- Tencent adds DeepSeek-R1 to WeChat, allowing users to access advanced search features with IA.
- The DeepSeek-R1 model compete with OpenAI in performance and has achieved mass adoption with over 30 million daily users.
- Tencent expands its AI-based products, including tools like its code assistant and digital applications.
- Integration seeks improve the user experience without compromising the privacy of personal data.
WeChat, Tencent's popular messaging platform, has begun to integrate the Artificial Intelligence DeepSeek-R1, which represents a significant advance in the search capabilities of the application. This initial test allows some users to access this technology directly from the search bar within the interface.
DeepSeek and how it works on WeChat
One of the most notable new features is the inclusion of the option «AI Search», which provides full access to DeepSeek-R1's artificial intelligence. This model provides more precise and diversified answers, improving interaction and making it easier to find information within WeChat.
According to Tencent, this integration is not limited to WeChat, but is also in the process of being incorporated into Other tools and services of the company, such as its Tencent Cloud code assistant and Tencent Yuanbao financial management app.
An advanced model with great potential
DeepSeek-R1, officially launched on January 20 by the company DeepSeek, has achieved great acceptance in the market. This model is open source and has demonstrated comparable performance to OpenAI's o1 model, excelling in areas such as language processing, mathematics, and logical reasoning.
According to QuestMobile data, for the February 1st DeepSeek-R1 already had more than 30 million daily active users, becoming one of the most rapidly adopted technological tools in China.
Objectives of integration
Tencent's main purpose with this innovation is Enhance WeChat's search function, making it more efficient and useful for users. This technology will allow the integration of content from different sources, including articles from public accounts, videos and mini-programs, without compromising users' privacy.
Tencent has clarified that DeepSeek does not access personal information of users, but is limited to information publicly available on the Internet.
Impact on the Chinese technological ecosystem
Pan Helin, a member of the Telecom Economics Expert Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, commented that this integration could facilitate the adoption of DeepSeek in more applications and servicesIn addition, Tencent would benefit by solving some of the model's computational capacity challenges.
In the third quarter of 2024, Tencent reported revenue of 167.19 billion yuan (approximately $23.04 billion), with a year-over-year growth of 8%. During one of its earnings calls, the company stated that it will continue to expand AI-based tools, although without focusing on their immediate monetization.
A strategic step towards mass consumption AI
The integration of DeepSeek into WeChat represents a significant step towards the adoption of artificial intelligence on mass communication platforms. With millions of users, Tencent is leveraging its infrastructure to improve its products without compromising privacy or introducing drastic changes to the user experience.
The move positions WeChat as a key player in the development of artificial intelligence technologies in China and reflects Tencent’s commitment to a future in which AI plays a central role in everyday digital life.
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