As we move past the Equinox, 2024’s final quarter promises to be an exciting one in the world of tech and AI. OpenAI’s ChatGPT o1 has just been released, scoring 120 points on a standard IQ test—5 points higher than the average college graduate. In today’s article selection, I’ll also share my predictions for when you’ll be able to order your first household robot, along with some thoughts on the ‘AI bubble’ and why a potential burst could actually benefit the industry. Finally, in a departure from tech, you’ll find an essay on identity ideology and its logical fallacies.
1. Why Is o1 So Good at Math?
After a string of lackluster updates, OpenAI’s latest model, the o1-preview, brings serious improvements. Thanks to its enhanced mathematical capabilities, it outperforms the average human on IQ tests and excels in certain coding tasks. Mathematician Terence Tao suggests that with a few more iterations, this LLM could become a “(static simulation of a) competent graduate student.”
>> Read: ChatGPT is Now Smarter Than 90% of the Population
2. Will the AI Bubble Burst Soon?
The rapid development in AI, combined with hype, FOMO, and uncertain ROI, has created an economic bubble that could burst any day. Yet, this might be a positive event. When we look back at previous bubbles, like the dotcom and crypto bubbles, we see that they often had a cleansing effect, clearing out the noise and leaving the substantial projects standing. We can hope for a similar impact in AI.
>> Read: The AI Bubble Might Burst Soon – And That’s a Good Thing
3. When Should You Start Saving Up for Your Robot?
You’ve probably seen videos of robot prototypes displaying incredible agility or looking uncannily human. While some practical hurdles remain before household robots can perform all our chores, the timeline might move faster than you think. Here’s my estimate for when robots will truly be ready for your home.
>> Read: “WHEN WILL I GET MY ROBOT?!”
4. Are Identity Politics and Humanist Values Compatible?
As AI gets smarter and robots are on rise, we must ask ourselves more than ever: what does it mean to be human? In an essay I wrote for the Richard Dawkins Foundation, I explore the ideological links between the right-wing identitarian movement and left-wing identity politics, analyzing them through the lens of humanist values. Originally published in German, an English translation is available on my Substack.
