 "AI that can think: OpenAI says new ChatGPT models have reasoning ability")
OpenAI has released a new artificial intelligence model that has the ability to “think with images” and analyse and understand diagrams and sketches provided by users, even if they are low-quality.
The ChatGPT maker's new AI model is called o3, which was rolled out with a mini version dubbed o4-mini. This is the second innovation in OpenAI’s reasoning models, the first in September when the tech giant launched its first model, o1 and revolutionised the world of AI.
What can o3 do?
With o3, users can upload whiteboards, sketches, and other images for the AI to analyse and discuss. The models also support image editing features like zooming, rotating, and more.
OpenAI said, “For the first time, our reasoning models can independently use all ChatGPT tools — web browsing, Python, image understanding, and image generation. This helps them solve complex, multi-step problems more effectively and take real steps toward acting independently.”
The company added that o3 and o4-mini are its first models that can “think with images”, which means that “they don’t just see an image, they can integrate visual information directly into the reasoning chain,” OpenAI said.
OpenAI stated that the o3 model is specially optimised for tasks involving math, coding, science, and image comprehension, while o4-mini offers faster performance at a lower cost. Both models became available on Wednesday for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users.
ChatGPT surpasses 800m users
Earlier this week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, in a conversation with TED curator Chris Anderson, said that ChatGPT’s user base has doubled in just a few weeks.
“Something like 10 per cent of the world uses our systems, now a lot,” he said, according to a Forbes report.
OpenAI has seen a rapid surge in its user base over the past few months, especially since late last year. By December 2024, the platform reported approximately 300 million weekly active users on ChatGPT. That number likely doubled last month following the launch of the company’s newest image generation tool.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
