Chinese artificial intelligence expert Kai-Fu Lee recently shared insights on the development of AI models in China compared to the U.S. Despite being behind in terms of large language models (LLMs), Chinese AI apps are expected to see rapid growth and adoption.
According to Lee, Chinese LLMs are approximately six to nine months behind those in the U.S., with some less advanced models lagging by about 15 months. However, he predicts that Chinese AI apps will proliferate much faster than their U.S. counterparts, particularly due to the decreasing cost of training AI models.
Lee, who is known for his book “AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order,” highlighted the potential for Chinese companies to lead in AI app development. He believes that China will eventually build the best AI apps globally, but it remains uncertain whether these innovations will come from large corporations or smaller startups.
His own startup, 01.AI, is currently focused on search apps and aims to advance generative AI consumer applications towards creating a single “super app” capable of performing multiple tasks. Lee emphasized the need for new devices that are always on and listening, suggesting a shift from traditional smartphones.
Notable Chinese tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent have already introduced their AI models and products, while also supporting various AI startups in the industry. One such example is ShengShu Technology, backed by Alibaba’s affiliate Ant Group, which recently announced enhancements to its text-to-video model, Vidu. This new feature allows for consistent portrayal of main elements in AI-generated videos, catering to advertisers looking to create engaging promotional content.
Vidu, launched earlier this year, offers basic tools to the public with advanced features available through subscription. Co-founder and CEO Jiayu Tang revealed that several companies have shown interest in ShengShu’s services, indicating a growing demand for AI-powered solutions in the market.
As China continues to make strides in AI development, the future looks promising for the country’s tech ecosystem. With a focus on innovation and collaboration between industry players, Chinese AI apps are poised to lead the way in the global AI landscape.
