OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Deep Research for ChatGPT to assist users with complex research tasks. This announcement was made on Monday.
The tool is currently available to Pro users in the U.S., with plans for broader access in the future.
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Features of Deep Research
Deep Research utilises OpenAI’s advanced o3 model, optimised for web browsing and data analysis. This allows ChatGPT to autonomously conduct multi-step research by searching, analysing, and synthesising information from various online sources, including text, images, and PDFs.
According to OpenAI, “Today we’re launching deep research in ChatGPT, a new agentic capability that conducts multi-step research on the internet for complex tasks. It accomplishes in tens of minutes what would take a human many hours”.
The tool is designed for finance, science, policy, and engineering professionals, but it is also beneficial for consumers needing detailed comparisons for purchases like cars and appliances.
Users can initiate a deep research task by selecting the “Deep Research” option in the ChatGPT interface and inputting their query. They can also attach relevant files or spreadsheets to provide additional context. Depending on the complexity of the request, the expected turnaround time for reports ranges from 5 to 30 minutes.
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Challenges and limitations
While Deep Research offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency, OpenAI acknowledges some limitations. The tool may sometimes produce inaccurate information or struggle to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources.
OpenAI emphasises that users should verify the findings independently. To facilitate referencing, they stated that every output will be “fully documented, with clear citations and a summary of [the] thinking.”
OpenAI has also indicated future enhancements for Deep Research, including integrating embedded images and data visualisations in reports. The company aims to connect this feature to more specialised data sources in upcoming updates.
As competition intensifies in the AI sector, particularly with emerging players like China’s DeepSeek chatbot, OpenAI’s launch of Deep Research reflects its commitment to advancing AI capabilities while addressing user needs for comprehensive analysis tools.