Integrating DeepSeek brings in an external AI platform, while tech firms compete fiercely in developing the most advanced AI.
Chinese open-source AI model DeepSeek has rapidly gained attention for its powerful deep learning capabilities and broad application potential. A group of Chinese tech giants in embracing DeepSeek for enhanced AI capabilities.
To Offer Users Richer Experience and Services
WeChat, China’s leading social media platform, is conducting small-scale testing to integrate DeepSeek’s R1 large model, Tencent confirmed on Feb. 16. Users included in the test can see the “AI Search” label at the top of the search bar and access the full version of DeepSeek’s R1 model for free.
Multiple Tencent products, including Tencent Cloud’s AI code assistant, are exploring integration with DeepSeek to offer users a richer experience and enhanced services.
Another China’s tech giant Baidu announced on the same day that it will integrate DeepSeek’s large language model into its search engine and proprietary Ernie model, as part of broader push to diversify users’ search experience.
The company also revealed plans to launch its next-generation AI model, Ernie 4.5, in the coming months. This new version of the model will be made open-source by the end of June, following DeepSeek’s open-source approach.
Next Major Growth Area for Automakers
What’s more, more than a dozen major automakers in China have integrated DeepSeek’s popular large language model into their own systems, shifting the focus of their competition from autonomous driving to intelligent onboard experiences.
On Feb. 6, just two weeks after DeepSeek V3 released, Geely said it has started to use DeepSeek technology to train its own large language models, which involve vehicle control and proactive in-car interaction.
Geely said the advancements are set to significantly improve the vehicle’s ability to learn and adapt to individual driver and passenger preferences, creating an experience that is both intuitive and highly personalized.
A day later, Dongfeng Motor’s premium arm Voyah said it had embedded the system as well. Its Courage and Dream are the first production models to feature DeepSeek technology.
By Feb. 17, at least 20 auto companies said they have integrated or plan to integrate DeepSeek technology.
With the automotive industry on the cusp of a technological revolution, industry analysts predict that the smart cabin, equipped with AI-powered systems like DeepSeek, will be the next major growth area for automakers.
Seize the World’s Attention
The Hangzhou-based start-up seized the world’s attention over the past few weeks after releasing two advanced open-source AI models, at a fraction of the cost and computing power that major tech companies typically require for large language model (LLM) projects. LLM is the technology behind generative AI services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DeepSeek’s own namesake chatbot.
According to Goldman Sachs, China’s AI adoption is expected to stimulate economic growth through task automation that saves labour costs and raises productivity.
Morgan Stanley chief economist Robin Xing said in a note that the firm’s clients expected the “commoditisation” of LLM generative AI tools to ripple downstream.
“Most clients we talk to agree that with the commoditisation of LLMs, the next wave of growth could come from early AI downstream use cases that drive efficiency and positive surprises in model capabilities,” Xing said. “In this field, Chinese firms may play an active role.”
Written by Yetao Gu, additional reporting by China Daily, South China Morning Post, Reuters.
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