Voice and picture related search requests will surpass text searches within five years, Baidu Inc founder and CEO Robin Li said. "The future of online searching will feature more functions and help the customers to finish complicated tasks," said Li. Voice searches already account for nearly 10 percent of Baidu's total search requests.

The company controls more than half of the Internet search market on the Chinese mainland, according to Internet data collector #. Baidu is attempting to consolidate its search business in the mobile Internet sector where smaller providers such as Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd are trying to raise their presence.

Baidu Technology Innovation Conference 2014 held at China World Hotel Beijing on 3 September 2014. [Photo/IC]

China to exempt new energy cars purchase tax from Sept 1	New cars debut in Chengdu Motor Show 2014	Top 10 insurance companies in China