OpenAI’s large language model, ChatGPT, has exploded in popularity since its launch in November 2022, amassing 100 million monthly active users in just two months. Since then ChatGPT has evolved quite a lot has become synonymous with generative AI. But despite its success, there’s one thing OpenAI CEO Sam Altmandoesn’t like: its name.In a recent interview with comedian Trevor Noah on the podcast “What Now?”, Altman revealed a surprising dislike for the name of their wildly popular large language model, ChatGPT.Despite its widespread recognition and explosive user growth, Altman confessed, “ChatGPT is a horrible name. It’s not something any marketer would ever choose.”
Altman has made AI and ChatGPT a household name in just over 12 months. He explained that the “ChatGPT” moniker lacked creativity and did not effectively communicate the technology’s potential. He further lamented the difficulty of changing such a well-known brand name. “It’s a horrible name, but it may be too ubiquitous to ever change,” Altman acknowledged.
Despite Altman’s personal dislike, ChatGPT has undeniably achieved remarkable success. Launched in November 2022, it accumulated a staggering 100 million monthly active users within months. Public interest in AI like ChatGPT has ballooned since then almost every major tech company is working on AI chatbots.
The name “ChatGPT” is a combination of “Chat” and “GPT,” which stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer. While “GPT” accurately describes the underlying technology, “Chat” limits the perception of the tool’s potential.
The Altman-OpenAI ‘drama’
Altman, the prominent co-founder, was abruptly fired as CEO. Just three days later, Microsoft announced his hiring, leaving the public bewildered and speculating about the reasons behind the dramatic shift.
While official statements remained vague, whispers of internal disagreements over the direction of OpenAI and its flagship product, ChatGPT, have surfaced. Some suggest Altman’s ambitious vision for democratising AI clashed with the board’s focus on profitability. However, there was more drama in store as Altman didn’t join Microsoft and was reinstated OpenAI CEO whereas a few board of directors resigned from their positions.
Altman has made AI and ChatGPT a household name in just over 12 months. He explained that the “ChatGPT” moniker lacked creativity and did not effectively communicate the technology’s potential. He further lamented the difficulty of changing such a well-known brand name. “It’s a horrible name, but it may be too ubiquitous to ever change,” Altman acknowledged.
Despite Altman’s personal dislike, ChatGPT has undeniably achieved remarkable success. Launched in November 2022, it accumulated a staggering 100 million monthly active users within months. Public interest in AI like ChatGPT has ballooned since then almost every major tech company is working on AI chatbots.
The name “ChatGPT” is a combination of “Chat” and “GPT,” which stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer. While “GPT” accurately describes the underlying technology, “Chat” limits the perception of the tool’s potential.
The Altman-OpenAI ‘drama’
Altman, the prominent co-founder, was abruptly fired as CEO. Just three days later, Microsoft announced his hiring, leaving the public bewildered and speculating about the reasons behind the dramatic shift.
While official statements remained vague, whispers of internal disagreements over the direction of OpenAI and its flagship product, ChatGPT, have surfaced. Some suggest Altman’s ambitious vision for democratising AI clashed with the board’s focus on profitability. However, there was more drama in store as Altman didn’t join Microsoft and was reinstated OpenAI CEO whereas a few board of directors resigned from their positions.