OpenAI has launched a surprise counterattack on its rival Thinking Machines Lab by poaching two of its co-founders, Barret Zoph and Luke Metz. The AI giant announced the moves in a Wednesday memo to employees, claiming that Zoph had told Mira Murati - OpenAI's CEO - that he was considering leaving the startup just days before his departure.
However, sources close to the situation suggest that Thinking Machines Lab had become disillusioned with Zoph's behavior after an incident of serious misconduct last year. The incident allegedly broke trust between Murati and Zoph, leading to a disruption in their working relationship.
Meanwhile, OpenAI has also announced the rehiring of Sam Schoenholz - another former employee who was working at Thinking Machines Lab. At least two more employees are expected to join OpenAI in the coming weeks, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The drama in the AI industry is set to continue, with many researchers and experts expressing exhaustion with the constant power struggles and departures of top talent from leading labs. As one insider put it, "This has been part of a long discussion at Thinking Machines. There were discussions and misalignment on what the company wanted to build - it was about the product, the technology, and the future."
The recent moves by OpenAI have also highlighted the growing sophistication of its AI agents, which are being trained to perform economically valuable work using realistic examples of tasks created by professionals from various industries. The use of data suppliers such as Handshake and Mercor has become increasingly important in this process, with firms paying upwards of $100 an hour to contract top talent for these types of projects.
As the AI industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether OpenAI's agents will be able to execute office tasks accurately and consistently. However, one thing is clear: the drama in this space is likely to persist.
However, sources close to the situation suggest that Thinking Machines Lab had become disillusioned with Zoph's behavior after an incident of serious misconduct last year. The incident allegedly broke trust between Murati and Zoph, leading to a disruption in their working relationship.
Meanwhile, OpenAI has also announced the rehiring of Sam Schoenholz - another former employee who was working at Thinking Machines Lab. At least two more employees are expected to join OpenAI in the coming weeks, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The drama in the AI industry is set to continue, with many researchers and experts expressing exhaustion with the constant power struggles and departures of top talent from leading labs. As one insider put it, "This has been part of a long discussion at Thinking Machines. There were discussions and misalignment on what the company wanted to build - it was about the product, the technology, and the future."
The recent moves by OpenAI have also highlighted the growing sophistication of its AI agents, which are being trained to perform economically valuable work using realistic examples of tasks created by professionals from various industries. The use of data suppliers such as Handshake and Mercor has become increasingly important in this process, with firms paying upwards of $100 an hour to contract top talent for these types of projects.
As the AI industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether OpenAI's agents will be able to execute office tasks accurately and consistently. However, one thing is clear: the drama in this space is likely to persist.
. It seems like Zoph was getting a little too comfortable at his job (and maybe even thinking he owned it), which didn't sit well with Murati and others. But I guess when you're in charge, you can make moves to keep those around you on their toes 
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. And hey, at least we get to see how this plays out in terms of AI development and what kind of impact these moves will have on the industry as a whole 
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. It feels like they're playing the long game here, poaching top talent and trying to outmaneuver their rivals at every turn 
. But it's also kinda sad, you know? Two co-founders leaving in such short order? That must be tough for the remaining team members 
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. Maybe they'll come out with something entirely new and game-changing 
. On the other hand, I'm a bit worried about the stability of OpenAI's own operation 
. One thing's for sure: this is exactly what you want when you're building an AI empire - drama, power struggles, and potentially some major setbacks 
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. Can't wait for the next move! 
. It feels like they're just trying to one-up each other instead of focusing on making AI better for everyone. Like, can't we all just chill and work together? 
And now OpenAI is trying to swoop him up like he's some kind of AI superhero? 
Give it a break.
. Just make some solid AI and get on with it! 
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I'm so done with all these power struggles and people leaving their jobs for more money 
. Can't they just focus on making good AI that benefits humanity? 
It's like, we're at a point where the researchers are getting too caught up in who's winning the whole "AI wars" thing instead of focusing on what really matters - solving real-world problems 
. And OpenAI thinks poaching people from Thinking Machines Lab is going to be some kind of magic solution? 
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. And those top talent hires? They're probably being paid through the nose 
, but hey, that's what happens when you're trying to keep up with the big boys... or in this case, the bigger girls 
that's gonna be interesting, especially considering the recent departure drama. You'd think Zoph would've had more chill vibes to start with, but I guess you never know what goes on behind closed doors.
I'm curious to see how these moves affect the overall AI landscape. Will we see more poaching wars in the future? 
. The question is, will Sam Schoenholz be able to help them take down Thinking Machines Lab? Either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out 
, and now it's OpenAI trying to swoop in and steal some talent 
! And what's up with Sam Schoenholz coming back to the fold? Maybe there's more to this story than we know 
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so yeah, let's just say it's all good vibes now 
and those $100 an hour data suppliers are like the ultimate power brokers 
. And on the other hand, I'm kinda impressed by OpenAI's agents being able to learn from realistic examples and performing tasks accurately... but at what cost? Are they really just sponging off firms for hours of work or is that a sustainable model 
the tech world can get pretty crazy sometimes... like, you see these big players like OpenAI and Thinking Machines Lab going at it, poaching each other's talent... 
can't help but feel like we're playing a game of corporate whack-a-mole 
