How Google is changing to compete with OpenAI
OpenAI former CTO Mira Murati to raise capital for new AI startup
How Google is changing to compete with OpenAI
OpenAI former CTO Mira Murati to raise capital for new AI startup
Microsoft and OpenAI’s partnership fraying
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How Google is changing to compete with OpenAI
In a bid to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, Google has made significant changes to its leadership structure. The tech giant is positioning itself to better compete with the likes of ChatGPT, and two key appointments are at the forefront of this effort.
Demis Hassabis, the head of Google's AI research, has been given a broader remit, putting him in a stronger position to take on the challenge posed by ChatGPT. Hassabis will now oversee the end-to-end experience of Gemini, Google's AI chatbot, from research and development to deployment.
In a memo to employees, CEO Sundar Pichai announced that the Gemini product group, led by VP Sissie Hsiao, will be moved under Hassabis' Google DeepMind organization. This move is expected to improve collaboration, speed up the deployment of new models, and build on the company's existing product momentum.
The reorganization mirrors a similar move made by Meta earlier this year, when Mark Zuckerberg brought the company's AI research group, FAIR, under the social media product division led by Chris Cox.
In another significant development, Nick Fox, a veteran Google executive, has been appointed as the new SVP of the company's "Knowledge & Information" organization. This lucrative business unit includes search, ads, maps, and commerce, and is widely regarded as the most profitable software business in history.
Fox takes over from Prabhakar Raghavan, who will remain with the company as "chief technologist."….
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OpenAI former CTO Mira Murati to raise capital for new AI startup
Mira Murati, the former chief technology officer at OpenAI, is reportedly raising capital from venture capitalists for a new AI startup, according to sources close to the matter. The move comes just weeks after her abrupt resignation from OpenAI in late September.
Details about the new company are scarce, but sources indicate that it will focus on developing AI products based on proprietary models. It is unclear whether Murati will take on the role of CEO at the new venture.
While talks are still in the early stages, sources suggest that Murati's new venture could raise over $100 million, given her reputation in the industry and the significant capital required to train proprietary models. However, the figures have not been finalized, and the fundraising process is ongoing.
Barret Zoph, a prominent researcher who left OpenAI on the same day as Murati, may also be involved in the new venture, according to sources. Murati has been recruiting former OpenAI employees to join her new venture.
Murati's departure from OpenAI marked the latest high-profile exit from the company, which is undergoing significant governance structure changes, including the removal of the non-profit board's control. Murati, who briefly served as interim CEO last year, cited a desire for personal exploration as the reason for her departure.
Murati's new venture joins a growing list of startups founded by former OpenAI executives, including rivals such as Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence….
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Microsoft and OpenAI’s partnership fraying
The partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, once hailed as the "best bromance in tech," is facing challenges as both companies seek greater independence. Sources reveal that both companies are working to reduce their reliance on each other, citing demands for resources, friction between leaders, and partnerships with other companies.
The partnership, which began in 2019, saw Microsoft invest $13 billion in OpenAI, giving the startup access to Microsoft's processing infrastructure and Microsoft special access to OpenAI's models. However, OpenAI has sought to renegotiate its agreements, while Microsoft has continued to develop its own AI capabilities.
Tensions have risen between the two companies, with Microsoft's hiring of former Inflection AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman to head up its AI efforts, and Microsoft engineers reportedly downloading critical OpenAI software without following protocols. OpenAI has also cut a $10 billion deal with Oracle for additional computing power, and Microsoft has agreed to an exception in the partnership that allows OpenAI to do so.
The original agreement between the two companies includes a clause that would allow OpenAI to exit the contract or gain leverage in renegotiations if it were to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI). However, this clause also gives OpenAI's board of directors the power to declare that the company has achieved AGI, which could further strain the relationship.
The partnership has reshaped the AI landscape, and shifts in their partnership have a significant impact on research and product development. Both companies need flexibility to innovate and adapt, and it remains to be seen whether they can strike a balance that maintains their partnership and fuels their growth….