In-depth test of Baidu's AI Agent for automated office workflow, a codex alternative
Actually, if you want the capabilities of GPT Work + Codex, there are already mature and affordable alternatives available in China. In my opinion, the best experience currently available, arguably the best domestic alternative, is Baidu's Baidu Partner. It doesn't require environment setup, and it's not affected by region...
GPT-5.6 has just been fully launched, OpenAI Codex was merged into Chat.GPTThey created a three-in-one super app—Chat for chatting, Work for office work, and Codex for coding—all crammed into one entry point.
Everyone online is hyping it up, but when it comes to actually using it, unstable networks, difficult account setup, and complicated subscriptions are all problems that stump many people.
Actually, I want GPT The Work + Codex suite already has mature and affordable alternatives in China.
In my opinion, the best user experience right now, and arguably the best domestic alternative, is still Baidu's Baidu Assistant. It doesn't require any setup, isn't restricted by region, and can be used immediately upon opening.
Without further ado, let's test it out together.
Baidu's installation is very...SimpleAfter downloading the client, simply open it, and you'll find that the interface is very similar to Codex.
We click on "New Task," and just like with Codex, we assign tasks to our partners using plain language. The partners will then automatically use the tools and plan the process to complete the task.
The difference is that Codex doesn't require a special network to work; freeThe credit limit won't be enough to complete many tasks, but the partner's daily...freeThe trial credits are all very generous.
Case 1: Filing and Reimbursement of Financial Invoices
I wonder if everyone else feels the same way. The download folder is always the messiest place. Work files, videos, pictures, and compressed files are all piled up together, and the file names are all over the place. When I need to get expense reports, it takes me forever to find an invoice.
Both Dazi and Codex support direct management of local files, eliminating the need for manual uploads.
We can set up a dedicated workspace folder and put all the messy files that need to be processed into it.
Prompt wordsPlease help me organize all the invoice files in the current workspace.
Require:
1. Identify whether each document is a valid invoice;
2. Extract key invoice information: invoice date, invoice type, and amount; rename the file according to the format "date-category-amount", for example, July 1st-transportation-100 yuan.
3. Classify invoices by purpose: catering, transportation, accommodation, office supplies, service fees, and others;
My partner first checked what files were in the workspace, and then read the PDF.
Here's a really clever detail: when parsing PDFs, local Python 3 isn't available, so my partner...automaticFind a solution, andautomaticSwitching to Python, all 15 PDF invoices were successfully parsed.
The result was perfect; all invoices were not only renamed in a standardized way, but also filed into different folders according to their categories.
What surprised me even more was that before my partner handed me the results,I also proactively verified the results.Only after confirming that everything is correct will it be sent over. This closed-loop thinking is just like that of a reliable and genuine assistant.
case 2 Cross-application form registration
Within the platform, you can select connected applications, adding local applications or frequently used office tools.
For example, by connecting to a browser, a webpage can be created.automaticTransformation and data extraction.
By connecting to mainstream IM software, DaZi can also send and receive messages, manage schedules, and read and write documents within the authorized scope.
Compared to Codex, which is more geared towards overseas tool ecosystems, Dazi is more compatible with mainstream domestic software and office scenarios, and is more in line with the usage habits of domestic users.
Prompt words:createintelligentPlease fill out the form to record my detailed food and beverage expense reimbursement for this month, and attach the invoice documents.
The team will plan the entire process and then execute it step by step:
The final result was very complete. My partner created a WeChat business account named "July Restaurant Expense Reimbursement Details".intelligentTable, andautomaticAll fields have been filled in.
Once the form is generated, we can also have our partner send it directly to their colleagues:
A partner can help us handle daily work information, which is very convenient.
Case 3: Creation of short video scripts for self-media
As a blogger, what I like most is actually my partner.Capability Expansion.
Codex's skills mostly rely on users installing them on demand or creating and summarizing them themselves. However, the platform comes pre-loaded with a selection of officially curated skills, covering common areas such as search research, industry services, content creation, and code development.It also supports installing more ready-made Skills.
For routine, high-frequency tasks, we only need to clearly state the objective and provide the necessary materials; we don't need to start from scratch and develop a long, complex document every time.Prompt words.
For example, self-media content generators can generate highly matching copy based on the style and tone of different platforms.
We click "Add Skill" and send the task:
Prompt wordsThis is a 60-second short video script created by a content writer for social media. The theme is: Daily.recommendA movie worth watching – Love Letters to Grandma.
The content needs to be suitable for Douyin (TikTok). The core message should be: tell users who the movie is suitable for and what makes it good.
Let's take a look at the script generated by the partner:
The structure is very complete. The first 3 seconds of the video have an attractive hook, the main content clearly explains the highlights of the movie and its target audience, and the ending has a concluding remark to encourage comments and interaction, which is very suitable for the dissemination rhythm of Douyin.
The most convenient thing is that they even prepared the video captions and hashtags for us.
Of course, every blogger has their own unique style. What if the built-in general skills don't meet your needs?
We can use natural language to have our partners help us develop a set of exclusive skills.
Prompt wordsBased on my requirements, and building upon the skills of a self-media content generator, summarize the film...recommendScripting skills.
My partner will use my skills in creating content for social media to share my understanding of film.recommendThe specific requirements were added to the existing skills, resulting in a completely new, customized skill that perfectly suits my personal habits.
The next time I create a movie video, I can simply use this new skill:
Prompt words:movie-rec-script generates TikTok scripts about the movie "The Shawshank Redemption".
The script will directly generate a 60-second script that meets our needs, including an opening hook, a summary of the movie's highlights, and the target audience.
