## ChatGPT Gets a “Lightweight” Deep Research Mode: More Access, Less Cost
OpenAI is expanding access to its advanced research capabilities by introducing a new, more efficient version of its deep research tool for ChatGPT. This “lightweight” model promises to deliver similar depth and quality as the original, but at a significantly reduced operational cost. It’s now available to free users, as well as those subscribed to several of the company’s paid tiers.
The “deep research (lightweight)” mode is powered by a version of OpenAI’s o4-mini model. According to the company, this model is “nearly as intelligent” as the original deep research mode, which generates comprehensive reports complete with citations and process summaries. While the original mode focuses on detailed and thorough research, the lightweight version is designed to provide “shorter responses while maintaining the depth and quality you’ve come to expect.”
This new offering opens the door to deeper research for a wider range of users. The standard deep research model will remain exclusive to paid subscribers, but the lightweight version is currently rolling out to free users, who can utilize it for up to five tasks per month. Paid users also gain access, and the system will automatically default to the lightweight version when they hit their rate limits on the original deep research. This provides Team and Plus users with a total of 25 monthly tasks across both versions, while Pro users receive 250. Enterprise and Education users are scheduled to receive access next week, with the same usage limits as Team and Plus subscribers.
The introduction of this lightweight version is not only beneficial for users but also strategically important for OpenAI. The company emphasizes that the new model is “significantly cheaper” to operate. This is a crucial consideration given the reported “tens of millions of dollars” spent on processing even simple user interactions. By optimizing the computational resources required for deep research, OpenAI can continue to expand its offerings while managing the ever-increasing costs associated with running sophisticated AI models.
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