OpenAI has unveiled Deep Research, a new feature in ChatGPT, designed to autonomously perform complex, multi-step research tasks by accessing and analyzing information from numerous online sources. This advancement aims to streamline the research process, significantly reducing the time required to gather and synthesize data. Deep Research is expected to cater to a wide range of users, from professionals needing detailed analyses to everyday users seeking personalized recommendations.
Previously, ChatGPT relied heavily on pre-trained data without accessing real-time information or performing independent research. Earlier models such as GPT-4o and DeepSeek-R1 provided limited capabilities in contextual understanding and data synthesis. Deep Research marks a substantial improvement, enabling the AI to autonomously navigate and compile information, resulting in a more comprehensive and efficient research tool.
How does Deep Research enhance ChatGPT’s capabilities?
Deep Research empowers ChatGPT to autonomously locate, evaluate, and integrate information from a vast array of online sources. This allows the AI to generate detailed reports that mirror the output quality of a professional research analyst. Users simply input a query, and Deep Research delivers comprehensive findings, complete with citations and transparent documentation for easy verification.
“The ability to synthesise knowledge is a prerequisite for creating new knowledge,” says OpenAI. “For this reason, Deep Research marks a significant step toward our broader goal of developing AGI.”
What are the performance benchmarks of Deep Research?
OpenAI’s Deep Research has demonstrated superior performance in various benchmark tests, including Humanity’s Last Exam and the GAIA benchmark. It achieved a 26.6% accuracy rate in expert-level exams, significantly outperforming models like GPT-4o and DeepSeek-R1. Additionally, Deep Research topped the GAIA leaderboard with a score of 72.57%, highlighting its proficiency in reasoning and multi-modal fluency.
What challenges does Deep Research face?
Despite its advancements, Deep Research encounters several limitations. The system sometimes generates incorrect inferences or “hallucinates” facts, though at a reduced rate compared to previous models. It also struggles with discerning authoritative sources from speculative content and maintaining accurate confidence levels in its findings. Additionally, minor formatting errors and task initiation delays may affect user experience initially.
people will post lots of great examples, but here is a fun one:
i am in japan right now and looking for an old NSX. i spent hours searching unsuccessfully for the perfect one. i was about to give up and deep research just…found it.
Currently, Deep Research is available to Pro users with plans to extend access to Plus and Team tiers, followed by Enterprise users. Residents in the UK, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area are awaiting access as OpenAI works to include these regions. Future updates will incorporate mobile and desktop platforms, and the integration with proprietary data sources is planned to enhance personalization and robustness.
Deep Research represents a significant enhancement in AI-driven research capabilities, offering users a powerful tool to efficiently gather and analyze information from diverse sources. Its ability to provide detailed, well-documented reports with extensive citations makes it a valuable asset for professionals and general users alike. As OpenAI continues to refine and expand Deep Research, users can anticipate even greater integration features and improved accuracy, further bridging the gap between AI and comprehensive human research.
