Thu. 06/19 – What Would AGI Actually Look Like?

Jun 19, 2025 16m

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Episode Description

Are we about to see a summer of layoffs in Silicon Valley? Midjourney’s new video model. Meta continues its acqu-hire spree with some folks we know. Microsoft has its own nuclear option with OpenAI, while OpenAI is starting to get worried about its models being nuclear dangerous? And what even IS AGI? Sponsors: CornbreadHemp.com/ride and code RIDE Links: Microsoft Planning Thousands More Job Cuts Aimed at Salespeople (Bloomberg) ‘Surpassing all my expectations’: Midjourney releases first AI video model amid Disney, Universal lawsuit (VentureBeat) Meta in Talks to Hire AI Investors Friedman and Gross, Partially Buy Out Their Venture Fund (The Information) Microsoft prepared to walk away from high-stakes OpenAI talks (FT) OpenAI warns models with higher bioweapons risk are imminent (Axios) Why Big Tech cannot agree on artificial general intelligence (FT)

AI-Generated Summary

Layoffs in Silicon Valley

The podcast discusses potential layoffs in Silicon Valley, particularly at Microsoft, where thousands of sales jobs are expected to be cut as part of a workforce trim amidst heavy AI spending. Reports indicate that Microsoft plans to evaluate its organizational structure to prioritize growth, raising concerns about AI's role in these job reductions.

Mid-Journey's New Video Model

Mid-Journey has launched a new feature allowing users to animate their generated or uploaded still images into short video clips. This feature supports automated motion synthesis and custom motion prompts, significantly enhancing the creative capabilities of users in the platform and paving the way for future expansion in video duration and features.

Meta's AI Acquisition Strategy

Meta is in advanced talks to hire AI experts Nat Friedman and Daniel Gross to bolster its AI efforts. The discussions may involve buying out a part of their venture capital fund, with Meta seeking to strengthen its AI capabilities as it continues to expand its leadership in the AI space.

Microsoft's Negotiations with OpenAI

There is a critical ongoing negotiation between Microsoft and OpenAI concerning the size of Microsoft's stake in OpenAI as well as the terms of their partnership. Microsoft has reportedly prepared to stand firm on its position amidst these discussions, which could have significant implications for its operations and competitive standing in AI.

OpenAI's Safety Concerns

OpenAI has raised alarms regarding the potential risks associated with its upcoming models, particularly concerning the creation of biological weapons. The organization is increasing testing of these models and rolling out fresh precautions to mitigate risks as it acknowledges the potential for misuse of its technology.

Understanding Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

The podcast delves into the ongoing debate regarding the definition of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Various experts weigh in on what constitutes AGI, with calls for a consensus on its definition while criticizing the ambiguity surrounding the term. The discussion highlights divergent views on whether achieving AGI is a realistic or even desirable goal.