China's Baidu integrates OpenClaw AI into search app for 700m users

Baidu is set to provide direct access to the immensely popular AI tool, OpenClaw, through its principal mobile app, as announced by a company representative.

Commencing from later Friday, users who enroll can communicate with the AI agent via Baidu's primary search app to perform tasks such as planning, file organisation, and coding.

AI agents like OpenClaw have recently gained traction for their task automation capabilities, such as handling emails and operating online tools.

Previously, OpenClaw, which originates from Austria as an open-source AI, was accessible only through messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram. 

Chinese tech big names like Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu have enabled users to operate OpenClaw on their cloud infrastructure.

Baidu reports having 700 million active users per month for its search application. Additionally, the company is integrating OpenClaw's features into its online retail sector and other services.

This expansion occurs right before the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities, as Chinese internet tech giants compete to draw in new users and capitalize on their AI investments.

Alibaba has incorporated its shopping platforms, like Taobao, and the travel service Fliggy, with its AI assistant Qwen, claiming it processed over 120 million customer transactions through the app over the six days ending February 11.

Qwen's users now have the ability to evaluate curated product suggestions and finalize payments via Alipay—all within the chatbot. 

Earlier, while Qwen could propose products based on inputs, buyers needed to exit the app and use several platforms to finish their purchases.