The Earth received a laser-beamed message from 16 million kilometres away: What it means

In a landmark achievement, NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, currently en route to the asteroid Psyche, has successfully transmitted a laser-beamed message to Earth from a record-breaking distance beyond the Moon.

This breakthrough, orchestrated by the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment, signifies a potential transformation in how spacecraft communicate and opens new frontiers in optical communication technology.

The DSOC, a two-year tech demonstration accompanying the Psyche mission, achieved this feat by beaming a near-infrared laser, encoded with test data, from its position approximately 16 million kilometres away — 40 times farther than the distance between the Moon and Earth. The laser signal was directed to the Hale Telescope at Caltech’s Palomar Observatory in California.

The “first light” milestone, attained on November 14, marked the successful locking of DSOC’s laser transceiver onto JPL’s powerful uplink laser beacon at the Table Mountain Observatory.

This precision enabled the DSOC’s downlink laser to reach its destination at Caltech’s observatory, covering a distance of 130 kilometres.

Trudy Kortes, Director of Technology Demonstrations at NASA HQ, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones in the coming months, paving the way toward higher-data-rate communications capable of sending scientific information, high-definition imagery, and streaming video in support of humanity’s next giant leap: sending humans to Mars.”

While optical communications have been utilized in Earth orbit, this demonstration represents the farthest distance covered by laser beams. Laser communication, using the same-wavelength, directional movement of photons, has the potential to transmit vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds.

The DSOC tech demo aims to showcase transmission rates 10-100 times greater than the current top radio communication systems used by NASA.

The adoption of optical communication holds the promise of enhancing data transmission for future space missions. Higher-resolution scientific instruments and faster communication on deep space missions, including potential live streams from the surface of Mars, could become a reality.

However, challenges such as maintaining pinpoint precision for long-distance optical communication need to be addressed. As the distance increases, the signal strength diminishes, resulting in longer communication lag times.

During the November 14 test, photons took approximately 50 seconds to travel from Psyche to Earth. As Psyche continues its journey, this time is expected to extend to around 20 minutes, necessitating adjustments for the changing positions of Earth and the spacecraft.

Meera Srinivasan, Operations Lead for DSOC at JPL, acknowledged the formidable challenge and highlighted the successful collaboration between DSOC and Psyche operations teams.

Abi Biswas, Project Technologist for DSOC at JPL, encapsulated the achievement by stating, “We were able to exchange ‘bits of light’ from and to deep space,” signalling a potentially game-changing future for space exploration communication.

(With input from agencies)

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Mac owners, beware of ClearFake: How fake Chrome, Safari updates are spreading dangerous malware

As if the problem with deepfakes wasn’t enough of a menace to deal with, we now have a new and perhaps more dangerous security concern, one that hits and affects a wider range of people and can potentially hold victims for ransom in a much more dangerous situation. We are talking about ClearFakes, a new security nightmare that has cybersecurity experts extremely worried.

Security experts have issued a warning about a new wave of malware targeting macOS users through deceptive Google Chrome and Safari updates. The malicious software, known as Atomic Stealer or AMOS, is being distributed as part of a sophisticated social engineering campaign that aims to compromise the security of Mac computers.

Details of this latest threat were shared by cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes, shedding light on the tactics employed by attackers.

The malware is disseminated through a campaign called ClearFake, which utilizes compromised WordPress websites to deliver counterfeit browser updates for both Google Chrome and Safari. Ankit Anubhav, a prominent security researcher, recently identified instances of AMOS being distributed to macOS users through ClearFake.

The deceptive websites closely mimic the legitimate Google Chrome download page, and a fake Safari update page with outdated icons from older macOS versions. Despite some visual clues, the well-crafted design of these pages may trick unsuspecting users into downloading the malware. The fake Chrome download page, in particular, appears highly convincing.

Upon clicking the download button, users unwittingly download a malicious .dmg file disguised as a browser installer. Once opened, the installer prompts users to enter their administrator password, enabling the execution of malicious commands on the device.

These commands include the theft of passwords from Apple’s Keychain and the extraction of sensitive documents, images, wallets, and other data from the user’s desktop and documents folders on macOS.

To safeguard against this threat, experts recommend that users employ web protection tools, such as the Safe Browsing setting in Google Chrome, to block access to potentially malicious sites.

Additionally, users are advised to exercise caution and refrain from downloading Chrome installers from unfamiliar sources. One key indicator of authenticity is to check whether the website’s address bar displays “google.com.”

