OpenAI Launches 'Lightweight' Version of ChatGPT Deep Research Tool
OpenAI is rolling out a new "lightweight" version of its ChatGPT deep research tool, designed to scour the web and compile research reports on various topics. This exciting update is now available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, with the company making the announcement on Thursday. But that's not all—starting today, even free ChatGPT users can get in on the action!
The new lightweight deep research tool is powered by a version of OpenAI's o4-mini model. While it may not pack the same punch as the "full" deep research tool, OpenAI assures us it's more cost-effective to serve. This means they can bump up the usage limits, letting you dive deeper into your topics of interest without breaking the bank.
"Responses will typically be shorter while maintaining the depth and quality you’ve come to expect," OpenAI shared in a series of posts on X. "Once limits for the original version of deep research are reached, queries automatically default to the lightweight version."
The lightweight version of deep research is powered by a version of OpenAI o4-mini and is nearly as intelligent as the deep research people already know and love, while being significantly cheaper to serve.
Responses will typically be shorter while maintaining the depth and… pic.twitter.com/H2UD5GThVj
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) April 24, 2025
It's been a busy time for deep research tools across the chatbot landscape. Google's Gemini, Microsoft's Copilot, and xAI's Grok have all joined the party, each driven by reasoning AI models. These models are pretty nifty, capable of thinking through problems and even fact-checking themselves—skills that are crucial for conducting thorough research on any subject.
Next week, ChatGPT’s lightweight deep research will expand its reach to Enterprise and educational users, offering the same usage levels as Team users, according to OpenAI. So, whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who loves to dig deep into topics, there's something new and exciting waiting for you in the world of ChatGPT!
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Comments (2)
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![AndrewAllen]()
AndrewAllen
July 27, 2025 at 9:20:02 PM EDT
C'est intrigant, ce nouvel outil de recherche léger de ChatGPT ! Je me demande s'il va vraiment faciliter la vie des chercheurs ou si c'est juste un gadget de plus. 😅 Quelqu’un l’a testé ?
0
![KeithYoung]()
KeithYoung
July 23, 2025 at 12:59:29 AM EDT
This lightweight ChatGPT research tool sounds cool! 😎 I wonder how it stacks up against Google Scholar for quick research dives. Might give it a spin for my next project!
0
OpenAI is rolling out a new "lightweight" version of its ChatGPT deep research tool, designed to scour the web and compile research reports on various topics. This exciting update is now available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, with the company making the announcement on Thursday. But that's not all—starting today, even free ChatGPT users can get in on the action!
The new lightweight deep research tool is powered by a version of OpenAI's o4-mini model. While it may not pack the same punch as the "full" deep research tool, OpenAI assures us it's more cost-effective to serve. This means they can bump up the usage limits, letting you dive deeper into your topics of interest without breaking the bank.
"Responses will typically be shorter while maintaining the depth and quality you’ve come to expect," OpenAI shared in a series of posts on X. "Once limits for the original version of deep research are reached, queries automatically default to the lightweight version."
The lightweight version of deep research is powered by a version of OpenAI o4-mini and is nearly as intelligent as the deep research people already know and love, while being significantly cheaper to serve.
Responses will typically be shorter while maintaining the depth and… pic.twitter.com/H2UD5GThVj
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) April 24, 2025
It's been a busy time for deep research tools across the chatbot landscape. Google's Gemini, Microsoft's Copilot, and xAI's Grok have all joined the party, each driven by reasoning AI models. These models are pretty nifty, capable of thinking through problems and even fact-checking themselves—skills that are crucial for conducting thorough research on any subject.
Next week, ChatGPT’s lightweight deep research will expand its reach to Enterprise and educational users, offering the same usage levels as Team users, according to OpenAI. So, whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who loves to dig deep into topics, there's something new and exciting waiting for you in the world of ChatGPT!
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Three weeks ago, Calvin French-Owen, an engineer who contributed to a key OpenAI product, left the company.He recently shared a compelling blog post detailing his year at OpenAI, including the intense
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July 27, 2025 at 9:20:02 PM EDT
C'est intrigant, ce nouvel outil de recherche léger de ChatGPT ! Je me demande s'il va vraiment faciliter la vie des chercheurs ou si c'est juste un gadget de plus. 😅 Quelqu’un l’a testé ?
0
July 23, 2025 at 12:59:29 AM EDT
This lightweight ChatGPT research tool sounds cool! 😎 I wonder how it stacks up against Google Scholar for quick research dives. Might give it a spin for my next project!
0
