Meta Platforms has taken a bold step by hiring Ruoming Pang, Apple’s top executive for foundation models. Pang joins the new Meta Superintelligence Labs, where he oversaw Apple’s core AI initiatives, including next-generation Siri. Additionally, the lab is Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s most recent project to create artificial general intelligence (AGI).
The hiring indicates a growing wave of recruitment by Meta, and Pang is one of the well-known names leaving the company. Several leading researchers from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic have also joined this exclusive group.
Meta Superintelligence Expands Dream AI Team
Ruoming Pang was offered a million-dollar annual package to join the newly established Meta Superintelligence division. Pang’s exit is a significant setback for Apple, which has experienced management turnover and internal dissatisfaction within its AI teams.
Additionally, Pang’s deputy, Tom Gunter, recently departed. Pang will now report to Alexandr Wang, the Chief AI Officer of Meta and the former CEO of Scale AI. Additionally, Meta, which values Wang’s startup at $29 billion, has backed it.
Inside Meta’s Bold Grab for AI Experts
Meta has been demanding in their recent hiring expansion. Alongside Pang, it brought in two experts in cutting-edge models: Anton Bakhtin from Anthropic and Yuanzhi Li from OpenAI. The project is a component of Zuckerberg’s goal to establish a foremost “superintelligence” unit.
Zuckerberg has hosted potential clients at his houses as part of his direct involvement. The company offers more than just large salaries to top researchers. However, a major draw for anyone developing large AI systems is immense processing power.
The chief researcher at OpenAI claimed that Meta is “stealing” their top talent. Sam Altman, the CEO, accused Meta of providing sign-on bonuses worth $100 million. However, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth downplayed the claims, stating that such deals exist only in a few leadership positions.
Will Apple Regain Its AI Momentum Now?
Pang’s team played a key role in Apple’s AI rollout, particularly with regard to the recently revealed Apple Intelligence. It powers features on both iPads and iPhones. Additionally, Apple recently allowed outside developers to use its models, but reports indicate that staff morale has declined.
The uncertainty has increased due to recent changes in leadership. Apple is investigating whether to power upcoming Siri versions with foundation models from outside vendors like OpenAI or Anthropic. Additionally, the change has caused conflict within Apple’s AI division.
Meanwhile, Meta Superintelligence is expanding rapidly. There are now more than a dozen top AI experts from rivals. Among them are Joel Pobar, Huiwen Chang, Shuchao Bi, and Trapit Bansal. Therefore, Meta is more committed to AI than ever with billions going toward infrastructure.
Meta Superintelligence Reshapes the AI Battleground
Meta has established itself as a major player in the competition for AI talent by acquiring Pang and others. Apple’s internal restructuring demonstrates the high stakes. Thus, with foundation models at the core of AI systems of the future, the talent war is only beginning. The Meta Superintelligence project could influence how AGI develops in the future.
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