Our team will learn and reflect, refining our work requirements into our daily tasks.
Case 4: Daily Topic Collection for Content Operations
Finding topics every day takes up a lot of energy. In the group chat, we can set...Scheduled tasksSo that my partner can have a full morning every dayautomaticHelp us gather topics.
We open it in the top left corner of the page.automaticChoose to create a new task.
We set it to 8 a.m. every day, so that our partners could...automaticCollect from the entire internetPopularThe film gave us five as backup topics.
Prompt words1. Collect data from the entire internet on that day.PopularMovie-related information;
2. Prioritize referring to these directions:
Movies currently showing
Movies with increased box office or screenings
Movies that have generated a lot of discussion on platforms such as Douban, Maoyan, and Lighthouse
Recently trending movie topics on Weibo, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Bilibili
Suitable for making "movies"recommend"No spoilers"recommendFilms for "Weekend Viewing"
3. Select 5 potential topics suitable for my writing today;
4. Please provide the following for each topic selection:
Movie title
Source of trending topics or basis for popularity
recommendangle
Suitable for
After adding the task,automaticThe interface will have an additional task card. Before officially starting, we can click the triangle button to manually run a test once:
Let's take a look at the final output:
Our partner found us five different types of alternative topics, and each topic included the four dimensions I required.
As long as the timer switch is kept on, the system will collect and output the results in the background every day.
As soon as I open my eyes in the morning, I pick one of the five topics my partner gives me, and then let my partner...One-clickGenerate scripts and content.From finding a topic to creating content, it can be done in just a few minutes.
However, for real-time data such as box office revenue and ratings, it's recommended to ask your partner to indicate the source of the information in the instructions. Topic selection can...automaticHowever, the final verification of facts still cannot be omitted.
Self-media suite
In addition to a single skill, the partner also launched a...Self-media suite.Put common self-media professional skills such as data query, hot topic insight, topic planning, content creation, multi-platform, data review, and archiving into the same workflow.
In Codex, to build the same vertical workflow, we have to select, install, and combine multiple skills ourselves; however, the barrier to entry for using the skills is much lower – even complete beginners can get started directly.
Self-media tools can be used for all self-media-related tasks:
Prompt wordsWrite an essay about excellence.Large ModelTools can replace humans.AIAn article on a WeChat public account about how industry and research should collaborate.
Our partner will ask us three questions to confirm the target audience, writing type, and copywriting style before we begin creating content.
Let's take a look at the final result:
The article's structure perfectly matches the needs of a public account's informative content, and it uses numerous real-world examples and a distinctive writing style.SimpleEasy to understand, for AI Even novice users who are interested will find it easy to read.
After that, all we need to do is check the cases and data, and then adjust the details according to our own expression habits, which will save a lot of time from starting from scratch.
Besides writing content, data analysis is also a major headache for self-media creators, and partners can help with that too.
For example, I posted a review the day before yesterday, but the readership and engagement rate weren't ideal. So I asked my friend to help me analyze it:
Prompt wordsIs the low engagement and readership of this post due to the cover image or the lack of appeal of the topic itself?
The team members analyzed the issues one by one, focusing on the title, topic, cover, and body structure. The problems they found were all very relevant. For example, Hy3 has a cognitive threshold for ordinary users, so we need to tell readers "what they can gain from reading" in the article title and introduction.
They also provided suggestions for improvement; let's take a look:
These three headlines do indeed seem more persuasive than mine, and are more likely to entice readers to click.
Regarding the content structure, my partner was very knowledgeable and suggested that I start with an overview comparison table so that readers can grasp the conclusion in 3 seconds. The cases in the middle should be concise, and supplementary information should be provided at the end.practicalSuggestion: The cover should complement the content.
His thinking is indeed very much like that of an experienced self-media professional. His approach is very professional, and his analysis and suggestions regarding content are also very professional.
Local sandbox safe operation
AI It can see my screen, read my local files, and even send me messages. What if it leaks my privacy or accidentally deletes files? This is probably why many people are hesitant to use it. Agent The reason.
In this respect, Baidu has considered everything very thoroughly: all its file operations and command execution are...Running in a local security sandboxData and operations are completely isolated and closed-loop within the device.
Furthermore, when encountering high-risk operations such as file deletion or modification, the assistant will immediately pop up a window to notify us.Second confirmationWithout our manual confirmation, our partner will absolutely not make any decisions on their own.
In the past, only programmers from major companies or tech geeks could enjoy this. Agent automaticThe benefits of digitalization. Now, with the widespread adoption of localized, no-code tools like Baidu Dazhi, complex office tasks are becoming easier to manage.automaticThe concept of "civilization" is being rapidly democratized.
Codex indeedpowerfulHowever, for most ordinary users in China, the barriers of network access, account, and subscription are enough to deter a large number of people.
The partner gave us ordinary people a zero-barrier experience Agent automaticThe best ticket to entry.
We just need to clearly state our goal in plain language.AI It can then understand the task, execute the task, handle exceptions, and ultimately deliver the results on its own.Zero barriers to entry and genuine ease of use are the keys to enabling ordinary people to utilize technology.
Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of the partner is also very high; you only need to log in every day.freeThe 1000 points are more than enough for light daily use. Even if that's not enough, the first month's subscription of 9.9 yuan will give you an extra 1000 points every day, which is fantastic.
We don't necessarily need to learn complicated programming configurations; being able to clearly break down and express our business requirements is becoming increasingly important. AI A new, more accessible standard of productivity in this era.
Original link:Zero learning curve! This might be the best domestic alternative to Codex available right now.