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The Take

How did China’s DeepSeek outsmart ChatGPT?

Jan 31, 2025
Caiwei Chen, a tech reporter at MIT Technology Review, dives into the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI powerhouse challenging established giants like ChatGPT. She discusses how DeepSeek developed its R1 model rapidly and at a lower cost, shaking up Silicon Valley. The conversation also touches on skepticism regarding DeepSeek's funding and transparency while addressing how U.S. sanctions might have inadvertently boosted innovation in Chinese tech. Chen highlights this pivotal moment in global technology dynamics.
18:06

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • DeepSeek's rapid development of its AI model, R1, within two months for under $6 million showcases its efficient engineering amidst governmental restrictions.
  • The emergence of DeepSeek challenges established U.S. tech firms to reconsider their competitive strategies and highlights the importance of innovation in the global AI landscape.

Deep dives

The Rise of DeepSeek in AI

DeepSeek is a recently established Chinese AI company that has gained significant attention for its AI model, R1, which rivals popular models like ChatGPT. Founded in 2023, DeepSeek was able to produce its AI at a notably lower cost, claiming to have developed the model within two months for under $6 million. This achievement has allowed the company to swiftly ascend to the top of various app markets, highlighting its rapid success despite limited resources. The model's open-source nature has also encouraged collaboration and research sharing within the AI community, setting it apart from more established organizations that often keep their methodologies under wraps.

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