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OpenAI Secures New Vanity Domain for ChatGPT, Allegedly Priced at $15 Million

# Speculator Exchanges Valuable Domain for OpenAI Shares Rather than Cash Payment

In an unexpected turn of events, OpenAI has secured the domain name “chat.com,” a highly sought-after and concise domain that now redirects to the organization’s well-known AI assistant, ChatGPT. The acquisition, revealed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman through a brief tweet, carries an intriguing narrative involving a multimillion-dollar transaction and an unconventional payment method.

## The $15.5 Million Domain Agreement

The domain “chat.com” was initially bought by Dharmesh Shah, the founder and CTO of HubSpot, for an astounding $15.5 million in early 2023. Shah, an entrepreneur deeply interested in conversational interfaces, acquired the domain intending to advocate what he referred to as “Chat-based UX” or “#ChatUX.” He believed that natural language interfaces, driven by generative AI, would transform the way individuals interact with software.

In a LinkedIn post from that period, Shah articulated his vision: “The reason I bought chat.com is straightforward: I believe Chat-based UX (#ChatUX) is the next significant advancement in software. Engaging with computers/software via a natural language interface is significantly more intuitive. This is made viable by Generative A.I.”

Nonetheless, Shah’s ownership of the domain was brief, as OpenAI soon showed interest in obtaining it. Rather than opting for conventional cash compensation, Shah chose to receive shares in OpenAI, thereby becoming an investor in the organization. He confirmed this choice in a post on X (formerly Twitter), asserting that he “doesn’t like profiting off of individuals he regards as friends.”

## A Strategic Initiative for OpenAI

OpenAI’s choice to acquire “chat.com” is a tactical one. The domain is not only concise and memorable but also directly connected to the organization’s flagship product, ChatGPT. At present, “chat.com” redirects to “chatgpt.com,” which continues to host the AI chatbot. The acquisition of such a valuable domain emphasizes OpenAI’s commitment to fortifying its brand presence in the AI sector.

While the precise value of the transaction remains undisclosed, it’s probable that OpenAI transferred shares valued at a significant fraction of the original $15.5 million Shah paid for the domain. However, considering OpenAI’s recent fundraising efforts, which have garnered an astonishing $6.6 billion, the domain acquisition signifies merely a small portion of the company’s accessible capital.

## The AI Community’s Response

The acquisition of “chat.com” swiftly became a topic of discussion on social media, with numerous users humorously commenting on the multimillion-dollar deal. Some joked about the substantial amounts involved, alluding to an earlier report that Altman had been negotiating to raise an eye-popping $7 trillion for AI chip manufacturing. Although Altman later downplayed this figure as exaggerated, it has since become a running joke within the AI community.

One user on X humorously remarked, “Now I get what you needed the 7 trillion for,” in response to Altman’s announcement regarding the domain acquisition.

## The Future of Chat-Based Interfaces

The procurement of “chat.com” underscores the increasing significance of conversational AI and natural language interfaces. As generative AI continues to advance, more companies are likely to invest in similar technologies and domains to remain competitive in the industry. Shah’s belief in the potential of Chat-based UX mirrors a broader movement within the tech sector, where intuitive, human-like interactions with software are gaining immense value.

For OpenAI, obtaining “chat.com” symbolizes more than just a branding strategy—it’s an indication of the company’s long-term aspiration to lead in the conversational AI sphere. With ChatGPT already recognized widely, the acquisition of such a prominent domain further solidifies OpenAI’s status as a contender in the AI revolution.

## Conclusion

The narrative of OpenAI’s acquisition of “chat.com” serves as a captivating case of how high-stakes transactions within the tech realm can evolve. Dharmesh Shah’s choice to opt for shares over cash not only mirrors his personal principles but also positions him as a stakeholder in one of the most impactful AI organizations of our era. For OpenAI, the acquisition represents a modest yet strategic investment in its future as it continues to explore the possibilities of what AI can accomplish.

As conversational AI gains more traction, the acquisition of premium domains like “chat.com” will likely become even more critical, functioning as both valuable assets and robust branding instruments in the constantly changing tech landscape.

