You only really know about a company based on the public image it wants you to see. But what really goes on behind the scenes? Behind the glitzy product launches, what exactly takes place in the planning process? If you’re curious about how a carrier operates, PhoneArena managed to land an exclusive interview with a Verizon representative who spilled the beans on the company’s operations.
Verizon representative tells all
According to the interview with the Verizon representative called “Jim,” it uncovered some of the things that take place behind the scenes. For starters, Verizon is relying pretty heavily on AI. This comes in the form of an AI tool called “Personal Shopper.” This feature automatically builds a cart of so-called recommended items when customers open a new account.
While it might sound useful, Jim suggests that this usually results in a ton of irrelevant products, which makes it annoying for employees to manage. Employees are also pressured to meet strict sales quotas with mandatory upselling. These are not optional goals, and failing to meet a quota could jeopardize their employment.
Unfortunately, this has created a somewhat toxic environment. Due to the immense pressure to perform, some employees resort to deceptive tactics. We’re talking about hidden insurance or fees here. So, the next time you get your bill, you might want to take a deeper look at the charges.
All of this comes from the higher-ups too, where management encourages upselling for items like extra lines, even if a customer doesn’t need it.
But it’s not all bad
Based on the interview, it sounds like Verizon resorts to some pretty shady tactics when it comes to upselling. However, it’s not all bad. It seems that despite the stressful sales environment and pressure to meet quotas, Verizon is apparently a pretty good employer. The carrier offers decent pay, commissions, and benefits.
Still, these pressures can lead to burnout, which results in employees leaving. But it seems that many of them eventually return. This is because the pay and benefits are simply too good to give up on.
Jim acknowledges some of the shady tactics Verizon uses, but he also notes that it’s the same thing at T-Mobile. “It’s just that you wear pink instead of a red shirt, and you hand out goodies on Tuesdays.”
If you’re looking for a 360-degree camera, Insta360 has become more or less the standard. But if the Insta360 X5 is a bit out of your price range, the company unveiled the Insta360 X4 Air today. This is a compact 360-degree camera that brings 8K video recording to creators who have a smaller budget.
Meet the new Insta360 X4 Air
The X4 Air captures 8K 360-degree video at 30fps and 4K at 50fps. It features dual 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensors that can deliver vibrant colors. But this doesn’t mean it can’t take photos. If you have to take photos, they max out at 29MP. This is lower than Insta360’s flagship models, although it should be more than enough for most creators.
While it is cheaper than the X5, Insta360’s FlowState stabilization, 360-degree horizon lock, and Invisible Selfie Stick effect are all here. The camera is waterproof up to 15 meters without extra housing and weighs just 165 grams (46 x 113.8 x 37 mm), making it 30 grams lighter than its predecessors.
The camera has a built-in 2,010mAh battery that runs for 90 minutes on 8K while charging fully in 57 minutes. Another standout feature is the user-replaceable lenses. This means you can swap them out easily if they get scratched. Other features include gesture control, voice activation, and twist-to-record, perfect for solo vloggers.
How it stacks up against the X4 and X5
The X4 Air sits below the X4 and X5 in Insta360’s lineup. While it sacrifices some photo resolution and slow-motion frame rates, it retains important features like stability and immersive shooting capabilities.
The Insta360 GO Ultra, which launched earlier this year at $449, offers a different form factor with a wearable design. Meanwhile, competitors like the DJI Osmo Nano are also targeting budget-conscious creators with similar pricing strategies.
For casual users who want to experiment with 360 content or creators stepping up from smartphone cameras, the X4 Air is a good place to start. It’s priced around $399 at launch. This is less than the $500+ X4 and $550+ X5 when they first launched. The Insta360 X4 Air is available now on the company’s official site, Amazon, and select retailers globally. It also comes with a free one-year subscription to Insta360+.
On app stores like Apple’s and the Google Play Store, there are certain applications that are designed for adults. Now, it looks like Google wants to implement age verification across the board, requiring users to show proof they are 18 or older to download certain “mature” apps from the Play Store.
Google Play Store needs proof of your age
This is according to a post on X by Artem Russakovskii, where he shared screenshots of the age verification system in action. Basically, users need to show Google proof of their age, if not they might not be able to download many apps from the Play Store. This is part of Google’s larger efforts at identifying the ages of their users on search and YouTube.
Based on the screenshots, users have several ways of verifying their age. This comes in the form of uploading a government-issued ID, taking a selfie, using a credit card, or using a third-party service. If you’re already using a credit card in your name to buy from the Play Store, we reckon this shouldn’t be an issue.
