DeepSeek, a mobile AI application developed in China, has surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT to claim the top spot on the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States. This significant achievement comes shortly after the launch of its new \"reasoning model,\" DeepSeek R1.
Revolutionizing AI with DeepSeek R1
The latest update introduces the \"DeepThink (R1)\" mode, where the app displays its \"thinking process\" before generating responses. This feature enables DeepSeek to tackle complex logical and mathematical problems, setting it apart in the competitive AI landscape.
According to the company's official website, the R1 model's performance is \"on par with\" OpenAI-o1, yet it operates at approximately one-thirtieth of the cost of its rival. This cost-effectiveness is poised to make advanced AI technology more accessible to a broader user base.
Accessibility and Open Source Commitment
DeepSeek offers its mobile app and web chatbot free for general use, with only API calls for programmers requiring payment. Demonstrating a strong commitment to open-source principles, DeepSeek has made its full-size model available for free download. Users with sufficient hardware can run it locally, while scaled-down versions are optimized for devices ranging from ultra-thin laptops to high-performance gaming rigs.
Beyond providing free access, DeepSeek has published a research paper detailing the development of the R1 model. This transparency allows other developers to replicate the process using their own training data, fostering innovation and collaboration within the AI community.
Global AI Community Reacts
The release of DeepSeek R1 has garnered significant attention and praise from prominent figures in the AI industry.
Marc Andreessen, venture capitalist and co-founder of Netscape, described DeepSeek R1 on X.com as \"one of the most amazing and impressive breakthroughs\" he has ever seen, calling it \"a profound gift to the world.\"
Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, noted that \"DeepSeek has largely replicated OpenAI-o1-mini and has open-sourced it,\" highlighting the company's contribution to the open-source movement.
Jim Fan, a senior research manager at Nvidia, observed that DeepSeek is a \"non-U.S. company\" upholding the original mission of conducting \"truly open, frontier research that empowers all.\"
Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist, emphasized that DeepSeek's success underscores how \"open-source models are surpassing proprietary ones,\" rather than signaling one country's dominance over another in AI.
Kai-Fu Lee, former president of Google China, expressed a sense of vindication, stating that DeepSeek's achievements validate his belief in China's potential to excel in generative AI engineering.
Championing Innovation in China
In a July 2024 interview with 36kr.com, DeepSeek CEO Liang Wenfeng advocated for China to move beyond the stereotype of merely applying foreign innovations. As the country's economy expands, Liang believes it should become a global contributor to innovation.
\"Innovation comes not only from the pursuit of business success but also from genuine curiosity,\" Liang said. He revealed that the DeepSeek team is composed of young talent and that the development of the company's earlier V2 model did not involve any overseas contributors.
\"Perhaps the top 50 talents in this field are not in China,\" Liang acknowledged. \"But we can cultivate our own.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
