OpenAI responds
Three separate posts dropped yesterday with OpenAI’s side of the story in the Apple lawsuit. First, a more complete official statement from OpenAI, reported by various outlets:
While we take these allegations seriously, we’re not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit. We believe in fair competition and allowing people the freedom to work wherever they choose, and we’re focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere.
NBC News also reviewed emails that contradict part of Apple’s account:
Apple alleged in a lawsuit last week that OpenAI “never responded” to its concerns this year about what Apple believed was trade secret theft. But emails reviewed by NBC News show that’s not the full story: OpenAI did respond in February to Apple’s initial outreach. The communications became bogged down and, according to OpenAI, abruptly stopped after an outside attorney representing Apple mixed up the names and email addresses of two OpenAI employees who had the last names Wang and Chang.
Mark Gurman has new information about the upcoming device, which will be a smart speaker with some kind of movable aspect that isn’t totally clear:
OpenAI believes the product’s defining feature will be its personality and ability to connect on a humanlike level with users. The speaker incorporates mechanical elements that can move on their own, creating a sense that it is alive and not just an object responding to commands. […] Another central difference is that the device includes a rechargeable battery, allowing it to be carried from room to room throughout the day.
I guess OpenAI is now reviewing everything internally to see if there actually are any “trade secrets” that were used, even if accidentally. Personally, I want to see what they’re building, and hope they’re still on track to reveal it this year.
