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!
Related article
Nonprofit leverages AI agents to boost charity fundraising efforts
While major tech corporations promote AI "agents" as productivity boosters for businesses, one nonprofit organization is demonstrating their potential for social good. Sage Future, a philanthropic research group backed by Open Philanthropy, recently
Top AI Labs Warn Humanity Is Losing Grasp on Understanding AI Systems
In an unprecedented show of unity, researchers from OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Anthropic and Meta have set aside competitive differences to issue a collective warning about responsible AI development. Over 40 leading scientists from these typically riv
ChatGPT Adds Google Drive and Dropbox Integration for File Access
ChatGPT Enhances Productivity with New Enterprise Features
OpenAI has unveiled two powerful new capabilities transforming ChatGPT into a comprehensive business productivity tool: automated meeting documentation and seamless cloud storage integration
Comments (6)
0/200
![RoyLopez]()
RoyLopez
September 20, 2025 at 12:30:36 AM EDT
이번 '라이트버전' 출시는 확실히 흥미롭네요. 하지만 무료 버전 사용자들은 언제쯤 이런 기능을 사용할 수 있을까요? 🤔 프리미엄 구독자만 접근 가능한 건 아쉽네요.
0
![TimothyRoberts]()
TimothyRoberts
August 27, 2025 at 8:59:25 AM EDT
This lightweight ChatGPT tool sounds like a game-changer for quick research! I’m curious how it stacks up against Google for digging up niche info. 🤔 Anyone tried it yet?
0
![GregorySmith]()
GregorySmith
August 18, 2025 at 9:01:00 PM EDT
This lightweight ChatGPT research tool sounds like a game-changer! I love how it can dig through the web for insights—perfect for my side projects. 😎 Anyone tried it yet? How’s it stack up against Google?
0
![KevinMartinez]()
KevinMartinez
August 15, 2025 at 5:00:59 PM EDT
This lightweight ChatGPT tool sounds like a game-changer for quick research! 🚀 I love how OpenAI keeps pushing boundaries, but I wonder if it’ll outshine Google for deep dives. Anyone tried it yet?
0
![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!
Nonprofit leverages AI agents to boost charity fundraising efforts
While major tech corporations promote AI "agents" as productivity boosters for businesses, one nonprofit organization is demonstrating their potential for social good. Sage Future, a philanthropic research group backed by Open Philanthropy, recently
Top AI Labs Warn Humanity Is Losing Grasp on Understanding AI Systems
In an unprecedented show of unity, researchers from OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Anthropic and Meta have set aside competitive differences to issue a collective warning about responsible AI development. Over 40 leading scientists from these typically riv
ChatGPT Adds Google Drive and Dropbox Integration for File Access
ChatGPT Enhances Productivity with New Enterprise Features
OpenAI has unveiled two powerful new capabilities transforming ChatGPT into a comprehensive business productivity tool: automated meeting documentation and seamless cloud storage integration
September 20, 2025 at 12:30:36 AM EDT
이번 '라이트버전' 출시는 확실히 흥미롭네요. 하지만 무료 버전 사용자들은 언제쯤 이런 기능을 사용할 수 있을까요? 🤔 프리미엄 구독자만 접근 가능한 건 아쉽네요.
0
August 27, 2025 at 8:59:25 AM EDT
This lightweight ChatGPT tool sounds like a game-changer for quick research! I’m curious how it stacks up against Google for digging up niche info. 🤔 Anyone tried it yet?
0
August 18, 2025 at 9:01:00 PM EDT
This lightweight ChatGPT research tool sounds like a game-changer! I love how it can dig through the web for insights—perfect for my side projects. 😎 Anyone tried it yet? How’s it stack up against Google?
0
August 15, 2025 at 5:00:59 PM EDT
This lightweight ChatGPT tool sounds like a game-changer for quick research! 🚀 I love how OpenAI keeps pushing boundaries, but I wonder if it’ll outshine Google for deep dives. Anyone tried it yet?
0
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
