DeepSeek, a two-year-old Chinese AI startup, has shaken up the tech world with the launch of R1, an AI model that reportedly operates with 95-97% fewer resources than its competitors. After surging to the top of the Apple App Store this week, its impact is forcing a major rethink of what it actually takes to build and train a cutting-edge AI model.
In today’s JacoBlog, I break down the real problems DeepSeek has solved, the industry-wide disruption it has triggered, and how it relates to radio.
DeepSeek’s R1 release has created lots of chaos in AI:
- It forced Chinese tech giant Alibaba to rush the release of their latest AI model, which they claim is better than OpenAI’s GPT 4o.
- ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) scrambled to push out its own new AI model, insisting it outperforms DeepSeek’s R1.
- OpenAI is accusing DeepSeek of using OpenAI-generated content to train its model—ironic, given the same accusations levied against OpenAI by content creators.
There are additional considerations for those experimenting with DeepSeek, including a big data privacy black hole and censorship from the Chinese government (don’t expect answers about Tiananmen Square). That hasn’t stopped Microsoft from adding DeepSeek to its Enterprise AI options for Azure cloud customers this week.
What’s next? Expect U.S.-based AI companies to scrutinize DeepSeek’s technology, looking for efficiencies they can incorporate into their own models. One thing is clear—the AI arms race is far from over.
There is a lot more innovation ahead.
Sir Paul Calls For More AI Regulations
Paul McCartney is urging the UK government to strengthen protections for artists against AI-driven copyright exploitation. While he recognizes AI’s creative potential—having used it himself to restore a John Lennon demo—he warns that unregulated AI poses a serious economic threat to musicians. McCartney argues that artists, not tech companies, should reap the financial rewards of their work and calls on lawmakers to prioritize creative ownership and protection. [details]
KQED and Sounder Launch Dynamic News Podcast
KQED has launched “The Latest,” a dynamically updated news podcast delivering real-time reporting throughout the day. Designed to keep listeners informed with the most current stories, this innovation was developed in partnership with Spooler, an audio technology company specializing in AI-powered, location-aware podcasting. [details]
Originally published by Jacobs Media
