OpenAI is making major updates to its ChatGPT service to stay ahead of competitors like DeepSeek and Google’s Gemini Live. In a move aimed at broadening access and enhancing user experience, the company announced that free users will now receive a limited preview of its highly acclaimed Advanced Voice Mode, while its Deep Research agent is being made available to all paid subscribers.
Voice Mode Now Available for Free Users
Previously, Advanced Voice Mode—a feature enabling natural, free-flowing conversations—was exclusive to Plus subscribers. With this update, OpenAI is extending a limited preview of the feature to free users, although the exact daily usage remains undisclosed. Plus subscribers, however, will continue to enjoy five times the voice conversation limit offered to free users. The new rollout includes multiple voice options for a more personalised experience. Notably, free users will access a slightly scaled-down version powered by ChatGPT-4o mini, while Plus users will benefit from the full capabilities of ChatGPT-4o.
Deep Research Agent Now Open to All Paid Users
Alongside the voice mode update, OpenAI is expanding access to its Deep Research agent to every paid subscriber—covering Team, Edu, and Enterprise plans. Previously available only to Pro users, this tool leverages OpenAI’s o3 model to analyze and synthesize data from text, images, and PDF files, significantly accelerating the research process. This upgrade is poised to benefit students, professionals, and businesses by reducing the time required for thorough online research.
Responding to Intensifying AI Rivalry
These feature enhancements come at a time when the AI chatbot market is becoming increasingly competitive. With Google’s Gemini Live offering a fully free voice mode on Android, OpenAI’s decision to widen access to Advanced Voice Mode and Deep Research is seen as a strategic move to maintain its leadership. While these updates have been welcomed by many, some free users express concerns over the limited access compared to Plus subscribers.
As the AI landscape evolves rapidly, OpenAI’s latest moves underscore its commitment to innovation and user satisfaction, aiming to keep its offerings ahead in a fiercely competitive market