It is essential to note that Apple does not distribute Safari updates independently of operating system updates, meaning there are no official standalone downloads for users to install.

As cybercriminals increasingly target Mac owners, staying vigilant and adopting proactive measures are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with socially engineered malware campaigns.

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Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao resigns, pleads guilty to money laundering case for $4.3 billion

Changpeng Zhao, one of the biggest figures in the cryptocurrency world and CEO of Binance, has resigned and pleaded guilty to violating US anti-money laundering laws as part of a substantial $4.3 billion settlement, resolving a lengthy investigation into the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.

This resolution with the Justice Department, forming part of a broader settlement involving various U.S. agencies, addresses criminal charges related to operating an unlicensed money transmitter business, conspiracy, and breaching sanctions regulations.

Today, I stepped down as CEO of Binance. Admittedly, it was not easy to let go emotionally. But I know it is the right thing to do. I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myself.

Binance is no longer a baby. It is…

— CZ 🔶 Binance (@cz_binance) November 21, 2023

In a tweet, Zhao, widely known as CZ, acknowledged his resignation, stating, “Today, I stepped down as CEO of Binance. Admittedly, it was not easy to let go emotionally. But I know it is the right thing to do. I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility.” As part of the settlement, Zhao is personally paying $50 million and is prohibited from any involvement with Binance.

The uncertainty surrounding Zhao’s future is heightened by U.S. sentencing guidelines, which suggest a prison term of 10 to 18 months for the charges he faces. Prosecutors are reportedly seeking an 18-month prison sentence.

Changpeng Zhao, with the moniker CZ, founded Binance in Shanghai in 2017 and quickly became a significant player in the crypto space. Despite the recent setback, Zhao had been vocal about Binance’s ambitions, stating earlier this year that the platform aimed to operate at the same level as financial institutions that had been around for centuries.

Zhao’s guilty plea and the resulting settlement represent a stark contrast to Binance’s earlier claims of progress in global regulatory compliance. The company had emphasized its commitment to strengthening client checks and building the best security and compliance team in the crypto industry.

Born in China and later moving to Canada, Zhao’s global journey included stints in Tokyo and New York before establishing Binance in Shanghai. The exchange’s rapid expansion made it the world’s largest crypto exchange within six months.

Despite the recent challenges, Binance, which still accounts for about half of global crypto trading volumes, has appointed Richard Teng, a senior executive who joined in 2021, as the new CEO. Zhao expressed confidence that Teng would lead Binance through the next phase of security, transparency, compliance, and growth. The extent to which Zhao will retain control over the numerous entities associated with Binance remains unclear.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Fighting Deepfakes: Indian government to meet executives from social media firms, discuss issues

Senior government officials have disclosed that the Union government is set to hold discussions with senior executives from social media and other internet companies this Thursday to address the escalating issue of deepfakes on the internet, as per a report in the Economic Times.

The meeting, scheduled between representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and executives from internet firms, is expected to focus on establishing a standard operating procedure (SoP) with guidelines for handling deepfake content.

An official familiar with the matter stated, “Deep-fake is classified as impersonation and misinformation under Rule 3(2)(b) of the IT Rules and therefore has detailed provisions on the action to be taken. For the time being, we will come out with an SoP for intermediaries on the action to be taken. The DIA (Digital India Act) may contain detailed provisions on dealing with newer technologies such as deep fake,” while requesting anonymity.

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had previously announced plans to convene with social media and internet intermediaries to devise strategies for curbing the spread of deepfake photos and videos. He emphasized that platforms must make sufficient efforts to combat such content, and the existing safe harbour clause in the IT Act would not apply if platforms fail to do so.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the deepfake issue last Friday, citing an alleged video showing him performing the traditional Gujarati dance, Garba, and singing. Modi expressed concerns about the potential harm caused by misinformation spread through deepfakes, labelling it a serious threat. He recommended that deepfake content include disclaimers for viewers, revealing that he had proposed a similar idea to the OpenAI team.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an advisory to social media and internet intermediaries, urging them to take strict action against any deepfake content in accordance with the provisions outlined in the IT Rules and IT Act.

(With input from agencies)

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Sam Altman, OpenAI restart negotiations for his return as CEO

Sam Altman the ousted CEO of OpenAI, members of the OpenAI board, and the current interim CEO, Emmett Shear, have restarted their discussions for a possible reinstatement at the AI studio, as per a report by Bloomberg.

