2026 Daytona 500 Start Time: Full Schedule, TV Coverage & Race Day Guide (Feb. 15 Latest)

The 68th Daytona 500, NASCAR’s crown jewel dubbed “The Great American Race,” fires off today, Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. ET from Daytona International Speedway. With clear skies forecast and a stacked field of 40 cars, pre-race festivities peak as Rick Hendrick receives the NASCAR Hall of Fame ring.

Official Start Time Confirmed

Green flag drops at 2:30 p.m. ET sharp, broadcast live on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The 500-mile thriller spans 200 laps on the 2.5-mile tri-oval, with stages at Lap 60, 120, and the finish.

Daytona trimmed its banking in 2024, tightening racing lines and boosting passing—last year’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr. win showcased the changes. No delays expected; twilight finish possible around 6 p.m. ET.​

Weekend Speedweek Schedule

NASCAR Speedweek kicked off Thursday with Truck Series practice; Friday’s ARCA Menards race won by Connor Mosack. Busch Series (CW Network) starts 5 p.m. ET Saturday ahead of Cup qualifying.

Cup practice/duels wrap Friday; single-car qualifying Friday night sets the front row. Heat races Saturday evening lock in the 40-car field.​

Pre-Race Entertainment Lineup

Country superstar Miranda Lambert headlines the free pre-race concert at 11 a.m. ET on the infield stage, her third Daytona gig. Grammy-winning DJ Pee .Wee delivers the tailgate party beat.​

NFL legend Peyton Manning is Grand Marshal; actor David Corenswet (upcoming Superman) drives the pace car. National anthem by Jessie Murph; invocation by Rev. Doug Hood.

TV and Streaming Details

FOX airs the main event with Mike Joy, Clint Bowyer, and Michael Waltrip on commentary—first Daytona under the new CW media deal for non-points races. Streaming via FOX Sports app, YouTube TV; international on ESPN networks.

MRN radio blanket coverage; PRN pit reporters. Spanish on FOX Deportes. Post-race “NASCAR Victory Lane” at 7 p.m. ET.​

Ticket and Access Info

Gates open 7 a.m.; infield camping sold out months ago. Single-day grandstand tickets from $125; premium hospitality $500+. Shuttle from Orlando airport; rideshare zones expanded.​

Scan stadium passes via app; clear bags only. Fireworks, driver Q&As, and fan zones run 8 a.m.-race start.​

Defending Champ and Favorites

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. seeks repeat after his 2025 overtime thriller. Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron (2024 winner) and Kyle Larson top odds at +600; Joey Logano (+800) eyes three-peat bid.​

23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace, fresh off a 2025 top-5, starts mid-pack. Stewart-Haas closure reshuffles the field—Ryan Preece joins RFK.​

Entry List Highlights

40 cars confirmed: Full-time Cup stars plus open qualifiers. Notable: Ty Gibbs pole favorite; Ross Chastain Big One bait; rookie Brenden Queen in the 44.​

Hendrick trio—Byron, Larson, Chase Elliott—plus Bowman’s No. 48. Penske’s Power/Logano/Blimpie. Front Row’s Reddick eyes superspeedway crown.​

Track and Weather Outlook

Dayton’s repave holds; new tire compounds emphasize strategy. Highs near 72°F, winds 10-15 mph from southwest—ideal for drafting packs.​

Caution flags average 10-12; fuel windows 45 laps. Stage points double in final run.​

Historical Daytona Milestones

First 500 in 1959 won by Lee Petty; 200-lap beast since 1969 extension. Jeff Gordon’s 1997 photo finish; Austin Dillon’s 2019 wall ride. 2026 marks FOX’s 22nd straight broadcast.​

Seven overtime finishes last decade underscore chaos potential.​

Sponsor and Prize Purse

Hyundai leads sponsors; purse tops $28 million, winner ~$2.5M. GEICO honors military pre-race; Coke Zero returns July.​

NASCAR Foundation auction raises funds; driver helmets fetch five figures.​

Fan Viewing Guide

Arrive by 10 a.m. for Lambert; infield screens everywhere. App tracks live leaderboards, cautions. Tailgate staples: BBQ, Busch Lights, cornhole.​

Betting legal in Florida—Byron -110 stage 1 fave. Fantasy NASCAR apps project Stenhouse regression.​

Broadcast Team Breakdown

Playoff Implications Early

Daytona points double via stages; top-10 locks stage win bonus. Crash reshuffles standings—2025’s top-5 all wrecked early.​

