OpenAI presents Deep Research and free o3-mini model for ChatGPT
Over the weekend, OpenAI released two significant updates to its ChatGPT chatbot: the Deep Research feature and an updated version of the o3-mini model.
Deep Research Feature
The Deep Research feature enables ChatGPT to analyze a vast array of websites and online sources to generate reports at the level of a research analyst. This tool can handle not only text queries but also uploaded files such as PDFs and spreadsheets. The responses are generated within 5 to 30 minutes, accompanied by progress reports and links to the sources used. OpenAI claims that this feature can accomplish tasks in a matter of minutes that would otherwise take a human several hours.
However, OpenAI acknowledges that the tool may make mistakes, including inventing facts or misinterpreting information. Currently, this feature is exclusively available to ChatGPT Pro subscribers for $200 per month with a limit of 100 requests. OpenAI intends to broaden access to this feature to Plus and Team users, followed by Enterprise users, and is actively working to reduce the cost of the model to allow for more queries.
As of now, Deep Research is not accessible to users in the UK, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area.
Updated o3-mini Model
OpenAI has introduced an enhanced version of the o3-mini model, which is faster and more accurate than its predecessor, o1-mini. Through A/B testing, it has been determined that the o3-mini is 24% faster, with an average response time of 7.7 seconds compared to 10.16 seconds. This model can handle tasks in science, math, and coding almost as effectively as more expensive models.
The o3-mini model is available for free to all ChatGPT users. To utilize it, users can click on the Reason button below the message window. Additionally, the o3-mini model is integrated with ChatGPT Search, allowing it to search for relevant information and useful links on the internet. For Plus and Team ChatGPT users, the o3-mini usage limit has been increased from 50 to 150 messages per day.
This marks the first time that a model capable of "reasoning" has been offered free of charge to ChatGPT users.
Competition and Market Dynamics
These updates come amidst increasing competition in the AI market. Recently, the Chinese company DeepSeek introduced the R1 model, which gained rapid popularity, surpassing ChatGPT in the rankings of free App Store apps globally. OpenAI and Microsoft, the largest investor in ChatGPT, are currently investigating potential unauthorized data acquisition by a group associated with DeepSeek.
