July 7, 2025 • 10 mins
In this episode, we begin by exploring OpenAI's latest collaborations and strategic projects, shedding light on the organization's expanding influence. We delve into the new features introduced in ChatGPT and its integration across various platforms, highlighting advancements in user experience and accessibility. The launch of OpenAI’s Researcher Residency Program is discussed, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation and talent in the AI field. We examine AI's transformative impact on software engineering and its ripple effects across different sectors. The episode concludes with insights into the future of AI, providing a comprehensive overview of its potential trajectory and implications.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Imagine a project so vast that it requires a$30 billion cloud deal just to get started.
Welcome to The OpenAI Daily Brief, your go-tofor the latest AI updates.
Today is Monday, July 7, 2025.
Here’s what you need to know about thegroundbreaking collaboration between OpenAI and
Oracle that’s set to reshape the landscape ofartificial intelligence infrastructure.
(00:24):
Let’s dive in.
OpenAI and Oracle have inked a monumental $30billion-per-year cloud computing contract,
marking one of the largest deals of its kind todate.
This collaboration is part of OpenAI’sambitious "Project Stargate," which aims to
expand AI infrastructure across the UnitedStates.
(00:47):
Oracle will be leasing around 4.5 gigawatts ofdata center power to support OpenAI's growing
AI workloads, a move that underscores themassive scale and potential of this project.
Though the companies have not made a publicstatement, reports indicate that Oracle will be
developing multiple data centers throughout theU.S.
(01:07):
Potential sites include Texas, Michigan,Wisconsin, and several other states, with a
significant expansion planned for a 1.2gigawatt facility in Abilene, Texas.
This expansion is in collaboration with datacenter start-up Crusoe, further solidifying the
project's expansive reach.
OpenAI first announced its Stargate initiativeback in January, a four-year, $500 billion AI
(01:34):
infrastructure plan backed by partners likeSoftBank, Oracle, and the Abu Dhabi sovereign
fund MGX.
This initiative is not just about tech; it’s astrategic move to secure American leadership in
AI and create hundreds of thousands of jobs,potentially reshaping the U.S.
economy and its technological landscape.
(01:55):
Beyond the U.S., OpenAI is also consideringdeveloping a Stargate data center campus in the
United Arab Emirates, showcasing the globalambition of this project.
With partners like Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, andregional AI firm G42, the project is poised to
have a far-reaching impact on AI infrastructureworldwide.
(02:17):
Imagine a world where studying for exams is notjust a solitary grind but a collaborative
experience.
OpenAI is testing a new feature for ChatGPTcalled "Study Together," potentially
transforming how students prepare for their bigtests.
Even though this feature is not yet functional,its presence in recent builds suggests it could
(02:38):
enable students to study alongside friends orleverage ChatGPT as a study buddy.
While OpenAI is keeping the details underwraps, the idea of a collaborative study tool
hints at a shift in how educational resourcescould be integrated into AI platforms.
But that is not all OpenAI is up to.
(03:00):
They are also pushing the boundaries ofworkplace efficiency with updates to their Deep
Research feature.
Imagine a tool that could sift through yourSlack conversations, pulling out relevant
information to help you draft reports orsummaries.
Well, that is exactly what OpenAI isexperimenting with—a Slack integration that
(03:20):
allows ChatGPT to access and analyze messageswithin a workspace.
While it is still in the testing phase, thiscould revolutionize how teams organize and
utilize their internal communications.
And the integrations do not stop there.
OpenAI is also exploring connections with otherplatforms like Canva and Gmail.
(03:42):
Picture ChatGPT sifting through your inbox tosummarize emails or even generate responses
without you lifting a finger.
These integrations are still in the earlystages, but they point to a future where AI
assists in streamlining both educational andprofessional workflows.
With these experimental features, OpenAI isclearly positioning ChatGPT as more than just a
(04:06):
chatbot.
As they inch closer to the launch of GPT-5,these tests might give us a sneak peek into the
future of AI in our daily lives, whether in theclassroom or the office.
It is an exciting time to watch how thesedevelopments unfold and how they might change
the ways we learn and work.
The AI talent race is heating up, and OpenAI istaking a unique approach to stay ahead.
