OpenAI is reportedly considering developing a web browser that would work with its chatbot technology. According to a report from The Information, the AI company has started discussions with various partners to integrate search functions for travel, food, real estate, and retail websites. In addition, Darin Fisher, co-developer of the Chrome browser, joined OpenAI in November. Sources say the whole project is still in its early stages with no clear launch timeline. OpenAI has already made steps toward competing with Google through its ChatGPT desktop app and ChatGPT search. A dedicated browser would mark a significant expansion of these efforts. Google currently maintains its grip on the search market in part through its Chrome browser, although this advantage could be weakened if U.S. regulators are successful in their efforts to force Google to sell Chrome.
OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman is back at work after a three-month hiatus. In a message to employees, Brockman said he's working with CEO Sam Altman on a new role that allows him to focus on the company's "significant technical challenges." Brockman was a key supporter of Altman during the CEO's brief ouster last year. His return is good news for OpenAI after several high-profile departures in recent months, including lead researcher Ilya Sutskever, CTO Mira Murati, co-founder John Schulman, and several safety researchers. Brockman's return ends speculation that he might leave the AI company as well.
OpenAI is preparing to launch the full version of its "o1" model later this year, according to a report from The Information citing a source close to the product. The timing aligns with OpenAI's earlier statements about releasing "great technology" in 2024, though the company has specified that it won't be GPT-5 (possibly codenamed "Orion"). Some users briefly gained early access to o1 when it was accidentally made available for a few hours before OpenAI restricted access again. Those users reported that the model can process approximately 200,000 tokens and handle image inputs. OpenAI describes o1 as its "most capable model, great for tasks that require creativity and advanced reasoning." Currently, only mini and preview versions of o1 are available to users.
