Tencent Unveils Fast-Paced AI Model, Challenging DeepSeek
Chinese technology giant Tencent has announced its new artificial intelligence model, Hunyuan Turbo S, claiming it outperforms DeepSeek in terms of speed. Bloomberg reported that Tencent designed its AI to provide immediate responses, offering a different approach from DeepSeek’s focus on deep reasoning.
This announcement follows DeepSeek’s release last month of an AI chatbot that reportedly operates similarly to OpenAI’s ChatGPT but at a reduced cost. The launch triggered significant discussion within the tech market regarding the necessity of extensive investments in AI companies. Gokul Naidu, a consultant for SAP, described DeepSeek’s emergence as a “wake-up call for the entire AI industry,” highlighting its potential to change established ideas about the cost of innovation and offer a path to affordable and sustainable technology. Naidu states, “As we move deeper into 2025, the conversation around AI is no longer just about power — it’s about power at the right price.”
However, the announcement did not come without its detractors. Google’s AI head, Demis Hassabis, questioned DeepSeek’s cost reporting, citing certain unconsidered factors. Furthermore, cybersecurity researchers revealed vulnerabilities in DeepSeek’s chatbot earlier this month.
Reports indicate that Chinese companies like Tencent and Alibaba have been evaluating their AI models in comparison to DeepSeek. Furthermore, Tencent has integrated DeepSeek’s technology into its WeChat platform. DeepSeek’s influence has also extended to governmental entities throughout China. In response to its growing popularity, DeepSeek introduced price reductions this week, encouraging users to access its service during off-peak times.
In other news related to AI, Maverick Payments’ Chief Operating Officer Ben Griefer discussed the utilization of AI to enhance the onboarding process within financial services companies. He noted, “People expect onboarding to be frictionless, easy and responsive — and to be done across phones, tablets and computers.” By incorporating third-party tools, lenders can expedite underwriting processes while ensuring a positive user experience. Griefer pointed out, “Once they are onboarded, AI is proving extremely valuable when you’re looking at transaction modeling … and activity from actual users… AI is going to be crucial as we move into faster payments.
