But is it really better at thinking than previous models?
Yes, and it’s blowing everyone away.
- OpenAI has launched a new series of models called 01, including 01 Preview and 01 Mini.
- These models are designed to think longer before responding, excelling in complex tasks like reasoning, coding, and math.
- 01 Preview outperforms GPT-4 in solving intricate problems and has been evaluated to rival human PhDs in scientific and mathematical reasoning.
- Initial tests show 01 Preview excels in code generation, solving complex math, and addressing intricate logical problems.
- Despite 01’s impressive abilities, it's still in the early stages, with room for further enhancements, and not perfect on every question.
What Makes 01 Different?
OpenAI’s latest release in the model series, 01, is designed to push the limits of AI reasoning. If you're tired of basic prompt generation and coding tasks that just barely meet the mark, then this new model will feel like a breath of fresh air. 01 Preview takes more time to think before it responds, and this makes all the difference.
Imagine the precision of a PhD candidate solving problems across physics, chemistry, and biology — that’s what this model is shooting for. The 01 Preview model focuses on tasks that demand deep thinking, like multi-step coding problems, advanced math puzzles, and logic games. It performs far beyond the capabilities of GPT-4 in competitive programming and other challenges that require critical thinking.
Early Tests: Breaking Down Complex Problems
In early tests, 01 Preview has demonstrated a knack for solving difficult problems with a thoroughness that previous models lacked. One user asked it to write a Tetris game in Python. Unlike earlier models that stumbled on similar tasks, 01 Preview aced it after only a 35-second wait. It produced a fully functioning Tetris game on the first try, a feat that would have taken previous models multiple attempts, crashes, or incorrect outputs.
This improvement is not just in code. The model also solved a complex logic puzzle: "There are three killers in a room. Someone enters the room and kills one of them. How many killers are left?" 01 Preview impressed by not only considering the two remaining killers but also acknowledging that the person who did the killing could now be classified as a killer themselves, raising the count back to three. No model had done this before.
Competitive Advantage in Math and Logic
Let’s talk numbers. In tests that evaluate AI on math and science problems, the results are stunning. For context, GPT-4’s performance in the International Mathematics Olympiad was around 33%. But the 01 series smashed that, achieving 83% accuracy. In coding challenges, 01 Preview ranked in the 89th percentile on Codeforces, outperforming its predecessors by a significant margin.
This isn’t just a marketing pitch. Users can see the thinking process happening step-by-step — a method known as Chain of Thought reasoning. OpenAI has fine-tuned this ability by allowing 01 to think longer and break down problems into smaller pieces. It’s trained to learn from mistakes, test multiple approaches, and ultimately arrive at better answers. For AI developers, this makes a world of difference when running complex workflows.
It’s Not Perfect, But It’s Close
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: no AI is perfect. While 01 Preview is a big step forward, it’s not foolproof. For instance, when asked a tricky navigational question — walking from the North Pole, turning left, and returning to the starting point — the model struggled. Despite performing complex calculations, it didn’t quite get it right. This is one area where models still show limitations in reasoning about 3D spatial problems.
Still, it’s crucial to note that 01 Preview excels in areas where other models consistently failed. For example, when evaluating whether a specific-sized envelope fits within postal regulations (including the ability to rotate the envelope), the model reasoned its way to the correct answer, where most earlier models had flopped.
Can It Solve Your Toughest Questions?
This model isn’t designed for basic tasks. If you need an AI to create a shopping list or draft a simple email, you’re better off with a cheaper, faster model like GPT-4. But for anyone working on advanced coding problems, mathematical theorems, or scientific reasoning, this is the AI you’ve been waiting for.
The future of OpenAI's 01 series is geared toward tasks that demand precision, reflection, and real-world applicability. Imagine using an AI model that could assist healthcare researchers by annotating complex datasets or help physicists generate accurate formulas for quantum optics. That’s where the 01 Preview model truly shines.
More Models and Future Improvements
OpenAI isn’t done. In addition to the 01 Preview, the company has also released 01 Mini, which is a smaller, faster, and more cost-effective version of the model. It’s intended for quick, highly accurate coding tasks and other applications where speed is more important than deep reasoning. 01 Mini is also 80% cheaper than 01 Preview, making it a practical option for more frequent, simpler tasks.
Expect updates. OpenAI is planning to improve the models continuously, with regular updates, better safety measures, and possibly a broader range of use cases. One of the standout features that’s still being developed is Chain of Thought visibility — the ability to see the model’s exact thought process. While it’s shown in demos, it isn’t yet fully visible in real-world use.
Conclusion: Is 01 the Future of AI?
There’s no question that OpenAI's 01 Preview represents a leap forward in AI capabilities, particularly in reasoning, logic, and problem-solving. It’s as close to a thinking machine as we’ve seen yet. While it’s still an early release, the model's ability to tackle tough, PhD-level problems in science, math, and coding is already turning heads.
