Hustler Words – Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is reportedly co-founding a new brain-computer interface (BCI) startup called Merge Labs, aiming to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Sources speaking to the Financial Times suggest that OpenAI’s venture arm may be a major investor, potentially valuing Merge Labs at a staggering $850 million. However, a source familiar with the situation, speaking to hustlerwords.com, clarifies that negotiations are ongoing, and OpenAI’s participation isn’t yet finalized.
Merge Labs is also reportedly collaborating with Alex Blania, the head of Tools for Humanity (formerly World), Altman’s digital identity project focused on verifiable humanness. This intriguing partnership hints at a sophisticated approach to the ethical and security considerations inherent in BCI technology.
Neuralink, founded by Musk in 2016, has made significant strides in developing implantable brain-computer chips, currently undergoing trials with individuals suffering from severe paralysis. The company recently secured $600 million in Series E funding, boosting its valuation to $9 billion. Both Neuralink and the potentially emerging Merge Labs are pushing the boundaries of human-computer interaction, sparking discussions about the implications of a technological "singularity"—a point where technology surpasses human intelligence.
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Altman’s interest in this field is long-standing. In a 2017 blog post, he discussed "The Merge," predicting a future where humans and technology inextricably intertwine, a vision he explored even while Musk was still a co-founder at OpenAI. The recent public spat between Altman and Musk on X, fueled by accusations of manipulation and deceit, adds another layer of intrigue to this high-stakes technological rivalry.
While OpenAI has declined to comment, the potential emergence of Merge Labs suggests Altman isn’t content to let Musk dominate the race towards advanced BCI technology. The future of brain-computer interfaces, and perhaps even the singularity itself, may well depend on the outcome of this burgeoning battle.
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