As per the report, sources, requesting anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions, reveal that negotiations are currently taking place between Altman, CEO Emmett Shear, and at least one board member, Adam D’Angelo. The discussions also involve key investors of OpenAI. Most people attending the meeting are advocating for the reinstatement of Altman.

According to one insider, if Altman were to return, it would likely be in the capacity of the CEO. Another scenario being considered involves Altman becoming a director on a transitional board. Additionally, discussions include the potential appointment of former Salesforce Inc. co-CEO Bret Taylor as a director on the new board.

The fact that the board and Altman are now in communication marks a significant development, especially considering the prior reluctance of the directors to engage with Altman of Brockman for that matter.

Among the shareholders pushing for Altman’s return are prominent names such as Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Tiger Global Management, according to individuals familiar with the matter. The venture capital firm Sequoia Capital is reportedly also backing Altman’s reinstatement.

On Monday, OpenAI’s Vice President of Global Affairs, Anna Makanju, sent a memo to the company’s staff, revealing that the company had been engaged in “intense discussions” with the board, Altman, and Shear to bring about unity within the organization. This communication followed a threat from the majority of employees to resign if Altman’s reinstatement and other demands were not met. About 500 of OpenAI’s 700-strong workforce have indicated that they are likely to follow Altman to his new venture if he is not reinstated.

Efforts are underway to resolve the leadership turmoil at OpenAI before Thanksgiving, with the aim of providing employees with clarity about the state of their jobs during the holiday season, according to an insider.

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Elon Musk sues media watchdog for report on anti-Semitic content on X that led to exodus of advertisers

It seems that Elon Musk’s trouble with X just refuses to die. Musk has filed a defamation lawsuit against media watchdog group Media Matters, for a report it did on the rise of anti-Semitic content.

In the report from last week that led to the lawsuit, Media Matters allege that ads for major brands appeared alongside posts promoting Nazism on the platform.

Since the report’s publication, X has faced increasing public outcry, prompting major advertisers such as IBM, Apple and Comcast to withdraw their ads from the platform.

Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter for $44 billion in October 2022, took to social media on Saturday, announcing X’s intention to file a “thermonuclear” lawsuit against Media Matters and other entities involved in what Musk termed a “fraudulent attack” on the company.

The controversy surrounding X has been ongoing since Musk’s acquisition, with a stream of advertisers leaving the platform due to concerns over Musk’s controversial posts and the layoffs of content moderation employees.

X’s Chief Executive, Linda Yaccarino, addressed employees in a note on Sunday, acknowledging that some advertisers had paused their investments following the Media Matters report. However, Yaccarino emphasized the company’s commitment to combating antisemitism and discrimination, disputing the claims made in the report.

In an interview with Reuters on Monday, Media Matters President Angelo Carusone countered X’s statements, asserting that the nonprofit’s findings contradicted X’s claims of implementing safety measures to prevent ads from appearing next to harmful content. Carusone cited instances of ads appearing alongside white nationalist content, challenging X’s assertion that its system was effectively blocking such occurrences.

The legal dispute between X and Media Matters adds another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by the social media platform under Musk’s leadership, as it grapples with both content moderation concerns and the fallout from the recent report.

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From Quora’s Adam D’Angelo to Ilya Sutskever, meet the people behind Sam Altman's OpenAI ouster

On Friday night, the OpenAI board, through a Google Meet session, shockingly terminated Sam Altman from his position for what was cited as a lack of “consistently candid communication.” Adding to the upheaval, Greg Brockman was also ousted from the board and subsequently resigned from OpenAI.

The aftermath of these dismissals saw several key OpenAI researchers, including Jakub Pachocki, departing from the organization. In a swift move, Mira Murati assumed the role of interim CEO for a brief period, until the appointment of Emmett Shear, the former CEO of Twitch, as the new chief executive.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella tried to moderate the insurrection within OpenAI and tried to play kingmaker, and reach a common solution between. When the talks to reinstate Altman failed, Nadella offered Altman, Brockman and many other top scientists and executives from OpenAI to join Microsoft and lead a research project.

However, since then, reports have surfaced that the Microsoft offer may have been a ruse by Nadella to protect Microsoft’s stock from tanking significantly when the markets reopened on Monday.

The board’s decision to remove Altman sparked significant criticism, with Sutsveker being labelled as the mastermind behind the move. This decision led to a shake-up in the board, bringing in new faces to fill the void.

