Welcome back to Daily Zaps, your regularly-scheduled dose of AI news ⚡️ 

Here’s what we got for ya today:

• 🧠 How close is AI to human-level intelligence?

• 🎅 OpenAI o1 and o1 pro mode in ChatGPT

• 🇺🇸 Trump names AI and crypto ‘czar’

• 🏭 Meta’s $10 billion AI data center

Let’s get right into it!

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NATURE

How close is AI to human-level intelligence?

OpenAI’s latest AI model, o1, has sparked fresh debate about the path toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), a system capable of human-like reasoning, generalization, and planning. While o1 showcases advanced capabilities, such as chain-of-thought reasoning and improved problem-solving, researchers argue that AGI remains out of reach due to limitations in adaptability, abstract reasoning, and reliance on vast amounts of training data.

The emergence of large language models (LLMs) like o1 has advanced AI significantly, but experts suggest breakthroughs in world modeling, integrated feedback, and autonomy are needed to achieve AGI. Despite differing views on the timeline, many agree that AGI's potential will unfold gradually, bringing both opportunities and risks that demand careful regulation and safety measures.

STARTUPS

OpenAI o1 and o1 pro mode in ChatGPT

OpenAI has launched its o1 model as a core feature of the ChatGPT platform, bringing advanced reasoning and image analysis capabilities. Initially available to ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers, the model offers improved performance, including a 34% reduction in errors on complex tasks and image-based reasoning for applications like healthcare and engineering.

OpenAI also introduced ChatGPT Pro, a $200/month subscription tier for professionals, offering unlimited access to enhanced tools like a high-compute version of o1 and GPT-4o. This release, part of OpenAI's "12 Days of OpenAI" series, highlights its focus on delivering cutting-edge AI solutions amid rising competition from global players.

GOVERNMENT

Trump names AI and crypto ‘czar’

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed venture capitalist and podcaster David Sacks as the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Sacks will oversee policies for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, including developing a legal framework for crypto and leading a presidential council on science and technology.

A prominent Silicon Valley investor and member of the "PayPal mafia," Sacks is known for co-founding Yammer, which was sold to Microsoft for $1.2 billion, and for hosting the popular “All-In” podcast. Once critical of Trump after the Capitol riots, Sacks has since become a key supporter, hosting high-profile fundraisers and speaking at the Republican National Convention. His appointment signals a focus on policies favorable to tech entrepreneurs and free speech online.

BIG TECH

Meta’s $10 billion AI data center

Meta announced plans to build its largest AI data center in northeast Louisiana, a $10 billion project expected to create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 construction jobs, with significant investments in local infrastructure. The project has been hailed as transformative for Richland Parish, a rural area with high poverty rates, but has drawn criticism from environmental groups over its reliance on fossil fuels and potential energy cost increases for residents.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s xAI is expanding its supercomputer project in Memphis, raising concerns about pollution and transparency, particularly in nearby underserved communities. Both projects reflect the growing demand for AI-driven data centers, as states offer incentives to attract energy-intensive tech developments.