OPENAI
RIP Sora, we hardly knew you
OpenAI is shutting down Sora, its AI video app, less than 6 months after it launched and shot to the top spot on the app store.
The company is also ending its reported $1 billion content deal with Disney, according to the BBC.
OpenAI said it is making the change so it can focus on other projects, including robotics and more advanced AI systems that can complete tasks with little human input.
It also said the technology behind Sora will now be used to help train robots. ChatGPT’s image tools are not affected.
Sora launched in 2024 and quickly drew attention for the quality of its videos. But there were also doubts about how profitable the product could be.
Analysts told the BBC that video generation was costly to run, hard to turn into a solid business, and raised ongoing concerns around copyright, misinformation, and non-consensual content.
The shutdown also ends OpenAI’s Disney deal, which had allowed Sora users to make videos using characters such as Mickey Mouse and Yoda.
In brief:
OpenAI is dropping Sora and shifting its attention to robotics and task-based AI.
Sora faced issues around cost, business value, copyright, and misuse.
The move also ends OpenAI’s Disney partnership as the AI video market becomes more crowded.
Exit stage left
The agreement had been seen as a major moment for both Hollywood and AI, especially after studios had challenged AI companies over the use of copyrighted material.
Disney said it respects OpenAI’s decision and will continue looking at other AI platforms in ways that protect intellectual property.
Sora was also facing more competition, with other AI video tools entering the market.
One of them, China’s Seedance, recently gained attention after AI-made videos featuring Hollywood characters spread online.
This feels like a harbinger of things to come… - MV