Baidu announced it will provide its partners with artificial intelligence resources and technology to build a smarter and stronger alliance for shared growth.

The AI giant will share its media resources, online data accumulation and analytical technology, advanced marketing techniques and large pool of advertisers with its partners, including online portals, smartphone makers and app developers, according to Baidu Senior Vice President Xiang Hailong at the annual summit for the Baidu Union, an alliance framework for Baidu and its partners.

The Internet is just a "starter" while AI is the "main course," said Robin Li, Baidu CEO and chairman, who said that the era of enhanced communication between people and things has arrived, citing examples of voice-controlled smart home appliances and autonomous driving vehicles.

Li said that it is time to shift from "thinking mobile" to "thinking AI," with more focus on technology and user experience.

Baidu has shared dividends totaling 40 billion yuan ($5.81 billion) in the past 15 years with its partners in the Baidu Union, with a record high of 14.2 billion yuan shared in 2016.

(Xinhua News Agency May 23, 2017)