The Digital Press

OpenAI has launched its o3-Pro model with an 80% price cut for ChatGPT Pro and Teams users, while CEO Sam Altman predicts AI superintelligence will drive major future breakthroughs. However, experts warn that the environmental impact and actual progress may be overstated, and skepticism remains about grand claims.

Why it matters: OpenAI’s price cuts could democratize AI access but raise concerns over the true cost and sustainability of AI technologies.

The big picture: Altman envisions abundant intelligence and energy in the 2030s enabling breakthroughs from physics to brain-computer interfaces, though critics remain cautious.

The stakes: AI energy consumption is significant and growing, with data centers projected to use up to 326 terawatt-hours by 2028, impacting the environment.

Commenters say: Many doubt the optimistic predictions and pricing claims, emphasizing the overlooked training costs and warning against trusting tech leaders’ hype over actions.