In a recent podcast episode with tech legend Bill Gates, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman let slip a surprising tidbit about his smartphone usage.
Topping the list of his most-used applications is not the expected ChatGPT, but the team collaboration platform Slack.
Altman, who has been helming OpenAI since late 2019, made the revelation during the enlightening conversation with Gates. The OpenAI chief admitted that he spends the majority of his screen time on Slack, staying connected with his team “all day” with Apple’s iMessage coming in as a close second.
While some might expect AI expert Altman to favor more advanced apps, Altman admits his phone usage leans more towards productivity, staying in constant contact with his globally distributed team.
This revelation has further underscored the increasingly crucial role Slack is playing in our work environment. As a platform that promotes seamless and effective communication, Slack has proven to be a vital tool in an era when remote working is fast becoming the norm.
In an ironic twist, Altman also mentioned that OpenAI uses Google Meet for video conferencing, despite Microsoft’s hefty $10 billion investment in the company. It could be an indication of Google’s robust platform successfully providing the necessary tools to connect a global team, regardless of significant financial ties with its competitors.
Revelations about Altman’s app preferences and device use offer an interesting insight into how technology’s influencers are navigating their digital lifestyle. Despite the technological revolution around cutting-edge AI programs and services, it appears that conventional communication and productivity applications still hold sway, at least in the world of Sam Altman.
The discussion with Gates is one of many platforms where Altman offers glimpses into his work habits. It’s a clear illustration of tech leaders’ need for continued, unfettered communication lines as they traverse a digitally-dominated workspace.
