to prioritize the most useful and relevant content, eliminating the need for users to sift through multiple links [31][35]. - Users can now receive structured recommendations, such as categorized TV show suggestions with ratings, and detailed information about local coffee shops, including ratings and travel plans [42][45]. - The AI assistant has been upgraded to support various tasks, including writing code and generating videos, making it a versatile tool for users [8][50][56]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Baidu's transformation reflects a broader trend among major tech companies, including Google and Apple, which are also reshaping their search functionalities to remain competitive in the AI era [10][11][76]. - The shift in user expectations towards more intelligent and personalized search results is driving this transformation, as users seek more than just basic information retrieval [75][76]. Group 4: Technological Foundations - The overhaul is supported by the new Wenxin 4.5 series language models and video generation models, which enhance the capabilities of Baidu's AI tools [63][71]. - Baidu's strategy combines both open-source and self-developed technologies, positioning itself uniquely in the market by integrating leading industry models while advancing its proprietary technologies [72][73][74]. Group 5: Future Implications - This transformation signifies a shift from traditional search engine functionalities to a platform-oriented approach, where search engines will need to execute tasks and create content, not just retrieve information [76][77]. - The success of this radical change will not only impact Baidu's future but also influence the overall direction of the search industry [78].