How do you like them Apples?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has faced a raft of criticism in recent weeks, but his ability to push the company forward through a series of deals will help rebuild his reputation.
Finally, some good news for Sam Altman. This morning OpenAI announced its biggest deal yet, revealing PwC has purchased a corporate ChatGPT subscription for 101,000 of its employees, plus the rights to be the first reseller of OpenAI’s wares.
Better still, it may not be the startup's biggest ever deal for very long. Apple’s long-rumoured agreement with OpenAI is done and dusted, according to Bloomberg. Apple will reportedly spare the billions required to train cutting-edge AI models and instead integrate OpenAI’s tech into its next iPhone operating system update.
Sixteen years ago Altman appeared at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference to spruik Loopt — his first app that was eventually bought for USD43 million ($65 million) — donning a double-collared polo shirt. Expect to see him making bold statements at WWDC next month, but perhaps in a less bold outfit.
The deal comes at a time when the reputations of OpenAI and Altman itself have taken a beating. You probably heard about the Scarlett Johansson stoush, which saw the actress accuse the startup of recreating her voice despite previously rejecting their approaches. But of much more significance is a steady stream of criticism from distinguished former employees.
