Microsoft: ‘All is not well’ between Microsoft and ChatGPT maker OpenAI: Report – Times of India

When OpenAI launched ChatGPT, Microsoft was the first technology giant to grab the opportunity to lead the artificial intelligence (AI) space. The Windows maker infused billions into the then startup, and they are simultaneously supporting and competing with one another. Now, a report has claimed that their partnership has led to some conflict behind the scenes.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, there have been tensions between the two companies.Some Microsoft executives were reportedly surprised with the launch of ChatGPT AI chatbot. The report also notes that OpenAI gave Microsoft a few weeks’ heads up that it would start publicly testing ChatGPT at a time when the software giant was beginning to integrate OpenAI’s models into Bing.

“Some Microsoft executives had misgivings about the timing of ChatGPT’s launch last fall,” the report cited people familiar with the matter, as saying. While some employees were worried that ChatGPT would steal the new Bing’s thunder, the people said, others argued Bing could benefit from how the public use ChatGPT.

OpenAI powering Microsoft rivals
Microsoft is aligned with OpenAI and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, in a response to allegations levelled by Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier this year, said the company doesn’t control the ChatGPT-maker. The report noted that this type of relationship has allowed OpenAI to strike deals with some of Microsoft’s biggest rivals, such as Salesforce and DuckDuckGo.
“Microsoft has effectively limited the potential search-engine customers for OpenAI,” the report noted, adding that “Microsoft and OpenAI sales teams sometimes pitch the same customers.” Reportedly, Microsoft has also complained about diminished spending on its in-house AI

OpenAI warned Microsoft over wrong responses
In February this year, Microsoft opened a limited preview of its GPT-4-powered Bing Chat. But soon, the company had to limit chat sessions as people reported that the AI chatbot went “rogue.” The report said that “OpenAI had suggested Microsoft to move slower on integrating its AI technology with Bing.”
It reportedly highlighted the risks of releasing a chatbot based on an unreleased version of its GPT-4 “that hadn’t been given more training,” the people familiar with the matter claimed.
“Microsoft went ahead with the release of the Bing chatbot. The warnings proved accurate. Users encountered incorrect answers and concerning interactions with the tool,” the report noted. OpenAI said it would take time to minimise issues like inaccurate/ bizarre responses.