Meta Develops Secret 'Avocado' AI Model to Replace Llama, Hires Scale AI Founder for $14.3 Billion
Summary
Meta secretly develops 'Avocado' AI model to replace Llama while spending $14.3 billion to hire Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang as chief AI officer, abandoning open-source strategy after Llama 4's failure and implementing grueling 70-hour workweeks to compete with OpenAI and Google by 2026.
Key Points
- Meta develops new proprietary AI model codenamed Avocado as successor to open-source Llama, expected to launch in first quarter of 2026 after internal delays
- Company spends $14.3 billion hiring Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang as chief AI officer and top talent to compete with OpenAI and Google, creating internal culture clash
- Meta shifts away from open-source strategy after Llama 4's poor reception, with new leadership implementing 70-hour workweeks and restructuring traditional development processes