Apple iPod creator Tony Fadell on ChatGPT creator OpenAI CEO: I'm not just spouting sh** — I'm not Sam Altman

Tony Fadell , known for his work on Apple iPod and Nest Labs , expressed skepticism about the current state of large language models (LLMs) and their potential for harm. Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco, US, Fadell took aim at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman .

Talking about his understanding of the history of AI development before the large language model (LLM) craze and the issues with LLM hallucinations, he reportedly said, “I’ve been doing AI for 15 years, people, I’m not just spouting s—. I’m not Sam Altman, okay?”

Not impressed with ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman
During the spirited interview, Fadell criticized the overhyped nature of LLMs and their propensity for hallucinations. He highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in AI development, arguing that current models lack both. "LLMs are trying to be this 'general' thing because we're trying to make science fiction happen," he said. "They're a know-it-all... I hate know-it-alls."

Instead of relying on these general-purpose models, Fadell advocated for specialized AI agents that are trained on specific tasks and are more transparent about their limitations. He emphasized the need for greater regulation to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.

'AI risks need understanding'
The criticism of Altman came as Fadell shared his own experiences with AI, dating back to his work at Nest. He noted that even a decade ago, AI was a sensitive topic, and people were wary of its potential implications. However, the recent AI boom has led to a widespread adoption of these technologies without a full understanding of their limitations and risks.

Fadell's comments serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unchecked AI development. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it is crucial to approach these technologies with caution and a critical eye.