OpenAI has launched a new streamlined version of the deep research capability in ChatGPT. It is available to all users for free, but comes with usage limitations.
For paid users, the simplified version will automatically activate once the limits of the full deep research feature are reached. "Responses will be shorter while maintaining the same depth and quality you expect," — explains OpenAI.
This tool is based on the o4-mini model — a simplified version of the larger o4 model that results in lower processing costs. Consequently, this enables OpenAI to raise usage limits.