DeepSeek has announced an upgrade to its R1 artificial intelligence model, a significant step that has previously contributed to the startup’s rise in the global tech arena this year.
The Hangzhou-based company described the update as a “minor trial upgrade” and invited users to begin testing the enhanced model, according to a statement from a company representative shared in an official WeChat group on Wednesday.
DeepSeek captured global attention in January with the launch of R1, which demonstrated superior performance compared to major Western competitors across numerous standardized metrics, reportedly at a development cost of merely a few million dollars. This revelation sent shockwaves through the global technology market, leading to declines in tech stock values as investors reconsidered the necessity for leading firms to invest heavily in AI development.
The introduction of R1 ignited a competitive race among Chinese companies to develop and launch new AI models. The startup’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, has emerged as a figure representing China’s growing prowess in the tech industry, capable of standing toe-to-toe with Silicon Valley.
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