Sorry Google and #ElonMusk ’s xAI, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella finds only China's #DeepSeek 's R1 as the first AI model close to ChatGPT-maker OpenAI
A Rare Endorsement from #Microsoft ’s CEO
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has publicly praised China-based DeepSeek’s AI model, R1, calling it the first large language model (LLM) he’s seen that truly challenges OpenAI’s dominance. This puts R1 ahead of even Google’s Gemini and Elon Musk’s xAI Grok in Nadella’s eyes. “OpenAI has been so far ahead that no one's really come close,” Nadella stated, “DeepSeek, and R1 in particular, was the first model I’ve seen post some points.”
R1 on Azure and Global Recognition
Microsoft began hosting R1 in January through its Azure AI Foundry, placing it alongside models from OpenAI, Meta, and Mistral. Rigorous safety evaluations were conducted, and Microsoft has clarified that data processed via Azure remains separate from DeepSeek’s Chinese infrastructure.
OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman has also acknowledged R1’s quality, calling it “an impressive model” and noting its competitive performance at a lower cost. This development even spurred OpenAI to speed up its product releases.
Praise from Google Too
Google CEO Sundar Pichai echoed this sentiment, calling DeepSeek’s team “tremendous” and recognizing their “very, very good work.” The endorsement from leaders across tech giants underscores the growing influence of DeepSeek in the global AI race.
Market Impact and Growing Popularity
R1’s free chatbot app topped Apple’s U.S. App Store in January, drawing mass attention and sparking concerns among investors over its potential impact on demand for AI hardware like Nvidia chips. The model’s ability to deliver quality at a lower cost led to sell-offs in several AI-linked stocks.
While some experts, like former Biden advisor Ben Buchanan, caution that the buzz may be partially overhyped, the consensus is clear: DeepSeek’s R1 has changed the AI game.
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