The former head of Google China claims that China's AI models are 6 to 9 months behind their U.S. counterparts.

• While Chinese artificial intelligence models may lag behind those developed in the U.S. by at least half a year, Chinese AI apps are predicted to gain momentum more quickly, according to Kai-Fu Lee, founder of 01.AI and former head of Google China.
• By early next year, the proliferation of apps in China will be much faster than in the U.S., according to Lee, who pointed out that the cost of training a good AI model has significantly decreased.

Kai-Fu Lee, former head of Google China, stated that while Chinese artificial intelligence models may be behind those developed in the U.S. by at least half a year, Chinese AI apps are expected to gain momentum much quicker.

Large language models, trained on extensive data, can process and generate text, images, and videos, were the topic of his discussion.

Chinese language models (LLMs) are approximately six to nine months behind their U.S. counterparts, while less advanced Chinese models may lag the U.S. by about 15 months, according to Lee. He made this statement at the AVCJ Private Equity Forum China on Wednesday.

As the founder of 01.AI and Sinovation Ventures, Lee, the author of "AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order," is a prominent commentator on AI.

By early next year, the proliferation of apps in China will be much faster than in the U.S., according to Lee, who pointed out that the cost of training a good AI model has significantly decreased.

"It's inevitable that China will create the best AI apps globally," he stated. "However, it's uncertain whether they will be developed by large corporations or small businesses."

According to Lee, who heads a startup concentrating on search apps, it may take between five and eight years to advance generative AI consumer applications to the next level - a versatile "super app" capable of executing multiple functions.

He stated that the industry may require new devices instead of existing smartphones, emphasizing that the ideal device should always be active and attentive.

Several AI startups have been backed by major Chinese companies such as and investors. These companies have also released their AI models and business products.

ShengShu Technology, a Beijing-based company backed by Alibaba affiliate Ant Group, announced on Wednesday that its text-to-video model Vidu has introduced a new feature to improve the consistency of portraying a main element or character in AI-generated clips, without distortion. This feature can help advertisers create promotional videos for their products.

Earlier this year, Vidu was released and its basic tools are now open to the public. However, more advanced capabilities are available via subscription. Co-founder and CEO Jiayu Tang announced Wednesday that several companies are interested in buying ShengShu's services, and they are not just exploring the technology.