OpenAI has officially unveiled GPT-4.5, an eagerly awaited AI model codenamed Orion. This latest model is the largest the company has developed so far, utilizing a greater amount of computational power and data than any of its previous iterations. CEO Sam Altman noted that the rollout of GPT-4.5 had to be staggered due to the company running low on GPUs. Subscribers to the $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro plan currently have access to GPT-4.5 as part of a research preview, while users of ChatGPT Plus and ChatGPT Team can expect to gain access to the model in the coming week.
Meanwhile, a demonstration from Optifye.ai, a member of Y Combinator’s latest cohort, faced significant backlash, leading to the deletion of the content from the startup’s social media platforms. Optifye.ai claims to be developing software that leverages AI-powered security cameras to monitor factory assembly lines and provide real-time updates on employee attendance. The demonstration received substantial criticism on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users labeled it “sweatshops-as-a-service” and referred to the technology as “computer vision sweatshop software.”
In other news, Amazon has introduced an enhanced version of its voice assistant, called Alexa+. The new service is priced at $19.99 per month, making it competitive with other generative AI chatbots available in the market, though it will be offered for free to Amazon Prime subscribers. The rollout of Alexa+ will begin in early access in the U.S. next month. Additionally, Amazon is launching Alexa.com, a new web platform aimed at facilitating “long-form” work, along with a revamped mobile app that features a fresh interface and new functionalities. These developments highlight the rapid advancements and evolving landscape in the AI and tech sectors, as companies continue to innovate and adapt to growing consumer demands and critiques.
