OpenAI Announces O3 Model - Access Details

This Week's Tech Highlights

Welcome to this week’s review of key developments. We’ll be covering OpenAI’s final, significant announcement from their “12 Days of OpenAI” series. We will also examine Apple’s possible move into the foldable device market. Finally, we’ll discuss Databricks’ decision to postpone its initial public offering (IPO).

Please note that we are now on holiday break! The Week in Review newsletter will resume in the new year.

OpenAI Unveils Next-Generation Models

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, revealed the next iterations of their o1 reasoning model family: o3 and o3-mini. Access to these models is currently limited to safety researchers who can register for a preview. This announcement concludes OpenAI’s “12 Days of OpenAI” event.

The event featured several notable releases, including real-time vision processing, ChatGPT Search functionality, and a specialized “Santa” voice for ChatGPT. A comprehensive recap of all announcements can be found here.

Meta Smart Glasses Receive AI Enhancement

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have been significantly improved with a new firmware update. Users participating in Meta’s early access program can now download version v11, introducing “live AI” capabilities.

This feature enables continuous interaction with Meta AI, allowing users to reference previous points within the same conversation. The system also supports real-time video processing. Furthermore, v11 includes live translation between English and Spanish, French, and Italian, alongside integration with Shazam.

Data Breach Concerns with UnitedHealth’s AI Chatbot

UnitedHealth’s Optum inadvertently exposed an AI chatbot – utilized by employees for claims-related inquiries – to public access via the internet. Any individual with a web browser could access the chatbot.

While the chatbot didn’t appear to handle or generate sensitive personal or protected health information, this exposure is particularly concerning given ongoing scrutiny of the parent company’s AI practices. Allegations include the use of AI algorithms to potentially override physician judgments and deny patient claims.

To have the Week in Review delivered directly to your inbox each Saturday, sign up here!

Recent Tech Developments

Oura Secures Significant Funding: The manufacturer of smart rings, Oura, has successfully completed a Series D funding round, raising $200 million. This investment elevates the company’s valuation to $5.2 billion.

Oura intends to utilize these funds to broaden its range of products and to intensify investment in areas such as product development, scientific research, and artificial intelligence.

Accessibility of AI

ChatGPT Now Accessible via Landline: OpenAI has expanded access to ChatGPT by introducing a toll-free number, 1-800-CHATGPT. This allows individuals with basic phones, including landlines and flip phones, to interact with the AI chatbot.

The AI assistant responds to queries directly through voice communication over the phone line.

Automotive Industry Updates

Tesla Reintroduces Supercharging Benefit: Tesla is reinstating its free Supercharging for life offer for select Model S vehicles. This perk, previously discontinued in 2018, is being brought back at the close of the year.

However, it’s noteworthy that Tesla has concurrently increased the price of the Model S by $5,000.

Advancements in Video Generation AI

Google’s Veo 2 Challenges Sora: Google DeepMind has unveiled Veo 2, a next-generation AI designed for video creation. This new model is capable of generating video clips exceeding two minutes in length and reaching resolutions of up to 4k.

This represents a fourfold increase in resolution and more than a sixfold increase in duration compared to OpenAI’s Sora.

Apple’s Potential Entry into Foldable Devices

Apple Exploring Foldable Technology: Reports suggest Apple is planning to introduce two foldable devices within the next few years. A report originating from The Wall Street Journal indicates this intention.

Conversely, a separate report from Bloomberg suggests the company’s primary focus is on developing a large-sized, foldable iPad.

Legal Outcome in Bob Lee Case

Verdict Reached in Bob Lee Murder Trial: A San Francisco jury has convicted Nima Momeni of second-degree murder in connection with the 2023 stabbing death of Bob Lee, the creator of Cash App and former CTO of Block.

The jury determined that Lee’s murder was not premeditated, leading to a not-guilty verdict on the charge of first-degree murder.

AI Integration and Data Access

Perplexity Acquires Carbon: Perplexity has acquired Carbon, a startup specializing in connecting AI systems to external data sources. This acquisition will enable Perplexity to search through user files and messages.

The integration will support platforms like Notion, Google Docs, and Slack, with availability anticipated in early 2025.

Mobile App Popularity

Temu Maintains Top Download Ranking: Temu continues to be the most downloaded free app in the United States, according to Apple’s App Store rankings. The shopping application surpassed TikTok to claim the top position last year.

GitHub Expands Copilot Access

Free Version of Copilot Launched: GitHub has released a free version of its Copilot AI pair programming tool. Previously, access required a monthly subscription, with exceptions for verified students, educators, and open-source contributors.

Google’s New Reasoning Model

Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental Released: Google has introduced Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental, a new AI model focused on reasoning capabilities. Currently in an experimental phase, initial testing indicates areas for further refinement.

Databricks' IPO Strategy

The question of whether Databricks will pursue an Initial Public Offering (IPO) remains a key topic of discussion within the technology investment community. Following a substantial funding round of $10 billion, one of the largest ever recorded, investors have been eager to understand the implications for the company’s planned IPO.

CEO's Perspective on Timing

At the Axios AI Summit, Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi articulated a clear stance on the matter. He stated that initiating an IPO in the current year would be ill-advised. The company intends to postpone its IPO until at least 2025 to allow for more favorable market conditions.

Utilizing the Funding Round

This latest funding round, designated as “Series J,” serves a dual purpose for Databricks. It provides an opportunity for early employees to realize returns on their equity. Furthermore, it fuels continued expansion and development of the company’s capabilities.

Recent IPO Performance

Despite the generally successful IPOs of companies like ServiceTitan and Reddit in 2024, Databricks appears to be adopting a cautious approach. As Maxwell Zeff points out, the company possesses the financial strength to secure substantial funding without the inherent risks associated with going public immediately.

Strategic Decision-Making

Databricks’ decision reflects a strategic assessment of the current market landscape. The company is prioritizing sustained growth and employee benefits over the potential benefits of an immediate IPO. This allows them to maintain control and navigate market volatility effectively.