Regular season championship clincher sets Round of 8 by Talladega.​

Rival Series Action

Busch race Saturday 5 p.m. CW sets momentum; Truck opener Friday FS1. ARCA Friday night thriller previews talent.​

IMSA Rolex 24 aftermath lingers; prototypes share garage vibes.​

Economic Boost to Daytona Beach

$250M impact projected; 250,000 attendees fill hotels. Local vendors boom; beach traffic snarls I-95.​

Volusia County emergency crews stage for Big One wrecks.​

Legacy of the Great American Race

Daytona 500 crowns legends: Petty clan 10 wins; Earnhardt Sr. seven. 2026 honors Rick Hendrick’s 300th Cup victory pre-ring ceremony.​

Global reach: 10M+ U.S. viewers; international feeds to 200 countries.​

Must-Watch Moments

Lap 1 multicar pileup risk; Stage 1 end Lap 60 pit frenzy. Final 50-lap shootout decides it—expect side-draft duels.​

Tune in early; history awaits today.

Ishan Kishan has stormed back into the India setup and remains one of the most feared left-handed wicketkeeper-batters in world cricket. Here are 10 essential things to know about him right now.

1. Back in Blue: 2026 T20 World Cup Comeback

After a period out of the national side, Kishan forced his way back with a dominant domestic season and was named in India’s squad for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup as a top-order wicketkeeper-batter.​

• He smashed 517 runs in 10 innings in the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at an average of 57.32 and a strike rate of 197.32, including two fifties and two centuries.​
• A 49-ball 101 in the final, while captaining Jharkhand to the title, convinced selectors he was too good to ignore.​
  BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar said Kishan offers an aggressive top-order option and valuable flexibility as India’s second keeper alongside Sanju Samson.​

2. Pakistan “for breakfast”: Latest IND vs PAK heroics

On February 14, 2026, Kishan grabbed headlines again with a quickfire fifty against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup, with Indian and Pakistani fans flooding social media as pundits joked he would “eat them for breakfast.”​

• His brisk half-century at the top of the order set the tone in a high-pressure clash, reinforcing his reputation as a big-game player in ICC events.​
  The innings underlined why India brought him back: early intent, fearless strokeplay and an ability to seize momentum in the powerplay.

3. Fastest ODI double hundred in history

Kishan’s most iconic knock remains his 210 off 131 balls against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022 — the fastest double century in ODI history, reaching 200 in just 126 balls.​

• He slammed 24 fours and 10 sixes, dominating a 290-run stand with Virat Kohli, who made 113.​​
• At 24 years and 145 days, he became the youngest men’s ODI double-centurion and the first to convert a maiden ODI hundred directly into a double.​​
  That innings not only denied Bangladesh a 3–0 sweep but also re-wrote the record books and cemented Kishan’s image as a high-ceiling, game-breaking opener.

4. Versatile top-order left-hander with real keeping value

Across formats, Kishan’s primary value remains his combination of left-handed power-hitting and competent wicketkeeping.

• In ODIs and T20Is since his debut in 2021, he has been used from opener down to No. 5, but the BCCI has reiterated that his “best role is at the top.”
• His keeping gives India and his IPL teams flexibility on balance and match-ups, especially in T20 cricket, where his ability to open or float makes him an asset in tournament play.

5. IPL staple, now a Sunrisers Hyderabad centerpiece

Kishan has been an IPL regular since 2016, with more than 100 matches and nearly 3,000 runs by the time of the IPL 2026 season.

• He was a marquee buy for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the IPL 2025 mega auction for ₹11.25 crore and, despite an inconsistent 2025 season (354 runs with one century), remains central to their plans for 2026.
• Several franchises — including Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals — explored trades before the 2026 auction, but reports say SRH are reluctant to release him because of his dual role and top-order value.​
  His IPL numbers show fluctuating returns but consistent strike rates in the mid‑140s to 150s, underlining why teams still see him as a match-winner.

6. Domestic beast: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy transformation

The immediate trigger for Kishan’s national comeback was his spectacular 2025–26 domestic T20 campaign.

• He captained Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, scoring 517 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 197.32, including two centuries and two fifties.​
  That surge, after a mixed IPL season, signaled both form and leadership growth. Agarkar cited this run as proof Kishan could be trusted in another global T20 tournament.​

7. ODI record-chaser with room to grow

Even with the record double ton, Kishan’s ODI career has been stop-start, with competition from established openers and keepers.

