On February 25, OpenAI announced the launch of its Deep Research feature, now accessible to all paying subscribers of ChatGPT, including those under Plus, Teams, Education, and Enterprise plans. Previously, this advanced tool was exclusive to ChatGPT Pro members, who paid $200 per month for enhanced research capabilities.
The Deep Research tool is integrated directly within ChatGPT and is adept at conducting complex web research autonomously. According to OpenAI, it can accomplish tasks within minutes, which would otherwise take humans several hours. The tool analyzes and synthesizes hundreds of online sources to produce comprehensive reports on user queries.
Deep Research is particularly beneficial for inquiries spanning finance, science and medicine, politics, engineering, product purchasing, and detail searching. Each of the results is documented with precise citations from significant passages, alongside summaries of its thought process which outline how the tool arrived at its conclusions.
The recent changes mean premium users now have limited access to this feature, with the Plus, Teams, Education, and Enterprise subscribers allowed 10 detailed searches per month, whereas Pro users can make up to 120 searches. This strategy appears aimed at broadening accessibility at OpenAI amid increasing competition from platforms like Perplexity AI and Google Gemini.
To utilize the Deep Research function, users must have any form of paid ChatGPT account. The process involves selecting the Deep Research option under the text bar, entering precise queries, and potentially uploading relevant files or spreadsheets for more detailed assistance.
Early tests of Deep Research have reported impressive outcomes. For example, when examining the best time to travel to Thailand, the tool queried details about the user’s preferences—length of stay, departure cities, and must-see attractions—before returning with thorough research. After approximately 11 minutes, it provided extensive insights including seasonal climate, pricing trends for flights and accommodations, and daily travel itineraries for the best travel dates.
Similarly, when assessing investment trends within the technology sector, Deep Research produced over 4,000 words covering recent fundraising, promising startups, areas of significant growth such as AI and cloud computing, and market strategies of key players. Each data point was reinforced with citations, allowing users to explore original sources effectively.
The speed and efficiency of the Deep Research tool distinguish it from ordinary web searches, effectively changing how information is gathered and evaluated. Results are reportedly more thorough than conventional search engines, with claims of eliminating common issues such as inaccurate information or fabricated answers often seen with standard search tools.
OpenAI’s move also aims to maintain its edge against competitors. The expansion of Deep Research reflects not only the tool's versatility but also OpenAI's intention to remain at the forefront of AI development and user engagement. Future enhancements, such as adding images, graphs, and data visualizations to reports, have also been hinted at, potentially enriching users' experience and providing clearer insights.
For users and potential subscribers, this development poses intriguing possibilities for both personal and professional applications. Deep Research may redefine how data and information are accessed, analyzed, and utilized, shifting the paradigms of research entirely.