Rumors of GPT-5, a next-generation language model, have been circulating in the tech world. Created by Open AI, generation pre-trained transformer (GPT) models such as GPT-3, GPT-4 and GPT-5 are being developed to take the already impressive artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to the next level. Some sources have suggested that GPT-5 may come with a release in 2024. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has denied that the model is currently being trained. Still, the potential for GPT-5 to revolutionize AI technology is captivating.
GPT-4 draws from a massive training dataset and is much better at understanding context, nuance and semantics in human communication. It has also shown impressive capabilities with regards to image processing, a feature not included in any of the previous language model versions. Some speculate that GPT-5 could have a much larger training dataset, up to 100 times more than GPT-4, making it one of the largest neural networks ever built. It is also expected to require a substantial amount of computing power with roughly 1.26 zettaflops of processing capacity. To give reference, this is much greater than the collective power of all the world’s supercomputers.
The potential for GPT-5 is also raising concerns regarding artificial general intelligence (AGI). Although OpenAI has yet to confirm that GPT-5 has AGI capabilities, the platform may at least give us an indication as to whether AI has been successful in training its model with AGI capabilities. AGI is an exciting milestone but one should be mindful of the risks that may accompany it. Experts have voiced their concerns about possible power imbalances, cybersecurity threats, or even the creation of autonomous weapons.
On a related note, OpenAI is a San Francisco–based AI research laboratory co-founded by Elon Musk, who believes in the power of AI and its potential for transforming our world in unimaginable ways. He is also conscious about the possible misuse of this technology and has vocally called for regulations on AI research and development. Currently, OpenAI focuses on developing innovative applications using their language models with ethical considerations. Sam Altman, the current CEO, has been at the company since 2017 and focuses on OpenAI’s commercialization, scalability and openness. He is also the Founder and CEO of Y Combinator, a startup accelerator, and is well known in the Silicon Valley tech community.
It remains to be seen what GPT-5 is ultimately capable of, though it is expected to mark a significant advance in AI technology, be it in the world of natural language processing or potentially even artificial general intelligence. Either way, years of theoretical contemplation as well as development will likely be needed before we can accurately assess the potential of this revolutionary model.