• His Chattogram 210 set multiple benchmarks: fastest double ton (126 balls), youngest double-centurion, and the highest individual score in Bangladesh.​
• Analysts note that if he gets an extended ODI run, his natural attacking game and ability to exploit fielding restrictions could make him one of India’s most damaging 50-over openers, especially on flat decks.

8. IPL evolution: from Mumbai prodigy to SRH pillar

Kishan’s IPL career traces a steady evolution from raw talent to a frontline option.

• At Mumbai Indians, he had standout seasons — including a 516-run campaign in 2020 at an average above 57 and a strike rate over 145 — before moving to SRH in the 2025 mega auction.
• His IPL year-by-year returns show both peaks and lean patches: seasons of 400+ runs and strong strike rates, but also stretches of low 20s averages that fueled criticism.​
  SRH’s decision to keep him ahead of IPL 2026 reflects their belief that his ceiling outweighs the inconsistency and that elite left-handed Indian top-order batters with keeping skills are rare.

9. Style, mentality and the “X-factor” tag

Coaches and selectors routinely describe Kishan as an “X‑factor” player — someone who can tilt a game inside five overs.

• His batting is defined by early aggression, fearless hitting over midwicket and extra cover, and the ability to clear long boundaries even off good-length balls.
• The same approach that wins matches can also bring low scores, which partially explains his intermittent omission from India’s line‑ups over the last few years.
  The BCCI’s latest messaging suggests they now view this risk as acceptable in T20s, especially in a World Cup where powerplay dominance is crucial.​

10. What’s next for Ishan Kishan in 2026?

As of mid‑February 2026, Kishan sits at a pivotal point in his career:

• For India: A strong T20 World Cup could re-establish him as a long-term white-ball option and potentially revive his ODI prospects, especially if incumbent openers falter. His recent fifty against Pakistan is an ideal launchpad.
• For SRH and the IPL: Another season as a retained big-money player gives him a platform to prove he’s not just potential but consistent match-winning output. With trades off the table for now, he is clearly in their core plans.

If he combines his natural explosiveness with improved shot selection and game management, Ishan Kishan has the tools to be one of the defining limited-overs batters of his generation — and 2026, with a T20 World Cup and a new IPL cycle, is his best opportunity yet to prove it.

Anthony Kim, the former PGA Tour prodigy turned LIV Golf sensation, has captivated fans with his improbable return after a 12-year hiatus. His recent team debut and career resurgence highlight a story of triumph over adversity.

Prodigy Roots

Born June 19, 1985, in Los Angeles, Anthony Ha-Jin Kim burst onto the golf scene at the University of Oklahoma. He set the school’s scoring average record at 71.73 relative to par, earned three-time All-American honors, and was named 2004 NCAA Freshman of the Year.

Kim clashed with coaches over his intense lifestyle—practicing and partying at 150% effort—but his talent was undeniable as the top-ranked collegiate golfer.​

PGA Tour Breakthrough

Kim turned pro in 2006, tying for second in his debut at the Valero Texas Open via sponsor exemption. He earned his 2007 PGA Tour card through Q-School, logging four top-10s as a rookie and breaking into the top 100 world rankings.

In 2008, he exploded with wins at the Wachovia Championship—shooting a tournament-record 16-under 272—and the AT&T National, hosted by Tiger Woods. These victories propelled him to No. 16 in the world.

Ryder Cup Heroics

Kim’s 2008 Ryder Cup performance at Valhalla was legendary, dominating Europe’s Sergio Garcia 4&3 in singles and helping the U.S. end a nine-year drought with a 16.5-11.5 win. He amassed 3.5 of 4 possible points.

The next year at the Presidents Cup, Kim went 3-1, including a 5&3 singles rout of Robert Allenby, aiding America’s 19.5-14.5 victory.​

Masters Record Breaker

At the 2009 Masters, Kim torched Augusta National with a second-round 11 birdies, shattering the single-round record previously held by Nick Price’s 10. He finished T20 but etched his name in major lore.​

His best major result came at the 2010 Masters with a T3 at 12-under, one stroke shy of runner-up Lee Westwood and four behind Phil Mickelson.

Injury and Vanishing Act

A ruptured Achilles tendon in 2012 sidelined Kim after the Wells Fargo Championship. He underwent surgery and vanished from golf amid rumors of addiction, mental health struggles, and off-course turmoil.

