WeChat, the Tencent-backed super-app, has recently introduced an AI-powered search feature, DeepSeek-R1, to provide users with a more advanced and diverse search experience. According to reports from Chinese media outlet iThome, the new feature aims to offer a more intelligent search experience to users. The AI search feature is currently in a trial phase, accessible through a dedicated "AI Search" button within the chat interface.
Tencent has assured users that the AI search function only retrieves data from public WeChat official accounts and other online sources, emphasising that it does not access private user data such as chat histories or Moments posts. The primary goal of this feature, currently undergoing limited testing, is to improve search accuracy and user satisfaction by leveraging DeepSeek's robust model to better understand search queries and provide more precise results.
DeepSeek, which was launched in January, is gaining recognition for its competitiveness with OpenAI's solutions and is made available under an MIT open-source license. Following its introduction, DeepSeek has been adopted by various industry leaders in China, particularly after the 2025 Spring Festival holiday.
WeChat introduces AI-powered search feature, DeepSeek-R1, for enhanced search experience.
The AI search function sources data from public WeChat accounts and online content, ensuring user privacy.
DeepSeek, launched in January, gains popularity in China and is seen as a competitive solution to OpenAI.