OpenAI is shaking things up with some significant updates for ChatGPT users. In a move driven by increasing competition from AI rivals like DeepSeek, the company has announced that free users will now get a preview of the highly praised Advanced Voice Mode. At the same time, it is expanding access to its Deep Research agent, making it available to all paid users, not just the Pro tier.
This update comes as AI chatbots become more advanced and competitive, with Google’s Gemini Live offering a fully free voice mode on Android. OpenAI’s decision to open up features to a broader audience suggests it is keen to maintain its edge in the AI chatbot race.
Voice mode for free users
Advanced Voice Mode, which allows users to have natural, free-flowing conversations with ChatGPT, has been exclusive to Plus subscribers. Now, OpenAI is rolling out a limited preview of the feature for all free users, though it hasn’t specified exactly how much access they’ll get each day. The only hint the company has given is that Plus users will still receive five times the free tier’s limit.
Previously, free users were only given 10 minutes of voice conversation per month as an experiment, but this new rollout suggests OpenAI is ready to make the feature more widely available. Users can also choose from different voice options, adding a bit of personalization to the experience. However, while Plus subscribers get the full power of ChatGPT-4o in Voice Mode, free users can only access a version powered by the slightly less advanced ChatGPT-4o mini. This has raised concerns among some users, who feel they’re not getting the best experience despite paying for the service.
Deep Research now for all paid users
Alongside the Voice Mode expansion, OpenAI is also making its Deep Research agent available to all paying subscribers, including those on Team, Edu, and Enterprise plans. Previously limited to Pro users, Deep Research is designed to speed up online research by analyzing and synthesizing information from across the web.
This tool, built using OpenAI’s o3 model, can process text, images, and even PDF files, making it a powerful asset for anyone conducting in-depth research. By automating the process of sifting through online sources, Deep Research significantly reduces the time needed for fact-finding, making it a valuable feature for students, professionals, and businesses.
Competition heating up
OpenAI’s latest move comes as AI-powered chatbots are becoming more widely available and accessible. Google’s Gemini Live offers free voice mode and is already a strong alternative for Android users. By making Advanced Voice Mode available to free users and expanding access to Deep Research, OpenAI seems to be responding to growing competition in the AI space.
While these updates are a step in the right direction, some users are still frustrated by the limitations on voice access and using a less powerful model for free users. As AI continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether OpenAI’s strategy will be enough to keep it ahead of the competition.
