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OpenAI has started rolling out its new AI model, the ChatGPT o1-mini, to free users, marking a significant step forward in the availability of advanced reasoning models. Initially codenamed “Project Strawberry,” the o1-mini model launched last week and is already gaining attention for its impressive ability to solve complex riddles, answer equations, and explain the reasoning process behind its decisions.
Along with the o1-preview model, the o1-mini has been touted for its advanced reasoning capabilities. AI enthusiasts, such as Eric Hal Schwartz, have put it through its paces, demonstrating how it can tackle even the most challenging riddles with ease. The early results have impressed many, establishing the model as a groundbreaking tool in artificial intelligence.
At the launch of o1-mini, OpenAI assured that free users would soon gain access to the model, and that time has now arrived. Though it appears to be in a phased rollout, many free users can already test out o1-mini without the need to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus. However, there are some limitations to the rollout; not every user has been granted immediate access. It seems OpenAI is conducting a slow and selective rollout, though the company has not disclosed its exact process for determining which accounts gain early access.
Users curious to check whether they have access to o1-mini can log in to ChatGPT on their desktop, navigate to “ChatGPT Auto,” and attempt to select the model from a dropdown menu. If the o1-mini model appears, it indicates access has been granted. This standalone model needs to be selected before users ask a complex question.
For those with access, the experience so far has been highly positive. Many users, especially ChatGPT Plus subscribers, are praising the o1-mini model for its accuracy and reasoning skills. The model has reportedly been able to solve popular puzzles like Wordle and New York Times Connections, feats that underscore its capabilities.
There are still some unknowns surrounding the free version of the o1-mini, such as any restrictions on the number of prompts users can submit daily. However, just having access to this advanced AI reasoning model is seen as a significant enhancement in OpenAI’s mission to make AI more accessible to the general public.
As more users gain access to the o1-mini, it is expected that feedback and demand for further improvements will continue to shape the model. This rollout also reflects OpenAI’s broader strategy of bringing advanced AI features to a wider audience without locking them behind a paywall.