Disney Licenses Characters to OpenAI, Takes $1 Billion Stake

OpenAI has announced the release of a new technology aimed at surpassing Google's recent advancements in artificial intelligence, marking a significant escalation in the competitive landscape between the two tech giants. This comes after Google claimed its new AI model, Gemini 3, has outperformed ChatGPT, OpenAI's flagship product.

OpenAI has released GPT-5.2, showcasing significant advancements in deep reasoning and coding capabilities, while receiving mixed reactions from early testers regarding its conversational abilities. The update aims to enhance productivity for business tasks and workflows, particularly in coding and data management.

The Walt Disney Company has announced a significant $1 billion investment in OpenAI, which includes a licensing agreement for its iconic characters to be used on OpenAI's Sora video-making platform. This three-year deal allows users to generate videos featuring beloved characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar franchises.

Oracle's shares have experienced their largest decline since January, following a report of a significant increase in spending on AI data centers and related equipment, amounting to $15 billion. This news has raised concerns among investors regarding the company's financial strategy and its ability to generate returns from these investments.

OpenAI has announced the release of ChatGPT-5.2, a model designed to enhance productivity for everyday and work users, particularly in tasks involving spreadsheets and coding. This update reflects the company's ongoing efforts to improve its AI offerings amid rising competition in the artificial intelligence sector.

Medra has successfully raised $52 million to enhance its capabilities in drug discovery through the use of artificial intelligence-powered robots, aiming to establish one of the largest autonomous laboratories in the United States. This funding will allow Medra to accelerate its research and development efforts in the pharmaceutical sector.

The latest Market Talks provide insights into significant developments involving Oracle, Broadcom, and Disney, highlighting their respective positions in the technology, media, and telecom sectors. Oracle's recent announcement of a $15 billion increase in AI-related capital expenditures has raised concerns among investors, leading to a notable decline in its share price. Broadcom's earnings and Disney's evolving strategies are also under scrutiny as market dynamics shift.

Oracle's stock has experienced its most significant decline since January, attributed to increasing concerns over rising artificial intelligence (AI) spending. Beth Kindig, a tech analyst at the I/O fund, highlighted that investors are awaiting a pivotal moment in the tech sector that has yet to materialize. This sentiment was discussed during a segment on Bloomberg Tech with Caroline Hyde and Ed Ludlow.