New AI Could Slash Business Costs By A Lot

Big news from the world of Artificial Intelligence this week, with a new AI model from a Chinese company called DeepSeek making headlines. What's all the fuss about? Well, this particular AI model is proving to be incredibly cheap to run compared to its competitors.

Think of it like this: if running some of the more well-known AI programs was like filling up a large ute with petrol every day, this new DeepSeek AI is like filling up a scooter. It's reportedly more than 100 times cheaper to operate than some of the bigger names, such as Claude Fable 5, according to a recent study by a research firm. This isn't about quality or power just yet, but purely about the running costs.

Why does this matter to you, a small business owner in Brisbane? Cheaper running costs mean that advanced AI tools, which can do things like answer customer questions, summarise documents, or help with scheduling, could become much more affordable. Right now, using powerful AI can be a significant expense for many businesses. If those costs drop dramatically, it opens the door for even the smallest local shops and services to start using AI to make things a bit easier.

This development could spark a bit of a price war among AI providers, which is always good news for consumers and businesses alike. If more affordable AI becomes widely available, we could see a big surge in its adoption across Australia. It means that the benefits of AI — like saving time on repetitive tasks or improving customer service — might soon be within reach for many more of us, without breaking the bank.