The release of OpenAI’s O1 model and O1 Pro model marks an important milestone in artificial intelligence possibilities, but the price tag raises questions about accessibility and value. After extensive testing and analysis, it’s clear these models represent substantial improvements over their predecessors, though the cost structure may limit their reach. Matthew Pierce, who is an expert on the topic of Artificial Intelligence, gave his first impressions of OpenAI’s O1 Model. We are going to look into his video review and gain a better understanding of this new release.
The performance metrics are genuinely impressive. O1 achieved an 83.3 score in competition math, compared to GPT-4’s 13.4. In competition code, it scored 89 compared to GPT-4’s mere 11. For PhD-level science questions, O1 reached 78, surpassing human expert performance at 69.7.
Breaking Down O1’s Capabilities
The multimodal capabilities of O1 are particularly noteworthy. During Matts test, the model demonstrated remarkable image recognition abilities, successfully identifying specific details in complex images like Where’s Waldo puzzles and providing accurate technical analysis of engine components.
In coding tasks, O1 showed exceptional first-attempt accuracy. When asked to recreate a Spotify interface using HTMX, it produced working code with proper styling and functionality without requiring iterations or corrections. The model even successfully converted a 2D game into a 3D version using Three.js – a task that demonstrates its deep understanding of complex programming concepts.
The Price of Progress
The new Chat GPT Pro subscription comes with a $200 monthly price tag, which includes:
- Unlimited access to O1 and O1 Pro modes
- Access to O1 Mini and GPT-4
- Unlimited voice mode usage
- Enhanced computing power for complex problems
This pricing structure creates a significant barrier to entry for many potential users. While the standard $20 monthly plan still provides access to the base O1 model, the premium features are locked behind what amounts to a $2,400 annual investment.
Looking Ahead: Competition and Value Proposition
The high subscription cost raises valid concerns about long-term viability. Open-source alternatives are likely to emerge in 2025 that could offer comparable capabilities at lower costs or through pay-as-you-go models. The absence of API access for O1 and O1 Pro further limits their utility for developers and businesses seeking to integrate these capabilities into their applications.
The performance in logic-based problems and technical analysis suggests that O1 represents a genuine advancement in AI capabilities. However, the question remains: does this justify the premium price point?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes OpenAI’s O1 Model different from previous OpenAI models?
O1 introduces multimodal capabilities, significantly improved mathematical and coding performance, and enhanced accuracy in scientific reasoning. It can process images, solve complex problems, and generate more accurate responses than its predecessors.
Q: Is the $200 monthly subscription worth it for regular users?
For most individual users, the standard $20 plan with access to base O1 will likely suffice. The Pro subscription might be justified for professionals who require unlimited access and maximum accuracy for complex technical or scientific work.
Q: How does O1’s performance compare to human experts?
In certain areas, particularly PhD-level science questions, O1 outperforms human experts. However, in specialized fields like competition math and coding, human expert benchmarks weren’t provided, suggesting humans may still hold an advantage.
Q: Can O1 replace professional developers or scientists?
While O1 shows impressive capabilities in coding and scientific analysis, it’s better viewed as a powerful tool rather than a replacement. It excels at specific tasks but still requires human oversight and validation.
Q: Will cheaper alternatives become available?
Open-source alternatives are expected to emerge in 2025 that could offer similar capabilities at lower costs. The market is likely to see more competitive pricing and flexible payment models in the future.
