OpenAI, GPT-5 and the Future of AI

If people knew what we could do with more computing power, they would want much, much more.

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On the OpenAI podcast, Sam Altman, CEO and co-founder of OpenAI, shares his vision on the future of generative artificial intelligence, the impact of Project Stargate, the arrival of GPT-5, and how technologies like Digital Employee, Digital Seller, and Intelligent Virtual Assistant are already transforming companies and daily life. From using ChatGPT in raising children to discussing AGI, Altman draws a line between technological innovation and the ethical, energy, and human challenges accompanying AI’s progress.

The Evolution of AI Models: From Sales Automation to GPT-5

When asked about the future of ChatGPT, Altman highlights that, although the name will likely remain the same, the tool will be completely different in five years. This reflects the rapid pace of advancement in generative AI and process automation, with models that not only answer questions but act as virtual sales assistants, digital sellers, and autonomous agents.

In the business context, we see the rise of Digital Employees and solutions like AI-First CRM, which use applied artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize the sales cycle, customer service, and marketing automation. The GPT-5 promises to take these functions to a new level, with increasingly sophisticated models integrated into end-to-end corporate workflows.

The big question – “When is GPT-5 arriving?” – is answered with anticipation: “Probably this summer,” reveals Altman. However, he points out that, given the complexity of the systems, the line between major version launches and incremental updates has become blurred. The challenge is balancing innovation with stability, avoiding confusion about versions and capabilities, especially important for companies relying on intelligent CRMs and sales automation tools.

AGI, Superintelligence, and the Leap in Cognitive Processes

Altman shares his definition of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and superintelligence: “If we had a system capable of autonomous discovery of new sciences or substantially enhancing human capacity for such, that would fit the definition of superintelligence.”

This view highlights the role of advanced cognitive processes in the AI of the future. Already today, cognitive process automation systems allow scientists and professionals in all fields to accelerate their productivity and creativity. Tools like Deep Research and operators capable of autonomous navigation illustrate how AI already acts beyond simple “chat,” becoming automated sales assistant, researcher, and predictive analyst.

Stargate: Computing, Energy, and the Future of Scalability

The Project Stargate is presented by Altman as an unprecedented effort to fund and build the computational infrastructure necessary for the next generation of AI. “We don’t have enough computing power to do everything we want,” he admits. The goal is to meet growing demand, making intelligence accessible and affordable to billions of people.

Stargate involves global partnerships, such as collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, and a budget estimated at half a trillion dollars. Altman describes the project’s impact as similar to the invention of the transistor: it will not be just one company dominating technology, but a revolution transforming all sectors, from science to the economy.

The challenge of energy to sustain these platforms is central. Altman bets on a mix of sources, highlighting advanced nuclear, but also solar, gas, and others. “If we exchange energy for intelligence and move that intelligence around the world via the internet, we gain efficiency and sustainability,” he explains. This approach is essential for business process automation at a global scale.

Memory, Privacy, and the Ethical Dilemma in the Era of Virtual Assistants

One of the main recent innovations highlighted by Altman is the advance in memory of models. Now, ChatGPT – and consequently intelligent virtual assistants – can store and recall complex contexts from users' lives, offering much more personalized responses and services.

However, the sophistication of these features raises debates about privacy. The New York Times lawsuit, requesting the preservation of ChatGPT user data beyond a 30 days limit, was classified by Altman as an “exaggeration” and a warning about the need for solid data protection policies. “People are having private conversations with AI, and we need a framework reflecting that,” he states.

Trust in the virtual assistant for businesses and in customer service automation depends on clarity and transparency about data use. Altman assures that OpenAI does not alter model responses for advertising purposes, avoiding the trap of social media algorithms that prioritize clicks over user well-being.

Personality, Human Interaction, and Advanced Chatbots

The issue of AI "personality" becomes more relevant as advanced chatbots and virtual assistants become part of everyday family and professional routines. Altman acknowledges the risks of parasocial interactions, where users develop relationships with AI that can be problematic. He compares the challenge to the era of social media recommendation algorithms, which created filter bubbles and undesirable social consequences.

The answer lies in balancing pleasant responses and long-term usefulness, avoiding the model becoming overly complacent just to please in the short term – something essential for the effectiveness of virtual assistants for communication and management.

Marketing Automation, CRM Tools, and the Role of Digital Employees

The integration of AI into sales and digital marketing processes requires tools like CRM automation, predictive analytics, and virtual marketing assistants that go far beyond customer service. Altman himself highlights the potential of AI-based solutions to create smart campaigns, personalize approaches, and generate valuable insights from large volumes of data.

Leading companies already implement Digital Sellers and sales automation tools integrated into the user experience. The impact is felt in AI operational efficiency, shortening the sales cycle, and the ability to scale automated communication campaigns with precision and low cost.

Hardware, Future Devices, and Multimodal Interaction

Innovation is not limited to software. Altman reveals that OpenAI is working in collaboration with Jony Ive on AI hardware development. The goal is to create devices that transcend the paradigm of computers and cell phones designed for the pre-AI world, making interaction with artificial intelligence more natural, contextual, and integrated into everyday and professional life.

These devices should be capable of understanding the environment, capturing preferences, and acting proactively, redefining the concept of digital assistant in every aspect, from remote work to managing sales teams.

Resilience, Adaptability, and the New Skills of the AI Era

When advising young professionals, Altman emphasizes that the main skill for the future is learning to use AI tools. More than programming, it will be necessary to understand cognitive processes, creativity, resilience, and adaptability – crucial competencies to thrive in an environment where AI for mid-sized businesses and virtual training assistants are the norm.

Even with automation advances, Altman forecasts that the number of people working at OpenAI – and in innovative companies – will only increase. Each digital or human employee will be capable of producing much more, redefining productivity and the role of work in a highly automated world.

The Role of Global Collaboration and Responsible Innovation

OpenAI's journey, and AI as a whole, is marked by international collaboration and commitment to ethics. Partnerships with governments, open research, and infrastructure investments are fundamental to ensuring that the digital transformation with AI benefits society as a whole.

The search for AI solutions for companies is not a zero-sum race: “The size of the pie will only grow,” Altman states, predicting a future where multiple companies and countries collaborate to democratize access to intelligence and automation, driving innovation across all sectors.