From 2012 to 2024, Kim played no competitive golf, living abroad and battling personal demons. Speculation swirled, but he stayed out of the spotlight.

LIV Golf Resurrection

Kim returned in 2024 with LIV Golf, signing a lucrative deal after years away. He competed independently before joining teams, showing flashes amid rust.

In November 2025, he fired a bogey-free 64 at the PIF Saudi International—his lowest round since 2011—finishing T5, his first top-10 in 14 years.

Adelaide Triumph

Kim’s crowning moment: winning the 2026 LIV Golf Adelaide at -23, three shots ahead of Jon Rahm’s -20. It marked his first pro victory in 16 years, a stunning comeback at age 40.​

This triumph, just weeks ago, vaulted him into LIV headlines and boosted his Official World Golf Ranking from 4,221st to No. 847 over two years.​

4Aces Team Switch

As of February 12, 2026, Kim replaced Patrick Reed full-time on Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC LIV team. In his debut, he tied for 22nd but expressed gratitude: “Blessed to be alive.”​

LIV’s new world ranking points for top-10s position Kim for further climbs, especially after his T3 in the January 2026 LIV Promotions event earning his league spot.

Personal Battles Won

Kim has openly discussed college-era addiction and mental health issues that worsened post-injury. Now sober, married to Emily with daughter Bella, he credits family for his revival.

In emotional interviews, like with David Feherty, he detailed life’s spiral but embraced golf anew with “new priorities.”

Legacy and Future

Kim’s PGA stats: 122 starts, 84 cuts, three wins, $12.2 million earned, peaking with 22 top-25s. His 15 major starts yielded six top-25s, including three top-10s.

At 40, with LIV stability and rising form, Kim eyes more wins and majors eligibility. His story—from ghost to golf’s ultimate redemption arc—inspires as LIV grows.

Huawei is set to refresh its popular fitness tracker lineup with the upcoming Band 11 Pro, a premium iteration of the Band series that promises major design upgrades and enhanced features. As of February 15, 2026, the device has leaked extensively through official Huawei apps, building anticipation ahead of an imminent reveal. Multiple tech outlets report the Huawei Band 11 Pro is slated for a global debut on February 26, 2026, during a major “Innovative Product Launch” event in Madrid, Spain.

The Madrid event, teased by Huawei in early February invitations, will showcase several wearables and devices, including potential international variants of the Mate 80 Pro smartphone, Watch GT Runner 2 and possibly a compact tablet alternative. The Band 11 Pro’s appearance in Huawei’s Smart Life and Health apps—complete with final renders—signals it’s production-ready and poised for announcement later this month. This timing positions it just ahead of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, allowing Huawei to generate buzz in the competitive wearables market.

The Band 11 Pro follows the Huawei Band 10, which launched globally in early 2025 (following a February/March rollout pattern from prior models like Band 9 in 2024). The “Pro” designation marks a significant step up from standard Band models, suggesting added premium elements like advanced sensors or build quality. While Huawei has not yet issued an official confirmation or full specs sheet, leaks provide a clear picture of what’s coming.

Design Overhaul and Visual Leaks Early sightings in the Huawei Health app (particularly the HarmonyOS version) reveal a redesigned exterior that departs from the Band 10’s simpler aesthetic. The Band 11 Pro features a rectangular display with curved edges on the screen panel and a metallic frame with rounded corners for a more premium, boxier yet ergonomic look. Bezels appear even on all sides, enhancing the flat display’s visibility and comfort during wear.

Color options include vibrant choices: one variant sports a bright green braided fabric strap for a sporty vibe, while another offers a subdued light blue silicone strap. The casing likely uses aluminum alloy, keeping weight low—rumors suggest around 14 grams without the strap, similar to lightweight predecessors. Proprietary quick-release straps enable easy customization, though compatibility with older Band models remains unclear.

This shift toward a refined, metallic finish and curved display aims to bridge the gap between basic fitness bands and full smartwatches, appealing to users seeking a slim alternative to bulkier options like the Watch GT series.

