Staircase step 5 preview model launches in tencent WorkBuddy with exclusive free access

On October 12, 2026, Staircase StepFun announced the release of the Step 5 Preview model within Tencent WorkBuddy. The model will be available for exclusive free access from October 12 to 25, 2026. The Step 5 Preview model was first introduced on September 20, 2026, targeting AI programming, software engineering, professional knowledge work, and financial scenarios. It aims to enhance the model's performance in real-world Agentic tasks. The model features a sparse MoE hybrid expert architecture with a total parameter count of 600B and an activation parameter count of 27B. It supports a 1 million token context window and natively supports text and visual inputs. The model's weights were made publicly available on October 15, 2026. The Step 5 Preview model is designed to improve execution capabilities in complex, real-world tasks. Its release marks a significant advancement in the field of AI-driven professional tools. The exclusive free access period provides users with an opportunity to experience the model's capabilities without cost. The launch of the Step 5 Preview model within WorkBuddy highlights Staircase's commitment to advancing AI technologies for practical applications. The model's features and availability reflect the company's strategy to expand its influence in the AI landscape.