OpenAI recently introduced the o1 series, a new generation of large language models (LLMs) specifically designed to tackle complex reasoning tasks. This introduction marks a significant evolution in AI technology, focusing on deeper reasoning processes that allow these models to perform at levels comparable to human experts on difficult topics.
What is OpenAI o1
Key Features of OpenAI o1
- Improved reasoning skills: The most notable improvement in OpenAI o1 is its advanced reasoning capability. The model was designed to spend more time thinking about problems, allowing it to perform better on tasks related to STEM, to achieve results comparable to those of PhD students in various scientific disciplines and to rank very well in competitive coding tests. For example, in testing, the o1-preview model scored 83% on a qualifying exam for the International Mathematical Olympiad, significantly outperforming its predecessor, GPT-4o, which only obtained 13%.
- Chain of thought reasoning: OpenAI o1 uses a method known as “chain-of-thought reasoning.” This approach allows the model to analyze prompts more thoroughly before providing an answer, resulting in slower response times but more accurate and reasoned results.
- Improved performance: In tests such as the International Mathematical Olympiad qualifying exam, o1 significantly outperformed GPT-4o, solving 83% of problems compared to just 13% for its predecessor.
- Security improvements: The o1 series was developed with a focus on security, making jailbreaking more difficult than previous models. This improvement comes after collaboration with AI security institutes and government agencies.
- New naming convention: This release marks a break from the traditional “GPT” naming convention, reflecting a shift toward what OpenAI describes as a new “reasoning paradigm” rather than the older “pre-training paradigm” used in previous models.
Applications
- Scientific Research : The model can help researchers analyze datasets or generate hypotheses based on existing knowledge.
- Software development: In coding environments, such as GitHub Copilot, o1-preview can optimize algorithms and debug code more efficiently than previous models. Initial testing has shown its ability to analyze code in depth and suggest improvements based on a deep understanding of constraints and edge cases.
- Mathematics and Engineering: The model's advanced reasoning capabilities make it suitable for solving difficult problems in physics or engineering, where precise calculations and logical deductions are crucial.
Security enhancements
OpenAI prioritized security in developing the o1 series. The models are trained with a new security framework that leverages their advanced reasoning capabilities to more closely adhere to security guidelines. For example, in tests designed to assess how well the model follows security protocols in the face of attempts to bypass them (known as “jailbreaking”), the o1-preview model scored 84 out of 100 — significantly better than GPT-22o’s score of 4.
To ensure responsible use of these powerful tools, OpenAI has also strengthened its internal governance and partnered with AI safety institutes in the US and UK. These collaborations aim to develop robust safety protocols as part of ongoing model performance evaluations.
Access OpenAI o1 models
The o1 models are available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users. As of September 12, 2024, they can select the o1-preview or o1-mini model directly in the model selector. Initial rate limits are set at 30 messages per week for o1-preview and 50 messages per week for o1-mini, with expectations that these limits will increase over time as OpenAI gathers user feedback.
Users of ChatGPT Pro. The ChatGPT Pro tier at $200 per month is the first exclusive to the o1 pro model.
OpenAI has committed to providing access to both o1 models for ChatGPT Enterprise and Education users starting September 19, 2024.
Developers can access the o1-preview and o1-mini models via OpenAI’s API. This allows for integration into custom applications and workflows.
Various platforms, including Microsoft Azure AI Studio and GitHub models, have integrated o1 models, allowing broader access across different environments.
OpenAI o1 vs GPT-4o comparison table
Feature / Appearance | OpenAI o1 | GPT-4o |
Reasoning ability | Superior; 83% on IMO exam | Limited; 13% on IMO exam |
Contextual awareness | Improved processing time | Standard treatment |
Pop-up window | Up to 128 tokens | Smaller pop-up window |
Performance measures | 89th percentile in coding tests | Decreased performance in complex tasks |
Security protocols | Improving security compliance | Standard security protocols |
Price structure | $15,00 per million entry tokens (o1), $3,00 (o1-mini) | $2,50 per million tokens entry (GPT-4o), $0,15 (GPT-4o mini) |
Use case | Advanced STEM tasks, legal analysis, customer service, healthcare assistance | General purpose applications, basic coding tasks |
Release date | 12 September 2024 | March 2023 |
Future developments
OpenAI intends to continue evolving the o1 series alongside its models GPT existing ones. Future updates may include additional features such as web browsing capabilities and support for file uploads. These enhancements are intended to broaden the applicability of o1 models across various domains while maintaining their focus on complex reasoning tasks.
The introduction of OpenAI’s o1 series represents a significant leap forward in AI’s ability to perform complex reasoning tasks. By focusing on deeper thought processes and improving security measures, OpenAI is setting a new standard for what AI can accomplish in areas that require sophisticated problem-solving skills. As these models become more accessible and undergo further development, they hold great promise for transforming how professionals approach difficult problems across a variety of disciplines.