OpenAI's o1-preview is a breakthrough AI model designed to think before it responds. Released on September 12, 2024, it represents such a significant advancement that OpenAI reset their numbering system to "1" – marking it as the first in an entirely new model series.
Unlike previous AI models, o1-preview breaks down complex problems into steps, tries different strategies, and recognizes its mistakes – similar to how humans approach difficult challenges. This reasoning-focused approach has led to extraordinary performance in mathematics, coding, and scientific problem-solving.
In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about o1-preview: its capabilities, how it compares to other models, access methods, practical applications, and future developments.
What is OpenAI o1-Preview and Its History
OpenAI o1-preview is a new series of reasoning models designed to solve complex problems through an enhanced thinking process. Unlike previous models that generate responses more directly, o1-preview is trained to spend time reasoning through problems step by step before providing an answer.
The model was developed under the codename "Strawberry" and represents a significant departure from OpenAI's GPT series. The company made the bold decision to reset their numbering system back to "1" with this release, indicating that o1-preview represents the first in a new lineage of AI models focused on reasoning capabilities.
According to OpenAI, they trained these models to refine their thinking process, try different strategies, and recognize their mistakes – much like humans do when tackling difficult problems. This approach has proven remarkably effective for solving complex challenges that previous AI models struggled with.
The o1-preview model was released on September 12, 2024, alongside a smaller version called o1-mini. Both models are available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with Enterprise and Education users gaining access a week later. API access has also been made available to developers who qualify for usage tier 5.
How o1-Preview Technology Works
The fundamental innovation behind OpenAI o1-preview is its implementation of what's often called "Chain of Thought" reasoning. This approach allows the model to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable steps and work through them methodically.
Unlike previous models that might jump directly to conclusions, o1-preview is trained using a large-scale reinforcement learning algorithm that teaches it to think about problems productively. During the training process, the model learns to optimize its chain of thought, continuously improving its problem-solving abilities.
This process works as follows:
The model receives a complex problem or question
Rather than immediately generating a response, it breaks the problem down into components
It works through each component step by step, trying different strategies when needed
It recognizes when its approach isn't working and adjusts accordingly
It synthesizes its findings into a comprehensive answer
What makes this particularly impressive is that you can actually see this reasoning process happening. When using o1-preview, the model shows its work, explaining how it arrived at its conclusion – similar to how a human might explain their thought process when solving a complex problem.
This approach has proven especially effective for tasks requiring deep logical reasoning, such as mathematical proofs, scientific problem-solving, and complex coding challenges.
Comparing o1-Preview vs GPT-4o and Other Models
One of the most striking aspects of the o1-preview model is how it compares to previous state-of-the-art models like GPT-4o. The performance differences are substantial, particularly in domains requiring complex reasoning.
Here's a detailed comparison table highlighting the differences between o1-preview and GPT-4o:
Capability | OpenAI o1-Preview | GPT-4o | Performance Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
International Math Olympiad (IMO) | 83% correct | 13% correct | +70% improvement |
Codeforces Competitions | 89th percentile | Not specified | Significant improvement |
Complex Scientific Reasoning | PhD-level performance | Advanced but less specialized | Superior for specialized scientific tasks |
Response Speed | Slower (more thinking time) | Faster | GPT-4o is quicker for simpler tasks |
Jailbreaking Resistance | 84/100 score | 22/100 score | +62 points more resistant |
Web Browsing | Not yet available | Available | GPT-4o has more features |
File/Image Upload | Not yet available | Available | GPT-4o has more features |
General Knowledge | Strong but specialized | Very broad | GPT-4o may be better for general queries |
As the table shows, o1-preview dramatically outperforms GPT-4o in areas requiring deep reasoning. For instance, in International Mathematical Olympiad qualifying exams, GPT-4o correctly solved only 13% of problems, while o1-preview achieved an impressive 83% success rate.
Similarly, in coding competitions, o1-preview reached the 89th percentile in Codeforces competitions, demonstrating exceptional programming abilities.
However, it's worth noting that o1-preview currently lacks some features that make GPT useful for everyday tasks, such as web browsing and file/image uploading capabilities. For many general-purpose tasks, GPT-4o may still be the more practical choice in the near term.
o1-Preview vs o1-Mini: Key Differences
Alongside the flagship o1-preview model, OpenAI also released o1-mini, a smaller and more efficient version designed particularly for coding tasks. Understanding the differences between these two models is crucial for choosing the right tool for your specific needs.
