Business
Former OpenAI chief Sam Altman joins Microsoft on November 20, 2023 at 1:19 pm Business News | The Hill
Sam Altman, the co-founder and former CEO of OpenAI, was hired by Microsoft just days after the tech guru was ousted from the artificial intelligence company.
Microsoft CEO and Chairman Satya Nadella on Monday said the tech giant is “extremely excited” to announce Altman and OpenAI co-founder and former President Greg Brockman will be joining Microsoft to lead a “new advanced AI research team.”
In a repost of Nadella’s announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Altman wrote, “the mission continues.”
“I’m super excited to have you join as CEO of this new group, Sam, setting a new pace for innovation,” Nadella wrote in response to Altman.
Brockman, who stepped down as the board’s chairman on Friday and eventually quit following Altman’s ouster, responded to Nadella’s announcement, writing on X, “We are going to build something new & it will be incredible.”
OpenAI, which is known for creating the AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT, announced last Friday Altman would be stepping down as CEO following a review that found he was “not consistently candid in his communications with the board.”
“OpenAI was deliberately structured to advance our mission: to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all humanity,” the board of directors said in a statement. “The board remains fully committed to serving this mission.”
“We are grateful for Sam’s many contributions to the founding and growth of OpenAI,” it continued. “At the same time, we believe new leadership is necessary as we move forward.”
Microsoft has invested billions into OpenAI and helped provide the computing power to run its AI systems, The Associated Press noted.
Former Twitch CEO Emmet Shear, who announced on Monday he is taking over as OpenAI’s interim chief executive, said he plans to hire an independent investigator to look into the firing of Altman and “reform management and leadership team.”
“And it’s clear that the process and communications around Sam’s removal has been handled very badly, which has seriously damaged our trust,” Shear wrote in a post on X.
The events come after days of speculation over Altman’s possible return to OpenAI. On Sunday, Altman posted a photo to X wearing what appeared to be an OpenAI guest pass, writing, “first and last time I ever wear one of these.”
On Monday morning, several OpenAI employees, including Mira Murati, the chief technology officer of OpenAI who was initially named as its interim CEO, posted on X, “OpenAI is nothing without its people.”
Altman reposted several of these messages, attaching a heart emoji.
Altman’s ouster came nearly a year after OpenAI launched Chat GPT, which quickly surged in popularity and prompted other tech companies to develop their own AI-based products.
Altman appeared before a Senate Judiciary Committee this spring in the wake of growing concerns over AI, telling lawmakers technology could “cause significant harm to the world.”
Business, Policy, Technology, AI, Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Microsoft, OpenAI Sam Altman, the co-founder and former CEO of OpenAI, was hired by Microsoft just days after the tech guru was ousted from the artificial intelligence company. Microsoft CEO and Chairman Satya Nadella on Monday said the tech giant is “extremely excited” to announce Altman and OpenAI co-founder and former President Greg Brockman will be joining…
Business
David Sacks: The New White House AI and Crypto Czar
According to CNBC and NBC News, David Sacks, a prominent venture capitalist and former PayPal executive, has been appointed as the White House AI and Crypto Czar by President-elect Donald Trump. This newly created position underscores the incoming administration’s focus on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency as critical areas for American competitiveness.
Role and Responsibilities
Sacks will be tasked with several key responsibilities in his new role:
- Guiding policy for the administration in AI and cryptocurrency
- Establishing a legal and regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry
- Safeguarding free speech online, and steering away from Big Tech bias and censorship
- Leading the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology
Trump emphasized that Sacks will focus on making America the clear global leader in both AI and cryptocurrency.
Background and Qualifications
David Sacks brings a wealth of experience to his new position:
- Former Chief Operating Officer of PayPal
- Founder of Yammer, which was sold to Microsoft for $1.2 billion in 2012
- Co-founder of Craft Ventures, a venture capital firm
- Investor in major tech companies including SpaceX, Palantir, Uber, and Airbnb
Sacks is also known for his close associations with tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, being part of the “PayPal Mafia“.
Political Involvement
Sacks has been a vocal supporter of Trump during his campaign:
- Hosted a fundraiser for Trump at his San Francisco estate, with tickets priced at $50,000 each and a more exclusive $300,000 tier
- Delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July 2024
- Wrote a detailed essay on X explaining his reasons for supporting Trump
Implications for AI and Crypto Industries
The appointment of Sacks signals a potential shift towards more crypto-friendly policies and regulatory clarity for the digital asset industry. This move, along with Trump’s nomination of crypto advocate Paul Atkins to head the Securities and Exchange Commission, marks a departure from the stricter oversight approach seen under the previous administration.
As the White House AI and Crypto Czar, Sacks is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of these rapidly evolving technologies in the United States, potentially influencing their development and adoption on a global scale.
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Business
Bitcoin Surpasses $100,000 Milestone: A New Era for Cryptocurrency
In a historic moment for the cryptocurrency world, Bitcoin has officially surpassed the $100,000 mark, reaching a new all-time high and solidifying its position as a major player in the global financial landscape. This milestone comes amid a surge of investor enthusiasm and significant market developments.
The Breakthrough
Bitcoin breached the $100,000 threshold in the early hours of December 5, 2024, climbing to approximately $103,000 before experiencing a slight pullback, according to BBC News. This remarkable achievement represents a culmination of Bitcoin’s impressive performance throughout 2024, with the cryptocurrency’s value on an upward trajectory for most of the year.
