OpenAI has improved ChatGPT's mini GPT-4o model with a ton of new features, although surprisingly it doesn't have the usual fanfare. The smaller and faster version of the GPT-4o model, GPT-4o mini, has lacked many of the features of its older brother until now, although by its nature, it has less power to complete the same tasks.
The efficiency and speed of the mini model were already quite attractive to many ChatGPT users. And below we share four of the most important updates that bring it closer to par with GPT-4o.
Image creation
The 4o-mini model can now generate images based on text messages like the full GPT-4o model. While functionally it is the same in terms of creating images from text in ChatGPT, the size of the model could speed up production a bit. Additionally, it is unlikely to matter as far as the outcome is concerned, as they both depend on OpenAI's DALL-E 3 imaging model.
Browsing
Arguably one of the biggest limitations of the previously mini GPT-4o model was its lack of Internet access. You can now use the model through ChatGPT to conduct online research faster than with GPT-4o. That means you can get up-to-date information instead of relying solely on your previously trained knowledge base. It's crucial to have that option when it comes to verifying facts and comparing information. That puts it on par with the larger model, but is tied to the speed of the mini model.
Loading and understanding
One of the biggest limitations of the GPT-4o mini model compared to the rest of the stable has been the lack of charging options. ChatGPT users can now employ the model to analyze, summarize, and discuss uploaded documents and images. The model's visual processing capabilities allow it to understand and explain uploaded images in the same way as any text submitted to ChatGPT. This capability makes it easier for users to work with complex visual data for educational or personal needs.
Memory
In case you don't remember all the new features or forget one of them, the mini GPT-4o model can help you as it now accesses the memory function available for other ChatGPT models. That allows you to remember previous conversations with specific users and tailor interactions accordingly. So even after ending a chat with ChatGPT via the 4o-mini model, you can come back and get more relevant responses, follow-up on previous discussions, and recognition of your preferences. In other words, being mini doesn't mean it can't handle long-term interactions.