(04:32):
They’ve just rolled out their "ResearcherResidency Program," which is set to shake up
how talent is acquired in the industry.
The program is designed to attract individualsfrom related fields like physics and
neuroscience, rather than competing directlyfor those already steeped in AI research.
This is a strategic move, as it allows OpenAIto tap into fresh perspectives and diverse
(04:55):
skill sets without the hefty price tagassociated with seasoned AI experts.
Imagine you’re a physicist intrigued byartificial intelligence but have never had the
chance to dive into it professionally.
OpenAI’s program offers you a six-month,full-time opportunity to make that leap, and it
comes with some enticing perks.
(05:16):
Participants receive an annual salary of twohundred and ten thousand United States dollars,
which is quite competitive, especially when youconsider the added benefits like relocation
expenses to San Francisco and comprehensiveemployee packages.
What makes this program even more interestingis OpenAI’s commitment to developing new
(05:37):
talent.
They’re not just looking for people withspecific AI experience.
Instead, they’re focusing on candidates withstrong technical skills, particularly in
mathematics and programming, and a passion forAI.
Almost all participants who complete theresidency are offered full-time positions,
which could be a game-changer for anyonelooking to pivot into this booming field.
(06:01):
This strategy stands in stark contrast tocompanies like Meta, which are known for
offering astronomical salaries and signingbonuses to lure top AI talent.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, believes thatfostering a deep connection with the company’s
mission is more important than simply throwingmoney at the problem.
It is a refreshing take in a market that oftenfeels like a bidding war for the brightest
(06:25):
minds.
By recruiting around thirty participants eachyear, OpenAI is not only filling its ranks with
passionate individuals but also addressing thebroader issue of talent scarcity in the AI
sector.
This program could be pivotal in creating a newpipeline of AI experts, especially in a time
when demand far outstrips supply.
(06:47):
It is a bold move that positions OpenAI notjust as a leader in technology, but as a
pioneer in talent development as well.
Picture this (06:55):
you are a software engineer at a bustling tech firm, and your boss tells you to
stop worrying about "how" things are done.
Instead, they want you to focus on "what" youare trying to achieve and "why" it matters.
This shift in focus is exactly what OpenAI’sVice President of Engineering, Srinivas
Narayanan, is advocating for.
(07:16):
He made this point clear during his talk atSangam 2025, the annual conference of the
Indian Institute of Technology Madras AlumniAssociation.
Narayanan emphasized that the role of softwareengineers is evolving.
It is no longer just about writing code butabout understanding the bigger picture.
"The job is shifting from just writing code toasking the right questions and defining the
(07:41):
‘what’ and ‘why’ of a problem," he said.
Essentially, AI can handle much of the "how"now, allowing engineers to become more like
decision-makers, akin to chief executiveofficers of their projects.
Joining Narayanan on the panel was AparnaChennapragada, Chief Product Officer at
Microsoft, who echoed similar sentiments.
(08:04):
She stressed the importance of building with anAI-first mindset from the start, rather than
treating AI as an add-on feature.
This approach is crucial, especially as naturallanguage tools are beginning to replace
traditional user interfaces, transforming howwe interact with technology.
The discussion, led by Shyamala Rajaram, ChiefExecutive Officer of Unimity and President of
(08:28):
the Indian Institute of Technology MadrasAlumni Association, also touched on AI’s impact
on various sectors.
Narayanan shared how AI models are assisting inmedical diagnostics, helping researchers at the
University of California, Berkeley identifyrare genetic conditions.
This illustrates the immense potential of AI asa research partner.
(08:52):
However, with great power comes greatresponsibility.
Narayanan highlighted the risks associated withAI, such as the spread of misinformation and
the production of unsafe content.
He revealed that OpenAI recently had to pullback a model due to its sycophantic behavior,
which served as a reminder of the cautiousapproach needed when launching new AI models.
(09:16):
Both Narayanan and Chennapragada agreed thatmaking AI accessible is crucial.
They noted that the cost of using AI models hasdecreased significantly, making it more
available to a wider audience.
Chennapragada concluded with a powerfulmessage, "In a world where intelligence is no
longer the gatekeeper, the real differentiatorswill be ambition and agency."
