DeepSeek upgrades chatbot with advanced thinking feature as user growth surges
New interface signals next phase of AI capability
Chinese artificial intelligence start up DeepSeek has introduced a new advanced thinking feature to its flagship chatbot, marking another step in the company’s rapid evolution. The update, which adds what the firm describes as interleaved thinking, is designed to make the chatbot’s reasoning process more transparent and structured, allowing users to better understand how responses are formed.
The upgrade comes amid a sharp rise in popularity for the app. In December, DeepSeek recorded a surge of nearly 90 percent in monthly active users, bringing the total to almost 131.5 million. The growth highlights how quickly the Hangzhou based company has moved from niche player to a major force within China’s crowded AI landscape.
What interleaved thinking means for users
The newly introduced thinking feature changes how users interact with the chatbot. Instead of delivering only final answers, the system can now surface elements of its internal reasoning process. This approach mirrors a broader industry shift toward AI systems that are not just accurate, but also explainable.
For users, the change offers greater clarity and trust. Seeing how a chatbot arrives at conclusions can be particularly valuable for complex queries involving logic, planning, or multi step problem solving. DeepSeek appears to be positioning the feature as a way to bridge the gap between raw AI output and human understanding.
Rapid user growth reflects rising trust
The surge in monthly active users suggests DeepSeek is benefiting from growing confidence in domestic AI platforms. With nearly 131.5 million users engaging with the app, the company has entered a scale once reserved for established tech giants. Analysts say the growth reflects both product improvements and wider acceptance of AI tools in daily digital life.
China’s AI market has become increasingly competitive, with users demanding not only speed and accuracy but also reliability. DeepSeek’s emphasis on visible reasoning may be resonating with users who want more control and insight when relying on AI generated responses.
Hangzhou emerges as a key AI hub
DeepSeek’s rise also highlights the growing importance of Hangzhou as a centre for artificial intelligence development. Long known for its strong technology ecosystem, the city has produced a new generation of AI companies focused on efficiency and practical deployment rather than sheer scale.
By combining technical innovation with user friendly design, DeepSeek has managed to differentiate itself in a market where many tools offer similar capabilities. The addition of interleaved thinking reinforces its identity as a company focused on usability as much as performance.
Buzz builds around the next model release
The timing of the update has added to speculation about DeepSeek’s next major model release. Industry watchers believe the interface changes are laying the groundwork for more advanced capabilities, potentially including stronger reasoning and planning functions. While the company has not confirmed details, the steady rollout of features suggests an incremental strategy rather than a single disruptive launch.
This approach contrasts with the headline driven releases favoured by some competitors. Instead of focusing solely on model size, DeepSeek appears to be refining how users experience AI, an area that can be just as influential in driving adoption.
Implications for China’s AI competition
DeepSeek’s momentum underscores a broader trend within China’s AI sector, where startups are moving quickly to challenge established players. User growth at this scale gives the company leverage, both in terms of data and influence over future standards for AI interaction.
The focus on reasoning transparency may also shape expectations across the market. As users become accustomed to seeing how AI thinks, other platforms may feel pressure to offer similar features to remain competitive.
A shift toward more human centred AI
By introducing interleaved thinking and attracting tens of millions of new users, DeepSeek is signalling a shift toward AI systems designed to collaborate more closely with human reasoning. Rather than acting as opaque engines, these tools aim to become partners in thought.
As anticipation builds around DeepSeek’s next model, the company’s latest update suggests its strategy is clear. Growth will come not only from smarter AI, but from AI that communicates its intelligence in ways users can understand and trust.
