OpenAI Expands ChatGPT with New Cost-Efficient Deep Research Tool
OpenAI has introduced a new and slightly lighter research feature for its ChatGPT users, which is now gradually going to be available to all types of users. Earlier this feature was limited to only Plus, Team and Pro subscribers, but now it is being started for free users as well. This new tool can be very beneficial for those who want to do in-depth research on any topic.
This research tool is being called “light” because it is based on OpenAI’s o4-mini model. This model is a bit smaller and not full capacity, but its special feature is that it can serve more users at a lower cost. Because of this, OpenAI is now able to allow more people to use the research tool, so that users will not have to face the limit again and again.
OpenAI has stated that the answers received from this new tool will usually be a little shorter, but there will be no reduction in the depth and quality of the information. If a user reaches the limit of the full research version, his query will automatically shift to this lightweight tool — the user will not need to do anything himself.
In fact, in recent times, many such in-depth research tools have come into the market. Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot and Elon Musk’s company xAI’s Grok — all of these have now introduced their own AI research tools. The special thing about all these tools is that they are based on AI models that have the ability to “reason” i.e. thinking and understanding. These models not only collect information, but also apply logic to it and try to fact check it on their own. In such a situation, the entire experience of doing research has become better and more reliable than before.
OpenAI has also said that in the coming few weeks, this new lightweight research tool will also be available to Enterprise and Educational users. Users of both these categories will get the same usage limits that users with Team plan are currently getting. That means OpenAI is now trying to make research tools accessible to as many people as possible — whether it is for studies, work or any professional research.
