The AI Race: OpenAI’s CEO Downplays the Impact of Artificial General Intelligence
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been warning about the potential singularity that will occur when artificial general intelligence (AGI) is achieved. He and others have predicted that AGI will fundamentally reshape society. However, at the New York Times DealBook Summit, Altman changed his tune, stating that AGI is coming soon, but it won’t be a big deal.
Subscriptions: The New Normal
Before diving into the world of AI, Nilay and David discussed the subscription model. The Verge recently launched its own subscription service, and the team is grateful for the support and feedback from subscribers. They’re still learning the ropes, but they’re committed to providing an ad-free experience for their community.
The AI Frontier
It’s time to talk about AI. OpenAI has launched its "12 days of shipmas" campaign, featuring a new $200 monthly subscription for its latest model. The stakes are lower, and the prices are higher. This is a strange time in the AI race.
Lightning Round: Bitcoin, AI Browsers, and More
In the lightning round, the team touched on a variety of topics, including:
- Bitcoin
- AI browsers
- The fediverse
- Intel
- Spotify Wrapped
Despite it being December, there’s still a lot going on in the world of tech.
Additional Resources
If you’d like to learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, here are some resources to get you started:
- Streaming and cable options
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of this article?
A: This article discusses the latest developments in the AI race, including OpenAI’s CEO’s change of heart regarding the impact of artificial general intelligence.
Q: What is the significance of the "12 days of shipmas" campaign?
A: The campaign marks a shift in the AI landscape, with lower stakes and higher prices.
Q: What is the future of AI?
A: The future of AI is uncertain, but OpenAI’s CEO believes it won’t be a game-changer.

