Disney licenses 200+ characters to OpenAI for Sora and ChatGPT — 3‑year deal, $1B investment Disney and OpenAI announced a three‑year licensing agreement that lets OpenAI’s Sora app and ChatGPT generate images and videos using more than 200 Disney characters from properties including Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel. The deal covers costumes, props, vehicles and environments but explicitly excludes voices and live‑action talent likenesses. Under the pact, Disney will also become an OpenAI customer (using its APIs to build new products) and is investing $1 billion in the company. OpenAI plans to enable Sora and ChatGPT users to create Disney‑style images and fan videos starting in early 2026, and Disney will stream curated Sora‑generated videos on Disney+. What the agreement allows and what it doesn’t Allowed: AI generation of animated…

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 gets a big free "Thank You" update after sweeping The Game Awards Sandfall Interactive has released a substantial free "Thank You" update for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 right after the RPG dominated The Game Awards. The patch adds new late‑game content, quality‑of‑life improvements and more ways for players to capture and enjoy the game’s visuals. The update is sizable for a post‑award goodwill drop rather than a minor patch — a clear thanks to the community after a historic awards run. What’s included in the free "Thank You" update New playable environment for end‑game exploration Additional boss battles aimed at late‑game players New music tracks to expand the soundtrack Photo Mode for capturing scenes and moments New text and UI localizations Performance and stability tweaks, including…

iOS 26.2 is available for all users — Live Translation with compatible AirPods and more Apple has released iOS 26.2 to all users following several beta builds. The update is available now for iPhone, alongside macOS 26.2 and companion updates for other Apple devices. The headline feature is Live Translation for users with compatible AirPods — the system can now translate conversations live when you use supported earbuds, making cross‑language chats smoother. The update also includes the usual mix of bug fixes, performance improvements and security patches. What’s new in iOS 26.2 Live Translation with AirPods: Real‑time translation via compatible AirPods models to help follow conversations in other languages. System updates: macOS 26.2 and corresponding firmware/OS updates for other Apple devices are available alongside the iOS release. Stability & fixes:…

Best tech stocking stuffers under $50 Looking for affordable tech gifts that still feel thoughtful? Engadget compiled a list of the best stocking stuffers you can buy for $50 or less — compact, useful gadgets and accessories that suit a wide range of people and interests. The roundup focuses on practical items that make everyday life better without costing a lot: audio accessories, charging gear, smart home trinkets, mobile peripherals and small gaming or productivity add-ons. Many picks are items our reviewers have tested or recommend for value. Popular categories in the list Wireless earbuds and budget headphones — good sound without high prices. Power banks and fast charging cables — perfect for travelers and commuters. Smart plugs and compact smart‑home gadgets — useful entry points to automation. Accessories like…

OpenAI launches GPT‑5.2: reliability, agent integration and operational polish OpenAI announced GPT‑5.2, a rapid follow‑up to GPT‑5.1 that prioritizes operational improvements rather than sweeping capability jumps. The release emphasizes reliability, better instruction adherence, and smoother cooperation with external tools and agent workflows. OpenAI says GPT‑5.2 will keep the friendlier, dialog‑oriented tone introduced in GPT‑5.1 Instant. The update is aimed at production and enterprise use cases: developers should see fewer brittle edge cases, more predictable outputs on long multi‑step tasks, and reduced need for extensive prompt engineering. OpenAI rolled out GPT‑5.2 to ChatGPT and API users, and it is being offered in multiple variants to suit different latency, cost and capability needs. What’s new in GPT‑5.2 Improved reliability and consistency: Better instruction‑following and reduced output variance for extended workflows. Stronger tool…

Best Apple deals this week: iPad Air (M3) $150 off and more If you’re shopping for Apple gear this week, several headline deals are worth noting. The iPad Air (13-inch, M3) is down to $650 (about $149 off), the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is $399, and both iPad Pro models have matched their lowest prices with $100 off. There are also solid discounts on AirPods and Apple Watches. These discounts often match the all-time lows we saw around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so they’re a good opportunity if you’ve been waiting for price drops. Below are the top picks and what to consider when buying. Top deals at a glance iPad Air (13-inch, M3) — $650: $149 off MSRP. Large, bright display and M3 power make this a great…

Engadget’s Best Tech Gifts & Gadgets for 2025 — Staff Picks Engadget’s editors and reviewers put together a comprehensive gift guide featuring more than 35 tech picks ideal for the 2025 holiday season. The list blends items the team tested for reviews with personal favorites and trending gadgets across several categories — aiming to help you find something for every tech‑enthusiast on your list. The guide covers a wide range of price points and interests. Expect recommendations spanning wearables and health gadgets, noise‑cancelling headphones, smart‑home devices, gaming gear, productivity accessories, and standout consumer electronics that made an impression this year. Highlights & categories to explore Wearables & health: Smartwatches and fitness trackers with improved battery and health sensors. Audio: Premium earbuds and over‑ear headphones with active noise cancellation and long…

F1: The Movie arrives on Apple TV — stream it now Apple TV subscribers can now stream F1: The Movie as part of their subscription. The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt (with Javier Bardem in a key role), earned more than $630 million globally after a lengthy theatrical run. Lewis Hamilton served as a producer on the production to help ensure the racing sequences and portrayal of the sport felt authentic. Reviews praised the film’s driving and spectacle while noting overt product placement and formulaic plot elements. Key facts Availability: Now streaming on Apple TV for subscribers (no extra rental fee). Box office: Over $630 million worldwide from the theatrical run. Notable names: Director Joseph Kosinski; stars Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem; producer Lewis Hamilton. Streaming…

Why Netflix may be the “best worst” option for Warner Bros — podcast breakdown Last week’s media shocker: Netflix reportedly offered $82.7 billion for Warner Bros., and this week Paramount countered with a $108 billion hostile takeover bid. The escalating bids underscore how valuable legacy studios and their content libraries have become in the streaming era. A recent podcast episode explores why so many buyers want Warner Bros., what the competing offers mean for the future of streaming and Hollywood, and why Netflix might be the pragmatic — if imperfect — choice for the studio’s next chapter. Topics covered in the episode What the Netflix bid for Warner Bros. means for at-home streamers and moviegoers — 1:55 Disney characters coming to Sora after OpenAI deal — 32:59 Meta’s open-source strategy…

MasterClass holiday deal: 40% off annual subscriptions (limited time) MasterClass is running a holiday promotion that cuts 40% off its annual subscriptions through December 15. The Premium plan (offline mode and use on up to six devices) is discounted to $144 per year (regularly $240). The entry‑level plan is marked down to $72 from $120. The platform offers more than 200 classes taught by high-profile instructors — from entrepreneurs and filmmakers to chefs and athletes. Classes combine polished video lessons with workbooks and occasional extras, and MasterClass is offering a 30‑day money‑back guarantee for subscribers. Quick facts Discount: 40% off annual subscriptions (Holiday Head Start Offer). Premium: $144/year (was $240) — offline mode, up to 6 devices. Entry level: $72/year (was $120) — single device, no offline mode. Library: 200+…