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 just days after the company launched its new \"reasoning model,\" DeepSeek R1.
By activating the \"DeepThink (R1)\" mode, users can witness the app's \"thinking process\" before it generates responses. This feature enables the AI to tackle complex logical and mathematical problems, enhancing user experience and functionality. According to DeepSeek's official website, the R1 model's performance is \"on par with\" OpenAI-o1, while operating at approximately one-thirtieth of its rival's cost.
The DeepSeek app and its web-based chatbot are currently available for free general use, with only API calls for programmers requiring payment. In a move towards transparency and collaboration, the company has made its full-size model available for free download, allowing users with sufficient hardware to run it locally. For devices with less computing power, DeepSeek offers scaled-down versions optimized for a range of hardware, from ultra-thin laptops to high-performance gaming rigs.
Furthermore, DeepSeek has published a research paper detailing the development of the R1 model, empowering other developers to replicate the process using their own training data. This open approach has been met with enthusiasm within the AI community.
Resonance in the AI Community
The release of the R1 model has garnered significant attention in the AI industry, drawing reactions from prominent figures. 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 on X.com that \"DeepSeek has largely replicated OpenAI-o1-mini and has open-sourced it.\" 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 highlights how \"open-source models are surpassing proprietary ones,\" rather than indicating one nation surpassing 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.
Pioneering Innovation in China
In a July 2024 interview with 36kr.com, DeepSeek CEO Liang Wenfeng stressed the importance of China moving beyond the stereotype of merely applying U.S. innovations. As the economy grows, Liang believes that China should transition into a global contributor to innovation rather than relying on advancements from others.
\"Innovation comes not only from the pursuit of business success but also from genuine curiosity,\" Liang stated. He highlighted that the DeepSeek team is composed of young talent and revealed that the development of the company's earlier V2 model did not involve any overseas Chinese contributors. \"Perhaps the top 50 talents in this field are not in China,\" Liang told 36kr.com. \"But we can cultivate our own.\"
DeepSeek's ascent to the top of the app charts signifies a notable shift in the global AI landscape, showcasing the growing capabilities and contributions of Chinese developers in the field. As DeepSeek continues to innovate and promote openness in AI development, it exemplifies the potential for collaboration and advancement across the industry.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
