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All have to do a bike but Baidu and Xiaomi will be very different
In 2014, the smart bike market began to attract attention from major tech companies, with Baidu and Xiaomi taking very different approaches. While both aimed to enter the space, their strategies reflected their core strengths and long-term goals.
Zhang Xiangdong, who had recently left his position at a company, publicly expressed his interest in the bicycle industry, hinting that he wanted to make a difference. However, it was Xiaomi and Baidu that took more concrete steps. Xiaomi, known for its strong brand appeal and fan base, had already sparked speculation about entering the bike market. In July 2014, Lei Jun posted a photo of a carbon fiber road bike on Weibo, fueling rumors about a potential Xiaomi-branded bike. Later, Xiaomi’s phone operations manager also shared images of a bike, and industry insiders suggested that Xiaomi had acquired a bike company. It was expected that Xiaomi bikes could launch by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Baidu focused on integrating artificial intelligence into bicycles. The company confirmed that its Baidu IDL (Deep Learning Lab) was developing a smart bike OS. A prototype called DuBike, created in collaboration with Tsinghua University, was set for release in the fourth quarter. Baidu's approach emphasized AI, sensors, and big data analysis, aiming to create personalized riding experiences based on location, road conditions, and user behavior. The system would also allow for social networking features, health tracking, and route planning via Baidu Maps.
Despite these ambitious plans, challenges remain. The smart bike market is still niche, with most users viewing bicycles as either a leisure tool or a professional equipment rather than a mainstream transportation option. Additionally, the cost of such high-tech bikes may be prohibitive for many consumers. For casual riders, a basic bike might be more practical, while professionals might prefer dedicated devices like Garmin.
For Baidu, the primary goal is not just to sell bikes, but to use the project as a platform to showcase its AI capabilities and collect user data. This aligns with its broader "Baidu Brain" initiative, where the bike OS serves as a testbed for future technologies, especially in the automotive sector.
Xiaomi, on the other hand, is leveraging its brand strength and fan economy. Its bike is likely to target urban commuters and students, focusing on affordability and simplicity. Unlike Baidu, Xiaomi is unlikely to develop a separate OS for bikes, instead integrating features with its existing ecosystem, such as smartphones and smart bracelets. This strategy allows Xiaomi to expand its product line without heavy R&D investment.
While their methods differ, both companies share a common vision: to shape the future of smart mobility. Whether Baidu’s high-tech approach will resonate with consumers or Xiaomi’s affordable, simple design will win the market remains to be seen. The coming year will provide clearer answers.