OpenAI has introduced a new feature to ChatGPT named "deep search" which allows the AI to operate autonomously as a research analyst.
Unlike traditional AI responses, this technology will enable ChatGPT to plan and execute multistep research projects, track real-time data, and backtrack as needed. Instead of simply providing answers, it demonstrates a transparent research process, complete with citations and summaries, giving users a better understanding of how the data was acquired.
Users can input queries in various formats, including text, images, PDFs, and spreadsheets, to provide context for the AI. Deep search takes 5 to 30 minutes to generate a detailed response. In the future, OpenAI plans to enhance this feature by incorporating embedded images and charts, making its findings even more thorough.
OpenAI describes deep research as having the ability to perform at the level of a professional research analyst, drastically lowering the time required to synthesize information from hundreds of internet resources. A demonstration highlighted how it could analyze industry patterns and provide thorough reports that would usually take humans hours to complete. This feature closely follows OpenAI's Operator tool, which leverages web browsing to perform complex tasks, and rivals Google's Project Mariner, which is still in development.
Currently, the research is available to Pro users, with OpenAI offering up to a hundred monthly queries for people paying $200 monthly. Plus, Team and Enterprise customers will gain limited access as the tool improves. Given the tool's high processing requirements, OpenAI plans to refine the tool for faster and more cost-effective usage.
Despite its achievements, deep research has its limitations. OpenAI admits that the tool may occasionally "hallucinate" facts, struggle to differentiate between authoritative sources and rumors, and misjudge certain response levels. However, the AI model has set a new standard for accuracy, outperforming prior iterations in expert-level AI assessments.
This launch aligns with OpenAI's broader ambitions, including high-profile meetings in Tokyo and collaboration with SoftBank to construct the Stargate data center network. As competition in AI research intensifies globally, deep research marks a crucial step toward making AI a reliable and efficient research assistant.