OpenAI confirms launch of 'o3 Mini’ AI model that pauses to ‘think’ — here's how it works

OpenAI logo on a phone screen in front of a blurred image of Sam Altman
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

OpenAI is set to launch its latest reasoning AI model, o3 mini, within the next two weeks, as confirmed by CEO Sam Altman.

This development follows the introduction of the o3 series, designed to enhance AI's ability to tackle complex problems through improved reasoning capabilities.

The o3 mini model represents a significant leap from its predecessor, o1, by incorporating advanced reasoning skills that allow for step-by-step logical analysis.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said the new model is “the beginning of the next phase of AI.” For users like me and you, this is great news. This progression enables the model to perform a series of intermediate reasoning steps, by taking a moment to “think,” as it considers various prompts prior to responding. Enhanced problem-solving abilities can serve users in areas like coding, science, and mathematics.

Integration and accessibility

Upon release, o3 mini will be integrated into the ChatGPT platform and made accessible via an API. Developers and users alike can utilize the tools to leverage the advanced reasoning for a more robust AI experience, once again positioning OpenAI competitively against industry leaders.

In addition to the o3 series, OpenAI recently ventured into the realm of virtual assistants with the new Tasks feature currently in beta. While the hope is to compete with established virtual assistants like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa, it’s not quite there yet. From my own experience with ChatGPT Tasks, I can attest that OpenAI still has some kinks to work out to truly make the AI application feasible for a broader user base.

Availability and looking ahead

The introduction of o3 mini underscores OpenAI's commitment to advancing AI technology and maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

By enhancing reasoning capabilities and expanding into new markets, OpenAI aims to attract new investments and users, further solidifying its position as a leader in artificial intelligence innovation.

OpenAI is currently safety testing the model, but has plans to release the o3-mini model by the end of this month, with the full o3 model release several weeks after.

As the AI industry continues to evolve, the launch of o3 mini is anticipated to influence the development and application of AI technologies, setting new benchmarks for reasoning capabilities and user engagement.

More from Tom's Guide

Category
Arrow
Arrow
Back to MacBook Air
Brand
Arrow
Processor
Arrow
RAM
Arrow
Storage Size
Arrow
Screen Size
Arrow
Colour
Arrow
Storage Type
Arrow
Condition
Arrow
Price
Arrow
Any Price
TOPICS
Amanda Caswell
AI Writer
Read more
chatgpt logo on phone and blurred image of Sam Altman
OpenAI just released 03-mini to fight DeepSeek — the first 'reasoning model' that's free in ChatGPT
OpenAI logo on phone sitting on top of laptop keyboard
OpenAI’s ‘o3-mini’ is free for all users — what you need to know
ChatGPT
I just tested ChatGPT's new o3-mini model with 7 prompts to rate its problem-solving and reasoning capabilities — and it blew me away
ChatGPT logo on a smartphone screen being held outside
I put OpenAI's new o3-mini model to the test — and I'm shocked by the results
OpenAI logo on a phone screen in front of a blurred image of Sam Altman
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman just shared a massive update on what's next for ChatGPT
ChatGPT logo on a smartphone screen being held outside
ChatGPT just got OpenAI's most powerful upgrade yet — meet 'Deep Research'
Latest in AI
A nervous woman looking at her phone
Is ChatGPT making us lonely? MIT/OpenAI study reveals possible link
AI in man's hand
AI
AI Madness faceoff logo
I just tested Grok vs. DeepSeek with 7 prompts — here's the winner
ChatGPT on iPhone
ChatGPT was down — updates on quick outage
Claude AI on phone sitting on keyboard
Claude 3.7 Sonnet now supports real-time web searching — but there's a catch
The Dnsys X1 Exoskeleton being worn
I tested an AI exoskeleton to help treat my immune arthritis — here’s what happened
Latest in News
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
Amazon is giving away a ton of free games for its Big Spring Sale — here’s how to claim yours
A TV with the Netflix logo sits behind a hand holding a remote
Netflix is rolling out a big video quality upgrade — what you need to know
Choi Hyun-Wook, Hong Kyung, and Park Ji-hoon in "Weak Hero Class 1" now streaming on Netflix
This action-packed K-drama is now streaming on Netflix — and now’s the time to binge-watch before season 2
OnePlus 13 back, leaning against blue wall
OnePlus 13T could come with an even bigger battery than OnePlus 13 — this is incredible
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 3 just tipped for two major upgrades
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 25 (#653)