DeepSeek Overtakes ChatGPT on iPhone App Store Charts
In a remarkable achievement that underscores China's burgeoning role in the global tech industry, DeepSeek, a mobile AI application developed in China, has surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT to become the top free app on the iPhone app store charts in both China and the United States. This milestone reflects a significant shift in the landscape of artificial intelligence and mobile applications, highlighting the increasing competitiveness and innovation emerging from Asia.
The rise of DeepSeek comes just days after its developer launched the \"reasoning model,\" DeepSeek R1. This new model introduces advanced capabilities that set it apart from its competitors. When users activate the \"DeepThink (R1)\" mode, the app displays its \"thinking process\" before generating responses, offering a transparent window into the AI's reasoning. This feature enables the application to tackle complex logical and mathematical problems, providing users with a more insightful and interactive experience.
According to DeepSeek's official website, the R1 model's performance is \"on par with\" OpenAI-o1, yet it operates at approximately one-thirtieth of its rival's cost. This cost-efficiency makes advanced AI technology more accessible to a broader range of users and developers, potentially accelerating innovation in the field.
The mobile app and web chatbot are currently free for general use, with only API calls for programmers requiring payment. Moreover, DeepSeek has made its full-size model available for free download, allowing users with sufficient hardware to run it locally. For those with less powerful devices, the company offers scaled-down versions of the model, optimized for a variety of hardware configurations—from ultra-thin laptops to high-performance gaming rigs.
Demonstrating a commitment to open-source principles, DeepSeek has also published a research paper detailing the development of R1. This transparency allows other developers and researchers to replicate the process using their own training data, fostering collaboration and driving further advancements in AI technology.
The AI Community Reacts
The release of the R1 model has reverberated throughout the AI industry, eliciting strong reactions from leading figures and experts.
Marc Andreessen, venture capitalist and co-founder of Netscape, hailed DeepSeek R1 on X.com as \"one of the most amazing and impressive breakthroughs\" he has ever witnessed, describing it as \"a profound gift to the world.\"
Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, observed that \"DeepSeek has largely replicated OpenAI-o1-mini and has open-sourced it,\" highlighting the significance of making such advanced technology accessible to the public.
Jim Fan, a senior research manager at Nvidia, praised DeepSeek as a \"non-U.S. company\" that is upholding OpenAI's original mission of conducting \"truly open, frontier research that empowers all.\" His comments underscore the global nature of AI development and the importance of open collaboration.
Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist, commented that DeepSeek's success does not necessarily indicate \"China surpassing the U.S. in AI,\" but rather emphasizes how \"open-source models are surpassing proprietary ones.\" His perspective points to a broader trend within the industry favoring open-source initiatives.
Kai-Fu Lee, former president of Google China, expressed a sense of validation on X.com, stating that the DeepSeek releases confirm his belief in China's potential to excel in generative AI engineering despite previous skepticism. His remarks reflect a growing confidence in China's ability to contribute significantly to global technological innovation.
DeepSeek CEO on China's Role in Innovation
In a July 2024 interview with 36kr.com, DeepSeek CEO Liang Wenfeng addressed the evolving perception of China's role in technological innovation. He argued that China must move beyond the stereotype of merely applying innovations developed elsewhere. As the country's economy continues to grow, Liang believes it should transition into a global contributor to innovation rather than relying on the advancements of others.
\"Innovation stems not only from the pursuit of business success but also from genuine curiosity,\" Liang stated. He revealed that the DeepSeek team is composed of young talent and highlighted that the development of the company's earlier V2 model did not involve any overseas Chinese contributors. This homegrown approach emphasizes the potential for cultivating world-class expertise within China.
\"Perhaps the top 50 talents in this field are not in China,\" Liang acknowledged. \"But we can cultivate our own.\"
DeepSeek's rapid ascent and the release of the R1 model signify a pivotal moment in the AI industry, showcasing the possibilities that emerge when accessibility, transparency, and innovation converge. As the global community watches, DeepSeek's achievements may inspire a new wave of technological advancements arising from Asia.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
