OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the return of GPT-4o in the wake of a strong backlash from Reddit users over the newly introduced GPT-5.
What Happened: OpenAI decided to resurrect GPT-4o less than a day after its replacement with GPT-5. This move was a direct response to a Reddit forum where users voiced their dissatisfaction with the new bot’s tone, with some even shedding tears over the disappearance of GPT-4o.
The forced upgrade and the lack of an option to select legacy models were met with criticism, leading to many long-term users cancelling their subscriptions.
Altman responded to the backlash, promising to bring back GPT-4o for Plus subscribers, a paid subscription plan costing $20 a month.
Also Read: Here’s How Sam Altman Quietly Replaced Elon Musk as Donald Trump’s Go-To AI Advisor
GPT-5 was launched on August 7, offering improved writing, coding, math, and science abilities.
However, users found its “flat” tone and perceived lack of creativity off-putting. Altman admitted to underestimating the importance of some GPT-4o traits to users and pledged transparency in future decisions.
Why It Matters: The return of GPT-4o underscores the importance of user feedback in shaping the direction of tech products.
OpenAI’s quick response to user dissatisfaction demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction and a willingness to adapt.
The incident also highlights the challenges faced by tech companies in balancing innovation with user expectations and preferences.
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Image: Shutterstock/Meir Chaimowitz
