OpenAI has expanded access to the ChatGPT Deep Research tool, making it partially available to free version users. The feature, previously exclusive to paid tier subscribers, is now accessible to all ChatGPT users with some limitations in functionality.
G. Ostrov
OpenAI has announced an important change to its access policy for the ChatGPT Deep Research tool, which was previously available exclusively to users with a paid ChatGPT Plus or Team/Enterprise subscription. Now, the functionality is partially available to users of the free version of the service, albeit with significant limitations.
What is ChatGPT Deep Research
ChatGPT Deep Research is a specialized tool developed by OpenAI for in-depth information analysis and internet searching. Unlike the standard search function, Deep Research provides:
- More thorough analysis of internet sources
- Ability to verify information across multiple resources
- Generation of more detailed and substantiated answers with source citations
- Ability to explore highly specialized topics with great accuracy
- Access to more current information compared to the model's standard knowledge base
Limitations for Free Users
Although the tool is now available to all ChatGPT users, there are several restrictions for free account holders:
- Limit on the number of Deep Research queries — no more than 3-5 per day (depending on system load)
- Limited search depth compared to the paid version
- No access to certain specialized databases and academic sources
- Fewer cited sources in responses
- Limited capabilities for analyzing and comparing different perspectives
- No ability to save Deep Research query history for an extended period
Benefits of the New Access Policy
Expanding access to Deep Research has several important advantages:
- Democratization of access to advanced artificial intelligence tools
- Opportunity for more users to appreciate the benefits of enhanced search
- Improvement in information quality and reduction in AI hallucinations for all users
- Creation of an incentive to upgrade to paid tiers after familiarizing with the basic functionality
- Overall enhancement of the user experience for the ChatGPT ecosystem
Expert Opinion
AI industry analysts positively evaluate OpenAI's decision. According to experts, this is a step in the right direction that will allow:
- Increased user trust in generative AI systems
- Improved awareness among the broader audience about the capabilities and limitations of such systems
- Creation of a healthier ecosystem around generative AI tools
- Encouragement for competitors to take similar steps to increase the accessibility of their products
How to Access ChatGPT Deep Research
To use ChatGPT Deep Research in the free version, you need to:
- Have a registered account on the OpenAI platform
- Use the latest version of the ChatGPT interface
- Activate the feature in your profile settings or directly during a dialogue
- Be mindful of daily limitations on the number of queries
To activate the feature during a dialogue, simply ask ChatGPT to use Deep Research mode to search for information on your question of interest.
Development Prospects
OpenAI states that the current model of providing limited access to premium features is experimental. Depending on the testing results, the company plans to:
- Adjust limits and restrictions for free users
- Potentially expand the set of available features
- Improve Deep Research algorithms based on the expanded user base
- Develop new access levels between free and full versions
OpenAI's decision to make ChatGPT Deep Research partially available to free users reflects the general trend in the generative artificial intelligence market toward gradually democratizing access to advanced features.
Official website: chat.openai.com