OpenAI launches GPT 4.5, its largest-ever model
Welcome back to Week in Review. This week, we look at OpenAI’s newest and biggest model GPT-4.5
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the much-anticipated AI model codenamed Orion, Microsoft’s decision to pull the plug on Skype. We also learn how Anthropic trained its Claude 3.7 Sonnet using Pokemon Red, as well as the return of Fyre Festival. Let’s get into it.OpenAI announced the launch of GPT-4.5 ,
the much-anticipated AI model code-named Orion. GPT-4.5, OpenAI’s biggest model to date is trained with more computing power and data compared to any previous release. The demo of Y Combinator cohort Optifye.ai sparked a backlash so intense that YC removed it from their social media. Optifye’s YC profile states that it is building software that will help factory owners track who is working and who isn’t using AI-powered cameras placed on assembly lines. The clip was heavily criticized on X, where user @VCBrags called it “sweatshops-as-a-service” and another deemed it “computer vision sweatshop software.”
Amazon introduced a new and improved Alexa experience called Alexa+. Alexa+ will cost $19.99 a month. This is comparable to other AI chatbots available on the market. However, it will be offered free of charge for Amazon Prime members. Alexa+ is set to launch in the U.S. as an early access program next month. Amazon is also launching Alexa.com, a new web experience designed for “long-form” work, as well as a refreshed Alexa mobile app with a new interface and functionality.
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RIP, Skype: Microsoft is pulling the plug on Skype, marking the end of an internet era. Skype users will have until May 5, 2015 to migrate their contact and chat data over to Microsoft Teams or export the data. Read moreGotta Catch ’em All:
Anthropic benchmarked its latest model Claude 3.7 Sonnet using the Game Boy classic Pokemon Red. The model defeated three Pokemon gym leaders, earning their badges. Read morePerplexity wants to reinvent the browser:
The AI-powered search engine is launching sign-ups for Comet, which is expected to be an AI web browser. A spokesperson for TechCrunch said, “Just as Perplexity reinvented the search engine, we are also reinventing browser.” Read moreWhoopsie:
Elon Musk, the man who changed Twitter’s name to X, has once again accidentally referred to his social media platform as Twitter — on the platform itself. It seems to be hard for many people to break the habit. Read moreZuckerberg fights the leaks:
The Verge reports that Meta has fired “roughly” 20 employees for leaking confidential information. This move is in response to an influx of stories that revealed details about Meta’s secretive product plans and internal meetings. Read morePerplexity chases more cash:
Perplexity is reportedly raising a $50 million seed and pre-seed investment fund using some of the capital it raised for the company’s growth to anchor it. According to reports, the company raised $500 million in December at a valuation of $9 billion. Read moreSurprise, surprise:
As Meta phases out its third-party fact-checking programs in the U.S., the company is reintroducing a program for creators that pays them for viral content. These changes may have a greater impact on the spread of misinformation because of their timing. A new way to code. The tool allows developers to use a chat box to communicate in natural language with an AI that can edit and access their codebase. Read moreLucid Motors CEO Steps Down: Peter RAWLINSON is stepping down as CEO and CTO, roles he has held since Lucid Motors became public six years prior. Rawlinson, according to filings with the regulatory authorities, has also left his company’s board. SBF posts from prison :
The disgraced FTX Founder Sam Bankman Fried made his first public posting on X for over two years while he served the early days of a 25-year sentence. In the thread of 10 posts, he described himself as “unemployed.” Billy McFarland has returned with the sequel. Fyre 2 is reportedly going to take place, and I cannot stress this enough, in Isla Muredes, Mexico from May 30 through June 2. Tickets, ranging from $1400 to $1.1million, are now on sale. Read moreAnalysis
Image Credits:Bryce Durbin/TechCrunchWhere DEI stands so far:
In response to threats from the Trump administration, companies across the U.S. have started cutting DEI programs and scrubbing public DEI commitments. Many companies have responded to the government’s anti diversity push in different ways. McDonald’s and Walmart have announced a rollback of their DEI policies. Other companies, such as Apple, Costco and JPMorgan, have shown a commitment to diversity. We’ve compiled a handy guide on DEI in tech companies, from Amazon to Zoom. Read more
