So, there I was, just hanging out on Alex Kantrowitz’s Big Technology Podcast, when suddenly the digital world erupted with the news of the OpenAI/AMD deal. Nothing says “let’s record a podcast” quite like a well-timed corporate merger announcement. We dove into a delightful discussion about unforeseen financial wizardry and the potential birth of an OpenAI hardware device—because, of course, we’ve all been yearning for that. And don’t get me started on how Apple and Meta are sharpening their metaphorical swords for a titanic clash in the digital arena.
I Wrote…
OpenAI’s Digital Assistant Device
Yes, there are challenges, but hey, it’s starting to take shape! Kind of like a sculpture made out of Play-Doh.
Take One…
🪟 OpenAI’s Windows Play to Own AI – After watching OpenAI’s DevDay yesterday, I couldn’t help but be reminded of those old Facebook developer extravaganzas. Was it the nostalgia of youth or the fact that OpenAI has practically inherited Facebook’s DNA? But let’s get real: Ben Thompson might just be onto something when he insists that OpenAI is playing the Windows game, not the Facebook one. If they nail this, they’ll sidestep their partner NVIDIA and seize the AI kingdom, much like Microsoft’s historical dance with IBM—and let’s not forget Intel.
The plot thickens! Google is apparently the Apple in this analogy, pulling the same full-stack integration magic trick. Every OpenAI move seems tailored to ward off Google, the current cash cow who profits like it’s the 1990s and AI is still a toddler. Now the real kicker: Will this saga play out like the glorious rise of Windows over Mac or the swift demise of Windows as we transition to mobile?’ Spoiler: a new breakthrough device may be required. And lo and behold, here comes the AMD partnership! Are we witnessing a strategic three-dimensional chess match? Stay tuned.
Oh, and let’s not overlook Alex Heath’s fantastic CliffNotes on the OpenAI executive Q&A that followed the keynote. Spoiler alert: ChatGPT head honcho Nick Turley hinted at transforming ChatGPT from a simple app into something resembling an operating system. Which, quite frankly, sounds vaguely terrifying. Also, the idea of integrating apps directly into ChatGPT is far more sensible than trying to launch a “create your own GPTs” marketplace, which, let’s be honest, was about as realistic as me becoming a professional cat juggler.
Asides…
Sora is out there solving problems faster than you can say “algorithm.” The latest? More precise controls for cameo appearances in AI-generated videos. Fancy!
Oh, and did you hear? Fictional characters are set to make their debut. Yes, it seems OpenAI is venturing into the world of intellectual property licensing. So, will they pay up or lure creators with a rev share? Time will tell—maybe they should just trade for Pokémon cards.
In an unrelated but equally eyebrow-raising story, Donald Trump’s quest to mint a $1 coin bearing his likeness is unfolding. Apparently, laws don’t apply to him. Next question: Will it come in a riveting Cosmic Orange?
Meanwhile, OpenAI has splashed out $500M on a startup called Medal that focuses on video game footage. What’s the play here? Scaling world model building in ways we—say it with me—can’t quite manage in our mundane reality. Riveting!
I Spy…
Now, let’s talk Instagram. If they want to continue morphing into a veritable junk drawer for all content types while showering creators with awards—like Tim Cook throwing golden trinkets at President Trump—fine. However, can we address how the branding for “Rings” bears an uncanny resemblance to “The Ring,” the horror series? I mean, did an eerily similar font come free with the purchase?
Below, members of The Inner Ring will discover musings on:
• Paramount Buys The Free Press
• The MPA Fires Shots at Sora
• Supreme Court Declines Google’s Emergency Halt
• and more shenanigans…
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