(09:40):
That’s it for today’s OpenAI Daily Brief.
With AI taking over the "how," engineers areencouraged to focus on defining the "what" and
"why," reshaping their roles intodecision-makers and leaders.
Thanks for tuning in—subscribe to stay updated.
This is Bob, signing off.
Until next time.
Imagine a project so vast that it requires a$30 billion cloud deal just to get started.
Welcome to The OpenAI Daily Brief, your go-tofor the latest AI updates.
Today is Monday, July 7, 2025.
Here’s what you need to know about thegroundbreaking collaboration between OpenAI and
Oracle that’s set to reshape the landscape ofartificial intelligence infrastructure.
(00:24):
Let’s dive in.
OpenAI and Oracle have inked a monumental $30billion-per-year cloud computing contract,
marking one of the largest deals of its kind todate.
This collaboration is part of OpenAI’sambitious "Project Stargate," which aims to
expand AI infrastructure across the UnitedStates.
(00:47):
Oracle will be leasing around 4.5 gigawatts ofdata center power to support OpenAI's growing
AI workloads, a move that underscores themassive scale and potential of this project.
Though the companies have not made a publicstatement, reports indicate that Oracle will be
developing multiple data centers throughout theU.S.
(01:07):
Potential sites include Texas, Michigan,Wisconsin, and several other states, with a
significant expansion planned for a 1.2gigawatt facility in Abilene, Texas.
This expansion is in collaboration with datacenter start-up Crusoe, further solidifying the
project's expansive reach.
OpenAI first announced its Stargate initiativeback in January, a four-year, $500 billion AI
(01:34):
infrastructure plan backed by partners likeSoftBank, Oracle, and the Abu Dhabi sovereign
fund MGX.
This initiative is not just about tech; it’s astrategic move to secure American leadership in
AI and create hundreds of thousands of jobs,potentially reshaping the U.S.
economy and its technological landscape.
(01:55):
Beyond the U.S., OpenAI is also consideringdeveloping a Stargate data center campus in the
United Arab Emirates, showcasing the globalambition of this project.
With partners like Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, andregional AI firm G42, the project is poised to
have a far-reaching impact on AI infrastructureworldwide.
(02:17):
Imagine a world where studying for exams is notjust a solitary grind but a collaborative
experience.
OpenAI is testing a new feature for ChatGPTcalled "Study Together," potentially
transforming how students prepare for their bigtests.
Even though this feature is not yet functional,its presence in recent builds suggests it could
(02:38):
enable students to study alongside friends orleverage ChatGPT as a study buddy.
While OpenAI is keeping the details underwraps, the idea of a collaborative study tool
hints at a shift in how educational resourcescould be integrated into AI platforms.
But that is not all OpenAI is up to.
(03:00):
They are also pushing the boundaries ofworkplace efficiency with updates to their Deep
Research feature.
Imagine a tool that could sift through yourSlack conversations, pulling out relevant
information to help you draft reports orsummaries.
Well, that is exactly what OpenAI isexperimenting with—a Slack integration that
(03:20):
allows ChatGPT to access and analyze messageswithin a workspace.
While it is still in the testing phase, thiscould revolutionize how teams organize and
utilize their internal communications.
And the integrations do not stop there.
OpenAI is also exploring connections with otherplatforms like Canva and Gmail.
(03:42):
Picture ChatGPT sifting through your inbox tosummarize emails or even generate responses
without you lifting a finger.
These integrations are still in the earlystages, but they point to a future where AI
assists in streamlining both educational andprofessional workflows.
With these experimental features, OpenAI isclearly positioning ChatGPT as more than just a
(04:06):
chatbot.
As they inch closer to the launch of GPT-5,these tests might give us a sneak peek into the
future of AI in our daily lives, whether in theclassroom or the office.
It is an exciting time to watch how thesedevelopments unfold and how they might change
the ways we learn and work.
The AI talent race is heating up, and OpenAI istaking a unique approach to stay ahead.
(04:32):
They’ve just rolled out their "ResearcherResidency Program," which is set to shake up
how talent is acquired in the industry.
The program is designed to attract individualsfrom related fields like physics and
neuroscience, rather than competing directlyfor those already steeped in AI research.
