AI-supported knowledge work Deep Research with Chatgpt from Openaai: Advantages and Limits
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Published on: February 27, 2025 / update from: February 27, 2025
AI-based knowledge work: Deep Research with Chatgpt from Openaai: Where are the advantages and limits? - Image: Xpert.digital
With the gradual opening of his “Deep Research” feature, Openaai has made a remarkable step that has the potential to fundamentally change the way we know knowledge. What was once reserved for an exclusive group of pro-users is now available to a wider audience, including subscribers to Chatgpt Plus, team, education, and enterprise plans. This expansion of access, albeit with monthly usage limits, signals not only the increasing maturity of this technology, but also Openai's strategic ambition, to play a leading role in the highly competitive field of AI-based information systems. The step takes place at a time when competition with companies such as Perplexity, Google, Xai, and Microsoft is intensified, all of which strive to develop the next generation of tools for knowledge work.
The Emergence of Deep Research
Deep Research emerged from the need to overcome the limits of conventional search methods and to initiate a new era of gaining knowledge. It was designed as a kind of “AI agent” that is able to autonomously carry out complex, multi-stage research. In essence, it is about not only finding information but also to understand it, analyze and present it in a structured form. Deep Research uses a highly developed version of the O3 model from Openai, which has been specially optimized for the demanding tasks of web browsing and data analysis.
Key Features of Deep Research
In contrast to traditional chatbot modes, such as those used in GPT-4O, Deep Research is designed to operate over a longer period of time-typically between five and thirty minutes per request. During this time, it systematically searches hundreds of online sources, extracts relevant information, interprets its importance in the context of the question asked, and synthesizes the results into a coherent report. This process goes far beyond the simple access of search results; it includes an active examination of the material found, the identification of patterns, contradictions, and relevant connections.
Advanced AI Technologies
The performance of Deep Research is based on a combination of different advanced AI technologies. A central aspect is the "Reasoning", that is, the ability to draw logical conclusions and to understand complex facts. This enables the system to develop and adapt search strategies independently, to critically assess sources and to assess the relevance of information in the context of the respective question.
Training Approach and User Access
Deep Research was trained by "Reinforcement Learning", focusing on real tasks that require browser and tool use. The expansion of access to Deep Research to broader user groups marks a significant step in the democratization of this technology. Originally available exclusively for PRO users with a monthly subscription of $200, access was expanded to various user groups, offering different query limits per month.
Technical Improvements and Functionality
In parallel to the expansion of the user group, technical improvements were also implemented, which further increase the functionality and user-friendliness of Deep Research. Visual content from web sources is now integrated directly into the reports, and detailed sources of source and a summary of the research steps carried out are included in each report.
Comparison with Other Models
The performance of Deep Research was demonstrated in various internal and external tests. In direct comparisons with other models, including GPT-4O and Claude 3.5, Deep Research clearly exceeded them in various benchmarks. The ability to research independently on the web and dynamically access new information sets Deep Research apart from simpler search tools.
Positioning in the AI Market
Openai deliberately positions Deep Research in response to the growing competition in the field of AI-based knowledge work. Various alternative solutions offer similar functionalities, but Deep Research distinguishes itself by its autonomous research capabilities and processing of results.
Potential Impact and Future Trends
Analysts see the broader availability of deep research and similar technologies as a clear trend towards "democratizing agent-based AI." The ability to effectively work with AI-supported tools and critically evaluate their results will be a key competence for knowledge workers in the future.
