OpenAI has launched a new artificial intelligence tool called “Deep Research,” designed to perform time-consuming online research tasks for users. This tool expands OpenAI’s suite of AI agents, catering to a wide range of fields from complex scientific inquiries to car recommendations.
The service is currently available to select paying customers through OpenAI’s ChatGPT online chatbot. “Deep Research” can search online text, images, PDF files, and user-uploaded documents based on user instructions, generating comprehensive reports. OpenAI likens this tool to a research analyst, capable of completing tasks in minutes that would typically take hours for a human.
This release marks OpenAI’s second AI agent this year, following last month’s launch of “Operator,” which assists users in booking flights, planning grocery orders, and shopping. Both tools are accessible only to users subscribed to OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT Pro option at $200 per month.
The introduction of these tools signifies a broader industry shift towards AI agents, which can perform multi-step tasks with minimal supervision. OpenAI’s supporter, Microsoft (MSFT, Financial), and competitor Anthropic have also developed their own agent software, with many startups joining the trend. These companies aim to save users time on personal and professional tasks, fulfilling AI’s promise of enhanced productivity.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has indicated that AI agents will be the “next big breakthrough” in artificial intelligence. However, OpenAI warns that “Deep Research” is still in its early stages and may confuse fictional information with facts, and struggles to differentiate between rumors and accurate information. Additionally, the tool is resource-intensive, limiting initial users to 100 queries per month.
OpenAI plans to extend the service to other paying customers, including those subscribed to its Plus, Team, and Enterprise options, though a timeline has not been disclosed.
