OpenAI is getting ready to launch its first open language model since GPT-2, aiming to make it easier for developers and researchers to use its technology. According to TechCrunch, this new model is being developed under the leadership of Aidan Clark, OpenAI’s VP of research, and is planned for release in early summer. OpenAI wants to stand out by offering a licence with very few restrictions, hoping to avoid the criticism that other open models like Llama and Gemma have received for being too limiting.
This move comes at a time when competition in the AI world is increasing. Companies such as Meta and DeepSeek have gained large followings by making their models widely accessible. Meta’s Llama models have already been downloaded over a billion times, and DeepSeek has become a favourite among developers, especially in China. OpenAI’s plan to offer more openness and fewer restrictions is seen as a response to demands from the AI community for greater access and flexibility.
The upcoming model will be designed for high-end consumer hardware and will include advanced reasoning features. Developers may be able to switch these features on or off, depending on their needs. OpenAI will also publish detailed technical documentation, including a model card that shares the results of performance tests and safety checks. This is part of the company’s efforts to address past criticism about a lack of transparency and thorough safety reviews.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has admitted that the company’s previous approach to open sourcing was not ideal. He now supports a shift towards greater openness, though he also says safety will remain a priority. The new model will go through extensive testing and safety evaluations before release, especially since OpenAI expects the community to adapt and modify the model once it is available.
By choosing a more open path, OpenAI is aiming to build trust with developers and set a new standard for sharing AI technology. The success of this release could influence how future open models are developed and made available, as the AI sector continues to evolve rapidly.
