The DeepSeek AI
How to Access the DeepSeek Chatbot
Users interested in trying out DeepSeek can access the R1 model through the Chinese startup’s smartphone apps (Android, Apple), as well as on the company’s desktop website. You can also use the model through third-party services like Perplexity Pro. In the app or on the website, click on the DeepThink (R1) button to use the best model. Developers who want to experiment with the API can check out that platform online. It’s also possible to download a DeepSeek model to run locally on your computer.
Is This Basically FreeGPT?
Yes and no! If you’re looking for a free chatbot to use, ChatGPT already includes plenty of free features. So does Anthropic’s Claude, Google’s Gemini, and Meta’s AI tool. So, why is the fact that DeepSeek is free notable? It’s about the raw power of the model that’s generating these free-for-now answers. As previously mentioned, DeepSeek’s R1 mimics OpenAI’s latest o1 model, without the $20-a-month subscription fee for the basic version and $200-a-month for the most capable model. This comes as a major blow to OpenAI’s attempt to monetize ChatGPT through subscriptions.
A Research Breakthrough, but Still Inaccurate
Though it may almost seem unfair to knock the DeepSeek chatbot for issues common across AI startups, it’s worth dwelling on how a breakthrough in model training efficiency does not even come close to solving the roadblock of hallucinations, where a chatbot just makes things up in its responses to prompts. Many of the outputs I generated included blatant falsehoods, confidently spewed out. For example, when I asked R1 what the model already knew about me without searching the web, the bot was convinced I’m a longtime tech reporter at The Verge. No shade, but not true!
Conclusion
DeepSeek’s R1 model is a significant milestone in the development of generative AI, showcasing the potential for efficient and powerful language models. While it may not be perfect, the chatbot’s ability to mimic OpenAI’s o1 model without the hefty subscription fee is a game-changer for the industry. However, it’s crucial to remember that the chatbot still struggles with issues like hallucinations and the need for more nuanced moderation. As AI continues to evolve, it’s essential to prioritize responsible development and deployment to ensure the technology benefits society as a whole.
FAQs
Q: Is the DeepSeek chatbot free?
A: Yes, the DeepSeek chatbot is completely free to use.
Q: How do I access the DeepSeek chatbot?
A: You can access the R1 model through the Chinese startup’s smartphone apps (Android, Apple), as well as on the company’s desktop website, or through third-party services like Perplexity Pro.
Q: Is the DeepSeek chatbot as good as ChatGPT?
A: While DeepSeek’s R1 model is powerful, it still struggles with issues like hallucinations and the need for more nuanced moderation, which may make it inferior to ChatGPT in certain aspects.
Q: How does DeepSeek store user data?
A: DeepSeek stores user information in secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China. Always be cautious when sharing sensitive information with AI tools.
