Tencent's Weixin, one of China's leading messaging and social media platforms, has initiated beta testing of its new AI-powered search feature by integrating DeepSeek-R1, an advanced reasoning AI model developed by a prominent domestic startup.
According to a confirmation from Tencent to CGTN Digital on Sunday, selected Weixin users now have access to an \"AI Search\" option. This feature allows them to utilize the full capabilities of the DeepSeek-R1 model free of charge. DeepSeek-R1 has gained significant attention globally for its proficiency in managing complex queries, becoming a sensation since its launch on January 20.
The DeepSeek-R1 integration is currently being tested exclusively on Weixin, which caters to users within the Chinese mainland, distinguishing it from WeChat, Tencent's counterpart aimed at overseas audiences. This strategic move comes at a time when DeepSeek is experiencing high demand worldwide, putting considerable strain on its servers. Users have reported delays and outages on DeepSeek's official platform due to its rapid adoption.
In response to the surge in demand, major cloud service providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Alibaba have been working to incorporate the R1 model into their offerings, some providing limited free access to attract developers. By embedding DeepSeek-R1 directly into Weixin—a platform boasting nearly 1.4 billion monthly users—Tencent aims to alleviate the pressure on DeepSeek's infrastructure while gaining a competitive advantage in the messaging and social media landscape.
The collaboration underscores the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and social media services in Asia, highlighting the region's pivotal role in shaping global technological advancements.
Reference(s):
Tencent's messaging app Weixin tests AI search with DeepSeek-R1
cgtn.com
