OpenAI launches a new simplified version of the deep research function in ChatGPT. It is available to all users for free but comes with usage limits.

For paying subscribers, the simplified version will automatically activate when the limits of the full deep research feature are reached. "Responses will be shorter, yet maintain the same depth and quality you've come to expect," — states OpenAI.

The tool is based on the o4-mini model — a simplified version of the larger o4 model, which results in lower processing costs for requests. Consequently, this enables OpenAI to increase usage limits.