The star artificial intelligence startup OpenAI does not intend to stop there. After revolutionizing the field with ChatGPT and GPT-4, the company is already working on its next flagship model, internally called Orion. According to The Vergethis new gem could be unveiled by December, right on the second anniversary of ChatGPT. But unlike previous launches, Orion will not be immediately available to the general public.
A gradual and targeted deployment
OpenAI intends to rely on a gradual deployment strategy for Orion. Initially, only a few hand-picked partners will have access to the model, in order to develop their own products and features.
Microsoft, a strong ally of OpenAI, should be able to host Orion on its Azure cloud platform from November. Enough to allow selected companies to take control of the technology in advance.
It was only later that Orion would be offered more widely, via the ChatGPT interface. A cautious approach that contrasts with the fanfare launches of GPT-4 and GPT-4o, placed directly in the hands of users.
Towards an AI 100 times more powerful than GPT-4?
But what is behind this mysterious name of Orion? According to an OpenAI executive, this new model could be up to 100 times more powerful than GPT-4. Just that.
The long-term objective is to merge the different language models of the startup to create an even more efficient AI, which would be closer to the famous artificial general intelligence (AGI). A Holy Grail which designates an AI capable of understanding and solving complex problems like a human. The feasibility of an AGI nevertheless remains to be taken with a grain of salt to the extent that it is essentially a fantasy of leaders in the generative AI sector.
Orion would rely in particular on GPT o1 (code name Strawberry), used to generate synthetic data used for its training. As early as September, OpenAI researchers would have celebrated the end of this training with a drink.
OpenAI in full swing
This launch comes at a pivotal moment for OpenAI. The startup has just completed a record funding round of $6.6 billion, valuing it at $157 billion. A windfall which should help it continue its research work and strengthen its infrastructures, but which also requires it to restructure itself as a for-profit entity.
The company also has to deal with a wave of departures from its ranks. Its technical director Mira Murati, its director of research Bob McGrew and its vice-president of optimization Barret Zoph recently packed their bags.
So many challenges to overcome for OpenAI, which must continue to innovate to maintain its leadership in an increasingly competitive industry. With Orion, the future company hopes to hold its position and take a new step towards AGI. See you in December to discover this new generation AI, hoping that it lives up to the expectations raised.
