In an era where instant answers are the norm, a new tool from OpenAI is challenging this expectation. The Deep Research feature, available through ChatGPT, offers a unique approach to complex research tasks. Instead of providing immediate responses, it takes its time—sometimes up to 30 minutes—to deliver comprehensive reports. This article delves into the capabilities and implications of this innovative AI-driven research assistant.

A Comprehensive Look at OpenAI's Deep Research

In the digital age of rapid information retrieval, OpenAI has introduced a tool that stands out for its depth rather than speed. The Deep Research function, powered by an advanced version of OpenAI’s o3 model, is designed to handle multi-step research tasks that would typically take humans hours to complete. It operates autonomously, navigating vast amounts of data across text, images, and PDFs to produce detailed analyses.

On March 6, 2025, Ana Altchek explored this tool firsthand. She tasked the AI with researching the history of tariffs and their impact on consumer goods pricing since the 20th century, focusing particularly on President Donald Trump’s first term. After clarifying the scope of the inquiry, including the desired level of detail and specific time periods, the tool began its work. Within minutes, it produced a well-structured report, complete with inline citations and insightful tables. The process was transparent, allowing users to observe how the AI refined its search as it uncovered new information.

The versatility of Deep Research became evident as Altchek used her remaining queries to explore various topics, from health trends like Ozempic usage to personal genealogical research. Each report was thorough and accurate, though Wikipedia was frequently cited, raising questions about the sources' authority. Despite these limitations, the tool's ability to provide nuanced, multi-faceted insights was impressive.

OpenAI acknowledges that while the tool excels in many areas, it can sometimes make incorrect inferences or struggle with distinguishing reliable information from rumors. However, the potential benefits, especially for niche and non-intuitive research, cannot be overlooked.

From a practical standpoint, Deep Research is currently available to select user groups, including Pro, Plus, Team, Edu, and Enterprise users. Pro users receive 120 queries per month, while Plus users have access to 10. Although the limited number of queries might deter some users, the tool's value for specific, in-depth research remains undeniable.

In conclusion, while the Deep Research tool may not fit into everyone's daily routine, its ability to deliver detailed, accurate reports on complex subjects is a significant advancement in AI technology. For those who need thorough, multi-step research, it could become an indispensable resource.

Reflections on the Future of AI-Driven Research

As someone who has tested numerous AI tools, I found OpenAI’s Deep Research to be both intriguing and practical. The tool’s capacity to handle intricate, multi-step tasks sets it apart from other AI assistants. While the wait time might seem long compared to instant query responses, the depth and accuracy of the results justify the extra time. This experience highlights the growing potential of AI in transforming how we conduct research, making previously time-consuming tasks more manageable. As AI continues to evolve, tools like Deep Research could revolutionize academic, legal, and medical research, offering unparalleled access to knowledge and insight.