HONG KONG — A new, home-grown generative artificial intelligence application, HKChat (港話通), has launched its public beta test on both iOS and Android platforms, aiming to provide Hong Kong residents with a localized and deeply informed digital assistant for daily life and government information.
Developed in Hong Kong, the application, which is available for free download, supports three key languages—Cantonese, Mandarin, and English—and integrates extensive local knowledge databases, including publicly available government data. Initial testing indicates HKChat excels in providing hyper-specific regional advice, particularly in areas like public transit and local administrative logistics, often outperforming global competitors like ChatGPT and GrokAI in local context and accuracy.
Local Knowledge Proves Core Competitive Edge
The debut of HKChat marks a significant step in developing “regional AI” tailored to unique metropolitan needs. Unlike large-scale global models trained on vast, general datasets, HKChat’s strength lies in its “local expertise,” according to industry observers.
In direct comparison tests conducted by local media, HKChat demonstrated superior proficiency in navigating complex local scenarios. For example, when asked for the best route from the West Kowloon Palace Museum to the Central Observation Wheel, HKChat uniquely suggested using the newly opened West Kowloon Ferry. General AI models, lacking this up-to-the-minute local transit knowledge, primarily defaulted to recommending the MTR subway system, involving a complex pedestrian transfer.
Furthermore, HKChat accurately retrieved diverse, precise information requested by users, including:
- Ticket prices and opening hours for specialized museum exhibitions (e.g., the Ancient Egyptian Civilization exhibition).
- Details on electoral polling stations near border areas.
- The final medal count for the Hong Kong team at the National Games.
- The updated first registration tax rates for electric private vehicles.
While all tested models provided sufficient detail for a complex hiking query—traveling from Tseung Kwan O Station to Sunset Peak (Tai Tung Shan) to see the silvergrass—HKChat and GrokAI offered more granular descriptions of the trail and specific local bus routes (like the New Lantao Bus No. 3M) compared to ChatGPT.
Navigating the Limits of Regional AI
Despite its localized advantages, industry experts caution that regional AI, particularly one in a public testing phase, still has clear limitations. Francis Fong, Honorary President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, stressed that while HKChat may not match the computational capacity or sophisticated generation of images and video seen in models from OpenAI or Google, its value lies in acting as a trusted “local guide.”
“If you are traveling, you would hire a local guide,” Fong noted. “HKChat serves that function for Hong Kong life.”
Fong also issued a strong reminder to the public that any AI response, even seemingly accurate ones concerning professional topics like law or medicine, should only be treated as a starting “opinion,” not professional advice. Users must still consult genuine experts for official guidance.
HKChat’s immediate success is evident; since launching its public beta, it has climbed to the top of the local App Store’s free application charts.
Registration and Future Outlook
The HKChat application requires users to register with an email address. Upon opening the app, users are prompted to allow access to location and microphone services. The interface allows text or voice input and offers quick-access shortcuts for common queries such as “Weather,” “Bus,” and “Law.”
Looking ahead, Fong believes that local AI has the potential to mirror the function of the widely used 1823 government hotline, evolving into a dedicated and highly efficient “mini-assistant” for citizens by simplifying access to local information, transport updates, and government department queries.
The public beta period will be critical for gathering user feedback, which developers will use to enhance the application’s overall accuracy and utility before its formal launch.
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