Assessing the M4 iMac and Reconciling with the Phasing Out of the 27-Inch Version

### Apple’s M4 iMac: A Subtle Yet Welcome Refresh

Apple’s newest version of the iMac, equipped with the M4 chip, introduces a collection of gradual yet significant enhancements that enhance its appeal for everyday consumers. Although the design remains mostly the same as the previous M1 iMac, the internal upgrades—especially the standard inclusion of 16GB of RAM in the base model—provide a notable performance enhancement.

#### Key Features of the M4 iMac

1. **Standard 16GB RAM**: Among the most significant enhancements is the standard 16GB of RAM in the entry-level $1,299 model. This marks a considerable upgrade from earlier models that began with 8GB. For the typical user, this translates to smoother multitasking and improved performance in routine activities like web surfing, office tasks, and light creative work.

2. **Transition to USB-C Accessories**: Apple continues to move away from Lightning ports by including new USB-C accessories in the box. This transition is in line with the wider industry shift toward USB-C as the universal standard for charging and data transfer. However, the peculiar position of the charging port on the bottom of the Magic Mouse remains unchanged, a design aspect that has sparked debate for years.

3. **Nano-Texture Display Option**: For an additional $200, users can select the nano-texture display, which minimizes glare and provides a matte finish. While this feature is beneficial for those working in brightly lit spaces, some might argue that it should be a standard offering given the premium cost of the iMac.

4. **Vibrant Color Palette**: The M4 iMac continues to showcase the lively color options that define the modern iMac series. These hues pay homage to the original iMac G3, renowned for its fun, translucent plastic design. The new iMacs, however, preserve Apple’s sleek aluminum-and-glass look, merging nostalgia with contemporary simplicity.

#### Performance: A Gradual Enhancement

The M4 chip presents a performance increment over the M3, though it does not represent a huge leap forward. In terms of CPU performance, the M4 is about 14-21% quicker in single-core tasks and 20-30% faster in multi-core tasks, thanks to the addition of extra efficiency cores (E-cores). GPU performance also receives a boost, with up to a 33% increase in some benchmarks, although the usual improvements tend to be in the single or low double digits.

Most users will find the M4 iMac more than adequate for managing day-to-day tasks, from browsing the internet to office jobs and light creative work. However, it is not optimized for intensive professional tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, where Apple’s more robust Mac Studio or Mac Pro would be more appropriate.

#### Design: If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Change It

Visually, the M4 iMac is nearly indistinguishable from its forerunners, the M1 and M3 models. The 24-inch display remains a standout feature, providing vivid colors and sharp clarity. Its slim and sophisticated design makes it a great addition to home offices, creative environments, or any workspace where design is crucial.

The rear panel of the iMac showcases the color most prominently, adding a touch of character to an otherwise minimalist design. Nevertheless, the decision to place the Ethernet port on the power brick rather than on the rear of the device remains an intriguing design choice, although it does help keep the iMac’s outline neat and uncomplicated.

#### Webcam and Connectivity

The M4 iMac is equipped with a slightly enhanced 12MP webcam, which supports macOS’s Desk View mode, enabling users to display their desk’s contents during video calls. Although the upgrade is modest, it is a beneficial improvement for those who depend on video conferencing for work or personal interactions.

For those who require wired internet, models that include an Ethernet port still have it located on the power brick rather than the back of the device, a design feature that has persisted from earlier versions.

#### Embracing Simplicity

The iMac has always embodied simplicity, and the M4 variant upholds this principle. It caters to users who seek a computer that functions seamlessly out of the box, with minimal setup and cable mess. The all-in-one format eliminates the need for separate monitors or external devices, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tidy, organized workspace.

However, for power users and enthusiasts, the iMac may no longer be the preferred desktop that it once was. During the Intel era, the iMac served as Apple’s robust desktop, particularly the 27-inch variant, which offered powerful CPUs, upgradeable RAM, and high-end GPUs. Yet with the launch of Apple Silicon, the iMac has reverted to its roots as an accessible, stylish machine aimed at everyday consumers.

