Kai-Fu Lee, a prominent figure in the field of artificial intelligence, believes that Chinese AI models may be slightly behind the U.S., but Chinese AI apps are likely to see a faster adoption rate. Large language models developed by top Chinese companies are estimated to be around six to nine months behind their U.S. counterparts, with less advanced models potentially lagging by up to 15 months. Lee, who has authored a book on the topic, predicts that Chinese AI apps will proliferate at a faster pace than in the U.S. due to the decreasing cost of training effective AI models.
Lee forecasts that China will eventually lead in developing the best AI apps globally, but it remains uncertain whether these innovations will originate from major corporations or smaller startups. His own startup, focused on search apps, is aiming to take generative AI consumer applications to the next level by creating a single “super app” that can handle multiple tasks. He envisions the need for new devices, beyond smartphones, that are always on and listening to facilitate this vision of AI integration into everyday life.
Chinese tech giants such as Alibaba and Tencent have already introduced their AI models and business products to the market. They have also provided support to numerous AI startups in the country. One such example is Beijing-based ShengShu Technology, which has created a text-to-video model called Vidu with enhanced features that allow for consistent portrayal of main elements in AI-generated videos. Companies are showing interest in utilizing these services for promotional purposes, highlighting the growing demand for AI applications in various industries.
Vidu, the text-to-video model developed by ShengShu Technology and backed by Alibaba’s Ant Group, was launched earlier this year and has been made accessible to the public. Advanced features are available through subscription, catering to the needs of companies looking to utilize these tools for their own marketing strategies. Co-founder and CEO Jiayu Tang mentioned that multiple companies are not only exploring the technology but are also interested in purchasing ShengShu’s services. This signifies the potential for AI applications to revolutionize the way businesses create content and engage with their audiences.
Despite the slight lag in AI model development, Chinese companies are pushing ahead with releasing innovative applications and products powered by artificial intelligence. The support from major corporations and investors in China has created a thriving ecosystem for AI startups to flourish. As the industry continues to evolve, with advancements in AI technology and the potential for creating groundbreaking consumer applications, it is likely that Chinese AI apps will continue to gain traction and dominate the global market. This exciting trajectory presents opportunities for both established companies and emerging startups to shape the future of AI development and integration in various industries.