Feature | o1-Preview | o1-Mini | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Primary Focus | General reasoning across domains | Specialized for coding | o1-Mini is optimized specifically for code |
Cost | Higher cost | 80% cheaper than o1-Preview | o1-Mini offers significant cost savings |
Processing Speed | More extensive reasoning time | Faster than o1-Preview | o1-Mini processes requests more quickly |
Rate Limits (ChatGPT) | 30 messages weekly at launch | 50 messages weekly at launch | Higher usage limits for o1-Mini |
Complex Problem Solving | Exceptional across domains | Strong for coding, weaker in other areas | Choose based on your primary use case |
Broad Knowledge | More comprehensive | More limited | o1-Preview has a wider knowledge base |
World Knowledge | More extensive | Less extensive | o1-Preview is better for general information |
API Pricing | Higher tier | Lower tier | Significant difference in API costs |
For developers and those primarily focused on coding tasks, o1-mini represents an excellent value proposition – delivering 80% of the cost savings while maintaining strong performance in programming-related tasks. However, for users needing to solve complex problems across multiple domains (especially in science and advanced mathematics), the full o1-preview model will likely deliver superior results.
The weekly rate limits are also worth noting – at launch, ChatGPT Plus and Team users were limited to 30 messages per week with o1-preview, compared to 50 messages with o1-mini. These limits are expected to increase over time as OpenAI scales up their infrastructure.
ChatGPT o1-Preview Limits and Constraints
While o1-preview represents a significant advancement in AI reasoning capabilities, it comes with several important limitations and constraints that users should be aware of:
Feature Limitations:
No web browsing capability
No file or image upload functionality
No drawing capabilities
Limited to text-based interactions
API Limitations:
No function calling support
No streaming capability
No system message support
No JSON mode or structured output support
Limited to developers qualifying for API usage tier 5
Rate Limits:
ChatGPT Plus and Team users: Initially 30 messages per week (updated to 50 messages per week as of September 17, 2024)
API users: 20 RPM (requests per minute) at launch
Enterprise and Education users: Access delayed by one week from initial launch
These limitations reflect the early preview nature of the o1-preview model. OpenAI has indicated they plan to add many of these missing features in future updates, including browsing, file and image uploading, and other capabilities that would make the model more versatile for everyday use.
It's also worth noting that o1-preview is designed specifically for complex reasoning tasks. For many common use cases, GPT-4o may still be the more practical choice until o1-preview gains additional features.
How to Access o1-Preview
Accessing OpenAI's o1-preview depends on your subscription tier and usage needs. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of how different user types can access this new model:
ChatGPT Plus and Team Users:
Available immediately upon release (September 12, 2024)
Select manually from the model picker in the ChatGPT interface
Initial rate limit: 30 messages per week (updated to 50 messages per week as of September 17, 2024)
Access to both o1-preview and o1-mini models
ChatGPT Enterprise and Education Users:
Access began one week after initial release
Same selection method via the model picker
Similar rate limits apply
Access to both models
API Developers:
Must qualify for API usage tier 5 (payment amount > $1,000)
Initial rate limit of 20 RPM (requests per minute)
Documentation available on the OpenAI website
Both o1-preview and o1-mini accessible via API
Free Users:
No access to o1-preview at launch
OpenAI has stated plans to bring o1-mini access to all ChatGPT Free users in the future
Timeline for free access not specified
To access o1-preview in ChatGPT, simply click on the model selector dropdown (where you would normally choose between GPT-3.5 and GPT-4o), and you'll see the new o1-preview and o1-mini options if you have the appropriate subscription level.
OpenAI has indicated they are working to increase rate limits over time and eventually enable ChatGPT to automatically choose the right model for a given prompt based on its complexity.
Practical Applications of o1-Preview for Coding and Other Tasks
The enhanced reasoning capabilities of o1-preview make it particularly valuable for a wide range of complex tasks. Here are some of the most promising applications:
Scientific Research:
Analyzing complex cell sequencing data
Generating mathematical formulas for quantum optics
Working through multi-step scientific protocols
Analyzing experimental results and suggesting next steps
Proposing hypotheses based on provided data
Mathematics:
Solving complex mathematical proofs
Working through advanced calculus problems
Tackling statistics and probability challenges
Solving optimization problems
Analyzing mathematical patterns and relationships
Coding and Software Development:
Generating complex code across multiple programming languages
Debugging challenging software issues
Designing efficient algorithms
Optimizing existing code for performance
Creating multi-component software architectures
Business Optimization:
Supply chain optimization
Complex financial modeling
Resource allocation problems
Risk assessment and management
Market analysis and forecasting
For coding tasks specifically, o1-preview excels at accurately generating and debugging complex code. It can work through the logical steps needed to create efficient, functional code and explain its reasoning process along the way.
