OpenAI Unveils Deep Research
OpenAI takes a shot in the PR battle with Chinese rival DeepSeek by introducing a new feature called Deep Research on its ChatGPT platform.
In a recent announcement, CEO Sam Altman revealed that Deep Research is designed to conduct multi-step, complex online research tasks, synthesizing vast amounts of information from the internet—including files, images, and PDFs—to produce comprehensive reports akin to those generated by seasoned research analysts.
The new feature promises to elevate ChatGPT’s capabilities beyond standard responses. While typical prompts yield quick, bulleted lists, Deep Research offers a more detailed and in-depth output, akin to asking an expert for an extensive explanation.
The process can take anywhere from five to 30 minutes, as the system navigates cached data and academic resources to deliver a carefully synthesized answer. An advanced version of the ChatGPT-o3 reasoning model powers Deep Research, which OpenAI claims can enable it to perform tasks that would otherwise require hours or days of manual research.
This move is OpenAI’s first material response to the recent splash made by DeepSeek, which claimed comparable performance to OpenAI’s offerings at a fraction of the cost. OpenAI’s launch of Deep Research appears to be a strategic counter, aiming to reassert its leadership in the competitive AI space.
Critics of DeepSeek have highlighted its rapid rise and questioned its long-term reliability, while OpenAI leverages its extensive data and refined research methodologies to maintain an edge.
Altman’s announcement on social media and subsequent demonstrations underscore OpenAI’s commitment to innovation. The introduction of Deep Research intensifies the rivalry between OpenAI and DeepSeek, and sets a new benchmark for AI-powered research capabilities. It may also potentially reshape how complex information is gathered and analyzed in the digital age.