This is a strategic move, as it allows OpenAIto tap into fresh perspectives and diverse
(04:55):
skill sets without the hefty price tagassociated with seasoned AI experts.
Imagine you’re a physicist intrigued byartificial intelligence but have never had the
chance to dive into it professionally.
OpenAI’s program offers you a six-month,full-time opportunity to make that leap, and it
comes with some enticing perks.
(05:16):
Participants receive an annual salary of twohundred and ten thousand United States dollars,
which is quite competitive, especially when youconsider the added benefits like relocation
expenses to San Francisco and comprehensiveemployee packages.
What makes this program even more interestingis OpenAI’s commitment to developing new
(05:37):
talent.
They’re not just looking for people withspecific AI experience.
Instead, they’re focusing on candidates withstrong technical skills, particularly in
mathematics and programming, and a passion forAI.
Almost all participants who complete theresidency are offered full-time positions,
which could be a game-changer for anyonelooking to pivot into this booming field.
(06:01):
This strategy stands in stark contrast tocompanies like Meta, which are known for
offering astronomical salaries and signingbonuses to lure top AI talent.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, believes thatfostering a deep connection with the company’s
mission is more important than simply throwingmoney at the problem.
It is a refreshing take in a market that oftenfeels like a bidding war for the brightest
(06:25):
minds.
By recruiting around thirty participants eachyear, OpenAI is not only filling its ranks with
passionate individuals but also addressing thebroader issue of talent scarcity in the AI
sector.
This program could be pivotal in creating a newpipeline of AI experts, especially in a time
when demand far outstrips supply.
(06:47):
It is a bold move that positions OpenAI notjust as a leader in technology, but as a
pioneer in talent development as well.
Picture this (06:55):
you are a software engineer at a bustling tech firm, and your boss tells you to
stop worrying about "how" things are done.
Instead, they want you to focus on "what" youare trying to achieve and "why" it matters.
This shift in focus is exactly what OpenAI’sVice President of Engineering, Srinivas
Narayanan, is advocating for.
(07:16):
He made this point clear during his talk atSangam 2025, the annual conference of the
Indian Institute of Technology Madras AlumniAssociation.
Narayanan emphasized that the role of softwareengineers is evolving.
It is no longer just about writing code butabout understanding the bigger picture.
"The job is shifting from just writing code toasking the right questions and defining the
(07:41):
‘what’ and ‘why’ of a problem," he said.
Essentially, AI can handle much of the "how"now, allowing engineers to become more like
decision-makers, akin to chief executiveofficers of their projects.
Joining Narayanan on the panel was AparnaChennapragada, Chief Product Officer at
Microsoft, who echoed similar sentiments.
(08:04):
She stressed the importance of building with anAI-first mindset from the start, rather than
treating AI as an add-on feature.
This approach is crucial, especially as naturallanguage tools are beginning to replace
traditional user interfaces, transforming howwe interact with technology.
The discussion, led by Shyamala Rajaram, ChiefExecutive Officer of Unimity and President of
(08:28):
the Indian Institute of Technology MadrasAlumni Association, also touched on AI’s impact
on various sectors.
Narayanan shared how AI models are assisting inmedical diagnostics, helping researchers at the
University of California, Berkeley identifyrare genetic conditions.
This illustrates the immense potential of AI asa research partner.
(08:52):
However, with great power comes greatresponsibility.
Narayanan highlighted the risks associated withAI, such as the spread of misinformation and
the production of unsafe content.
He revealed that OpenAI recently had to pullback a model due to its sycophantic behavior,
which served as a reminder of the cautiousapproach needed when launching new AI models.
(09:16):
Both Narayanan and Chennapragada agreed thatmaking AI accessible is crucial.
They noted that the cost of using AI models hasdecreased significantly, making it more
available to a wider audience.
Chennapragada concluded with a powerfulmessage, "In a world where intelligence is no
longer the gatekeeper, the real differentiatorswill be ambition and agency."
(09:40):
That’s it for today’s OpenAI Daily Brief.
With AI taking over the "how," engineers areencouraged to focus on defining the "what" and
"why," reshaping their roles intodecision-makers and leaders.
Thanks for tuning in—subscribe to stay updated.
This is Bob, signing off.
Until next time.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.