(Yicai) Sept. 21 -- Kingsoft Office Software has disclosed the progress of WPS AI, saying that its large language model-based smart office assistant has been integrated into the Chinese software developer’s entire product range.

Kingsoft realized human-artificial intelligence interactions within its office suite WPS Office thanks to the use of LLMs, enabling users to chat in-document with an AI bot similar to ChatGPT, the firm said yesterday. Kingsoft also disclosed the progress of its self-made LLM for the first time yesterday.

The Beijing-based company unveiled WPS AI at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai in July. It has also now been integrated into WPS 365, a one-stop digital office platform for business organizations that Kingsoft launched in April.

Chinese tech giants, including Baidu and SenseTime Group, have been falling over one another this year to release ChatGPT-like generative AI assistants.

Kingsoft Vice President Yao Dong told Yicai that AI and collaborations are the key strategic directions for the firm at the moment, while it will not only join hands with general-purpose LLM platforms but also focus on developing its own LLMs in the future. “We'll take a practical attitude and use whichever path turns out to be the best,” he noted.

Kingsoft is working with general-purpose LLM platforms such as those of startups MiniMax and Zhipu AI as well as Baidu's Ernie Bot.

The cost to switch between LLMs is not too high at present, Yao said, adding that it may not be necessary after adding more partners in the future.

Other Chinese office collaboration software providers such as DingTalk and Feishu have also enabled AI assistants' functions to enhance efficiency.

But as some LLMs may bring around a new industrial transition and more native apps, some industry insiders are not sure what LLMs should be used for, enhancing existing products' efficiency or focusing on developing native apps.

Yao told Yicai that he is looking forward to the birth of native apps. Kingsoft will not become a general AI firm but remain a software developer focusing on apps, services, and products, he said.

Kingsoft reported a net profit of CNY599 million (USD82.1 million) in the first half of the year, up 15 percent from a year earlier. Revenue rose 21 percent to CNY2.2 billion (USD301.4 million). As of June 30, the number of monthly active devices using its key products was 584 million.

Editors: Shi Yi, Futura Costaglione