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OpenAI’s Sora Video AI Is Now Available Globally
The new video generation model was released yesterday, and is now available for ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers.
After months of anticipation, OpenAI’s video generation model, Sora, has officially launched for public use. Announced yesterday (Monday, December 10) the tool is accessible to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers in the US and “most other countries” where OpenAI’s chatbot operates. For those eligible, Sora will be available for use starting later today.
The version being released, Sora Turbo, is a step up from the early preview showcased in February. OpenAI highlights its improved speed, though it still has its quirks. The company warns that the AI can struggle with “unrealistic physics” and managing intricate actions over extended durations.
When users visit the Sora landing page, they’ll find a feed of videos generated by other users. Each video includes the original prompt, giving you insights into how the footage was created. From there, you can choose to remix the content, incorporate it into your own project, or re-cut it entirely.
Currently, Sora’s video capabilities are capped at 1080p resolution and a maximum length of 20 seconds. While these limits may feel restrictive to some, they’re in place as OpenAI continues refining the model.
Every Sora video comes with a visible watermark and embedded C2PA metadata, making it easier to verify authenticity. OpenAI is taking a firm stance on safety, prohibiting the creation of criminal content and deepfakes.
Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East
Even if you don’t have a ChatGPT subscription, you can still browse Sora’s website to view content others have created. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared during a livestream that Sora’s release in Europe and the UK might take some time due to region-specific regulatory considerations.
Plans And Pricing
ChatGPT Plus subscribers can create up to 50 videos per month at 480p resolution. Alternatively, they can produce fewer, shorter clips in 720p. The Pro plan, on the other hand, offers significantly greater flexibility, including 10 times the usage limits and the ability to generate higher-quality videos of longer durations. OpenAI has also teased that customized pricing for various user needs will roll out early next year.
News
PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
The collaboration will be especially helpful in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or inconsistent.
PayPal has teamed up with TerraPay to improve cross-border payments across the Middle East and Africa. The move is designed to make it easier and faster for users to send and receive money internationally, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure can be limited or inconsistent.
The partnership connects PayPal’s digital payments ecosystem with TerraPay’s global money transfer network. The goal is to streamline real-time transfers between banks, mobile wallets, and financial institutions, significantly improving access for millions of users looking to move money securely and efficiently.
Through the partnership, users will be able to link their PayPal accounts to local banks and mobile wallets using TerraPay’s platform. This means faster transactions and fewer barriers for individuals and businesses across the region.
“The Middle East and Africa are at the forefront of the digital transformation, yet financial barriers still limit growth for many,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa at PayPal. “At PayPal, we’re committed to changing that […] Together, we’re helping unlock economic opportunity and build a more connected, inclusive financial future”.
For TerraPay, the deal is a chance to scale its reach while reinforcing its mission of frictionless digital transactions.
“Our mission at TerraPay is to create a world where digital transactions are effortless, secure, and accessible to all,” said Ani Sane, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at TerraPay. He added that the partnership is a major milestone for enhancing financial access in the Middle East and Africa, helping businesses grow and users move funds with fewer limitations.
Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East
The integration also aims to support financial inclusion in a region where access to global banking tools is still uneven. With interoperability at the core, TerraPay can bridge the gap between different financial systems — whether that’s a mobile wallet or a traditional bank — making it easier to send money, pay for services, or grow a business across borders.
As the demand for cross-border payment options continues to rise, both PayPal and TerraPay are doubling down on their commitment to provide reliable, secure, and forward-looking financial tools for the region.
PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments
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