02/07/2025

How DeepSeek’s AI Compares To Established Models

DeepSeek AI app seen on the smartphone and finger is about to touch it. Macro. Stafford, United Kingdom, January 26, 2025
Credit: Shutterstock

The Chinese company DeepSeek recently startled AI industry observers with its DeepSeek-R1 artificial intelligence model, which performed as well or better than leading systems at a lower cost. The DeepSeek product apparently requires less human input to train, and less energy in parts of its processing—though experts said it remained to be seen if the new model would actually consume less energy overall.

Will Douglas Heaven, senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review, joins Host Ira Flatow to explain the ins and outs of the new DeepSeek systems, how they compare to existing AI products, and what might lie ahead in the field of artificial intelligence.


Further Reading


Donate To Science Friday

Invest in quality science journalism by making a donation to Science Friday.

Donate

Sign Up For The Week In Science Newsletter

Keep up with the week’s essential science news headlines, plus stories that offer extra joy and awe.

Subscribe

Segment Guests

Will Douglas Heaven

Will Douglas Heaven is the senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review. He’s based in London, England.

Segment Transcript

The transcript of this segment is being processed. It will be available early next week.

Meet the Producers and Host

About Charles Bergquist

As Science Friday’s director and senior producer, Charles Bergquist channels the chaos of a live production studio into something sounding like a radio program. Favorite topics include planetary sciences, chemistry, materials, and shiny things with blinking lights.

About Ira Flatow

Ira Flatow is the founder and host of Science FridayHis green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.

Explore More