A costly iPhone; ‘Star Wars’ promo; Chuck E. Cheese’s music shift

Number of the day

$999

That’s supposedly about how much a premium model of the new iPhone will cost, according to the New York Times. Citing anonymous sources, the Times reported that the model is expected to have a bigger screen, facial recognition to unlock it, and a way to charge it with magnetic induction.

This promo is being Force-fed

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is still a few months away from hitting theaters, but BB-8-happy fans can get a glimpse at a new character as a part of a three-day marketing rollout of toys and products inspired by the film. The Walt Disney Co. said Thursday that its three-day event, dubbed Force Friday II, starts Sept. 1 and will feature an augmented reality treasure hunt called Find the Force. Using the Star Wars app in the 20,000 participating locations in 30 countries, fans can snap photos of the Find the Force symbol to find old favorites, like Admiral Ackbar, and discover the film’s new character.

The day the Cheesy music died

MBA BY THE BAY: See how an MBA could change your life with SFGATE's interactive directory of Bay Area programs.

Chuck E. Cheese’s is phasing out its animatronic band, the larger-than-life ensemble that has performed at the kid-friendly pizza chain for decades, in a bid to become more parent-friendly. “We removed the animatronics in seven locations,” said Christelle Dupont, a spokeswoman for the chain. “We’re testing to see how those remodeled locations do and what parents and kids like and what’s resonating with them.”

Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle