China’s Zhipu AI Unveils Free Agent Fun
BEIJING — Zhipu AI, a Chinese startup, launched a free AI agent on March 31, 2025, heating up the tech race in China.
Named AutoGLM Rumination, it’s available to everyone through Zhipu’s website and app. The move, announced in Beijing, aims to outpace rivals and boost China’s AI edge. Why now? Competition is fierce, and Zhipu wants to lead.
A Big Step for China’s AI
China’s AI scene is buzzing. Zhipu’s free agent comes weeks after Manus, another firm, rolled out a paid AI tool costing up to $199 monthly. Zhipu’s offering is different—it’s free and fast. Built on GLM-Z1-Air and GLM-4-Air-0414 models, it tackles tasks like web searches and deep research. Experts say it matches top players like DeepSeek’s R1 but uses less power—up to eight times faster with just one-thirtieth the computing muscle.
Zhipu isn’t new to the game. Started in 2019 from a Tsinghua University lab, it’s now a star in China’s AI world. The company grabbed $41.5 million from a Chengdu government fund this month, part of over 15 funding rounds with big names like Tencent and Xiaomi. Posts on X show excitement, with users calling it a “game-changer” since its launch trended online.
How It Works
The agent is simple to use. Anyone can log into Zhipu’s site or app and start it up. Type a task—like researching a topic—and it delivers fast. It’s designed for speed, not flash, using homegrown tech to keep costs low. Zhipu claims it’s a lean machine, needing less juice than rivals. That’s key in China, where U.S. chip limits push firms to innovate.
Competition drives this. DeepSeek’s success with cheap, strong models shook the industry. Now, Zhipu’s free tool ups the ante. “We’re making AI open to all,” said Zhang Peng, Zhipu’s CEO, in a statement Monday. He hinted at more free tools soon, aiming to keep Zhipu ahead in China’s crowded AI field.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about tech—it’s strategy. China’s government backs AI hard, seeing it as a global power play. Cities like Chengdu pump cash into firms like Zhipu to rival the U.S. The U.S. hit Zhipu with export curbs in January, blocking American tech. So, Zhipu leaned on local chips and brains, dodging those limits.
The race isn’t slowing. Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent dropped AI goodies this year too. DeepSeek’s R1 got buzz for beating big U.S. names on a budget. Zhipu’s free agent could shift things again—over 2 million are on Manus’ waitlist, but Zhipu’s open door might steal the show. X posts note 50,000 users tried it in hours.
What’s Next for China’s Tech?
This could change the game. Free AI might flood China with new ideas—think startups, students, or small shops using it to grow. But it’s a risk too. If everyone has it, how does Zhipu win? Experts say open-source trends, like Zhipu’s push, could speed up innovation. China’s AI output jumped 30% since 2024, per industry stats.
The world’s watching. If Zhipu pulls this off, it might not just lead China—it could challenge U.S. giants like OpenAI. Next steps? More firms might go free, or Zhipu could add paid perks. For now, grab AutoGLM and see what it does. China’s tech race just got wilder.