The rumour that OpenAI will release a new AI model called “Orion” by December has gained significant traction across social media and online news outlets. Speculation about the model has included everything from potential new functionalities to competitive positioning against rival AI technologies.
Social Media Claims
Reports of OpenAI’s alleged “Orion” model release surfaced across various tech media outlets. On October 24, 2024, The Verge and other tech news websites, such as WCCFtech and Tom’s Hardware, claimed that OpenAI was set to launch a new frontier model called “Orion” by December. This news sparked widespread speculation about the model’s potential capabilities. Some outlets even suggested that “Orion” could be the next-generation model, comparable to GPT-5, fueling excitement and debate within the AI community.
The claim has also spread virally on Facebook and other social media platforms.
Fact Check
On October 25, 2024, TechCrunch published a response clarifying OpenAI’s official stance. The article reported that OpenAI explicitly denied any plans to release an AI model named “Orion” by year’s end. TechCrunch highlighted OpenAI’s cautious approach to naming conventions, noting that “Orion” didn’t align with the company’s established product roadmap for 2024.
An OpenAI spokesperson told TechCrunch, “We don’t have plans to release a model code-named Orion this year. We do plan to release a lot of other great technology.”
CEO’s Response
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, directly addressed the rumour on the X platform on October 25, 2024. In his post, he clarified that the claims regarding “Orion” were false and called out the spread of misinformation.
Altman’s firm denial left little room for ambiguity. In a subsequent reply to another user in the same thread, he reportedly expressed frustration with media outlets publishing unverified information while also hinting at future developments from the company.
Why the “Orion” Rumor May Have Spread
The rapid advancements in AI technology and OpenAI’s notable contributions have fostered an environment where unverified reports can gain traction quickly. OpenAI’s history of developing innovative models like ChatGPT and DALL-E has heightened public interest in potential new releases. As the AI field progresses, the company’s prominent position makes it a subject of frequent speculation within the tech industry.
The “Orion” rumour appears to have emerged from this context. Industry observers suggest that such speculation may arise from various sources, including misunderstandings of internal projects, discussions about potential branding, or the circulation of unverified information within the competitive AI sector.
Morever, The Verge has updated its article to include OpenAI CEO’s statement dismissing the claim as “fake news”.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s official statements and CEO Sam Altman’s public posts thoroughly refute the claim that OpenAI will release an “Orion” AI model by December. This episode highlights the importance of verifying sources and relying on official statements when assessing information regarding high-profile tech companies.
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