Review: M4 and M4 Pro Mac Minis Establish New Standard as Apple’s Finest Mac Minis to Date

The **First Mac Mini Revamp in Nearly 15 Years**: A Thorough Examination of the M4 Mac Mini

The Mac mini, Apple’s petite desktop machine, is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in January 2024. Throughout the years, the Mac mini has stood as a crucial component of Apple’s offerings, providing a budget-friendly entry into the Mac environment. Nevertheless, the design of the Mac mini has seen minimal alterations for almost 15 years—until now. The newly released M4 Mac mini boasts not just a major internal upgrade but also a much-anticipated exterior refresh. This article delves into the new M4 Mac mini, highlighting its design, performance, and why it might be regarded as the best Mac mini ever made by Apple.

### A Quick Overview of the Mac Mini’s History

The Mac mini made its debut in 2005, priced at $499 and promoted as the most economical way to enter the Mac ecosystem. The price varied over the years, yet the Mac mini consistently offered the lowest-cost Mac model. However, entry-level versions often lacked adequate performance. Early models were equipped with minimal RAM, and even the 2018 Mac mini was powered by a Core i3 processor that had difficulty justifying its pricing.

Jump to 2024, and the new M4 Mac mini signifies a breakthrough. With a price of $599, it emerges as the most potent and capable Mac mini ever created by Apple at this price tier. The M4 chip, paired with 16GB of RAM, delivers performance that transforms the Mac mini into more than merely an entry-level machine—it’s a proficient mainstream PC with minimal compromises.

### The Redesign: A Fresh Appearance for the Mac Mini

The M4 Mac mini represents just the second redesign of the device in its 20-year existence. The updated design is streamlined and compact, featuring a reduced size of 5×5 inches, down from the earlier 7.7×7.7 inches. Although the height has seen a slight increase from 1.4 inches to 2 inches, the overall effect is that the new Mac mini feels markedly smaller and more streamlined than its predecessor.

The design aesthetic remains recognizable, with an all-metal body and a black Apple logo recessed on the top. However, the ports are now integrated directly into the aluminum casing, similar to the Mac Studio, endowing the device with a sleeker and more contemporary appearance. A notable alteration is the shifting of the power button to the lower corner, a move that has incited some debate, though it’s a minor hassle for most users.

### Ports: Pros and Cons

The latest Mac mini features a combination of familiar and new ports. The most notable alteration is the elimination of the two USB-A ports, which could be seen as a drawback for some users. However, the new mini adds another Thunderbolt port, raising the total to three at the back, along with two USB-C ports located at the front for added ease of access. The M4 Pro variant of the Mac mini also includes Thunderbolt 5 ports, enabling even faster data transfers.

While the absence of USB-A ports may inconvenience some users, the addition of front-facing ports simplifies connecting devices significantly. The M4 Mac mini is now capable of supporting up to three external displays, marking a considerable enhancement over earlier models, which were restricted to two.

### Performance: M4 and M4 Pro

The M4 chip takes center stage in the latest Mac mini. Upon its introduction, the M4 chip impressed with solid, incremental performance enhancements compared to the M3. Now, with the active cooling system in the Mac mini, the M4 can operate at peak performance for extended durations, yielding remarkable performance across various tasks.

In terms of single-core performance, the M4 outpaces the M3 by 14% to 21%, while multi-core performance exhibits advancements of 20% to 30%. When compared to the M1, the M4 achieves speeds that are 40% to 60% faster in single-core tests and up to 70% quicker in multi-core tests. Despite these performance improvements, the M4 is highly power-efficient, using less energy than the M1 during demanding tasks such as video encoding.

The M4 Pro iteration of the Mac mini goes even further, providing a substantial uptick in multi-core performance thanks to extra CPU cores. In fact, the CPU capabilities of the M4 Pro come close to that of the M1 Ultra, Apple’s most powerful chip from just a couple of years prior. This makes the M4 Pro Mac mini an enticing choice for power users who require a compact yet high-performance desktop solution.

### High Power Mode: A Mixed Blessing

One of the novel features in the M4 Pro Mac mini is the High Power mode, which was previously available only on Apple’s Max and Ultra chips. This mode enables the chip to operate at enhanced speeds and increased temperatures for prolonged periods, potentially enhancing GPU performance.