On The Vergecast: Altman, Musk, Murati, Rando Twitch Guy… and the ChatGPT Phone.
May 8, 2026, 1:31 PM UTC
Sometimes, companies select CEOs based on strategically planned succession procedures aimed at boosting investor confidence and future success. Other times, apparently, they choose CEOs through a series of video calls, while the current CEO is texting the former CEO about who will replace them. This was the scenario at The Blip in 2024 when Sam Altman was removed from OpenAI. We already knew the situation was chaotic, but the ongoing Musk v. Altman trial exposes the full extent of the chaos.
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On this episode of The Vergecast, Nilay and David discuss updates from the trials, including viral text messages between Altman and Mira Murati. The discussion covers insights into OpenAI’s early days, Musk’s departure, and the events during Altman’s absence.
Next, the hosts discuss gadget news, starting with OpenAI’s rumored phone plans that seem destined to fail. They also share opinions on the new Fitbit Air, iRobot’s new home robot, and Apple’s lawsuit over Siri ads.
In the lightning round, topics include the Hype Desk, Brendan Carr’s blunders, confusing rebranding news, and positive developments in Asha Sharma’s Xbox leadership.
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