When using o1-preview for these applications, it's often helpful to provide as much context as possible and break complex problems into clearly defined components. The model performs best when given specific, well-structured prompts that outline the problem clearly.
Enhancing o1-Preview with mymeet.ai for Complete Reasoning Workflow
While o1-preview excels at deep reasoning, it cannot participate in your actual meetings. This is where mymeet.ai creates a powerful complementary solution.
What is mymeet.ai and How It Complements o1-Preview
mymeet.ai is a specialized AI meeting assistant that automatically joins, records, and analyzes meetings across platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Телемост. It creates detailed transcripts with speaker identification and extracts action items without human intervention.
This partnership addresses a critical gap: mymeet.ai captures complex discussions that o1-preview can then analyze with its exceptional reasoning capabilities. While mymeet.ai documents the meeting content, o1-preview provides the deep analysis that transforms that content into actionable solutions.
Real-World Applications
This integration enables powerful workflows for technical teams:
Scientific Research: mymeet.ai captures research discussions that o1-preview can systematically analyze, providing insights and experimental approaches.
Mathematical Problem-Solving: Mathematical challenges raised in meetings are recorded by mymeet.ai and solved step-by-step using o1-preview's reasoning (83% success rate on Olympic math problems).
Software Development: Requirements discussed in meetings are captured by mymeet.ai then transformed into functional code by o1-preview.
Education: Technical lectures recorded by mymeet.ai can be analyzed by o1-preview to generate comprehensive study materials and explanations.
Given o1-preview's current rate limits (50 messages per week), using mymeet.ai to identify the most critical issues from meetings helps prioritize which problems to submit for deep reasoning, creating an efficient end-to-end workflow from discussion to implementation.
o1-Preview Safety and Ethics
OpenAI has implemented significant safety measures with the o1-preview model, recognizing that advanced reasoning capabilities could potentially be misused if not properly secured.
One of the most notable safety improvements is o1-preview's enhanced resistance to "jailbreaking" attempts – efforts to bypass the model's built-in safety guidelines. On one of OpenAI's hardest jailbreaking tests, GPT-4o scored 22 (on a scale of 0-100), while o1-preview scored 84, demonstrating significantly improved safety alignment.
This improvement comes from a new safety training approach that leverages the model's reasoning capabilities. By being able to reason about safety rules in context, o1-preview can apply them more effectively and consistently.
Beyond the model itself, OpenAI has strengthened their governance processes for this release, including:
Rigorous testing and evaluations using their Preparedness Framework
Comprehensive red teaming exercises
Board-level review processes through their Safety & Security Committee
Formal agreements with the U.S. and U.K. AI Safety Institutes
Early access granted to safety institutes for evaluation prior to public release
These measures reflect the recognition that more powerful AI models require more robust safety frameworks. As AI capabilities continue to advance, ensuring these systems remain aligned with human values and safety considerations becomes increasingly important.
o1-Preview API Integration
For developers looking to integrate o1-preview's powerful reasoning capabilities into their applications, OpenAI provides API access with certain limitations and requirements:
API Access Requirements:
Developers must qualify for API usage tier 5 (payment amount > $1,000)
Initial rate limit of 20 RPM (requests per minute)
Current API Limitations:
No function calling support
No streaming capability
No system message support
No JSON mode or structured output support
API Pricing: While specific pricing details for o1-preview API calls were not fully disclosed at launch, OpenAI indicated that o1-mini is approximately 80% cheaper than o1-preview, making it a cost-effective alternative for developers primarily focused on coding applications.
Implementation Best Practices:
Structure prompts clearly and explicitly
Break complex problems into manageable components
Provide sufficient context for the model to reason effectively
Consider batching requests to manage rate limits efficiently
Start with o1-mini for coding-focused applications to optimize costs
OpenAI has stated they are working to increase API rate limits after additional testing and plan to add more functionality to the API over time, including function calling and other features that would make the model more versatile for developers.
Detailed documentation and code examples are available on the OpenAI website, providing developers with the resources needed to effectively integrate these models into their applications.
Future Development of OpenAI o1-Preview
The current release of o1-preview represents just the beginning of OpenAI's new reasoning-focused model series. The company has shared several insights about their future development plans:
Planned Feature Additions:
Web browsing capability
File and image uploading functionality
Additional API features (function calling, streaming, etc.)