Quora’s Adam D’Angelo
Adam D’Angelo, known for his role as the co-founder and CEO of Quora and former Facebook CTO, joined the OpenAI board in 2018. With a long-standing involvement in AI and machine learning, D’Angelo has been a key figure in the industry since high school when he co-developed the Synapse Media Player alongside Mark Zuckerberg, utilizing ML algorithms for song recommendations.

At Quora, D’Angelo spearheaded the launch of Poe, a generative AI chatbot platform featuring diverse AI models such as ChatGPT, Sage, Claude-instant, Claude-instant-100k, and Claude+. Poe offers users a range of chatbot personalities, fostering engaging dialogues with AI. Quora is actively developing an API to integrate AI developers’ models into Poe, expanding its accessibility and functionalities, and recently introduced creator monetization to generate revenue.

Tasha McCauley, a leading figure in robotics
Tasha McCauley, a prominent robotics engineer and tech entrepreneur, has been a driving force in the field of robotics and technology. Currently serving as the CEO of GeoSim Systems, focused on developing virtual city models, McCauley has also held positions such as the co-founder and CEO of Fellow Robots.

Her contributions to advancing robotics in retail and various industries have been noteworthy, complemented by her background in academic and research roles. McCauley, who has been a faculty member at Singularity University, further expanded her expertise by joining RAND Corporation in 2023 as an adjunct senior management scientist.

Helen Toner, an influential figure in AI policy and development
Helen Toner, recognized as a key influencer in AI with a specific focus on policy and strategic development, holds a significant position as the director of strategy and foundational research grants at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET).

Responsible for guiding strategic initiatives and managing research grants, Toner plays a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies around emerging technologies, particularly AI. Before joining CSET, she served as a senior research analyst at the Open Philanthropy Project and became a member of the OpenAI board in 2021.

Ilya Sutskever
And finally, we have Ilya Sutskever, another cofounder and chief scientist at OpenAI. Sutskever’s played a central role in the controversial dismissal of Altman and Brockman. Recognized as a leading figure in computer science, Sutskever, before launching OpenAI in 2014, worked at Google Brain for about three years, contributing significantly to sequence modelling, machine translation, and projects like TensorFlow and AlphaGo.

Sutskever, who co-authored the influential paper ‘ImageNet Classification with Deep Convolutional Neural Networks,’ has consistently prioritized research and innovation in AI. However, his involvement in the decision to remove Altman and Brockman has sparked controversy, with reports suggesting his regret over the move.

In a surprising turn, Sutskever has publicly supported Altman and said that he regrets terminating him, and even went on to sign an open letter by OpenAI employees demanding the board’s resignation and Altman’s reinstatement as CEO. The letter, reportedly boasting over 700 signatures, adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding saga at OpenAI.

(With input from agencies)

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Sam Altman’s move to Microsoft a ruse? Satya Nadella, investors want him as OpenAI CEO

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, OpenAI’s investors, along with Sam Altman, want Altman to be the CEO of OpenAI. Nadella’s job offer to Altman and Greg Brockman was to hold off Microsoft’s stock from tanking when the US market reopened on Monday (Tuesday in India), sources have revealed.

Sam Altman, the ousted CEO of OpenAI, may not be joining Microsoft as initially anticipated afterall Multiple sources have informed The Verge that Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman are open to returning to OpenAI, provided the board members responsible for Altman’s dismissal step aside.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella addressed the situation in recent interviews with CNBC and Bloomberg TV, stating that Altman’s employment with Microsoft and the potential migration of OpenAI’s 700 staffers would be decisions left to the OpenAI board, management, and employees. Nadella emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to partnering with OpenAI but indicated a need for governance changes within the organization.

Regarding the composition of OpenAI’s board, Nadella mentioned on CNBC that discussions with the board would take place to address governance issues. He stressed the importance of transparency in decision-making, stating on Bloomberg that “surprises are bad,” and Microsoft would seek governance changes in the ongoing dialogue with OpenAI.

The recent announcement of Emmett Shear, co-founder of Twitch, as OpenAI’s new CEO has made the situation more complex. Altman, along with former president Brockman and the company’s investors, is reportedly seeking an amicable resolution with the board. The Microsoft hiring announcement is seen as a temporary measure, referred to as a “holding pattern,” while negotiations continue.

