OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has revealed the precarious nature of the AI race, admitting that Google could have easily “smashed” OpenAI in 2023. During an interview on the Big Technology Podcast, Altman reflected on a turbulent period for OpenAI, particularly as Google’s Gemini 3 began to outperform ChatGPT in user growth. He emphasized that Google’s prior missteps contributed to OpenAI’s survival. Despite the past, Google remains a formidable adversary, with Gemini’s user base surging significantly. OpenAI is now prioritizing stability and core product enhancement as it faces competition. Altman also criticized Google’s reluctance to innovate beyond its advertising revenue model. As OpenAI commits approximately $1.4 trillion to infrastructure while projecting $20 billion in revenue this year, Altman’s response to competitive threats is urgent. Released last week, updates like GPT-5.2 aim to reclaim lost momentum amid an increasingly fierce rivalry. The outcome of this high-stakes battle remains uncertain.
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