OpenAI has launched a new tool called deep research, designed to conduct in-depth research on the internet for complex tasks.
This tool, available now to Pro users of ChatGPT, can perform multi-step research on a range of topics, commendably reducing the time it takes to gather and synthesise data from multiple online sources.
The company states that deep research can complete tasks in minutes, which would typically take hours for a human to do.
This new feature leverages OpenAI’s upcoming o3 model, which is optimised for web browsing and data analysis. Users can prompt the system, and it will scour the internet for relevant text, images, and PDFs, compiling them into comprehensive reports.
These reports are intended to be detailed and at the level of a research analyst’s work. According to OpenAI, deep research helps in finding hard-to-get information, making it particularly useful for professionals in fields like finance, science, policy, and engineering.
The tool is also intended to assist those who need thorough research for personal or consumer decisions, such as buying appliances or cars. All outputs are well-documented, with clear citations and summaries of the reasoning behind each conclusion, ensuring that users can verify the information.
While the tool has good prospects, OpenAI has acknowledged that it is still in the early stages of development and has limitations.
For example, deep research may struggle with distinguishing between reliable information and unverified claims, and it occasionally struggles to convey uncertainty in its findings.
Nonetheless, the tool could help in achieving OpenAI’s goal of developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Users can now access deep research via the web version of ChatGPT, with mobile and desktop apps to follow within the next month. For now, the feature is available to Pro users, with access to Plus and Team users expected soon.
OpenAI plans to enhance the tool’s abilities and performance, hoping to make it faster and more cost-effective over time.
Deep research is the second major release from OpenAI this year, following the launch of its Operator tool in January, which handles tasks like making to-do lists or planning vacations. OpenAI has stated that it will continue enhancing deep research through further updates.
