OpenAI recently launched its new o1 model, designed to handle complex tasks in mathematics, coding, and general problem-solving1. The company states that future updates will enable the model to tackle PhD-level scientific questions1. Along with the o1 model, OpenAI has also released a smaller, more affordable version called the o1-mini1.
o1-mini: A Cost-Effective Reasoning Solution
The o1-mini model offers comparable reasoning capabilities to the o1 model, but is designed as a faster and more cost-effective option, particularly for coding. While the full o1 model is available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, the o1-mini is available to everyone for free.
Both models can be selected manually in the model picker. At launch, there are weekly rate limits of 30 messages for o1-preview and 50 for o1-mini.
How to Access the o1-mini Model:
Here’s how you can start using the free o1-mini model:
- Open ChatGPT on your desktop3.
- Start a conversation3.
- Navigate to the top of the window and click “ChatGPT Auto”3.
- Select “o1-mini” from the “Alpha Models” dropdown3. The text will change to “ChatGPT Alpha”.
To use it on the mobile app, long press on a ChatGPT response, then tap “Change model,” and select “Alpha [gpt-4o]”.
Important Considerations:
The rollout of the o1 model is phased, so it may take some time before it is available to all users.
The o1 model currently has limitations, as it cannot browse the internet or upload images. It can only process text prompts.
The models are primarily designed to solve complex math and academic problems that require reasoning.
Enhanced Reasoning Capabilities
OpenAI has trained these new models to spend more time thinking through problems before responding, similar to human reasoning. This involves refining their thinking process, trying different strategies, and recognizing errors.
In summary,
the new OpenAI o1 and o1-mini models offer powerful tools for tackling complex reasoning tasks. While the o1-mini is a more accessible free option, both models are designed to provide deeper, more human-like reasoning, especially in math, coding, and problem-solving. Keep in mind the current limitations of these initial models, particularly the inability to browse the internet or upload images