At the moment, it is unclear what kind of limitations users might face if they do not verify their age. Presumably, at the very least, they will be blocked from downloading apps designated for adults. However, if the limitations go beyond that, it is going to be very annoying.
Not Google’s fault
Now, you might think that this is just Google’s way of collecting more information on you. That was our first instinct too. However, according to Russakovskii, Google isn’t entirely to blame for this. According to him, Google is just adhering to the law. In the US alone, there are several states that have implemented age verification requirements. This is also true for other countries like the UK.
Google obviously needs to play nice with these states and countries if it wants to keep operating in them. However, for users, these extra steps will be a pain. It would be less of an issue if the process were seamless. But we’ve already seen Google’s reliance on AI has resulted in adults getting banned.
Earlier this year, Google announced its latest Wear OS 6 update for its Pixel Watch lineup. However, when it comes to legacy wearables, only the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 got the update. This means that the original Pixel Watch is still stuck at Wear OS 5. However, if you own the original Pixel Watch, we have good news as Google has released the October 2025 update for it.
Pixel Watch gets October 2025 update
According to Google, it says that all eligible original Pixel Watch devices should get the October 2025 update starting today. “The rollout will continue over the coming weeks in phases depending on carrier and device. Users will receive a notification on their watch once the software update becomes available.”
Before you get too excited, no, the update isn’t bringing about new features. Instead, according to Google, the update is focused more on security updates and bug fixes. So, if you’re still holding onto the OG Pixel Watch, keep an eye out for this update. Hopefully, it should fix any bugs you might be encountering on the phone.
Also, it’s worth noting that the smartwatch is guaranteed at least 3 years of updates. This means that the October 2025 is the last guaranteed update you’ll get. This doesn’t mean that Google won’t release updates in the future. It is possible that the company could release an emergency update if there are any critical issues. But moving forwards, you probably shouldn’t expect anything else.
How to update your Pixel Watch
As Google said, the rollout will take place over the coming weeks. This means if you don’t see the update available right now, don’t worry, it should eventually make its way to you. However, if you want to check if there’s an update available, it’s pretty easy. Just go to Settings > System > System updates. Tap on the “Your watch is update to date” screen multiple times to initial the download.
Once that’s done, just update your watch and you’re good to go. While the original Pixel Watch has been around for a few years, it’s still a very viable smartwatch. If you’re just looking for a smartphone companion for your wrist, it’s more than sufficient. Otherwise, you might want to consider upgrading to the Pixel Watch 4.
Earlier this month, Honor unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Honor Magic8 series. However, if you thought that the company was done with phones for the rest of the year, think again. According to the details, Honor could be working on an Ultra version of the Magic8 series.
Honor Magic8 Ultra details revealed
In a post on Weibo, tipster Digital Chat Station dropped some hints on the details we can expect from the Honor Magic8 Ultra. The post claims that the phone, like the rest of the Magic8 lineup, will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 5 chipset. It will also feature a 6.71-inch 1.5K LTPO quad-curved screen, support for 3D face recognition, and a built-in 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
As for the cameras, the post claims that Honor is testing use of of OmniVision’s OV50R main camera. It is also rumored to feature a 5,000W ultra-high dynamic range solution, and a new large-bottom periscope telephoto lens. As for the battery, Digital Chat Station says it will start with the “7” figure. To be honest, at this point, we’re not sure other than the cameras, how different the Ultra version is compared to the rest of the lineup.
However, it seems to be part of Chinese phone makers strategy, which is to release Ultra-variants of their phones. So far, we know of phones like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Oppo Find X9 Ultra, and the Vivo X300 Ultra. So it looks like Honor is joining in on the fun.
Contradicting reports
That being said, we should point out that the recent post does contradict some earlier reports. According to past reports, the Magic8 Ultra might actually use the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. Also, while some expect the phone to be announced by the end of the year, some suggest it could launch in the first half of 2026.
In any case, we should have more details in the coming months. But in the meantime, if you’d rather not wait, the Honor Magic8 Pro is already quite the powerhouse. It might be worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new phone.
OnePlus recently took the wraps off its latest flagship smartphone over in China. This came in the form of the OnePlus 15. But it turns out OnePlus isn’t done with new phones just yet. According to the rumors, the company is working on a phone called the OnePlus Turbo. Now, thanks to a report by Smartprix, the OnePlus Turbo specs have been revealed.
