Big Technology Podcast Why Google Never Shipped Its ChatGPT Predecessor — With Gaurav Nemade
Oct 30, 2023
Gaurav Nemade, founding product manager of Google's LaMDA chatbot, shares the fascinating story behind a project that never saw the light of day. He reveals why LaMDA got stuck internally, delving into the challenges of innovating within a tech giant. The discussion touches on the friction between the thrill of AI advancements and the constraints of safety and ethics. Gaurav also highlights the evolution of AI technology and the future of specialized chatbots, showcasing how innovation navigates through organizational hurdles.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Humbled at IIT
- Gaurav Nemade, despite ranking 732 out of 350,000 on the IIT entrance exam, felt humbled.
- His initial electronics exam score placed him in the bottom 20th percentile, highlighting the intense competition.
IIT's Success Formula
- IIT's demanding entrance exam fosters grit and perseverance.
- The high-achieving peer group and unique opportunities contribute to the development of strong EQ and leadership skills.
LaMDA's Serendipitous Start
- Gaurav's involvement with LaMDA began serendipitously after encountering an engineer's email about a new chatbot.
- Initially focused on safety, due to past chatbot failures like Microsoft's Tay, he recognized it as the biggest hurdle.