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Today, Explained

DeepSeek deepdive

Jan 30, 2025
Eleanor Olcott, a correspondent for the Financial Times covering China’s technology scene, dives into the captivating emergence of DeepSeek. This Chinese AI model, developed at low cost, rivals Western counterparts and shakes up the tech industry. The conversation touches on DeepSeek's open-source innovations, its role in the US-China tech rivalry, and the implications for global competitiveness. The duo also discusses market reactions, rising ethical concerns, and the critical need for compliance in a rapidly changing AI landscape.
27:52

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • DeepSeek's emergence as a cost-effective AI model poses a significant challenge to established Western companies like OpenAI.
  • The company's focus on research over profit-driven motives highlights a strategic difference that could reshape the AI competitive landscape between the U.S. and China.

Deep dives

The Rise of DeepSeek and Its Innovations

DeepSeek has emerged as a notable player in the AI landscape, particularly with the release of its open-source model, DeepSeek V3, which has garnered significant attention due to its capabilities. This model is claimed to outperform many closed-source options available from major players and has been developed on a relatively modest budget, causing concern among U.S. tech firms. The innovation stems from DeepSeek's approach to using NVIDIA GPUs for model training, which reflects the ongoing demand for powerful AI processing chips amidst supply shortages. As DeepSeek's advancements continue to unfold, they present both a technological breakthrough and a challenge to established companies like OpenAI.

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