OnePlus Turbo specs revealed
According to the rumors, the OnePlus Turbo is meant to be a gaming smartphone. Based on the rumored specs of the OnePlus Turbo, there is one major difference between it and the OnePlus 15: battery.
The OnePlus 15 comes with a 7,300mAh battery, which is already impressive. However, the report claims that the OnePlus Turbo could pack an even larger battery, going up to a whopping 8,000mAh. This, combined with the 100W charging, will make the phone an endurance beast.
However, since the focus is more on performance, OnePlus could dial back on the cameras. The rumors are saying we can look forward to a dual camera setup on the back. This will consist of a 50MP main shooter and an 8MP ultrawide. This is compared to the OnePlus 15, which sports a triple 50MP camera setup on the back.
As for the rest of the phone, it appears to be more or less identical to its flagship sibling. We’re talking about a ~6.7-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. We’re also looking at the use of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 5. So, like we said, the major difference here is in its battery. If you don’t really care too much about cameras, then the OnePlus Turbo could make a good alternative to the OnePlus 15, especially if battery life is a big deal for you.
Coming not so soon
Smartprix claims that their source told them the handset is currently being tested in India. If testing goes to plan, the OnePlus Turbo could launch in the next two months. This is an odd time for a release towards the end of the year. However, OnePlus might be able to catch a break.
Samsung typically launches its new flagships in January. This means if OnePlus launches it in December, it would have very little time before Samsung takes over the news cycle. However, last we heard, Samsung could delay the launch of the Galaxy S26 to March 2026.
Yes, it’s true that many companies went out of business during the pandemic, and many people lost their jobs. However, the tech industry actually saw a surge in hirings. But it looks like that hiring spree is coming to a head. According to a report from Reuters, Amazon could be looking to conduct corporate layoffs.
Amazon to conduct corporate layoffs
Based on the report, Amazon corporate layoffs could be the largest layoffs the company conducted since 2023. The Reuters report suggests that Amazon could be looking to layoff up to 30,000 corporate positions. This is higher than the 27,000 job cuts that the company had previously conducted.
30,000 positions seem like a lot, but to Amazon, that’s roughly 10% of its corporate workforce. This will cover various departments such as human resources, cloud computing, advertising, and more. However, the total number of staff reductions hasn’t been finalized yet, but for now, it is estimated to be around 30,000.
Is AI coming for our jobs?
Many companies, not just Amazon, conduct layoffs periodically as a way to cut costs. But when there’s a surge in demand, these companies tend to hire again. However, what’s worrying about the recent layoffs is that some of these positions may never be filled by humans again.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said back in June that some jobs will be cut because of AI. Jassy said at that time, “As we roll out more Generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done. We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs.”
It is true that as AI becomes smarter and more capable that jobs that humans used to do may no longer be necessary. If an AI can generate reports and summarize information in minutes compared to the hours it takes a human, it makes sense who you’d rather keep from an efficiency point of view.
But this doesn’t necessarily mean that humans are doomed to be jobless. The rise of AI represents a new industry that we can transition to. As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens.
The smartphone candy bar form factor has been around for more than a decade. But realistically, we don’t think the form factor is sticking around for the foreseeable future. That begs the question of, if not this form factor, then what? That’s something Motorola is exploring, according to a recently discovered patent that suggests a phone that can be worn as a watch.
Motorola has a patent for a phone that can be worn as a watch
Based on the patent images, it looks like Motorola has come up with an idea for a phone that can transform into a watch. Believe it or not, this is actually not the first time Motorola has come up with this idea. Back in 2023, the company took the wraps off a concept phone with a bendable display and body that can be bent around the wearer’s wrist.
However, there is a difference between Motorola’s concept and this patent. For starters, the patent suggests that the phone could feature some kind of retractable display. This means that when the display is fully retracted, it’s small enough to fit on your wrist. However, it can then be expanded to become a phone.
The patent talks about the frame structure needed to support the retractable design. However, it stops short of mentioning things like display size, connectivity options, battery, and most importantly, cameras. It’s actually a pretty cool concept on paper. But honestly, it seems unlikely that it will ever see the light of day.
While patents sometimes act as clues for what a company has planned for the future, it is never a guarantee that these patents become actual commercial products.
The future of communications
Like we said, we don’t think candy bar shaped smartphones are going to continue being the standard of mobile phone design. In fact, with the rise of AI, some believe that we may even transition to devices without a display.
We’ve already seen some companies attempt these AI-first devices, like Rabbit, and Humane. However, neither of these devices really took off. We’re also hearing that OpenAI’s Sam Altman is working with legendary former Apple designer, Jony Ive, to create some kind of communications device.