The reported mass exodus of OpenAI employees, including key figures like board member and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, has intensified pressure on the board. Altman’s statement on X, expressing a commitment to working together in some capacity, suggests that the conflict is ongoing.

Negotiations to reinstate Altman reached a stalemate, leading to parallel efforts by OpenAI’s management team and investors to identify potential board replacements. Despite this, the board proceeded with its CEO search, announcing Shear’s appointment on Sunday. Sutskever, who initially played a role in Altman’s removal, has since joined an open letter calling for the board’s resignation and Altman’s reinstatement.

Inside OpenAI, there is a reported power struggle, with most employees opposing the current three-person board. A scheduled all-hands meeting on Sunday was reportedly boycotted by employees in San Francisco, expressing discontent with the new CEO. Social media posts from employees indicate their commitment to maintaining service stability for OpenAI’s developers, possibly as a means to pressure the board to resign.

New CEO Emmett Shear has encountered challenges in obtaining detailed reasoning for Altman’s termination, which has not been shared with investors. Shear has pledged to hire an independent investigator to examine the entire process leading up to Altman’s dismissal.

In response to these developments, Altman, in another X post, emphasized the priority of ensuring OpenAI’s continued success. However, questions remain about the compatibility of joining Microsoft with over 700 former OpenAI employees and how this aligns with the goal of OpenAI thriving independently. Altman’s absence from Microsoft’s internal corporate directory adds to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

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OpenAI staff, investors to sue directors who fired Sam Altman, Greg Brockman for massive financial loss

In a recent development, certain investors in OpenAI, the makers of ChatGPT, are contemplating legal action against the company’s board, according to insider sources cited by Reuters on Monday.

This move comes in the aftermath of the board’s decision to remove CEO Sam Altman, a decision that has triggered the potential departure of a significant number of employees.

Sources reveal that the concerned investors are actively consulting legal advisors to thoroughly examine their available options. While the possibility of a lawsuit against OpenAI remains uncertain at this stage, investors are expressing deep concerns about the substantial financial risks they face.

For many, OpenAI represents a valuable asset within their investment portfolios, and the perceived instability raises fears of significant losses in the wake of the potential collapse of the highly esteemed AI startup.

The situation escalated on Monday as over 700 of OpenAI’s employees threatened mass resignations unless the current board was replaced.

The board’s decision to terminate Altman, reportedly due to a “breakdown of communications,” was communicated through an internal memo.

What distinguishes this case is the unusual position of venture capital (VC) investors. Typically, VC investors hold board seats or wield voting power in their invested companies.

However, in the case of OpenAI, control lies with its non-profit parent company, OpenAI Nonprofit, established with the mission of benefiting humanity rather than prioritizing OpenAI investors.

Minor Myers, a law professor at the University of Connecticut, highlighted that this unique structure grants employees more leverage than the venture capitalists who have played a crucial role in funding their salaries.

As the turmoil unfolds, it’s crucial to note that Microsoft holds a 49 per cent stake in OpenAI, while other investors and employees collectively control another 49 per cent.

The remaining 2 per cent is owned by OpenAI’s non-profit parent. Before Altman’s removal, OpenAI was on the brink of a $90 billion initial public offering (IPO). However, given the current circumstances, the likelihood of any board, be it Microsoft or OpenAI’s investors, pursuing an IPO in the near future seems highly improbable.

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Sam Altman was raising billions rom West Asia for OpenAI's chip project. What happens to it now?

In the lead-up to his unexpected departure from OpenAI, Sam Altman was actively engaged in securing billions in funding from major global investors for a new chip venture, sources familiar with the matter revealed.

Altman was more than the CEO of OpenAI. He was in fact, the face of generative AI as a whole, and was instrumental in raising funds for OpenAI. With the ouster of Altman, OpenAI has lost one of its biggest cash cows.

Altman had undertaken multiple trips to West Asia to raise funds for the project, codenamed Tigris. The visionary plan involved establishing an AI-focused chip company capable of manufacturing semiconductors to compete with NVIDIA, the current market leader in artificial intelligence tasks. The chip venture is still in its nascent stages, with ongoing private discussions between Altman and potential investors who preferred not to be identified.

Simultaneously, Altman sought financial support for an AI-focused hardware device developed in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive. Discussions regarding these ventures reportedly took place with notable entities such as SoftBank Group, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and Mubadala Investment Company, aiming to secure tens of billions of dollars for the new companies.

