This video introduces and provides an initial hands-on test of ZAI's newly released GLM 4.5 family of large language models, specifically the larger GLM 4.5 and the more compact GLM 4.5 Air. The models are highlighted for their strong benchmark performance, with the smaller Air variant surprisingly close in capability to the full-size model, making it a strong candidate for local deployment. A key technical innovation, the Multi-Token Prediction (MTP) layer enabling speculative decoding for faster inference, is discussed.
The speaker evaluates the models through various coding and UI/UX generation tasks, including developing a web-based operating system, a 3D racing game, a SaaS landing page, and Python games. While the larger GLM 4.5 model produced aesthetically pleasing web designs and game environments, it initially struggled with functional implementation in the webOS and had minor issues in game generation. Notably, the smaller GLM 4.5 Air unexpectedly delivered a more functional web-based OS. Both models demonstrated robust capabilities in generating complex code and detailed UIs, with the Python game generation showing significant iterative improvement. The video concludes that the GLM 4.5 models are solid, high-quality performers, fitting well within the current landscape of advanced LLMs, and emphasizes their design for and potential in agentic applications.
Exploring ZAI's GLM 4.5 Models: Capabilities and Performance
0:00 Introduction to GLM 4.5 Models: ZAI has launched the GLM 4.5 family of models, including a large GLM 4.5 (355B total, 32B active parameters) and a more compact GLM 4.5 Air (106B total, 12B active parameters). The previous GLM 4 32B model was noted for its excellent coding and UI/UX aesthetic capabilities.
1:49 Benchmark Observations & Local Hosting Potential: Benchmarks indicate a surprisingly narrow performance gap between the full-size GLM 4.5 and the GLM 4.5 Air, suggesting the Air model could be highly suitable for local hosting on unified memory systems like Apple Silicon or Ryzen AI.
2:46 Agentic Focus & Context Length: These models are designed for intelligent agent applications, with benchmarks emphasizing agentic coding, web browsing, and terminal tasks. Both models boast a 128K context length.
3:50 Speculative Decoding (MTP Layer): A notable technical detail is the inclusion of a Multi-Token Prediction (MTP) layer to support speculative decoding, which significantly accelerates inference by allowing a smaller model to "guess" tokens that the larger model then efficiently verifies.
6:20 Web-based OS Test (GLM 4.5): The larger GLM 4.5 model generated a visually appealing web-based operating system, but many core functionalities, such as opening apps or the start menu, were non-functional.
10:10 3D Racing Game Test (GLM 4.5): An initial attempt at a 3D low-poly racing game resulted in a large visual obstruction. A subsequent modification request partially improved this, and the model generated an aesthetically pleasing map with functional pause/restart options.
13:01 SaaS Landing Page Test (GLM 4.5): The model successfully created a modern and professional landing page for a fictional SaaS startup. Most elements, including menus, pricing plans, testimonials, and an FAQ section, were well-designed with good hover effects and some functionality, though a key image was broken due to an invalid URL.
16:50 General Banter & Roleplay (GLM 4.5): When prompted for roleplay, the model demonstrated adherence to safety guidelines, avoiding romantic simulation and offering "wholesome companionship" instead.
18:27 Web-based OS Test (GLM 4.5 Air): Unexpectedly, the smaller GLM 4.5 Air model produced a more functional web-based OS than the larger version. The calculator and notepad applications worked, windows could be minimized/maximized, and multiple apps could be opened, although resizing, terminal functionality, and window focus still had issues.
22:27 Python Game Test (GLM 4.5 Air): The GLM 4.5 Air generated a functional and visually impressive "Stellar Defender" space shooter. Prompted to create an "even more impressive game," it produced a significantly enhanced 3D space exploration game with improved graphics, showcasing strong iterative refinement.
24:35 Overall Impressions & Future Exploration: The GLM 4.5 models are considered very solid and align with the high quality of recent LLM releases. The video suggests that their full capabilities, particularly in agentic use cases requiring tool calls and complex coding, would benefit from further dedicated testing beyond this initial look.