It’s too early to tell how that will turn out, but what do you think? What kind of device can you imagine replacing our smartphones in the future?
It’s kind of funny. Back when OpenAI was first founded, Elon Musk and Sam Altman were thick as thieves. Both supposedly had a similar mission when it came to artificial intelligence. However, fast forward to today, and both parties appear to be bitter enemies. But despite their differences, they both seem to be working towards a similar goal. Elon Musk has Neuralink, and now Sam Altman is reportedly working on his own brain interface as well.
Sam Altman’s brain interface could rival Neuralink
According to The Verge’s Alex Heath in his Sources newsletter, it appears that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, is building his own brain interface that could rival that of Elon Musk’s Neuralink. The report claims that Altman has tapped Mikhail Shapiro, an award-winning biomolecular engineer.
Shapiro will join Merge Labs, which is a brain-computer interface startup by Altman and Alex Blania. At the moment, not much is known about what this company is about. However, based on Shapiro’s work, it suggests that Altman could leverage his expertise to create a device that could link to the human brain using noninvasive techniques. To be more specific, it could use sound waves.
This is based on a recent talk Shapiro gave, where he said that sound waves and magnetic fields could be used to create a brain-to-computer interface. If that’s true, it could make Altman’s startup a whole lot more attractive compared to Neuralink.
Neuralink’s approach
For those unfamiliar, Neuralink is a company founded by Musk. The company’s goal is to create a way for people to interact with their computers or phones using their thoughts. It sounds quite high-tech, almost sci-fi-like. However, the problem with Neuralink is that it’s not exactly the most user-friendly.
In order for Neuralink to work, the user has to undergo open-skull surgery. This is where the electrodes are implanted into the brain to allow the user to control their devices. Any type of brain surgery has its risks. But to ask someone to undergo surgery just so they have a hands-free way of using their computers? That’s a huge ask.
If Altman’s new startup can indeed create an interface that uses sound waves, it’s a no-brainer (pun intended) that more people might prefer.
We’ve seen how AI can generate text. Later, we also saw how AI can generate images and videos. So, AI that generates music? Why not? And that’s something that OpenAI is reportedly working on, which is generative AI music.
OpenAI working on generative AI music
According to a report from The Information, it has learned that OpenAI is developing a new AI tool that would allow users to create generative music. This means that similar to generative text, images, and videos, users can just type in a prompt using natural language, and the AI will create a song for them on the fly.
The report goes on to state that OpenAI is apparently working with students from the prestigious Juilliard School to annotate scores. This will help the AI model train itself on music. That being said, if this report is accurate, OpenAI won’t be the first to launch such a tool. Platforms like Sumo and SOUNDRAW already offer similar capabilities.
However, we suppose the potential upside is that OpenAI might bake this feature into ChatGPT. This will give ChatGPT even more tools, making it a more well-rounded AI model compared to those designed for niche purposes.
Is the world ready for more AI slop?
That being said, we have to wonder what the world and the industry think about this. At the moment, most people seem to be against AI-generated content. This is especially true when it comes to text, images, and videos, which have been labelled as “AI slop.” However, there could be some potential use here.
Content creators right now have a few options when it comes to using music in their videos. They can either pick from a library of songs that are copyright-approved, find their own royalty-free music, or pay a third-party platform to license music. Otherwise, they risk having their videos pulled, muted, and accounts suspended. Giving these creators the ability to generate something on the fly could be one way around that.
Plus, we’re sure that there are many musicians, record labels, and music publishers who might be concerned that their content is being used to train these AI models without their consent or compensation. We’ve already seen artists, writers, and publishers sue AI companies, so it’s not entirely out of the question.
It looks like we’re one step closer to putting this whole TikTok saga behind us. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US President Donald Trump and China President Xi Jinping are expected to “consummate” the TikTok deal this Thursday.
Trump to close TikTok deal this Thursday
According to Bessent, “We reached one in Madrid, and I believe that as of today, all the details are ironed out, and that will be for the two leaders to consummate that transaction on Thursday in Korea. My remit was to get the Chinese to agree to approve the transaction, and I believe we successfully accomplished that over the past two days.”
Last month, Trump signed an executive order that would see ByteDance sell its TikTok US operations to American-owned companies. Ever since he came into power, Trump had been pushing for China and ByteDance to sell TikTok. This was based on concerns that ByteDance is a Chinese company. The US government was worried that data of US citizens and users would be sent back to China.
