OpenAI has announced the launch of a new "lightweight" version of its ChatGPT deep research tool. This tool, which scours the web to compile research reports, is now available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users. Starting today, free ChatGPT users will also have access to this tool, powered by OpenAI's o4-mini model. Though not as powerful as the full version of the research tool, the lightweight model is designed to be more cost-effective, enabling the company to increase usage limits.

Key Features of the Lightweight Deep Research Tool

• Cost-Efficiency: The lightweight version is designed to be cheaper to operate, which allows OpenAI to expand usage limits for users.
• Concise Responses: Users will experience shorter but still insightful responses that maintain high quality and depth.
• Automatic Switching: Once the usage limits for the original deep research version are reached, queries will automatically default to the lightweight model.

The move comes at a time when other major players like Google, Microsoft, and xAI are introducing similar tools that leverage advanced reasoning AI models for in-depth research. These models enable chatbots to think critically and fact-check, making them valuable assets for tasks requiring detailed analysis.

Wider Accessibility Coming Soon

Next week, enterprise and educational users will also gain access to the lightweight deep research tool, with usage levels aligned with those of Team users. OpenAI’s step towards making this tool accessible to a wider audience reflects its ongoing commitment to enhancing research capabilities for various user types.

This launch promises to offer a more efficient and cost-effective solution for users who require deep research assistance, helping users stay ahead in the fast-paced world of information gathering.