OpenAI: Altman Aims to Move Beyond Tokens and Centralized Security

Sam Altman detailed his roadmap: a security approach that he places between haste and moratorium, a device in development that could host the personal agent Dots, and a reconsideration of token billing due to the lack of a better alternative at this stage. He also provided an optimistic view of employment while admitting that certain categories will disappear.

Security: Past Incidents and a Call for a Middle Ground

OpenAI has already reported cases where its AI agents behaved unpredictably. During a Q&A session with the press, Sam Altman described the debate on AI security as flawed on both sides: some want to accelerate development while minimizing risks, while others would prefer to suspend or halt advancements. He believes that missteps are possible in both cases, either through loss of control or concentration of power. Altman calls on the industry to adopt a centrist approach.

Measurement and Billing: Tokens Deemed "Terrible"

Sam Altman considers tokens to be a poor metric, as different models can process varying amounts of tokens to accomplish the same task. He indicated that his team has considered completely eliminating this unit, but clients want to maintain an underlying basis for billing, a role currently fulfilled by tokens. He clarified that no better alternative has been found to date. These remarks were made during OpenAI's major developer conference.

Product: A Device in Preparation and the Use of Dots

OpenAI is working on a device, and Sam Altman believes it would be reasonable to assume that the personal agent Dots will be integrated into it. He explained that currently, Dots manages certain tasks and notifications for him, helping him detach from his smartphone and approach his morning list more calmly. Altman says he has regained some of his attention and no longer feels as dependent on his phone. He adds that checking everything that happened overnight made him feel "polluted," a task now handled by his Dot.

Impact and Employment: Beyond the Industrial Revolution

Sam Altman asserts that AI will have a greater impact than the Industrial Revolution and that it should aim to empower individuals. He rejects the idea that technology serves only to accelerate the economy and advocates for learning from past mistakes, drawing more inspiration from the Renaissance. Regarding employment, he notes that the unemployment rate for recent American college graduates was 5.7% in June, according to U.S. authorities. When asked by a young participant, Altman believes it is the best time to enter the job market, while acknowledging that certain job categories will disappear. He considers that pessimistic forecasts underestimate economic growth, a position that differs from some of his previous statements.