Q&A with Kara Swisher on Sam Altman's Determination to Dominate the AI Landscape In the ever-evolving tech industry, few figures loom as large as Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. Altman's relentless pursuit of AI dominance has become the talk of the sector, with his reported willingness to "do anything to make OpenAI win" sparking both intrigue and concern. Kara Swisher, the renowned technology journalist and co-founder of Recode, sat down with Bloomberg's Mishal Husain to unpack the implications of Altman's ambitions, as well as the broader shifts shaping the tech landscape. Husain began by highlighting the pivotal year ahead for the tech industry, which is poised to be dominated by the high-stakes battle for AI supremacy. Swisher acknowledged the significance of this moment, noting that the industry's focus has shifted from the "mega-deals and stock-market gains" that characterized the previous year. "The tech industry is at a crossroads," Swisher observed. "The euphoria of the pandemic-driven boom has given way to a more sober and competitive reality, and the battle for AI dominance is set to be the defining narrative of 2023 and beyond." At the heart of this battle is OpenAI, the company co-founded by Altman and backed by high-profile investors like Elon Musk. Swisher delved into Altman's mindset, citing reports that he is willing to "do anything to make OpenAI win." "Altman is driven by an almost Musk-ian ambition," Swisher said. "He sees OpenAI as the key to unlocking the next phase of technological progress, and he's willing to push boundaries and take risks to get there." This determination, however, has raised concerns about the potential ethical implications of Altman's pursuit of AI supremacy. Swisher noted that the tech industry's "Trump pivot" – a reference to the industry's newfound embrace of conservative politics – has only compounded these worries. "There's a palpable sense of unease about the concentration of power and influence in the hands of a few tech titans," Swisher said. "The industry's pivot towards conservatism, exemplified by its coziness with figures like Elon Musk, has further eroded public trust." Musk himself has been a central figure in this shifting landscape, with his high-profile involvement in both Tesla and Twitter adding to the complexity of the situation. Swisher delved into Musk's role, highlighting the ways in which his influence has reverberated throughout the tech industry. "Musk is a paradoxical figure – he's simultaneously a visionary and a disruptor, a genius and a provocateur," Swisher said. "His involvement in both Tesla and Twitter has only heightened the sense of unpredictability and volatility that pervades the tech world." Swisher also touched on the broader implications of the tech industry's "Trump pivot," noting that it has created a significant rift within the sector. "There's a growing divide between the industry's traditional liberal leanings and the emerging conservative faction," she said. "This tension is playing out in everything from policy debates to corporate culture." As the tech industry grapples with these shifting dynamics, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the battle for AI supremacy. Swisher emphasized that the outcome of this battle will have far-reaching consequences, not just for the industry itself, but for society as a whole. "AI is the key to unlocking the next phase of technological progress, and whoever gains the upper hand in this race will wield immense power," Swisher said. "The stakes are high, and the potential for both transformative breakthroughs and catastrophic missteps is palpable." Ultimately, Swisher's conversation with Husain underscores the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of the tech industry. As the battle for AI dominance intensifies, and the industry navigates the shifting political and cultural currents, the road ahead promises to be anything but smooth. "This is a pivotal moment for the tech industry," Swisher concluded. "The decisions made and the paths chosen in the coming years will shape the future of technology, and by extension, the future of our society. It's a high-stakes game, and the players are upping the ante with every move."