What to know

  • OpenAI has launched a lightweight version of its Deep Research tool for all ChatGPT users, including those on the free plan.
  • The lightweight tool uses the o4-mini model and provides shorter but still detailed responses.
  • Free users get five tasks per month, while paid plans have higher limits and access to both full and lightweight versions.
  • Enterprise and educational users will receive access to the lightweight tool next week.

OpenAI has introduced a lightweight version of its Deep Research tool, making advanced research capabilities available to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free plan. This update aims to broaden access to in-depth research features that were previously limited to paid subscribers.

The new lightweight Deep Research tool is powered by OpenAI's o4-mini model. While it does not match the full capabilities of the original Deep Research tool, it is designed to be more cost-effective and allows for higher usage limits. Responses from the lightweight tool are generally shorter but still maintain the depth and quality users expect from ChatGPT's research features.

Free ChatGPT users can now perform up to five Deep Research tasks per month using the lightweight version. Plus and Team users receive 10 tasks per month with the full version and an additional 15 tasks with the lightweight version. Pro users have access to 125 tasks per month for both the full and lightweight versions. Enterprise and educational users will be granted access to the lightweight tool next week, with usage levels similar to Team users.

Deep Research is designed to help users generate thorough, well-cited reports on complex topics by searching and analyzing information from the public web. It is particularly useful for tasks that require multi-step reasoning, such as literature reviews, market analysis, and decision-making. Every output includes clear citations, making it easy for users to verify information.

When users reach the usage limit of the full Deep Research tool, ChatGPT will automatically switch to the lightweight version to ensure uninterrupted access. This approach allows more people to benefit from advanced research capabilities without additional costs.

OpenAI's move comes as other AI companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and xAI, have also introduced similar deep research tools in their chatbots. The expansion of these features reflects the growing demand for reliable, AI-powered research assistance across different user groups.

Via: TheVerge