The race for super artificial intelligence is in full swing, and Sam altman wants to be first across the finish line. OpenAI's CEO has forcefully reiterated that his company knows how to build aAGI (General Artificial Intelligence) and that the future of technology depends on his vision.
If Altman talks about a world of abundance and progress, however, OpenAI's accounts tell a different story: subscription losses, balance sheets in the red and a business model that struggles to hold up. How solid is the brilliant Sam's project? And above all, how much of what he says is really feasible? Let's see.
A great super intelligence or just big words?
First of all, a clarification, to make you understand why I say “Super intelligence” and not just “AGI”. As much as I have spoken about it, Altman does not limit himself to dreaming of a general artificial intelligence, but aims straight for something even more ambitious: a super intelligence capable of surpassing man in every field.
In his latest “reflection” on his blog (I link it to you here), Altman said his company already knows how to build it and is already working to make it a reality.
In other words, the OpenAI CEO continues to raise the bar, but does not explain who should fund this dream, since his Pro subscription is at a loss. Already.
OpenAI Burns Billions: An Unsustainable Model?
The revelation that OpenAI’s premium subscription plan isn’t making money might have shocked many, but not me. At $200 a month, OpenAI Pro was supposed to provide unlimited access to the company’s most advanced features. But users are using it so heavily that the service has become unsustainable. Altman even admitted that he chose the price himself, believing it would generate revenue.
The reality is different: OpenAI closed 2024 with a loss of 5 billion dollars, despite revenues of around 4 billion. With these numbers, as Antonio Lubrano said (if you don't know who he is, forget it: things about us Generation X) a spontaneous question arises: how can a company that burns billions manage to create a super intelligence?
From dismissal to total domination
Altman, however, is not one to be discouraged. After his sudden dismissal in November 2023, has returned to OpenAI stronger than before. He consolidated his power, took control of governance and pushed the company towards an increasingly profit-oriented model.
In his recent posts, the CEO acknowledged that his firing episode was a governance failure, but assured that OpenAI's new structure is stronger than ever. Too bad that this doesn't solve the financial problems, nor does it clarify how the company intends to keep its superintelligence project alive.
Super Intelligence, Promises, Hype and an Uncertain Reality
In short, OpenAI needs billions of dollars just to maintain the current level of technology, let alone develop superintelligence.
What if all this is just a giant strategy to keep the hype high, attract investment and consolidate Altman's power? Time will distribute the wrongs and the rights as always, and we will know if the world will see a form of super artificial intelligence (and from OpenAI), or if it will all remain just a big illusion. What do you think?
