ByteDance, the parent company of popular video-sharing platform TikTok, has launched Feishu 7, the latest version of its online collaboration tool. The update introduces artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, positioning ByteDance as a contender in the race among Chinese tech giants to incorporate generative AI for industrial use. The release focuses on making Chinese enterprises “AI-ready” by integrating ChatGPT-like functions powered by large language models (LLMs) into Feishu.

Feishu 7 introduces an AI assistant named Feishu Intelligent Buddy, functioning as a chatbot. This virtual assistant is designed to assist users in summarizing meetings, analyzing content from various formats, and drafting a range of work documents, including emails, spreadsheets, mind maps, and survey forms. Notably, Feishu Intelligent Buddy can generate customized spreadsheets for tasks like inventory management based on user requests.

Feishu offers flexibility to users by allowing them to choose the preferred LLM for the assistant. The platform currently supports models from notable entities such as Tencent-backed MiniMax, state-backed Zhipu AI, and Baichuan, a startup founded by Sogou’s Wang Xiaochuan. Several Chinese companies, including Anker Innovations Technology and Yuanqi Senlin, have already adopted Feishu Intelligent Buddy to enhance efficiency in areas like sales and marketing.

The integration of AI into office software is seen by major tech players, including Microsoft, Tencent, and Alibaba, as a strategic move to expand technology usage. Microsoft, for instance, has integrated GPT-powered Copilot systems into various products and actively promotes AI adoption in the Asian market. Tencent has incorporated its Hunyuan model into Tencent Docs and WeChat search, while Alibaba has integrated its Tongyi Qianwen model into products like DingTalk, positioning itself as a competitor to Feishu in the evolving landscape of AI-powered collaboration tools.