Expected Specifications and Features No official specs have been released, but leaks and historical patterns point to meaningful upgrades over the Band 10. Key rumored highlights include:

• Display: A larger 1.62-inch AMOLED panel with 482 x 286 resolution and peak brightness up to 2000 nits for excellent outdoor readability. This would represent a step up from the Band 10’s 1.47-inch AMOLED (194 x 368 pixels, PPI 282), offering sharper visuals and better sunlight performance.
• Health and Fitness Tracking: Retention of core sensors like optical heart rate, SpO2 (blood oxygen), 9-axis IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) for accurate motion detection. Expect expanded sports modes (potentially 100+), AI-powered fitness insights, pro-level sleep analysis with HRV monitoring, emotional wellbeing tools and stress tracking—features Huawei has emphasized in recent bands.
• GPS and Connectivity: One of the biggest rumored additions is built-in GPS for independent tracking during runs or outdoor activities, a feature typically reserved for higher-end watches. Bluetooth 5.0 or newer ensures seamless pairing with Android (9.0+) and iOS (13.0+) devices.
• Battery Life: Huawei bands are known for exceptional endurance; the Band 11 Pro could deliver up to 14 days of typical use or 7 days with always-on display enabled, aided by efficient hardware and fast charging.
• Water Resistance and Durability: Likely 5 ATM rating (50 meters), suitable for swimming and daily wear.
• Other Perks: Touch gestures, alarm, stopwatch, reminders, timer and integration with Huawei Health for comprehensive data syncing.

Pricing remains speculative but is expected to fall in the affordable premium range—around €50–€70 (or equivalent) in Europe, depending on strap and variant, positioning it competitively against rivals like Xiaomi Smart Band or Fitbit Inspire series.

Market Context and Competition Huawei’s wearables segment has grown steadily despite U.S. sanctions limiting Google services, thanks to strong HarmonyOS ecosystem integration and focus on health features. The Band series targets budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts who want reliable tracking without smartwatch bulk or cost.

The Band 11 Pro arrives amid rising demand for affordable GPS-enabled bands. Competitors like Xiaomi’s upcoming Mi Band iterations or Samsung’s Galaxy Fit line offer similar slim profiles, but Huawei differentiates with superior battery life and detailed health metrics. Launching in late February gives it momentum before spring fitness peaks.

What to Expect Next Huawei has remained silent on official details, but the app listings suggest an announcement is imminent—likely on February 26 in Madrid. Global availability could follow shortly after, with China potentially getting it earlier or alongside. Pre-orders or teasers may drop in the coming days as the event nears.

For now, the Huawei Band 11 Pro represents an exciting evolution in Huawei’s fitness tracker lineup: sleeker design, brighter display, integrated GPS and continued emphasis on long battery and health insights. As more leaks or official invites emerge in the next week, expect clearer specs and pricing. Stay tuned—February 26 could mark the debut of one of 2026’s most anticipated budget wearables.

This article was written by

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Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra is poised for a blockbuster launch just weeks away, building on the S25’s success with rumored AI upgrades and camera leaps. As of February 15, 2026, pre-order buzz intensifies ahead of the confirmed Unpacked event.

Unpacked Event Confirmed

Samsung officially announced Galaxy Unpacked for February 25, 2026, in San Francisco, streaming live at 10 a.m. PT on YouTube and Samsung.com. Invites highlight “elevated experiences,” teasing the S26 series.

Industry insiders like Evan Blass confirm the date as “100% correct,” aligning with Samsung’s post-MWC strategy to dominate early 2026 flagships. Pre-orders typically follow immediately, with carriers ramping up.​​

Release Timeline Locked

Phones hit shelves around March 11, 2026, per leaks—two weeks post-announcement, landing on a Thursday for maximal weekend sales. Samsung avoids the March 13 Friday superstition in some markets.

This matches the S25 pattern: Unpacked to retail in 14 days. Global rollout prioritizes U.S., Korea, Europe; Asia-Pacific follows by March 20. Delays unlikely given supply chain readiness.

Pricing Expectations Steady

Base S26 Ultra starts at $1,299 for 256GB, matching S25 Ultra—no hike despite inflation, thanks to optimized production. 512GB at $1,419; 1TB at $1,659.

Rumors of a slight drop fizzled; Samsung holds premium pricing amid competition from Pixel 11 and iPhone 18. Trade-ins slash $600-900 off, per past promos. Carriers bundle free storage upgrades.

Storage and Color Options

12GB RAM across trims: 256/512GB/1TB UFS 4.1—no microSD, but cloud integration via One UI 8.5. Colors: Titanium Black, Silverblue, WhiteSilver, PinkGold; online exclusives like Jade Green.

