Kai-Fu Lee, former head of Google China, noted that while Chinese artificial intelligence models might be approximately six months behind those developed in the U.S., Chinese AI applications are expected to gain traction much more quickly.
He was referring to large language models, which are designed to handle and generate text, images, and videos.
Lee stated that the leading Chinese companies’ LLMs are about six to nine months behind their U.S. equivalents. In contrast, less advanced Chinese models could lag behind U.S. models by around 15 months. He made these comments at the AVCJ Private Equity Forum China.
Lee, who authored “AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order,” is a prominent commentator on AI and the founder of both startup 01.AI and venture capital firm Sinovation Ventures.
He predicted that AI apps will increase in China much faster than in the U.S. by early next year, attributing this to the significant decrease in the cost of training effective AI models.
Lee asserted, “It’s inevitable that China will create the best AI apps in the world.” However, he is unsure whether these will be developed by large or small companies.
Currently focusing on search apps with his startup, Lee suggested that it might take five to eight years to advance generative AI consumer applications to the point where a single “super app” can handle multiple tasks.
He also noted that the industry might require entirely new devices beyond current smartphones, stating, “The right device ought to be always on, always listening.”
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