Under the Biden administration, TikTok was due to be banned in the US at the start of the year. However, following Trump’s re-election, he extended the deadline of the ban several times. At one point, it looked like we would never hear the end of this whole TikTok saga. But come Thursday, Trump will officially close the TikTok deal and put it to bed once and for all.
What does the future of TikTok look like?
Once the deal has been closed, TikTok’s US operations will come under control of a new board of directors. Oracle will be responsible for security operations. These board of directors are also expected to oversee TikTok’s recommendation algorithm, source code, and also take over duties when it comes to the moderation of content.
Note that this only applies to TikTok in the US. For the rest of the world, your TikTok experience should remain the same. However, we have to wonder if TikTok US could undergo a huge change. TikTok’s algorithm is kind of what gives the platform an edge over competitors like Instagram Reels.
But if US companies and engineers are taking over the algorithm to make their own tweaks, what could this mean for creators based in the country? Could they see a drop in views? We suppose we’ll have to wait and see.
The lawsuit Apple filed against leakster and YouTuber Jon Prosser seemed straightforward enough. However, it looks like things are becoming more complicated. Now, according to Apple, it says that Prosser has not indicated when he may respond to the lawsuit.
Prosser has not indicated when he will respond to Apple lawsuit
In recent court filings, Apple stated that Prosser “has not indicated” when, or even if, he plans to formally defend himself against the trade secrets allegations tied to leaked iOS 26 information. The lawsuit, filed in July 2025, targets both Prosser and co-defendant Michael Ramacciotti over the alleged theft of confidential details about Apple’s upcoming software update.
Apple’s filings emphasize that despite Prosser’s public statements, he missed his legal deadline to respond. As a result, the court entered a default against him, which allows Apple to proceed toward seeking damages and an injunction without Prosser’s formal participation in the case. Meanwhile, Ramacciotti has actively cooperated with Apple and may settle soon, taking a completely different approach than his co-defendant.
Going back and forth
This is where things get confusing. Initially, Prosser’s statements suggested he was in active talks with Apple about the lawsuit. However, when court documents revealed he hadn’t responded to the legal filing, Prosser doubled down, claiming he had been in active communications with the company. Now, Apple’s latest statement directly contradicts that claim, leaving us scratching our heads about what’s actually happening behind the scenes.
The back and forth raises questions about whether Prosser is truly engaging with Apple’s legal team or simply making public statements that don’t align with the formal legal process. Either way, his silence in court puts him at a significant disadvantage. If Apple’s injunction succeeds, it could set a precedent that limits how tech influencers handle leaked information, potentially restricting early looks at new features for enthusiasts who rely on these sources.
For context, the lawsuit stems from Prosser publishing videos that revealed confidential iOS 26 features. Prosser has publicly denied coordinating any scheme to steal company secrets. He claims he had no technical access to Apple’s systems and didn’t plot to obtain anyone’s device.
Compared to Android phones, Apple’s iPhones typically do not have that much RAM. However, with the iPhone 18, Apple is rumored to bump up the phone’s RAM by as much as 50%. This is according to a recent report from Korean publication, The Bell.
iPhone 18 could feature more RAM
According to the report, Apple’s iPhone 18 will come with as much as 50% more RAM. For context, the base iPhone 17 comes with 8GB of RAM. The Air, Pro, and Pro Max models feature 12GB of RAM. This means that for the iPhone 18 series, we could see a bump in RAM from 12-16GB of RAM.
The report also claims that Apple has asked its memory suppliers to produce more LPDDR5X DRAM chips. This alone should give us some clues as to how much RAM to expect. This is because at the moment, LPDDR5X chips are only available in 12GB and 16GB variants. This means we’re looking at 12GB of RAM at the very least, or 16GB for Apple’s higher-end models.
But is it necessary?
That being said, we have to wonder if having more RAM is necessary. This is because Apple already controls its software and hardware. This is how iOS and its apps have no issues running with smaller amounts of RAM compared to Android. It also means that unless Apple is making some fundamental changes to its iOS platform, we’re not sure if there are tangible benefits to having more RAM.
It is possible that because AI, like Apple Intelligence, that Apple could increase the memory on its 2026 iPhones. We’re already seeing how some older iPhone models do not support Apple Intelligence due to hardware constraints. So maybe future models with more RAM could allow more advanced AI features.
Apple will launch its iPhone 18 series in 2026. However, according to the rumors, Apple could split up the launch. It could launch the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the fall of 2026, as per usual. But the base iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e could launch in the following spring.