Leaks show slimmer 7.9mm titanium frame at 214g, IP68-rated. Gorilla Glass Victus 3 with anti-reflective coating boosts outdoor visibility.

Processor Powerhouse

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 “for Galaxy”—overclocked 3nm chip with Adreno 830 GPU—powers U.S./global Ultra models. Exynos 2600 hits S26/S26+ in select regions for 20% efficiency gains.

Benchmarks leak 15-20% faster than S25’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, excelling in AI tasks like real-time translation and photo editing. Vapor chamber cooling handles gaming marathons.​​

Display Dominance

6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X at 120Hz peaks at 2,600 nits—biggest S Ultra yet. Always-on LTPO tech saves battery; Privacy Display mode thwarts side glances.

Slimmer bezels, HDR10+ certified, eye comfort certification. Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor upgraded for wet-finger reliability.​

Camera Array Upgraded

200MP main ISOCELL HP2 sensor leads quad setup: 50MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x tele, 50MP 5x periscope—zoom to 100x Space. 12MP selfie with autofocus.​​

AI enhancements: Nightography 3.0, 8K 60fps video, generative edit suite. Periscope hits 5x optical without size bump, rivaling Hasselblad-tuned flagships.​

Battery and Charging Boost

5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery promises two-day life; 65W wired Super Fast Charging (full in 55 mins), 45W wireless, reverse standard. No 100W jump yet.

S26 base gets 4,300mAh (+300mAh); S26+ holds 4,900mAh. Seven-year OS updates to Android 23 confirmed.

Galaxy AI Evolution

One UI 8.5 on Android 16 debuts Circle to Search 2.0, Live Translate Pro, Sketch to Image. Ultra-exclusive AI Pro tools for video b-roll generation.​​

Cross-device continuity with Galaxy Watch 8, Buds 4. Privacy-focused on-device processing via NPU.​

Pre-Order Deals Heating Up

Samsung.com offers $50-100 instant trade-in credit now; full promos post-Unpacked: up to $1,000 off with old Galaxy/iPhone. Free Galaxy Watch 8 or Buds 4 Pro bundled.​

AT&T/Verizon/T-Mobile tease 0% financing, double storage. Best Buy matches $200 gift card. Korea’s e-vouchers hit RM150 value.

Carrier Promotions Detail

Design Refresh Subtle

Z Fold 7-inspired camera island, flat sides, S Pen slot retained. Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB 2.0. No satellite SOS yet.

Competition Context

Beats Pixel 11 Pro’s Tensor G6 in multi-camera; iPhone 18 lags on zoom/foldables. OnePlus 14 cheaper at $899 but skips S Pen/AI depth.​

Global Rollout Map

U.S./Korea: March 11. Europe/UK: March 13. India/SEA: March 20. China via partners. Inventory tight for 1TB.

Why Buy Ultra?

Pro-grade cameras, S Pen productivity, seven-year support make it 2026’s top Android. Early deals offset price amid tariff talks.

Major Hollywood studios including Disney and Paramount have issued cease-and-desist letters to ByteDance, accusing the TikTok parent of rampant copyright infringement via its new Seedance 2.0 AI video generator. As of February 15, 2026, the conflict intensifies with calls from unions and the Motion Picture Association for immediate shutdowns amid viral deepfakes of iconic franchises.

Seedance 2.0 Launch Sparks Outrage

ByteDance unveiled Seedance 2.0 on February 12, 2026, touting “ultra-realistic” AI video generation from text prompts. Within hours, users flooded platforms with clips like Tom Cruise battling Brad Pitt on a rooftop or otters reenacting “Friends” scenes, racking up millions of views.

The tool’s predecessor, Seedance 1.0, already drew scrutiny, but version 2.0’s improved fidelity—handling motion, voices, and likenesses—ignited Hollywood’s fury. Critics label it a “pirated library” enabling mass IP theft without safeguards.

Disney’s Cease-and-Desist Blitz

On February 13, Disney fired off a legal notice to ByteDance CEO Liang Rubo, claiming Seedance unlawfully trains on and replicates Marvel’s Spider-Man, Star Wars’ Baby Yoda (Grogu), Darth Vader, and even Family Guy’s Peter Griffin. Attorney David Singer called it a “willful, pervasive smash-and-grab” of Disney’s IP.

Disney demands ByteDance block its characters from training data, delete infringing outputs, and cease distribution. This follows similar letters to Google in December 2025 and a Midjourney lawsuit with NBCUniversal last June.

