OpenAI Rolls Out Lightweight Deep Research Tool to Free ChatGPT Users
OpenAI has recently announced that its Deep Research tool is now accessible to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free tier. This move allows a wider range of users to benefit from the tool's capabilities, previously reserved for higher-tier subscribers.
A new lightweight version of the tool, powered by the o4-mini model, offers a cost-effective solution for users seeking concise yet in-depth research capabilities. The tool autonomously generates comprehensive reports by analyzing vast online sources, completing tasks in a quick timeframe of 5 to 30 minutes.
OpenAI brings 'lightweight' deep research tool to free ChatGPT users
Usage Limits
Depending on their subscription plan, users will have different usage limits. Free users can access up to 5 tasks per month, while Plus & Team users receive 10 full tasks and 15 lightweight tasks per month. Pro users enjoy the highest limits with 125 full tasks and 125 lightweight tasks per month.
Enterprise and EDU users are also set to gain access to the lightweight version of the tool, starting next week, further expanding its availability.
AI-Powered Deep Research
Deep Research is an AI-powered tool integrated within ChatGPT that conducts extensive research on user-provided prompts. It sifts through various types of content such as text, images, and PDFs from the internet to generate comprehensive reports, mimicking the work of a human research analyst.
The tool operates independently and is capable of adjusting its approach in real-time as it gathers information. This allows tasks to be completed efficiently within 5 to 30 minutes, offering users quick access to valuable insights.
To enhance accessibility, OpenAI has introduced a lightweight version of Deep Research, powered by the o4-mini model. While this version delivers shorter responses, it maintains the depth and quality expected from the full version, providing users with a more cost-effective alternative.
Subscription Plans
Access to Deep Research varies based on the user's ChatGPT subscription plan:
- Free Users: 5 tasks/month (lightweight version only)
- Plus & Team Users: 10 tasks/month (full version) + 15 tasks/month (lightweight version)
- Pro Users: 125 tasks/month (full version) + 125 tasks/month (lightweight version)
- Enterprise Users: 10 tasks/month (full version)
Once users reach the limit for the full version, ChatGPT automatically switches to the lightweight version to ensure uninterrupted service.
Breaking New Ground: ChatGPT's Enhanced Deep Research Capabilities
Unlocking Research Capabilities
Since its launch, Deep Research has been utilized for various purposes including literature reviews, market analyses, and personal decision-making processes. Users have praised its ability to generate detailed and comprehensive reports, showcasing its value in exploring complex topics that require extensive information synthesis.
This expansion aligns with OpenAI's mission to democratize access to advanced AI tools. By introducing a lightweight version that maintains high-quality output, OpenAI enables users across different subscription tiers to leverage AI for in-depth research tasks.
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