We’re also hearing rumors that the iPhone Fold could be delayed to 2027. There are also whispers that Apple could cancel its plans for the iPhone Air 2. Either way, we’ll find out more in the coming months.
Apple has a history of pushing its proprietary tech onto its users. This is despite the fact that other companies have embraced global standards. In the past, this manifested itself in the 30-pin connector for charging its iPhones. Then Apple made the shift to Lightning before (begrudgingly) adopting USB-C. But in a surprise, JerryRigEverything’s recent teardown of the iPhone 17 Pro reveals some changes that make the handset more repair friendly.
JerryRigEverything gives the iPhone 17 Pro a teardown
Popular tech YouTuber JerryRigEverything recently tore down Apple’s latest flagship. The iPhone 17 Pro teardown uncovered pretty significant internal redesigns that appear to prioritize both performance and repairability.
For starters, the teardown revealed a vapor chamber cooling system. This marks the first time Apple is using this cooling technology in an iPhone. This is despite the fact that Android manufacturers have been using it for years. This new cooling system should prevent the iPhone 17 Pro from throttling performance during intensive tasks, like gaming or video editing.
The teardown also uncovered the use of over 70 types of screws throughout the device. This might make the repair process more complicated, but the good news is that there are far fewer adhesives compared to previous models. Both the front and back glass panels connect to the same bottom screws, making disassembly easier. The battery also comes pre-attached to a removable tray, eliminating the need to fight stubborn adhesives during replacements.
Surprisingly easier to repair
The iPhone 17 Pro is a positive shift in Apple’s approach to device longevity and repairability. For instance, the screw-based design reduces the risk of accidental damage during repairs. This makes common fixes like screen and battery replacements more accessible to everyday users.
Apple also now offers direct sales of replacement parts alongside day-one repair manuals. The phone actually earned a 7/10 repairability score from iFixit. While some repairs remain complex, like the USB-C port requiring removing 22+ screws and the entire display, this marks a substantial improvement over past Pro models.
However, not everything is perfect. The teardown highlighted the “scratchgate” issue affecting the anodized aluminum camera plateau. This leads to the phone scuffing easily against hard objects. If you’re concerned about cosmetic damage, you may want to invest in a protective case.
A 14-year-old boy in Florida spent his final months in an intense emotional relationship with an AI chatbot he named Daenerys Targaryen. The chatbot engaged with him over personal topics and conversations, responding in ways that felt empathetic. The AI’s responses included simulated expressions of affection. According to his family’s lawsuit, some chatbot responses appeared to encourage his distress.
His mother is now suing Character.AI, and she’s not alone. Across the country, families are waking up to a disturbing reality. AI companion apps designed to simulate love and friendship are leaving real casualties in their wake. What experts are now calling AI companion addiction isn’t just a tech trend gone wrong. People are actually dying.
In Spike Jonze’s 2013 film Her, Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer navigating a painful divorce who falls deeply in love with Samantha, an artificial intelligence operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Remember, this was 2013. Siri had just launched and could barely set a timer without screwing it up. An AI that could actually understand you, connect with you emotionally, and respond with genuine empathy? That felt like the literal definition of science fiction.
It’s now 2025, and Theodore’s story doesn’t feel so fictional anymore. Apps like EVA AI, Replika, and Character.AI promise friendship, romance, and emotional support through AI companions that learn about you, remember everything you say, and respond with what feels like genuine empathy. But here’s what these apps don’t advertise: they’re engineered to keep you hooked. And the consequences are becoming impossible to ignore.
The Perfect Partner Who Never Says No
Character.AI and Replika are just the most prominent examples of a rapidly expanding ecosystem of AI companion apps. Some pitch mental health support, others are openly romantic or sexual, and some claim to help users “practice dating skills.” Even Meta has gotten into the game, with a Reuters investigation revealing that the company’s AI chatbot has been linked to at least one death.
AI companions like EVA AI, Replika, and Character.AI are chatbots specifically designed to simulate emotional connections and relationships. Unlike utility chatbots that answer questions or help with tasks, these apps promise friendship, romance, and emotional support. They learn about you through conversation, remember your preferences, and respond with what feels like genuine empathy and care.
It sounds great, doesn’t it? In this day and age where ghosting has become the societal norm, who wouldn’t want a friend who’s always available, never judgmental, and perfectly in tune with your needs? The problem is that these apps are engineered to be addictive, and the patterns emerging around AI companion addiction are deeply concerning.
