OpenAI Strawberry Leak ― My First Thoughts ― Q* is back?

The video discusses the recent “Strawberry Leak” from OpenAI, which revealed details about a demo showcasing reasoning capabilities at an internal meeting. It explores the potential implications of AI gaining autonomous research capabilities, the role of OpenAI’s Super Alignment team, and the speculation around integrating Strawberry into future AI models, while also touching on the challenges and uncertainties in achieving AGI and ASI.

In the video, the speaker discusses the recent “Strawberry Leak” from OpenAI, which was reported by Bloomberg. The leak revealed that there was an internal All Hands meeting at OpenAI where a demo about reasoning was showcased, leading many to believe it showcased human-level reasoning and logic. This leak is seen as a continuation of the Q* project, which had been previously leaked late last year. The speaker speculates that Q* and Strawberry could be related to internal search algorithms or prompting strategies aimed at enhancing logic and reasoning capabilities within AI systems.

The speaker reflects on the potential implications of AI gaining the ability to conduct research autonomously. They highlight that this could significantly accelerate scientific research by reducing the time and cost required to produce new PhD-level insights, potentially leading to a surge in scientific discoveries. This aligns with the vision of individuals like Sam Altman, who have emphasized the importance of AI being able to engage in independent research as a milestone for accelerating technological advancements.

There is a discussion about the role of OpenAI’s Super Alignment team, which was tasked with automating alignment research. The speaker speculates that OpenAI may have shifted focus away from this goal, possibly due to a perceived lower risk of rogue AGI or a strategic shift towards more lucrative opportunities in collaboration with entities like Microsoft and the Department of Defense. This shift in focus could be indicative of a broader strategy to leverage AI for commercial and military applications.

The speaker raises questions about the potential integration of Strawberry into future AI models like GPT-5 and discusses the challenges related to scaling AI capabilities. They emphasize the importance of not just having intelligent models but also establishing effective communication between these models and providing them with the necessary resources and context to function effectively. The speaker also touches on the timeline for achieving AGI and ASI, citing predictions from figures like Leopold Ashenbrenner suggesting a possible timeline of 2027 for ASI.

In conclusion, the speaker acknowledges that much of the discussion around Strawberry and AI advancements is speculative. They caution against relying too heavily on specific timelines for achieving AGI or ASI, noting that challenges related to deployment, integration, and scaling could impact the pace of progress. Despite the uncertainties, the speaker remains intrigued by the potential for AI to revolutionize research and change the world, highlighting the evolving landscape of AI development and the diverse range of factors influencing its trajectory.