OpenAI has unintentionally caused excitement on the crypto market with the announcement of its new family of GPT-5.6 models. It’s because the names of these models are very similar to some of the most well-known digital assets in the crypto industry.
OpenAI Names GPT 5.6 Models Akin To Popular Crypto Projects
Sam Altman’s OpenAI has unveiled three new GPT 5.6 models: Sol, Terra and Luna on Thursday in a blog. It prompted social media users to highlight the resemblance to Solana (SOL) and the failed Terra (LUNA) blockchain.
In its announcement, OpenAI said “We’re beginning a limited preview of the GPT-5.6 series: Sol, our flagship model; Terra, a balanced model for everyday work; and Luna, a fast and affordable model.”
The company claims that the performance of each of its models falls somewhere between the top-tier GPT-5.5 and less expensive Terra. Meanwhile, Luna is meant to be the entry level, high-speed, low cost offering. OpenAI stated that the names aren’t linked to cryptocurrencies but instead connotes various levels of capability.
The naming decision did not go unnoticed by crypto traders. It revived some of the most popular crypto brands. GPT 5.6’s Sol mirrors the ticker of Solana’s native crypto. On the other hand, Terra and Luna were also the names behind the Terra blockchain ecosystem that collapsed in 2022. At the time, it wiped out tens of billions of dollars in market value.
About The Latest AI Models
In addition to the names, OpenAI noted a few enhancements to the GPT-5.6 family. For more challenging reasoning and agentic workflows, the company added new “max” and “ultra” modes to Sol.
It also highlighted enhanced coding, scientific and cybersecurity skills of the model range. However, the “limited” preview comes after the White House reportedly asked to restrict the GPT 5.6 rollout.
OpenAI also emphasized that the launch is not a complete public release. It’s a “limited preview” of the GPT-5.6 series, as the company is still running safety tests before it makes the model available to a wider audience.
