According to the BBC, shares of major US-based AI tech giants like NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Meta have seen a decline, largely due to the rise of a new Chinese AI model called DeepSeek. Founded by Liang Wenfeng in May 2023 and based in Hangzhou, China, DeepSeek is quickly becoming a formidable competitor to existing AI models like ChatGPT. So, what exactly is DeepSeek, and how is it impacting the world?

What Can DeepSeek Do?

DeepSeek is often referred to as a Swiss Army knife of AI due to its wide range of capabilities. Here are some things DeepSeek can help with:

• Answering Questions: Whether it’s science, pop culture, history, or general knowledge, DeepSeek provides accurate and reliable answers, much like a mini encyclopedia.

• Solving Math Problems: DeepSeek can help users solve tricky math problems, guiding them step by step through the process.

• Task and Time Management: For those struggling with staying organized or managing their time, DeepSeek can offer advice and tips to improve productivity and task handling.

How Does DeepSeek Work?

DeepSeek is powered by machine learning algorithms, enabling it to learn from large datasets and find the best possible answers for users. The model is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, giving users the impression they are chatting with a real person. However, while it’s adept at providing responses, it doesn’t have emotions or thoughts, making it a tool for understanding and assistance rather than a human-like experience.

What Can’t DeepSeek Do?

Despite its impressive capabilities, DeepSeek has limitations:

• Lack of Real-Time Data: As of October 2023, DeepSeek has not been updated with new data, meaning it can’t provide current events or live updates. Unlike ChatGPT, it does not have access to real-time information, which means it cannot give users live news, sports scores, or other up-to-the-minute data.

• Not a Substitute for Professional Advice: While DeepSeek can provide general advice, it is not a substitute for professional guidance in areas like medicine, law, or finance. For critical matters, always seek advice from qualified professionals.

• No Personal Experience or Opinions: DeepSeek does not have personal experiences, memories, or feelings. It operates solely on data and algorithms, so while it can simulate conversation, it doesn’t “think” or “feel” like a human.

DeepSeek vs ChatGPT

There are key differences between DeepSeek and ChatGPT that set them apart:

• Real-Time Information: One of the major advantages of ChatGPT, particularly the paid version, is its ability to access real-time information from the internet. It can provide up-to-date news, sports scores, and other live data. On the other hand, DeepSeek lacks this capability, making it less suited for situations requiring current events or live updates.

• User Interface (UI): Both DeepSeek and ChatGPT have similar user interfaces, but there are minimal differences in design. DeepSeek focuses on simplicity and ease of use, ensuring users can easily interact with the AI.

• User Experience (UX): ChatGPT is designed to provide a human-like experience, with the ability to multitask and handle multiple queries simultaneously. While DeepSeek also provides a smooth user experience, it doesn’t replicate the same human-like feel or multitasking capabilities as ChatGPT.

The Impact of DeepSeek on the World

DeepSeek's emergence as a strong competitor to AI giants like OpenAI (ChatGPT) is shaking up the global tech landscape. Its rise has led to a decrease in shares of established tech companies like NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Meta, who dominate the AI space in the U.S. The fact that DeepSeek is based in China also adds a geopolitical element to the competition, as AI development becomes a major point of focus in global power dynamics.

Despite its limitations, DeepSeek has shown the potential to challenge existing AI models in specific use cases. Its success in China and beyond may influence how other AI systems evolve and may spur competition in the development of more advanced AI capabilities.

As AI continues to evolve, tools like DeepSeek will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology, offering users a new way to interact with AI and raising the stakes in the global AI race.