Sam Altman admits OpenAI “screwed up” GPT-5’s launch but shares a bold vision for the future — hints at “a cooler social experience with AI” and a potential Google Chrome buyout

Last week, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and other top executives dined with several journalists at a restaurant in San Francisco (The Verge reports). Predictably, the main topic of discussion was the launch of GPT-5, but they also explored a variety of other topics.

Before the release of GPT-5, there was much excitement and high hopes for the improved performance it would bring to ChatGPT. However, upon its launch, some users felt it didn’t meet their expectations as they reported numerous issues such as glitches and bugs, leading to a less than optimal user experience with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Two years back, Bill Gates – one of Microsoft’s co-founders – forecasted that the advancement in OpenAI’s GPT technology might have reached a plateau, suggesting that GPT-5 wouldn’t surpass GPT-4 significantly. Recent developments seem to support his seemingly uncanny prediction.

Some individuals have expressed concern that the GPT-5 model has given ChatGPT a more corporate feel, as if it’s forgotten its friendly persona from just a few days ago. Users have mentioned that they miss the personal touch and warmth of ChatGPT, and have shown a preference for the GPT-4o model over GPT-5.

Sam Altman believes these complaints stem from users relying too heavily on ChatGPT for emotional support, as they may not have experienced such care from anyone else previously. The executive finds this entire scenario very touching.

In response to user criticism about decommissioning earlier models like GPT-5’s predecessors, OpenAI has opted to reintroduce the model known as GPT-4o. However, access to this model is now exclusively available within the ChatGPT Plus subscription plan, which costs $20 per month.

It appears that during our launch, there were some issues that we could have handled better. On a positive note, our API traffic has more than doubled within 48 hours and is still growing. Unfortunately, we’ve run out of GPUs due to the surge in usage. ChatGPT continues to attract an increasing number of users each day, reaching new highs. The model switcher feature seems to be particularly well-liked by many users. I believe this experience has taught us valuable lessons about upgrading a product for hundreds of millions of people all at once.

OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman

Sam Altman says “way under 1 percent” of people are having unhealthy relationships with ChatGPT

It appears that the GPT-5 model has a significant energy footprint, as suggested by recent reports showing it uses electricity equivalent to powering approximately 1.5 million American households daily. Additionally, this model demands an unusually high level of computing power, with Sam Altman noting a shortage of GPUs.

As an analyst, I can report that despite certain challenges, OpenAI isn’t backing away. Instead, there’s a strong commitment to intensify efforts. Recently, Sam Altman announced that the AI company plans to invest substantially in data center construction, potentially spending trillions of dollars in the near future.

As a researcher, I’d like to share some insights regarding ChatGPT usage. While it’s a minority, approximately way under 1 percent of our users, have developed what could be considered unhealthy relationships with the tool. Recognizing the gravity of this situation, we at OpenAI are proactively addressing this issue. Regular meetings are being held among our team to brainstorm effective solutions and strategies to help ensure a positive and balanced user experience for all.

According to the executive:

There are individuals who formed a perceived personal connection with ChatGPT, and we’ve taken note of their experiences. Additionally, there is a vast group of people who may not have developed a parasocial relationship per se, but have grown accustomed to ChatGPT’s responsive nature and found comfort in its validation and support.

Additionally, the executive seized the opportunity to poke fun at Elon Musk’s Grok AI chatbot, which could fan the ongoing rivalry between them.

It’s likely that certain companies will venture into creating Japanese anime-style sex robots, believing they’ve found a profitable niche. However, our focus remains on developing a beneficial app, ensuring user autonomy while being mindful not to inadvertently compromise individuals with vulnerable mental health.

OpenAI x Jony Ive are going to ship “a beautiful device”

As a tech enthusiast, I can’t help but get excited about the latest news – Jony Ive, the renowned former Apple chief designer, has joined forces with OpenAI! Though details on his role and the projects he’ll be working on are still scarce, this move could potentially bring about the most significant technological disruption since the launch of the iPhone back in 2007. Buckle up folks, it’s going to be an exciting ride!

According to Sam Altman:

I wanted to share some exciting news! We’re about to release an astonishing device, so stunning that I wouldn’t advise covering it up with a case. If you decide to do so, just know I might have to track you down! It will take us some time, but trust me, the wait will be worth it. This device represents a unique computing paradigm, one that doesn’t come along every day. In fact, in the past 50 years, there have only been about two major shifts like this. So buckle up and get ready to be amazed – I promise it’s going to be worth it!

OpenAI potentially buying Google Chrome and developing an AI-powered social media app

Recently, OpenAI welcomed Fidji Simo to lead and manage their application division. Moreover, during a discussion, this executive hinted at the possibility of introducing more applications apart from ChatGPT. Furthermore, he expressed his ambition to create an AI-driven social media platform that could potentially compete with popular platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.

Indeed, you can anticipate such behavior from us. I’m curious if we could potentially design a more engaging type of social interaction using AI technology.

OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman

Sam Altman stated, “I no longer rely on Google for searches. In fact, I can’t recall the last time I conducted one.

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2025-08-19 01:11