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Writer's pictureRich Washburn

Project Strawberry: A Sweet Surprise or Sour Grapes?


Project Strawberry

Let’s start with the basics: what is this “Strawberry” everyone’s talking about? Recent chatter from well-known AI insiders like IR rule the world Mo and Diego AI suggests that OpenAI might be cooking up something big—something potentially game-changing. If you’re into AI, you’ve probably noticed a recent update to GPT-4, which some claim is linked to Strawberry. But is this really the case?


The truth is, the so-called “Strawberry update” might not be what we think it is. While the Twitterverse is ablaze with speculation, it seems the recent tweaks to GPT-4 are more about keeping pace with competitors like Google and Anthropic than unveiling a revolutionary new feature. Remember when Google rolled out some impressive AI demos only to be overshadowed by OpenAI’s own releases days later? Yeah, we might be in for a similar showdown soon.


Speaking of updates, there’s been a lot of talk about GPT-40. If you’re imagining a supercharged version of GPT-4, you’re not alone. But let’s pump the brakes for a second. Some insiders suggest that GPT-40 might not be the colossal upgrade we’re expecting. In fact, if the rumors are true, what we’re calling GPT-40 could just be a more refined, slightly better version of the current model—a bit like upgrading from a regular cappuccino to a flat white. Nice, but not exactly earth-shattering.


Here’s where it gets interesting. There’s talk that GPT-40 could be a smaller model, optimized for specific tasks rather than being a general-purpose behemoth. This would align with some recent experiments showing that smaller, highly-tuned models can outperform larger ones in certain contexts. So, while it might not blow your mind with its raw power, it could surprise you with its finesse.


The Great Parameter Debate. If you’ve been following the AI space, you know that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to model size. There’s speculation that GPT-4o (or its mini-me, GPT-4o Mini) could be as small as 7 to 8 billion parameters. This is tiny compared to some of the mega-models out there, but size isn’t everything. In fact, OpenAI’s secret sauce might be in how these models are fine-tuned and optimized for real-world use.


But wait—there’s more. Some sources suggest that OpenAI is sitting on a massive 400-billion-parameter model. If true, this could be the real deal, a giant leap forward in AI capabilities. But don’t get too excited just yet. OpenAI has a track record of holding back its most powerful models for good reason—safety and ethical concerns are at the forefront. So, while the tech might be ready, whether or not we’ll see it anytime soon is another question.


So, where does this leave us with Project Strawberry? From what we can piece together, Strawberry might be less about a single product or update and more about a broader strategy to refine and deploy these advanced models. Some insiders hint that Strawberry could involve new techniques in reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF), which would allow AI models to reason and learn more like humans.


This could be huge. If OpenAI cracks the code on making smaller models that can think and reason at near-human levels, we’re talking about a significant step toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). And if AGI is within reach, as some experts believe, then the Strawberry project might just be the sweet beginning of something much larger.


As we edge closer to next week, when some predict a major AI announcement from Google or OpenAI, the excitement is palpable. Will we see a new model that overshadows everything else? Or will it be another incremental step forward? Whatever happens, one thing is clear: the AI race is far from over, and OpenAI is still very much in the lead, even if they’re playing their cards close to the chest.


But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. OpenAI has made it clear that they won’t release models that pose significant risks without thorough safety checks. This means that while we might be on the brink of some incredible breakthroughs, we also need to be prepared for a future where AI is both powerful and potentially dangerous.


So, keep your eyes peeled and your popcorn ready. Next week might just be one for the history books in the world of AI. And if you thought the Strawberry update was the end of the story, think again. We’re just getting started.


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