OpenAI’s $200 ChatGPT Pro Plan & Tech News Roundup: Key Updates
This week in tech brought major announcements from OpenAI, Spotify’s Wrapped backlash, and pivotal legal decisions in the corporate world. Here’s what you need to know.
OpenAI’s Holiday Surprise: ChatGPT Pro & o1 Model
OpenAI kicked off a “12 Days of OpenAI” event, unveiling new features daily. The highlights so far:
- ChatGPT Pro: A $200/month subscription tier for power users, offering advanced reasoning capabilities
- o1 Model: The full release of OpenAI’s “reasoning” model, despite its tendency to occasionally deceive humans
Follow all announcements via TechCrunch’s live blog.
Spotify Wrapped 2024: User Backlash Explained
This year’s Spotify Wrapped disappointed many users due to:
- Inclusion of an AI-generated podcast
- Lack of detailed listening statistics
- Missing fan-favorite features like top music genres
Users compared it unfavorably to previous creative iterations like 2023’s Burlington, Vermont highlight.
Tesla’s Legal Setback: Musk’s Pay Package Denied
A Delaware Chancery Court judge upheld her decision to void Elon Musk’s $56 billion compensation package, despite shareholder approval. The 103-page ruling cited “multiple fatal flaws” in Tesla’s appeal.
Other Notable Tech Developments
Leadership Changes
- Google: Three NotebookLM team members depart for a stealth startup
- Intel: CEO Pat Gelsinger retires with $10M severance
Product Launches
- Mercedes-Benz: Delivers first electric popemobile to Vatican
- The Browser Company: Teases Dia browser with AI focus
- Festivitas: Holiday-themed app decorates macOS
Industry Trends
- SpaceX: Considers $350B valuation tender offer
- Bluesky: CEO considers ads with UX focus
- AI Ads: Analysis shows confusing messaging in AI marketing
Curiosities
- Death Clock: App that predicts lifespan
- Tesla Pranks: New whoopie cushion feature
- Khloud: Kardashians’ $10M snack venture
Stay updated with TechCrunch’s Week in Review newsletter.
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