OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appeared at Microsoft’s Build developer conference and highlighted that this is an exciting time to be building startups and products, comparing it to the era of the mobile phone and the internet. Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott introduced Altman, referring to OpenAI’s use of large-scale AI supercomputers. However, the recent controversy surrounding OpenAI’s ChatGPT and actress Scarlett Johansson was not addressed during the conversation. Altman mentioned OpenAI’s ability to introduce new modalities, such as voice, as AI technology continues to improve and become more affordable.
Microsoft and OpenAI have a close partnership, with Microsoft being a major investor and providing essential computing resources for OpenAI’s models. During the conference, Microsoft announced the availability of GPT-4o as part of its Azure OpenAI Service. Altman also discussed that AI models will continue to evolve, enhancing safety and utility while requiring hard work to build enduring products. He emphasized the importance of developing robust and safe AI systems as artificial intelligence becomes more widespread.
Altman compared the current platform shift in AI to the progression of mobile technology in the late 2000s when companies identified themselves as “mobile” before it became the norm. He noted that AI is quickly becoming essential for businesses, much like mobile technology did in the past. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella referred to the partnership with OpenAI as the most strategic and essential in the field of AI, highlighting the significance of their collaboration. OpenAI’s new ChatGPT desktop app for Apple Mac computers was released despite the close ties between OpenAI and Microsoft on AI technologies.
Altman’s presentation at the Build conference focused on the advancements in AI technology and the potential for innovative products and services. He mentioned the surprising development of voice mode as a new modality for AI applications, indicating the rapid progress in the field. The ongoing relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI was reinforced during the event, with Microsoft announcing full API access to GPT-4o as part of the Azure OpenAI Service. The session emphasized the importance of building safe and reliable AI systems while leveraging the latest advancements in artificial intelligence for future developments.
