OpenAI o1 Mini now free for all: How to access and use it for problem-solving

OpenAI recently announced its model, the OpenAI o1 designed to handle tasks, in areas such as math coding and complex problem-solving. They also introduced the OpenAI o1 Mini a more affordable and simplified version that offers similar reasoning abilities. While the o1 model is expected to evolve to address questions, in the future the OpenAI o1 Mini focuses on providing quick and budget-friendly solutions, in coding.

The o1 mini retains the reasoning capabilities of the o1 model but is tailored for users who need reasoning without extensive database knowledge. In contrast to the o1 model which is available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, the OpenAI o1 Mini is accessible to users at no cost. Upon its launch, the o1 preview model has a limit of 30 messages per week while the o1 mini model allows for 50 messages. Users can manually select both models from the model picker in ChatGPT.

The introduction of the o1 model is happening gradually meaning some users may need to wait before they can access it. To start using the o1 mini model for free users can open ChatGPT on their computer and begin a conversation. In the ChatGPT window, they should click on “ChatGPT Auto” at the top and select “o1 mini” from the dropdown menu under “Alpha Models.” Once they make this selection the label will change to “ChatGPT Alpha” indicating that the OpenAI o1 Mini model is now active.

For users of the app, the process is slightly different. They can press and hold on a ChatGPT response then tap “Change model” at the menu that appears and choose “Alpha [GPT 4o]” to switch to the o1 mini version.

While the OpenAI o1 model has capabilities it does not offer certain features found in the ChatGPT 4o model. For example, the o1 model cannot browse the web or process images limiting user interaction to text prompts. Currently, users are unable to upload images for problem-solving and its functionality is restricted, to tasks.

While the o1 and o1 mini models have their limitations they excel, in tasks that require reasoning such as solving math problems and completing academic assignments that involve logical thinking. OpenAI has designed these models to take time to analyse and contemplate problems akin to human reasoning. Through refining their thought processes and learning from mistakes these models have enhanced their capacity to deliver accurate and well-thought-out solutions.

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