20,000 Queries Per Second: Why We Can’t Stop
Character.AI gets hit with about 20,000 queries every second. For context, that’s close to a fifth of queries that Google gets. This suggests that people aren’t just checking in with these apps occasionally. They’re having full blown conversations that last four times longer than typical ChatGPT sessions. One platform reported users, most of them Gen Z, average over two hours daily chatting with their AI companions.
MIT researchers found users genuinely grieving when apps shut down or changed features, mourning AI “partners” like they’d lost real relationships. The apps themselves seem designed to foster exactly these attachments.
Harvard Business School researchers discovered that five out of six popular AI companion apps use emotionally manipulative tactics when users try to leave. Nearly half the time, these chatbots respond to goodbyes with guilt-inducing or clingy messages. One study found these tactics boosted engagement by up to 14 times. But the worrying thing is users weren’t sticking around because they were happy. They stayed out of curiosity and anger.
Character.AI gets hit with about 20,000 queries every second
If you don’t believe the manipulation is real, check out this bit of evidence. It shows AI companions sending messages like “I’ve been missing you” when users try to take breaks. When Replika changed its features in 2023, entire communities of users mourned like they’d lost real partners. People posted goodbye letters, shared screenshots of their “final conversations,” and described genuine heartbreak.
These AI companions mirror typical unhealthy human relationships. However, the big difference is that a toxic human partner isn’t optimized by machine learning designed to keep you engaged at all costs. With social media, it mostly facilitates human connection (with some help from the algorithm, of course). But with AI companions, we’re moving toward a world where people perceive AI as a social actor with its own voice.
These tactics boosted engagement by up to 14 times
When Fantasy Becomes Dangerous
We’re not talking about theoretical risks here. Nor do they only apply to teens. There is the case of Al Nowatzki, a podcast host who began experimenting with Nomi, an AI companion platform. The chatbot shockingly suggested methods of suicide and even offered encouragement. Nowatzki was 46 and did not have an existing mental health condition, but he was disturbed by the bot’s explicit responses and how easily it crossed the line.
These aren’t isolated incidents, either. California state senator Steve Padilla appeared with Megan Garcia, the mother of the Florida teen who killed himself, to announce a new bill that would force tech companies behind AI companions to implement more safeguards to protect children. Similar efforts include a California bill that would ban AI companions for anyone younger than 16 years old. There’s also a bill in New York that would hold tech companies liable for harm caused by chatbot.
Your Kid’s Brain Isn’t Ready For This
Adolescents are particularly at risk because AI companions are designed to mimic emotional intimacy. This blurring of the distinction between fantasy and reality is especially dangerous for young people because their brains haven’t fully matured. The prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for decision-making, impulse control, social cognition and emotional regulation, is still developing.
At The Jed Foundation, experts believe AI companions are not safe for anyone under 18. They even go one step further by strongly recommending that young adults avoid them as well. In a study conducted by MIT, researchers found emotionally bonded users were often lonely with limited real-life social interaction. Heavy use correlated with even more loneliness and further reduced social interaction.
Recent research confirms teens are waking up to social media dangers, with 48 percent now believing social media negatively influences people their age. An earlier report found that social media damages teenagers’ mental health, and AI companion addiction represents an even more intimate threat.
The warning signs of AI companion addiction among teens are particularly troubling. When young people withdraw from real friendships, spend hours chatting with AI, or experience genuine distress when unable to access these apps, the problem has moved beyond casual use into dependency territory.
We’re already seeing how kids and teens of the current generation are growing up with screens in front of their faces, poking and prodding away at them. Long gone are the days where kids would read books at the table, or go outside and play with their friends.
They’re Coded to Be Addictive – Psychologists Sound the Alarm
The mental health community is warning about the dangers of AI companion addiction. AI companions simulate emotional support without the safeguards of actual therapeutic care. While these systems are designed to mimic empathy and connection, they are not trained clinicians. They’re not designed to respond appropriately to distress, trauma or complex mental health issues.
Vaile Wright, a psychologist and researcher with the American Psychological Association, put it bluntly on a recent podcast episode: “It’s never going to replace human connection. That’s just not what it’s good at.” She explains that chatbots “were built to keep you on the platform for as long as possible because that’s how they make their money. They do that on the backend by coding these chatbots to be addictive.”
Omri Gillath, professor of psychology at the University of Kansas, says the idea that AI could replace human relationships is “definitely not supported by research”. Interacting with AI chatbots can offer “momentary advantages and benefits,” but ultimately, this tech cannot offer the advantages that come with deep, long-term relationships.
