- Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has launched its new V4-Flash model, which is reportedly the cheapest major AI model to operate globally.
- Research firm Artificial Analysis found V4-Flash costs significantly less to run than competitors, including Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 and OpenAI's GPT-5.6 Sol.
- The launch intensifies pressure on US AI companies, as Chinese firms are developing powerful, more cost-effective artificial intelligence systems.
- While V4-Flash is the lowest-cost model, its performance scored 50 out of 100 on Artificial Analysis' Intelligence Index, matching Google's Gemini 3.6 Flash but trailing leading models from OpenAI and Anthropic.
- This release highlights the escalating AI competition between China and the United States, with Chinese developers increasingly focusing on both capability and price to challenge Western rivals.
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