SoftBank has opened access to its in-house generative AI so anyone can try it for free. General users can chat with the AI on the web, while developers can link 6 AI models to their services to test performance.

ITmedia reported on Oct. 13 that SoftBank subsidiary SB Intuitions released a free beta version of the Sarashina service using Sarashina, a Japanese-language-focused generative AI.

Users can log in with a Google account and use the service without separate prior registration. They can chat with the AI or draft documents in a web browser, and also try web search and two-way Japanese-English translation.

An API for developers was also opened. It supports companies and developers in connecting Sarashina models to their own systems and applications to verify whether they fit real work.

A total of 6 AI models are provided. Sarashina3 mini is for text generation and conversation, and Sarashina3 nano is specialised for fast, high-volume processing of simple tasks.

Sarashina3 embedding is used for document search and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), while Sarashina3 rerank improves the accuracy of search results. Sarashina3 guard determines the safety of input text, and Sarashina3 translate handles Japanese-English translation.

Free use comes with limits. The number of requests is capped per set time period, and the end date for the beta service has not been set. The company said it may use user data to improve AI models and service quality.

SB Intuitions is developing the Sarashina series of large language models (LLMs) with strengths in Japanese-language processing. Through the free release, it aims to secure real-world use cases from general users and corporate developers and verify the practicality of the technology.

The company plans to analyse usage data and user feedback collected during the beta service and reflect them in future AI model improvements and feature expansion.