Paramount Joins the Fray

Paramount Skydance followed on February 14 with its own letter, alleging “flagrant infringement” on franchises like “South Park,” “Star Trek,” “The Godfather,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Dora the Explorer,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” IP chief Gabriel Miller highlighted vivid AI recreations mimicking visuals, audio, and narratives.​

The studio accuses ByteDance of escalating violations post-Seedance 2.0 launch, demanding prevention of future use and removal of all Paramount-related content from its systems.​

MPA’s Urgent Call to Action

Motion Picture Association CEO Charles Rivkin blasted ByteDance on February 12: “In just one day, Seedance 2.0 engaged in widespread unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted materials.” He urged an immediate halt, citing threats to creators’ rights and millions of American jobs.

The MPA, representing Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros., and others, vows collaboration with regulators. Rivkin emphasized ByteDance’s lack of infringement protections flouts established laws.​

Unions and Artists Mobilize

SAG-AFTRA condemned Seedance for exploiting actors’ voices and likenesses, threatening livelihoods. The Human Artistry Campaign—backed by DGA and Hollywood unions—called it “an assault on every creator globally,” insisting “stealing isn’t innovation.”

Artists’ groups demand legal intervention, highlighting deepfakes’ potential to flood markets with unauthorized content, undercutting human labor.​

ByteDance’s Tepid Response

As of February 15, ByteDance has not formally replied to studio letters but announced mitigations: disabling real-person image uploads, adding digital avatar verification, and promising “stringent policies” for IP compliance. No training data details disclosed.

Spokespeople claim commitment to local laws, but critics dismiss tweaks as insufficient amid ongoing viral infringements.​

Viral Infringing Content Examples

Seedance outputs mimic blockbuster moments: Avengers: Endgame remixes, Rachel-Joey “Friends” otter parody, Cruise-Pitt “Interview with the Vampire” homage. These spread rapidly on TikTok, X, and YouTube before some removals.

Studios argue such “fan art” escalates to commercial harm when platforms profit from views, lacking opt-outs or royalties.​

Broader AI Copyright Battles

This clash echoes 2025 suits: Universal, Warner, and Disney vs. MiniMax for piracy; Getty Images vs. Stability AI. Hollywood pushes for “opt-in” training data and watermark mandates.​

ByteDance faces U.S. scrutiny over TikTok data, amplifying IP tensions. Experts predict class-actions if unresolved.​

Economic Stakes for Hollywood

AI tools like Seedance threaten $500B+ industry reliant on IP. Studios fear devaluation of libraries fueling streaming residuals and merch. Unions warn of job losses to generative replacements.​

Proponents argue fair use for transformative works, but studios counter commercial exploitation without licenses voids that defense.​

Legal Pathways Ahead

Cease-and-desists precede lawsuits; Disney/Paramount signal intent to sue in California federal court. Potential claims: DMCA violations, Lanham Act false endorsement, right-of-publicity.

ByteDance may challenge U.S. jurisdiction via Chinese ops, but TikTok precedents weaken that. Settlements could mandate licensed datasets.​

Global Creator Backlash

International outrage grows: UK’s BFI eyes regulations; EU AI Act probes loom. Bollywood and K-content creators echo Hollywood, fearing knockoffs.​

Human Artistry Campaign rallies “global creators” for unified standards.​

Tech Industry Divide

AI firms like OpenAI license content (e.g., News Corp deal), but ByteDance’s free-for-all draws lines. Google adjusted Gemini post-Disney notice; Meta’s Movie Gen faces similar heat.​

Innovators push ethical AI: Adobe Firefly trains on licensed assets. ByteDance risks isolation without pivots.​

ByteDance’s AI Ambitions

Seedance integrates TikTok’s vast video corpus, positioning ByteDance in $100B generative market. Seedream image tool faces parallel complaints.​

China’s lax IP enforcement aids development, but U.S. bans loom if tensions spike.​

Studio Demands Summary

Future of AI Video Tools

Resolution could set precedents: mandatory disclosures, revenue shares, or bans on unlicensed training. Hollywood eyes 2026 legislation post-elections.​

ByteDance’s silence fuels escalation; watchers predict court by Q2.​

Why This Matters Now

Beyond studios, this tests AI’s creative frontier vs. ownership. As tools democratize filmmaking, unchecked infringement risks eroding trust, innovation, and jobs in a $2T content economy.