Factors Driving the Surge
Several key factors have contributed to Bitcoin’s meteoric rise:
- Political Influence: The recent U.S. presidential election, with Donald Trump’s victory, has played a significant role in boosting Bitcoin’s price. Trump’s pro-cryptocurrency stance and his promise to make the U.S. a “crypto capital” have fueled investor optimism, according to BBC News and AP News.
- Regulatory Developments: According to AP News, the imminent appointment of Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner known for his crypto-friendly views, as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission has been seen as a positive sign for the cryptocurrency industry.
- Institutional Adoption: According to BBC News, the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the SEC has allowed major investment firms like Blackrock, Fidelity, and Grayscale to offer Bitcoin-linked products, attracting billions in investments.
- Market Dynamics: The recent Bitcoin halving event, which reduced the rate of new Bitcoin creation, has contributed to increased scarcity and demand.
Expert Opinions and Predictions
Analysts and industry experts have weighed in on Bitcoin’s future prospects:
- Dan Coatsworth, an investment analyst at AJ Bell, described the $100,000 milestone as a “magic moment” for Bitcoin.
- Ryan Lee of Bitget Research suggested that Bitcoin’s momentum could propel it well above $100,000 by the end of the year, citing historical patterns and post-halving cycle trends.
- Bitfinex analysts expect Bitcoin to continue accumulating and ranging, with potential for further growth in the coming months.
Cautions and Considerations
While the mood is largely optimistic, experts also urge caution:
- Carol Alexander, a finance professor at Sussex University, warned that while Bitcoin’s price may continue to rise, many younger investors speculating on meme coins are facing losses.
- According to BBC News and AP News, the cryptocurrency’s notorious volatility remains a concern, with some analysts reminding investors that Bitcoin does not function like conventional currencies and lacks traditional investor protections.
Looking Ahead
As Bitcoin enters this new phase, the cryptocurrency community is abuzz with speculation about its future trajectory. While some predict further gains, others caution against overexuberance. The coming months will likely be crucial in determining whether Bitcoin can sustain its position above $100,000 and potentially reach even greater heights.
With increased institutional involvement, evolving regulatory landscapes, and growing mainstream acceptance, Bitcoin’s journey past the $100,000 mark may well be just the beginning of a new chapter in the cryptocurrency’s history.
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Business
The Cities Bracing for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory and his promise of “the largest deportation operation in American history,” several major U.S. cities are bracing for potentially seismic shifts in their economic and social landscapes. As the nation grapples with the implications of this proposed policy, urban centers that have long been havens for immigrant communities find themselves at the epicenter of a looming storm.
Los Angeles, often dubbed the “City of Angels,” stands to lose more than its celestial nickname suggests. As a primary gateway for immigrants, the city’s vibrant tapestry of cultures and its economic engine could face significant disruption. From the bustling streets of Koreatown to the sun-drenched orchards of the Central Valley, the absence of undocumented workers could leave gaping holes in the city’s workforce and cultural identity.
Across the country, New York City, with its iconic skyline and melting pot reputation, faces its own reckoning. The Big Apple’s 5.9 million immigrants, many of whom are undocumented, form the backbone of industries ranging from construction to healthcare. The potential exodus could transform neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Flushing, altering the very essence of what makes New York a global city.In the Sunshine State, Miami’s tropical allure belies the turbulent times ahead. Home to 2.5 million immigrants, the city’s economy relies heavily on sectors like tourism and hospitality – industries where undocumented workers often fill crucial roles. The potential deportation of these workers could send shockwaves through Miami’s economic ecosystem, from South Beach’s glitzy hotels to the agricultural heartlands of South Florida.
Chicago, the “City of Big Shoulders,” may find those shoulders significantly weakened. With 1.7 million immigrants in its metropolitan area, the Windy City’s diverse neighborhoods and industries face an uncertain future. From the meatpacking plants to the tech startups, Chicago’s economic resilience could be tested like never before.
In the Lone Star State, Houston and Dallas stand as twin testaments to the complexities of immigration policy. These Texas titans, each home to large immigrant populations, could see their booming economies stumble. The construction sites that dot their ever-expanding skylines and the service industries that keep these cities humming could face unprecedented labor shortages.
Out West, the San Francisco Bay Area’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and progress could be challenged. The region’s tech industry, often reliant on immigrant talent, might find itself grappling with a new reality. From Silicon Valley’s coding campuses to the agricultural expanses of the Central Valley, California’s economic powerhouse could face a reckoning. Phoenix, rising from the Sonoran Desert, could see its growth trajectory altered. As Arizona’s urban center, it stands at the forefront of the immigration debate, potentially facing not just economic impacts but social and political upheaval as well.
These cities, along with others like San Diego and Las Vegas, are not just facing potential economic disruptions. They are staring down the barrel of profound social change. Family separations, community fragmentation, and the erosion of cultural enclaves built over generations are all possible consequences of mass deportations. Moreover, the fiscal implications are staggering. Undocumented immigrants contribute billions in taxes annually, often without receiving the full benefits of their contributions. Their sudden absence could leave gaping holes in city budgets, potentially affecting public services and infrastructure projects.
As these urban centers brace for impact, the debate rages on. Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue for the need to enforce laws and protect American jobs. Critics warn of economic devastation and the unraveling of America’s urban fabric. What’s clear is that America’s cities stand at a crossroads. The coming months and years will likely reshape urban landscapes in ways both visible and invisible. From the foods we eat to the services we rely on, from the neighborhoods we call home to the very character of our cities, the impacts of this proposed immigration crackdown could be far-reaching and long-lasting. As the nation watches and waits, these cities – vibrant, diverse, and economically vital – find themselves on the front lines of a policy that could redefine what it means to be an American city in the 21st century.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring filmmakers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
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