Details surrounding the scale and focus of Altman’s chip aspirations, as well as the project’s codename, have not been previously disclosed.

Altman’s fundraising activities coincided with a crucial period for OpenAI, which was in the process of finalizing a tender offer, led by Thrive Capital, allowing employees to sell their shares at an $86 billion valuation. Altman encouraged investors to consider his new ventures during this interim period, according to sources.

OpenAI announced Altman’s ouster, citing an internal review that found he “was not consistently candid in his communications with the board.” Differences in opinion regarding AI safety, technology development speed, and company commercialization exacerbated the strained relationship between Altman and the board.

Despite pressure from investors to reinstate Altman, OpenAI’s board faces several challenges. Now that Altman has refused to return to OpenAI, top talent from the firm are set to leave. This includes not just top-ranked researchers, but some of the brightest AI engineers in the field.

Altman’s proposal on behalf of OpenAI involved launching a startup focused on building Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), semiconductors designed for high-volume specialized AI workloads. The aim is to provide cost-effective competition to NVIDIA, potentially reducing OpenAI’s operational costs for services like ChatGPT and Dall-E, Now that he is out of OpenAI, he is free to set up his own TPU building venture and work with all other AI development studios, or, set up his own AI venture and compete against OpenAI and others.

Raising funds from overseas investors could trigger concerns from US regulators, although the nature of passive investments below 10 per cent ownership might mitigate scrutiny, according to Philip Ludvigson, a former US Treasury Department official, now a lawyer at King & Spalding.

Several prominent venture firms, including existing OpenAI investors, are reportedly ready to support any new venture Altman pursues. Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest investor, is also said to express interest in backing Altman’s chip venture.

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End of OpenAI? Sam Altman won’t return, Emmett Shear of Twitch named interim CEO

It seems that the end of OpenAI as we know it is upon us. Sam Altman the former CEO and one of the most prolific members of the studio that gave us ChatGPT will not be returning as the conversation around his reinstatement has fallen through.

As per a report by The Information, sources close to Altman have revealed that he will not be returning as OpenAI’s CEO after both of the conditions he set for his return were rejected.

Following a weekend of deliberations with the board of directors responsible for his dismissal on Friday, and discussions with the remaining leadership and principal investors, Altman has decided not to resume his role at the startup he co-founded in 2015, the report quotes a source.

A new CEO
Shear was one of the co-founders of the popular video game streaming site Twitch.Until March 2023, Emmett Shear served as the chief executive officer of Twitch and currently holds a part-time partnership role at the venture capital firm Y Combinator.

It is noteworthy that Y Combinator stands as one of the prominent investors in OpenAI, following Microsoft’s significant investment. Shear proved Vital for Twitch during its initial days in sourcing funding for the streaming platform and onboarding various creators as Twitch exclusive streamers, an act that helped Twitch solidify its position as the preferred game streaming platform.

Microsoft eyes seat at the table
The sudden ouster of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the removal of Greg Brockman from its 4-member board has forced OpenAI to revamp its board of directors. This gives Microsoft the perfect opportunity to execute a move that would ensure that it gets a seat at the table.

Although Microsoft was considering putting itself on the board, if Altman was reinstated, there is a good chance that they still might fight for a seat on the board of directors.

As per The Informationm two individuals familiar with the discussions revealed that Microsoft earlier wanted to secure a position on OpenAI’s board of directors and assume the role of a board observer without voting authority. Now, they may go for a proper seat, with voting powers.

Competition starts poaching OpenAI staff
Now that it has been finally decided not to return to OpenAI, several key personnel and engineers are all set to leave OpenAI and either follow Altman to his new venture, or join rival firms.

Three senior researchers at OpenAI tendered their resignations in the wake of the termination of CEO Sam Altman and the abrupt resignation of President Greg Brockman. This development marked a consequential aftermath for the artificial intelligence developer, according to individuals familiar with the situation.

The three researchers who resigned are Jakub Pachocki, who served as the company’s director of research; Aleksander Madry, responsible for leading a team focused on assessing potential risks associated with AI; and Szymon Sidor, a seasoned researcher with a seven-year tenure at the startup. Their decisions to resign were communicated to associates, as reported by sources.

Competitors such as Cohere and Adept have initiated new recruitment efforts targeting OpenAI employees. Concurrently, Google’s DeepMind has experienced an increase in the submission of resumes from individuals who were previously affiliated with OpenAI.

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