OpenAI rolls out a 'lightweight' version of its ChatGPT deep research tool

Thursday, Apr 24, 2025 6:59 pm ET1min read

OpenAI rolls out a 'lightweight' version of its ChatGPT deep research tool

OpenAI has introduced a new, lightweight version of its ChatGPT deep research tool, aimed at enhancing accessibility and cost-efficiency for users. This new tool, powered by the o4-mini model, will be available to all users, including free ones, starting today. The lightweight version is designed to be less resource-intensive than the original, allowing OpenAI to offer higher usage limits and potentially reduce costs for users.

The new tool will automatically switch to the lightweight version when users reach the limits of the original deep research feature. OpenAI has stated that responses will be shorter but maintain the depth and quality users expect. This move is part of OpenAI's ongoing efforts to expand the capabilities of its AI tools while managing costs and resource usage [1].

The introduction of the lightweight version comes amidst a competitive landscape in AI research tools. OpenAI is not the only company offering deep research tools. Competitors such as Google's Gemini, Microsoft's Copilot, and xAI's Grok have also launched similar offerings. These tools are driven by advanced reasoning AI models that can think through problems and fact-check themselves, crucial for conducting in-depth research [2].

OpenAI's announcement follows a series of updates and releases in recent months. In April 2025, the company introduced Flex processing, which allows users to perform AI tasks at a lower cost but with slower response times. Additionally, OpenAI has rolled out new safety measures to monitor its AI models for biological and chemical threats [1].

The lightweight deep research tool is set to be available to enterprise and educational users next week, with the same usage levels as Team users. This expansion is part of OpenAI's strategy to make its advanced AI tools more accessible to a broader range of users.

References:
[1] https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/24/openai-rolls-out-a-lightweight-version-of-its-chatgpt-deep-research-tool/
[2] https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/21/chatgpt-everything-to-know-about-the-ai-chatbot/

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