OpenAI has made its smart research tool cheaper and more accessible. The tool, called Deep Research, helps ChatGPT search the web and give detailed answers. Now, a lighter version is available for free users, while paid plans offer more features. This move lets more people try advanced AI without paying upfront.
What the Lightweight Tool Can Do
The lightweight version uses a smaller AI model named o4-mini. It works almost as well as the original but costs less. Here is what it offers
- Shorter Answers
You get clear summaries instead of long reports. For example, asking about the best colleges gives a quick list instead of 10 pages.
- Free Users Get 5 Tries a Month
Free ChatGPT users can test the tool five times monthly. After that, they must wait or upgrade.
- Paid Plans Have More Uses
Plus, users get 25 tries. Pro users get 250. Businesses and schools will get access soon.
Why This Update Matters
OpenAI wants everyone to use AI for research, not just paying customers. The lightweight tool helps students, teachers, and small businesses get answers faster. It also keeps up with rivals like Google and Microsoft, who have similar tools.
Real-Life Example
A student can ask, “What causes thunderstorms?” and get a simple explanation with key facts.
How It Compares to Other AI Tools
Google Gemini
Free users get 10 research questions a month.
Microsoft Copilot
You need a paid Office subscription to use it.
ChatGPT
Free users get fewer tries (5) but can upgrade for more.
What People Are Saying
Most users enjoy getting free access to the tool. Students use it for homework. Workers employ Google Docs to make brief document reports. Some users would like free account holders to have additional attempts at the tool. Overall, people like getting smart answers without paying.
What Happens Next
OpenAI will give the tool to schools and companies next week. They plan to improve it based on feedback. The goal is to keep AI research tools cheap and helpful for all.
The new tool from ChatGPT enables users to reduce their work time when writing research papers or developing projects. Free users of these services should use their attempts with restraint since their free usage has built-in restrictions.
