The Register: OpenAI unveils deep research agent for ChatGPT

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/03/openai_unveils_deep_research_agent/
Source: The Register
Title: OpenAI unveils deep research agent for ChatGPT

Feedly Summary: Takes a bit more time to spout a bit less nonsense
OpenAI today launched deep research in ChatGPT, a new agent that takes a little longer to perform a deeper dive into the web to come up with a response to a query.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: OpenAI’s launch of a new deep research agent in ChatGPT represents a significant advancement in the capabilities of AI, specifically in the realm of research and data synthesis. This release caters to professional users, enabling them to obtain comprehensive reports quickly. However, practitioners should note that while the new agent improves on previous models, challenges in accuracy and verification remain.

Detailed Description:
OpenAI has introduced a new deep research agent within ChatGPT that aims to enhance the information retrieval and synthesis process. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and implications:

– **Functionality**:
– The agent autonomously browses the internet to find and analyze multiple sources, compiling information akin to the work of a research analyst.
– It employs a variation of the upcoming o3 model, allowing it to pivot and adapt to new information in real-time, making the research process more dynamic.
– Completion time for queries ranges from five to thirty minutes, significantly reducing the time required compared to human researchers.

– **Performance Metrics**:
– Output metrics include an accuracy of 26.6% on the Humanity’s Last Exam benchmark, which contrasts with lower performances of existing models like GPT-4o (3.3%) and Grok-2 (3.8%).

– **Comparative Context**:
– Google’s recent introduction of a similar Deep Research feature in its Gemini Advanced model provides a benchmark for evaluating OpenAI’s approach. Google’s system emphasizes a multi-step research plan, highlighting the competitive landscape in AI-assisted research.

– **User Responsibilities**:
– Despite enhanced capabilities, users are reminded of the necessity to verify the information provided, as inaccuracies and hallucinations, although reportedly reduced, still occur.
– The agent highlighting authoritative sources is crucial for practitioners who rely on accuracy and credibility in their research outputs.

– **Accessibility and Future Developments**:
– Currently available only to Pro users for $200 per month, with planned expansions to Plus, Team, and Enterprise levels in the future.
– Users are initially limited to 100 queries per month, but higher rates are planned as the technology evolves.

– **Future Integrations**:
– OpenAI intends to evolve its deep research capabilities by integrating them with an Operator function, allowing for sophisticated real-world applications of the data gathered.

– **Technical Notes**:
– The deep research functionality is described as compute-intensive, reflecting the complexity of processing and synthesizing vast amounts of information.

Practitioners in the fields of AI, cloud, and information security should consider the implications of such advancements in AI-assisted research tools, especially regarding data verification and the handling of AI-generated outputs. Concerns around accuracy, privacy, and potential misuse of AI generation remain critical areas for ongoing scrutiny and compliance.