Tencent recently announced that it has begun testing the integration of DeepSeek's artificial intelligence model into its Weixin messaging app also known as WeChat as Chinese technology firms compete to develop and implement advanced AI solutions.

In a beta test, Weixin users are being granted access to DeepSeek for search functions, Tencent confirmed in a statement to Reuters. The company's proprietary Hunyuan Large Language Model continues to power AI-enhanced search within Weixin, but this latest development signals an increasing openness to external AI platforms.

According to a recent report by Reuters, Tencent is also exploring DeepSeek's integration into multiple products, including Tencent Cloud AI Code Assistant and Tencent Yuanbao, an AI-powered assistant app. The trial is currently limited to Weixin, which serves domestic users, rather than its international counterpart, WeChat. As of September, the two platforms had a combined user base of 1.38 billion.

DeepSeek has gained global attention following the launch of its AI model last month. The company claims its model operates with lower data usage and significantly reduced costs compared to existing AI services. The DeepSeek app rapidly overtook OpenAI's ChatGPT in downloads from Apple's App Store in China, prompting several Chinese firms, including automaker Great Wall Motor and major telecommunications providers, to integrate DeepSeek's AI into their platforms.