Chinese artificial intelligence models, as stated by former head of Google China Kai-Fu Lee, may be at least six months behind those developed in the U.S. and the top Chinese companies’ large language models may lag behind their U.S. counterparts by up to a year and a half. However, Lee believes that Chinese AI apps are set to take off much faster, with apps predicted to proliferate in China much more rapidly than in the U.S. due to the decrease in the cost of training AI models. He stated that it is inevitable that China will eventually have the best AI apps in the world, but it is unclear whether these will be developed by larger corporations or smaller companies.
Lee, who is a prominent commentator on AI and the founder of startup 01.AI and venture capital firm Sinovation Ventures, shared that his startup is currently focused on search apps and believes that it may take five to eight years to elevate generative AI consumer applications to the next level in the form of a single “super app” capable of performing numerous tasks. He emphasized that the industry will likely require entirely new devices beyond existing smartphones, with ideal devices being always on and listening. He stressed the importance of continuously evolving technology in order to meet the needs of future consumers.
Several major Chinese companies like Alibaba and Tencent have already released their AI models and business products, and have also invested in various AI startups. For example, Beijing-based ShengShu Technology, financially backed by Alibaba-affiliate Ant Group, recently unveiled a new feature for their text-to-video model, Vidu. This feature improves the portrayal of main elements or characters in AI-generated videos, ensuring consistency and preventing distortion. Interest from companies in purchasing ShengShu’s services indicates a growing demand for AI-generated video content among advertisers.
In his book “AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order,” Lee discusses the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of technology and innovation. He predicts that China will eventually surpass the U.S. in terms of AI development and applications, highlighting the country’s potential to become a global leader in the field. Lee’s insights on the progress of AI in China reflect a growing trend towards increased investment and focus on artificial intelligence within the country’s tech industry.
Chinese AI technology has shown remarkable progress in recent years, with companies like Alibaba and Tencent leading the way in releasing advanced models and innovative business products. This progress is further supported by the influx of investments in AI startups, such as ShengShu Technology, indicating growing confidence in the potential of AI to drive significant advancements and opportunities in various industries. As Chinese AI models continue to evolve and gain traction, the development of cutting-edge AI applications is poised to accelerate, positioning China as a key player in the global AI landscape.
In conclusion, while Chinese artificial intelligence models may currently lag behind their U.S. counterparts, experts like Kai-Fu Lee are optimistic about the rapid growth and potential of Chinese AI applications. With major companies investing in AI technologies and startups pushing the boundaries of innovation, China is likely to emerge as a leader in the development and implementation of AI solutions. As the adoption of AI accelerates and new applications are introduced to the market, the Chinese tech industry is poised for significant growth and success in the AI space, ultimately reshaping the global technological landscape for years to come.
