OpenAI's Big Week: From ChatGPT OS to Sora Social, Can It Sustain the Momentum?

OpenAI is making waves this week with a flurry of moves that feel like the company is running every major tech playbook at once—and somehow, it’s working. The company is expanding ChatGPT beyond a chatbot, turning it into something resembling an operating system by integrating new apps and offering developers powerful tools to embed ChatGPT directly into their own platforms. At the same time, OpenAI is striking major partnerships with chipmakers across the board, creating a web of alliances that reinforce its infrastructure ambitions. And then there’s the most surprising development: OpenAI is reportedly building a social media app that’s being compared to TikTok, powered by AI and dubbed Sora. On this episode of The Vergecast, Hayden Field, who attended OpenAI’s recent Dev Day event, joins David and Jake to break down the energy, the announcements, and the sometimes confusing logic behind OpenAI’s latest strategy. She shares what it was like to be in the room during the event, including the surprisingly underwhelming experience of listening to Jony Ive discuss AI devices—where, as she puts it, “she learned nothing.” The conversation turns to Sora, the app that’s quickly become a cultural talking point. While it’s still unclear whether Sora will maintain long-term user engagement once the initial novelty fades, there’s no denying it’s created a moment. Whether it’s real or just another flashy AI experiment, Sora taps into a growing fascination with AI-driven social experiences. OpenAI has a knack for generating buzz, and even if Sora doesn’t stick around, it’s already proven the company knows how to capture attention. The team also reflects on OpenAI’s broader ambitions—how it’s not just building tools, but shaping the future of digital interaction. The company’s ability to launch multiple high-impact initiatives simultaneously suggests a confidence and momentum that few others in tech can match. Whether these moves will lead to lasting innovation or just fleeting trends remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: OpenAI continues to define the pace of the AI era. For more on OpenAI’s latest developments, including the new app integrations and developer tools, and to explore what’s happening with Sora, check out the links provided in the episode. And in the lightning round, the hosts dive into quick takes on the most talked-about aspects of the week’s news.