Since the launch of OpenAI's powerful GPT-4 in March 2023, users and developers have been eagerly awaiting the next version, likely to be called GPT-5. However, instead of moving directly to the next iteration of the GPT series, OpenAI surprised the world by introducing a completely new family of models: the o1 series.

Designed to tackle more complex problems than ever before, the o1 models could be the game-changer for industries like science, healthcare, and technology. And the best part? These models are already available for some users to test today. Let's uncover what makes the o1 series such a bold new step for AI.

The o1 Model Family: A Leap Beyond GPT

OpenAI has introduced a brand-new family of AI models, called the "o1" series. This new lineup begins with two models: o1-preview and o1-mini. According to OpenAI, these models are designed to tackle more complex tasks than the GPT series, pushing the boundaries of what LLMs can achieve. Both models are available for ChatGPT Plus users, although with some initial usage limits; o1-preview is capped at 30 messages per week, and o1-mini at 50.

However, it's important to note that these early models don't yet support features like web browsing or file uploads, which means GPT-4o might still be more useful for many everyday tasks. For example, in early tests, the o1 models were unable to generate images for articles. OpenAI has clarified that for now, these models are text-only, with image capabilities to be added later.

What Sets the o1 Models Apart from GPT?

One of the standout features of the o1 models is their ability to handle highly complex problems. OpenAI envisions these models being useful in fields like science, healthcare, and technology. For instance, they could assist physicists in generating complex mathematical formulas or help healthcare researchers analyze cell sequencing data. (Source)

Developers will also find o1-mini particularly useful for coding and technical tasks. It's optimized for multi-step workflows, debugging, and solving programming challenges with great efficiency.

o1-Preview: Performing at PhD Levels

The o1-preview model takes a more thoughtful approach to problem-solving. It dedicates more time to thinking through and refining its answers, similar to how a person would approach a difficult task. In testing, this approach has allowed the model to perform at levels comparable to PhD students in subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology.

Additionally, o1-preview is highly skilled in coding, placing in the 89th percentile in Codeforces competitions. Its ability to tackle complex workflows, debug code, and generate precise solutions is a significant leap forward. On the International Mathematics Olympiad qualifying exam, o1-preview solved 83% of the problems, a dramatic improvement from GPT-4o's 13% success rate.

This advanced model is now available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with Enterprise and Edu users getting access next week. It is also accessible to developers through OpenAI's API, though with some initial rate limits.

Using OpenAI's O1-Preview for Math and Reasoning:

In this example, the O1-Preview model is tasked with calculating the acidity of a solution based on the acidity of its individual components. Here's the question:

Both models work through the problem step by step. Here's the answer that only the O1 model got right:

Both models work through the problem step by step. Here’s the answer that only the O1 model got right:

Source: effortlessacademic

o1-Mini

Alongside the o1-preview model, OpenAI has launched a more streamlined and cost-effective version: o1-mini. This model focuses on coding and STEM tasks, delivering impressive results at a fraction of the cost. On the same math benchmarks, o1-mini scored 70%, just shy of o1-preview’s 74%, while being 80% cheaper. (Source)
For developers and researchers working within tight budgets, o1-mini offers a practical solution. It performed well in coding evaluations too, ranking among the top 86% of programmers with an Elo score of 1650 on Codeforces.

This budget-friendly model is currently available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu users, with plans to extend access to free users in the future.

Here's what our Principal Machine Learning Engineer - Tayyab Nasir, has to say about the new GPT o1 and o1 mini models:

'The o1 series drastically improves precision and accuracy for complex scientific tasks compared to earlier models like GPT-4. In particular, the o1-preview model significantly enhanced my ability to generate effective unit tests with better coverage. While GPT-4 excels in content generation, the o1 series shines when preciseness is critical.’

o1 vs GPT-4o: What Sets Them Apart?

The o1-preview model is designed to excel in tasks requiring logical reasoning and complex problem-solving. It uses reinforcement learning to produce detailed internal chains of thought before delivering responses, making it particularly strong in areas like mathematics, coding, and science. In fact, tests have shown that o1-preview significantly outperforms GPT-4o in these subjects.

While GPT-4o is highly capable in many areas, o1-preview takes performance to the next level, handling PhD-level science questions and advanced coding tasks more effectively. That said, for tasks involving creative writing, textual understanding, or any activity requiring web browsing or image generation, GPT-4o remains the better option.

While the o1 models are ideal for tasks involving logic and reasoning, GPT-4o is still more efficient for tasks like creative writing, content generation, and textual analysis. GPT-4o is also much faster and supports web browsing, file uploads, and image generation, making it the go-to option for less formal tasks.

Enhanced Safety and Security Features

In line with OpenAI’s commitment to safety, both o1 models come with advanced safety training to better follow guidelines and avoid harmful or inappropriate content. OpenAI reports that o1-preview scored 84 on a tough safety test, a significant leap from GPT-4o’s score of 22. (Source)

To strengthen safety further, OpenAI has partnered with AI safety institutes in the U.S. and U.K., giving these organizations early access to the o1 models for evaluation. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to ensure that AI systems are safe and reliable as they become more advanced.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the o1 Series?

While the o1-preview and o1-mini models are already making waves in the AI world, OpenAI is just getting started. The company plans to regularly update these models, adding features like web browsing, file and image uploads, and more advanced functions that are not yet available through the API.

As OpenAI continues to develop both the GPT and o1 series, users can expect ongoing improvements in AI capabilities, making these models more useful and accessible across a range of applications.
With the o1 series, OpenAI is expanding the potential of AI to solve complex problems, signaling an exciting new chapter in the world of generative AI.

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