Slate News cover image

Slate News

What Next TBD | The DeepSeek Panic

Feb 2, 2025
In this discussion, Zeyi Yang, a Senior Writer at WIRED specializing in Chinese tech and AI, unpacks the stir caused by DeepSeek's revolutionary AI chatbot. He dives into the implications of its low-cost, open-source model and how it measures up against American counterparts. Yang explores the U.S.-China tech race, critiques the American approach to AI, and discusses the potential geopolitical ramifications. He emphasizes the need for awareness of China’s rapid advancements and the call for collaboration in the evolving AI landscape.
28:57

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • DeepSeek's introduction of an affordable and energy-efficient AI chatbot challenges the notion that advanced AI development requires substantial financial investment.
  • The intensifying competition between U.S. and Chinese companies in the AI sector underscores the geopolitical urgency to innovate and secure technological superiority.

Deep dives

DeepSeek's Cost-Effective AI Development

DeepSeek has developed a new AI chatbot model at a remarkably low cost of less than $6 million, significantly less than what American companies invest in similar technology. This cost efficiency positions DeepSeek as a potential contender in the AI arms race between the U.S. and China, prompting market reactions due to the perceived capabilities of their model. While the capabilities of DeepSeek's chatbot may resemble those of similar American products, its affordability and lower energy demands set it apart. This shift raises questions about the future of AI development, challenging assumptions that efficacy in AI requires immense financial resources.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode