OpenAI has unveiled Deep Research, a groundbreaking new AI tool that CEO Sam Altman describes as “like a superpower.” This tool is designed to perform complex, multi-step internet research and deliver comprehensive reports in minutes—a task that could otherwise take hours or even days for human researchers.
The tool was introduced with a demonstration video, where OpenAI highlighted its ability to analyze and synthesize hundreds of online sources. The results are structured in a report format with citations and summaries, offering users easily verifiable information. Deep Research caters to professionals across various industries, including finance, science, policy, and engineering. It’s also helpful for consumers making high-involvement purchase decisions, such as researching cars, appliances, and furniture.
Sam Altman emphasized the tool’s significance in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). “Experts on demand,” he called it, explaining that Deep Research can “use the internet, do complex research and reasoning, and give you back a report.” While the tool is currently resource-intensive and somewhat slow, Altman asserted that it is the first AI capable of handling a broad spectrum of valuable and complicated tasks.
Users can initiate research by providing a simple prompt. Depending on the complexity of the task, Deep Research typically takes between 5 and 30 minutes to generate a report. Once the research is complete, users receive a notification. Currently, reports are text-only, but OpenAI plans to incorporate visual elements, such as embedded images and data visualizations, in the coming weeks.
Deep Research is now available as part of OpenAI’s Pro subscription, priced at $200 per month. Subscribers receive 100 research queries per month, and the feature is accessible via the web. Mobile and desktop app support is expected by the end of February. OpenAI has also announced plans to roll out Deep Research to its Plus, Team, and Enterprise plans, with eventual availability for free-tier users.
Altman encouraged users to test the tool’s capabilities by trying it on their most challenging work tasks. However, OpenAI has been transparent about some of the tool’s limitations. Deep Research may struggle to differentiate between authoritative information and rumors, particularly when dealing with niche topics. Additionally, the AI sometimes fails to accurately convey uncertainty, presenting speculative information with undue confidence. Formatting errors and task delays may also occur, though OpenAI expects these issues to improve over time as the tool gains more usage data.
Deep Research is the latest addition to OpenAI’s suite of AI-powered services. Last week, the company introduced another AI tool, Operator, which functions as a virtual assistant capable of handling tasks like booking reservations, ordering groceries, and scheduling trips. While the Operator focuses on practical task execution, Deep Research aims to be an intellectual assistant, streamlining complex decision-making through in-depth analysis.
The potential impact of Deep Research is substantial, particularly for industries that rely heavily on research and data-driven insights. Analysts, consultants, and policymakers could see their workflows become significantly more efficient, allowing them to focus on higher-level strategy and interpretation. The tool’s ability to deliver rapid, high-quality research reports could also reduce costs and improve productivity across various sectors.
However, experts caution that users should remain critical of AI-generated research. While Deep Research can gather and organize information quickly, it may inadvertently include errors or misinformation if it fails to assess the credibility of its sources. Human oversight is essential to ensure that reports are both accurate and relevant.
In addition to professional applications, Deep Research offers valuable support for everyday tasks. For consumers, the AI can compile detailed comparisons and reviews, making it easier to choose between competing products. This personalized research capability could transform how people approach major purchasing decisions.
OpenAI’s launch of Deep Research is part of its broader vision to make AI an integral part of everyday life and work. Since the release of ChatGPT, the company has steadily expanded its offerings to include features like code generation, business analytics, and customer support automation. Deep Research takes these capabilities a step further by providing a tool specifically designed for complex, multi-faceted research tasks.
This development highlights the growing role of AI in reshaping traditional workflows. As these tools become more advanced, they are reducing the barriers to accessing specialized knowledge and analysis. However, the integration of AI into decision-making processes raises questions about the balance between human expertise and machine efficiency. While AI can handle repetitive and data-intensive tasks, human intuition and creativity remain essential for nuanced problem-solving.
Looking forward, OpenAI plans to enhance Deep Research based on user feedback. Improvements are likely to include more robust source evaluation, better report customization options, and enhanced visualization features. As adoption grows, OpenAI aims to refine the tool to meet the needs of both professionals and casual users.
Deep Research represents a major step forward in AI-driven productivity. Whether you’re a professional looking to streamline your workload or a consumer seeking reliable information, this tool offers a glimpse into the future of research and knowledge acquisition. With further refinements and updates on the horizon, Deep Research could become a staple for anyone navigating today’s vast and complex information landscape.