In a significant move to advance its AI capabilities, US tech giant OpenAI introduced a new ChatGPT tool called “deep research” on Monday. This launch comes just ahead of high-level meetings in Tokyo, where OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is scheduled to meet with Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and SoftBank Group’s Masayoshi Son. The announcement comes as China’s AI newcomer, DeepSeek, intensifies competition in the generative AI space, shaking up Silicon Valley.
DeepSeek, known for its impressive performance and potential cost-effectiveness, has ignited calls for US AI developers to accelerate their efforts. The competition has prompted OpenAI to release its latest tool, which is designed to significantly enhance ChatGPT’s research capabilities. OpenAI’s new “deep research” tool is described as being able to “accomplish in tens of minutes what would take a human many hours.” According to OpenAI, the tool allows ChatGPT to independently carry out research tasks, find, analyze, and synthesize information from hundreds of online sources, producing comprehensive reports similar to those of a research analyst.
In a live-streamed video demonstration, OpenAI researchers showcased the deep research tool’s ability to synthesize web data to make personalized recommendations for purchasing ski equipment for a holiday in Japan. This highlights the tool’s versatility, enabling users to tackle both specialized and everyday research needs.
The launch of the tool comes as OpenAI continues to expand its influence globally. Altman is in Tokyo to meet with key figures including Prime Minister Ishiba and SoftBank’s Son, and together, they are expected to announce plans to bolster Japan’s AI infrastructure. This includes potential investments in AI data centers and power plants, with SoftBank and OpenAI collaborating under the Stargate drive, a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative launched by former President Donald Trump.
In parallel with these developments, Altman revealed plans to collaborate with Jony Ive, Apple’s former chief design officer, to develop “a new kind of hardware” utilizing AI. While this project is still years away from a prototype, it signifies OpenAI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI technology.
While DeepSeek’s rapid growth has garnered attention, Altman downplayed concerns, suggesting that the Chinese chatbot’s capabilities were not groundbreaking. However, he acknowledged that DeepSeek highlights the competitive pressure in AI development. Last week, OpenAI issued a warning about Chinese companies attempting to reverse-engineer US AI models, which has led to increased cooperation between OpenAI and US authorities to safeguard their technology.
As the AI arms race intensifies, OpenAI’s “deep research” tool represents a significant leap forward, positioning ChatGPT as a more powerful resource for research, analysis, and decision-making, even as competition continues to heat up in the global AI landscape.
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