DeepSeek, a mobile AI application developed by a Chinese company, has soared to the top of the iPhone free app charts in both China and the United States, surpassing OpenAI's ChatGPT. This milestone comes shortly after the launch of its latest \"reasoning model,\" DeepSeek R1.
When users activate the \"DeepThink (R1)\" mode within the app, DeepSeek displays its \"thinking process\" before generating responses. This feature allows the AI to tackle complex logical and mathematical problems more effectively. According to DeepSeek's official website, the R1 model's performance is \"on par with\" OpenAI-o1, but operates at approximately one-thirtieth of its rival's cost.
The mobile app and web-based chatbot are currently free for general users, with only API calls for programmers requiring payment. In a move that underscores its commitment to openness, DeepSeek has made its full-size model available for free download. Users with sufficient hardware can run the model locally, while scaled-down versions are optimized for devices ranging from ultra-thin laptops to high-performance gaming rigs.
Furthermore, DeepSeek has published a research paper detailing the development of R1. This transparency enables other developers to replicate the process using their own training data, potentially accelerating innovation in the AI community.
A Ripple Through the AI Community
The release of the R1 model has garnered significant attention from prominent figures in the AI industry. Marc Andreessen, venture capitalist and co-founder of Netscape, described DeepSeek R1 on social media platform 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 impact of DeepSeek's approach on the AI landscape.
Jim Fan, a senior research manager at Nvidia, praised DeepSeek as a \"non-U.S. company\" upholding OpenAI's original mission of conducting \"truly open, frontier research that empowers all.\"
Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist, emphasized that DeepSeek's success illustrates how \"open-source models are surpassing proprietary ones,\" rather than signaling one country's dominance over another in AI development.
Kai-Fu Lee, former president of Google China, expressed a sense of vindication, stating that DeepSeek's releases validate his belief in China's potential to excel in generative AI engineering.
China's Role in Global Innovation
In an interview with 36kr.com in July 2024, DeepSeek CEO Liang Wenfeng argued that China must transcend the stereotype of merely applying innovations from other countries. \"As our economy grows, we should transition into a global contributor to innovation rather than relying on the advancements of others,\" Liang stated.
He emphasized that true innovation stems from genuine curiosity, not just the pursuit of business success. Liang also revealed that DeepSeek's team comprises 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,\" he acknowledged, \"but we can cultivate our own.\"
Implications for the AI Industry
DeepSeek's rise reflects a shifting landscape in the global AI industry, where open-source models are gaining traction and challenging established players. By offering free access to its models and sharing its research openly, DeepSeek is fostering collaboration and innovation across borders.
For business professionals, investors, and academics, this development signals new opportunities and potential shifts in AI market dynamics. The availability of advanced AI models at lower operational costs could democratize access to technology and spur further advancements.
For the Asian diaspora and global readers interested in Asia's technological progress, DeepSeek's achievement showcases the region's growing influence in cutting-edge innovation.
As the AI field continues to evolve rapidly, DeepSeek's approach may encourage other companies to embrace openness and collaboration, shaping the future of artificial intelligence worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
