OpenAI has announced significant upgrades to the Deep Research feature in ChatGPT, now powered by the latest GPT-5.2 model. This enhancement allows users to conduct more sophisticated, multi-step research tasks with improved accuracy and efficiency. The upgrades also introduce real-time controls, enabling users to interact with the research process more dynamically.
The Deep Research feature, initially launched in the previous year, utilized the OpenAI o3 model, specifically designed for web browsing and data analysis. Later iterations were powered by the cost-effective o4-mini model. The latest update marks a transition to the new GPT-5.2, which promises to produce more comprehensive research reports. The typical timeframe for generating these reports remains between 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the task.
With the upgrade, users can now customize their research parameters more precisely. The feature can be connected to any MCP or application, allowing searches to be confined to specific websites. This change aims to enhance the quality of research outputs by relying on authenticated, industry-standard sources rather than the entire internet, which can sometimes include unreliable information.
Another notable improvement addresses a common user complaint regarding the inability to modify requests once the report preparation commenced. The enhanced Deep Research feature now allows users to track progress in real-time. They can pause the research to incorporate follow-up prompts or introduce new sources, providing greater control over the final output.
OpenAI has also revamped the visual interface of Deep Research, streamlining the user experience for starting, tracking, and reviewing research. Users can now view their final reports in full screen, complete with a table of contents for easy navigation. Once the report is finalized, users retain the option to share it or download it in PDF or DOCX formats.
These enhancements reflect OpenAI’s commitment to improving user experience and accuracy in research tasks. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of GPT-5.2, the updated Deep Research feature positions ChatGPT as a more powerful tool for students, professionals, and anyone seeking detailed information across a variety of fields.
