Latest AI Models Can "Think With Images," Cut Costs

OpenAI just launched o3 and o4-mini, models that combine visual intelligence with deeper reasoning. For the first time, these AIs don't just see images – they think with them, manipulating photos to extract insights just as a human would zoom in or rotate a picture to understand it better.

Latest AI Models Can "Think With Images," Cut Costs

The models handle everything from analyzing economics homework to debugging code errors. Upload a photo of a problem, even if it's upside down or poorly lit, and they'll automatically adjust it while working through the solution.

Beyond images, these models excel at complex tasks. o4-mini scored 99.5% on the 2025 AIME math contest when using Python. They seamlessly combine web searches, coding, and image analysis to solve problems, typically within a minute.

What's surprising: these smarter models often cost less to run than their predecessors. OpenAI rebuilt their safety training too, adding protection against biological threats and malware. They're also releasing Codex CLI, a coding assistant that brings this reasoning power to your terminal.

The impact extends beyond technical achievements. In medical settings, the models help doctors analyze X-rays and lab results more accurately. Students use them to understand complex diagrams in textbooks. Architects and engineers feed them blueprints and technical drawings for quick analysis.

Users can now interact with AI more naturally. No need for perfect photos or precise positioning – the models adjust images automatically, much like a human would tilt their head or squint to see better.

Why this matters:

  • The ability to "think with images" marks a fundamental shift in how AI processes visual information
  • Better performance at lower cost could accelerate AI adoption across industries

Read on, my dear:

OpenAi: Introducing OpenAI o3 and o4-mini

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