Automatic model selection in ChatGPT based on query complexity
Model Update Timeline: OpenAI has indicated that they expect "regular updates and improvements" to the o1 series, suggesting a relatively rapid iteration cycle. They have also mentioned that they are already working on the next update, with evaluations for this upcoming version included alongside the current release.
Dual Development Tracks: Importantly, OpenAI has stated they plan to continue developing and releasing models in their GPT series in addition to the new o1 series. This suggests a two-track approach to model development, with GPT models potentially focusing on broader capabilities while o1 models specialize in deep reasoning.
Long-term Vision: The development of reasoning-focused models signals a significant shift in AI research priorities. Rather than simply scaling up existing architectures, OpenAI appears to be exploring fundamentally different approaches to AI cognition – ones that more closely mirror human problem-solving processes.
As these models continue to develop, we can expect to see them increasingly applied to some of the most challenging problems across science, engineering, mathematics, and other fields requiring deep logical reasoning.
Expert Opinions on o1-Preview
The release of o1-preview has generated significant interest and discussion among AI researchers, developers, and industry experts. While a comprehensive overview of expert opinions would require more time since the release is still recent, initial reactions highlight several key perspectives:
Technical Achievement: Many AI researchers have noted the impressive performance improvements in reasoning tasks, particularly the 83% success rate on International Mathematical Olympiad problems compared to GPT-4o's 13%. This represents a substantial advancement in AI problem-solving capabilities.
Practical Applications: Experts in scientific fields have expressed excitement about the potential applications of o1-preview for accelerating research in areas like quantum physics, genomics, and other complex scientific domains that require rigorous logical reasoning.
Safety Considerations: Ethics researchers have generally responded positively to OpenAI's enhanced safety measures, though some continue to advocate for even more robust governance frameworks as AI capabilities advance.
Development Approach: Some AI theorists have highlighted the significance of OpenAI's shift toward reasoning-focused models, seeing it as an important step toward more human-like artificial intelligence that can work through problems methodically rather than relying primarily on pattern recognition.
As more experts have time to thoroughly evaluate o1-preview's capabilities and limitations, we can expect a richer discourse about its implications for AI development and applications.
Conclusion
o1-preview marks a turning point in AI development. By thinking through problems step by step instead of pattern matching, it solves complex challenges that stumped previous models and achieves near-human performance in specialized domains.
OpenAI's decision to restart their numbering at "1" speaks volumes – this isn't just another iteration but the beginning of a fundamentally different approach to artificial intelligence.
Despite current limitations in features and access, o1-preview demonstrates the immense potential of reasoning-focused AI. For professionals in science, mathematics, and software development, it represents a powerful new tool that will likely transform how complex problems are tackled.
This is just the beginning. As OpenAI continues refining this technology, the combination of deep reasoning with broader functionality will open new possibilities across countless fields. The era of AI reasoning has begun – and it's changing everything.
FAQ
How many prompts/messages do I get with o1-preview?
ChatGPT Plus and Team users initially received 30 messages per week with o1-preview, which was updated to 50 messages per week as of September 17, 2024. For o1-mini, the limit is 50 messages per day.
What is the pricing for o1-preview?
o1-preview is included with ChatGPT Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Education subscriptions at their standard pricing. For API users, specific pricing details were not fully disclosed at launch, but o1-mini is approximately 80% cheaper than o1-preview.
Can I use o1-preview for free?
Currently, o1-preview is not available to free users. However, OpenAI has stated plans to bring o1-mini access to all ChatGPT Free users in the future, though they haven't specified a timeline.
Is o1-preview better than GPT-4o for everyday use?
For complex reasoning tasks in science, coding, math, and similar fields, o1-preview significantly outperforms GPT-4o. However, for many common cases, GPT-4o may be more capable in the near term since it includes features like web browsing and file uploading that o1-preview currently lacks.
What are the main differences between o1-preview and o1-mini?
o1-mini is a smaller, faster, and cheaper model (80% cost reduction) specifically optimized for coding tasks. While it maintains strong coding abilities, it has less broad world knowledge and may not perform as well on complex problems outside its specialization.
How does o1-preview compare to other AI models?
In complex reasoning tasks, o1-preview significantly outperforms previous models, including those from OpenAI and competitors. However, it's important to note that o1-preview is specifically designed for reasoning and may not match the versatility of some other models for general-purpose tasks.
When will additional features be added?
OpenAI has indicated they plan to add browsing, file and image uploading, and other features to make o1-preview more useful to everyone, but they haven't provided a specific timeline for these additions.
