OpenAI just released a new tool called Deep Research that changes how we search for information online. Think of it as a super-smart research assistant that can read through hundreds of websites, documents, and images to give you a detailed report in about 30 minutes – work that would take a person many hours or even days to complete.
“You give it a prompt, and ChatGPT will find, analyze, and synthesize hundreds of online sources to create a comprehensive report at the level of a research analyst,” OpenAI explains. For example, if you’re trying to pick the right ski equipment for a trip to Japan, Deep Research can search through reviews, compare prices, and create a detailed shopping guide for you.
Right now, you’ll need to pay $200 monthly for ChatGPT Pro to use Deep Research. Each user gets 100 searches per month because the tool needs a lot of computing power to work. OpenAI plans to make it available to other paying customers later, but hasn’t said when.
Kevin Weil from OpenAI showed how the tool works during a presentation in Washington. He asked Deep Research to create a report about Albert Einstein, pretending Einstein was being considered for a government job. The tool not only gathered information about Einstein’s background but also suggested five interview questions based on its research.
But Deep Research isn’t perfect. OpenAI warns that it sometimes makes mistakes, can present incorrect information as true, and might have trouble telling the difference between facts and rumors. It’s like having a very fast researcher who occasionally gets their facts mixed up.
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This release comes at an interesting time in the AI world. Chinese companies, especially one called DeepSeek, are creating similar tools, leading to increased competition. OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman has noticed DeepSeek’s progress but says their technology isn’t showing anything new.
The bigger picture here is about saving time and making research easier. Whether you’re a student working on a paper, a lawyer preparing a case, or a scientist reviewing research, Deep Research aims to help you gather and understand information faster. It’s part of a larger trend where AI tools are being designed to handle complex tasks that usually require hours of human work.
OpenAI is also part of a major U.S. initiative called Stargate, which plans to invest $500 billion in AI technology. This shows how important these tools are becoming for future technology development.
For everyday use, Deep Research could help with tasks like:
- Researching the best phone to buy by comparing reviews and features
- Understanding complex topics by combining information from multiple sources
- Creating detailed reports for work or school projects
- Finding and comparing scientific research on specific topics
While the tool is promising, OpenAI emphasizes that it’s still in early stages. Users should double-check its findings, especially for important decisions, just as you would verify information from any research assistant.
