New AI Features and Models, Plus Disney’s Buy-In

In this edition: updated features across OpenAI and Google tools, and a breakdown of what’s going on with Disney’s partnership with OpenAI’s Sora.

This is Q&AI, our blog series aimed at keeping you in the know on updates in the rapidly evolving world of AI. Sometimes, these will be quick updates on new developments in the field. Sometimes, they’ll be tips on tactics, features, or functionality. 

If you haven’t met me yet, hi: I’m Jen Taylor, CI’s Director of AI Strategy & Implementation, and your (very human) AI BFF. AI is moving at the speed of light, so I’m here to let you know what matters most now. 

Q: What are the top new features to be aware of in some of the most-used AI tools? 

A: It’s been a busy couple of weeks!

OpenAI rolled out Group Chats for Free, Go, Plus, and Pro members (excluding Business and Enterprise).

It acts like a regular group chat, except ChatGPT jumps in only when helpful, not after every message.

It’s designed for planning, collaboration, and new team workflows — and honestly, it feels like an early preview of “AI as a coworker.”

Also in the world of OpenAI: ChatGPT Shopping is a new feature that helps people research products, compare options, and find relevant items more efficiently.

Finally: ChatGPT 5.2 is here as of December 11th. This version touts being more reliable, better at handling long or complex conversations, working with documents, and generally being more accurate and consistent.  Not a big flashy launch/no big changes, but another iteration.

Meanwhile, Google’s NotebookLM now generates infographics and slide decks powered by Nano Banana Pro. They were briefly open to everyone, but Google pulled the features back to paid tiers after demand surged.

It activates automatically for shopping-related queries, or you can enable it manually under Tools (the “+” icon in the bottom-left corner).

Q: Why is everyone talking about Disney and AI?

A: Well, Disney made a major move in the AI space. They’ve become OpenAI’s largest customer and announced a $1B equity investment that they’re framing as a strategic partnership. What’s notable is how directly this aligns Disney with AI after years of protecting their IP through litigation and tight control.

One of the most eye-catching pieces of the announcement is that Disney is working with OpenAI to explore how Sora can use Disney IP. The details are still emerging, so it’s not yet clear whether all Sora users will have full creative access to Disney characters. However, Disney is opening the door to AI-driven storytelling with their assets, and they’ve already hinted at plans to feature AI-generated content on Disney+.

This feels like a line-in-the-sand moment for entertainment. Up until now, most major studios treated generative AI as a threat, Disney included. Today signals a pivot toward collaboration.

I’m seeing three big takeaways:

1. Disney is betting on OpenAI. A $1B investment signals confidence not just in the tech but in OpenAI’s role in shaping the next chapter of content creation.
2. A groundbreaking IP partnership is forming. Even partial access to Disney’s library for generative tools would be unprecedented in the entertainment sector.
3. A top-tier entertainment platform is preparing to incorporate AI-native content. This moves AI-generated media from the experimental edges of TikTok and YouTube into mainstream streaming.

If Disney is legitimizing AI content, the audience expectation curve could shift fast.  Along with it could be things like creative norms, production timelines, and platform strategies.

see you in the new year!
Jen

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