Microsoft Adds Chinese AI Model R1 to Its Platform, Rivaling ChatGPT
Microsoft has integrated DeepSeek's R1 artificial intelligence (AI) model into its Azure cloud computing platform and GitHub toolset for developers. The model will be part of the extensive catalog on both platforms, joining over 1,800 models offered by Microsoft.
DeepSeek recently launched a free AI assistant claiming reduced data usage and lower costs compared to existing solutions. The assistant rapidly gained popularity, surpassing ChatGPT in downloads on the Apple App Store, leading to concerns among investors in tech stocks.
This move reflects Microsoft's strategy to diversify its AI capabilities beyond OpenAI's ChatGPT. Microsoft reportedly plans to incorporate internal and third-party AI models into its Microsoft 365 Copilot product.
Customers will soon have the option to run the R1 model locally on Copilot+ PCs, potentially mitigating concerns about privacy and data sharing. DeepSeek stores user information on servers in China, which could impact its adoption in the United States.
Meanwhile, Microsoft and OpenAI are investigating allegations that data output from OpenAI's technology was potentially obtained illegally by a group linked to DeepSeek.
DeepSeek's emergence in the AI market has triggered responses from competitors. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced accelerated product releases, including a tailored version of ChatGPT for U.S. government agencies. China's Alibaba also unveiled a new version of its Qwen 2.5 AI model on the first day of the Lunar New Year, signaling the intensifying competition in the AI landscape.