Tencent launches open-source 3D generation tools in China

Tencent has introduced new AI tools that can create 3D images from text and pictures. This is part of the company's ongoing effort to advance in the generative AI field, which is gaining momentum in China. The new tools include five open-source models based on Tencent's Hunyuan3D-2.0 technology. Some of these models can produce 3D visuals in just 30 seconds while still ensuring high quality and accuracy. This launch highlights China's growing competitiveness in AI, with companies like DeepSeek emerging as potential rivals to U.S. tech firms. Tencent's earlier innovations include a fast large language model launched in February, which aims to outperform competitors. Tencent first presented its 3D AI models in November 2024, mainly targeting design and gaming industries. In January, the company launched Hunyuan3D-2.0, claiming it outshines other leading models in terms of consistency and visual quality. ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is also entering the 3D space with its VeOmniverse model. However, unlike Tencent's tools, VeOmniverse remains proprietary and not open-source.