5 Min Read • Intensity: ☕️☕️ 

Hi Caffeinators!

If the tech world were a soap opera, this week's episode would be a viral hit 🔥 

Today’s Starting Sips

• 👶 Elon’s big reveal, “I am your father“

• ⭐️ The hidden star of AI Performance

• 🧢 Nadella says Elon is capping

• 📱Your GPT buddy is now in App Store

Elon's Bombshell 🚀

On the same day Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI) was in Congress, Elon Musk stepped into the spotlight. He claimed he is the sole reason behind OpenAI's existence and success.

Elon said without him and his “instrumental“ recruitment skills (and cough, cough $50M), OpenAI wouldn’t be existing today.

Yup, you heard me right.

Stirring the Pot 🍲

Elon didn't just stop at claiming paternity; Elon went on to critique OpenAI, arguing that it's morphed into the exact entity he aimed to oppose: a closed-source, profit-driven institution.

Musk compared it to funding a conservation organization that turns around and starts deforestation for profit. Yikes, the claws are out! 🐈️ 

Is Microsoft the Puppet Master? 🎭

Adding fuel to the fire, Elon hinted that Microsoft's outsized control over OpenAI was a large driver of the issue. He suggested that Microsoft "owns" OpenAI since they have all the model weights and could cut OpenAI off at any time.

We're grabbing our popcorn, folks!

Understanding Model Weights🚦🏙️ 

What are model weights you say?

Consider GPT as the bustling intersection of your city. It's busy, vital, and full of information whizzing around.

Enter model weights. The traffic lights of our busy intersection. They regulate the flow, telling the cars (our info) when to stop, slow, or go.

Imagine the intersection with no traffic lights. Terrifying, right? Without model weights, our GPT intersection would spiral into chaos, with cars (our info) colliding and causing massive deadlocks.

That's how crucial model weights are to our beloved LLM systems. They help navigate the information efficiently, maintaining order in the bustling system of GPT.

So when Elon claims that Microsoft basically owns OpenAI because they own the model weights, think of a company having the power to control all traffic lights in a city. I’m sure OpenAI’s board would do their best to appease that company, so it seems Elon makes a pretty good argument.

— Sources

Nadella Punches Back 🥊

Just when we thought the drama couldn't escalate further, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, entered the ring to counter Elon's claims. He argued that Elon's statement about Microsoft's control over OpenAI was "factually not correct."

Profit with a Cap? 🧢💰

Nadella voiced his comfort in investing in a “capped-profit” company. He asserts that OpenAI is steered by a non-profit board and Microsoft's interest is “non-controlling”.

Open-Source vs Closed-Source 🔄🔒

OpenAI's dual approach of being partially open-source and partially closed-source has drawn various opinions. In my opinion, it makes sense to have parts that are open while others remain closed.

The open-source part invites community collaboration and innovation. Most importantly, if you have your code transparent, it builds trust.

On the other hand, keeping a part of it closed-source prevents misuse. Imagine GPT-4 in the hands of someone with ill intentions— they can fine-tune the model to become a malicious tool!

The Verdict? ⚖️

Who's speaking the truth? Elon or Nadella? It is somewhat subjective and has lots of secondhand info. We don’t really have the full picture.

However, according to Sam Altman himself, he's not exactly swimming in OpenAI profits. Last week, in front of Senator Kennedy, he noted that he is just doing the job because he loves it.

With that extra piece of information, I’d say Altman’s statement leans the scales slightly towards Nadella's side, but stay tuned as we watch this tech saga unfold!

— Sources 

Tip of the day

GPT App Lands on iOS 📱🤖

Word of caution 🚨: Don't get tricked by impostors on the App Store. Make sure you download it directly from OpenAI's website.

A Sleek Design that Packs a Punch 🥊🎨

OpenAI's app is visually appealing and navigable. It sticks to a minimal and intuitive layout. One fun feature: when the AI types, your phone gives off micro-vibrations - pretty cool!

One thing I like is the app really only does one thing - chat - and it does it exceptionally well. It's the new personal assistant that everyone needs.

It’s Not All Roses Though 🌹🥀

On the downside, there's no Android version yet. Sorry-not-sorry Android users 😢

Switching between conversations feels a bit clumsy, and plug-ins are sadly not available in the app. But hey, it's still in beta, so there's plenty of time for improvement.

If you want GPT in your pocket, go download it on their website here!

To-Go Cup 🥤

• Elon believes that OpenAI's development has diverged from his original vision: Open → Closed-source | Non-profit → Profit Driven

• Elon also thinks that Microsoft has too much power over OpenAI

• Satya asserts Microsoft’s role is “non-controlling” and appreciates OpenAI’s capped-profit operations

• Model weights regulate information in LLM, just like traffic lights signal cars in intersections

• Download GPT on your iPhone!

If you enjoyed this article, I think you will like this one too! It’s about Elon playing 4D chess while others are playing 2D checkers ♕

Until next time,

Your friendly barista and ☕️ GPT!