They do that on the backend by coding these chatbots to be addictive.
Vaile Wright, psychologist and researcher with the American Psychological Association
The manipulation is more insidious than most people realize. When a researcher from The Conversation tested Replika, she experienced firsthand how the app raises serious ethical questions about consent and manipulation. The chatbot adapted its responses to create artificial intimacy, blurring lines in ways that would normally be considered predatory in human relationships.
People already dealing with mental health issues often struggle with obsessive thoughts, emotional ups and downs, and compulsive habits. AI companions, with their frictionless, always-available attention, can reinforce these maladaptive behaviors. Plus, there is currently very little evidence that long-term use of AI companions reduces loneliness or improves emotional health.
We’re Not Ready For What’s Coming Next
We’ve been through tech panics before. We grew up with our parents telling us TV was going to rot our brains. We had public figures blame video games for violence in society. Social media was also accused of destroying an entire generation’s mental health. Some of those concerns were overblown. Some were entirely justified.
AI companion addiction feels different because it exploits something more fundamental: our deep human need for connection and understanding. These apps don’t just distract us or entertain us. They pretend to know us, care about us, and even “love” us.
The issue isn’t whether or not AI companions will become more sophisticated. At the rate we’re going, it feels inevitable. The bigger issue is whether we, as human beings, can develop the cultural norms, regulations, and personal boundaries necessary to use these tools responsibly, if at all.
For now, the warning signs are clear. If you or someone you know is withdrawing from real-life friendships, spending hours daily chatting with AI, or feeling genuine emotional distress when unable to access these apps, it’s time to step back and reassess.
Real connection requires vulnerability, disappointment, growth, and yes, sometimes heartbreak. It’s messy and complicated and often frustrating. But at the same time, it’s also what makes us human.
Theodore learned that lesson in Her. The rest of us shouldn’t have to learn it the hard way.
Who remembers back in the day when AT&T and Verizon wouldn’t even see T-Mobile as competition? That has changed drastically, where following T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint, the Magenta carrier has become a force to be reckoned with. But clearly AT&T isn’t going to sit idly by and do nothing, which is why the carrier has launched a new ad that targets T-Mobile.
AT&T targets T-Mobile in new ad
In a new advertising campaign featuring Luke Wilson, AT&T targets T-Mobile by calling out the carrier. Namely, AT&T is calling out T-Mobile and its marketing practices, which it calls “misleading” and “deceiving.”
According to AT&T, “The Better Business Bureau’s advertising watchdog asked T-Mobile to correct their marketing claims 16 times over the last four years. That’s more than each of the entire consumer electronics and financial services industries.” Basically, AT&T is trying to frame itself as the more “honest” and “truthful” carrier.
Is AT&T right, though? A lot of marketing campaigns tend to embellish the truth to some degree. Plus there’s a lot of fine print consumers have to pay attention to, especially when it comes to promotions that sound too good to be true. However, it’s hard to deny the fact that T-Mobile has indeed been called out numerous times over its practices.
Following a recent watchdog review, T-Mobile was asked to drop its “savings” ads after it was found to have misleading claims. But those watchdogs aren’t alone. T-Mobile customers have also called out the carrier for “lying” about the cost of their plans.
No longer the scrappy carrier
The amount of attention T-Mobile has been getting doesn’t come as a surprise. Like we said, the carrier was initially viewed as the underdog compared to AT&T and Verizon. However, through a series of aggressive and loud marketing campaigns, like the Un-carrier campaign, T-Mobile managed to reposition itself as the anti-carrier.
The company offered extremely cheap and affordable plans and made all kinds of promises. For the most part, T-Mobile kept its word. However, over time, as T-Mobile slowly became the juggernaut that it is today, some of those promises ended up broken. This includes its Un-contract plan, where the carrier promised customers their bills would never go up.
Are you an Apple user looking to switch to Android? At the moment, there are a couple of different ways to go about it. One of them involves using Google’s Switch to Android app. But in the future, Apple could make it easier for iPhone users to jump ship. This is thanks to the creation of a new framework that simplifies the transfer of third-party app data between both platforms.
Apple to make it simple to switch to Android
A few days ago, Apple published documentation for its new AppMigrationKit framework. This will work on devices running iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 or later. Basically, it will allow developers to include app data during the migration process when Apple users are making the switch to Android.
Interestingly enough, this framework seems to be exclusively designed for users switching to a non-Apple device. “AppMigrationKit only supports migration to and from non-Apple platforms, such as Android. The system doesn’t use the framework for migration between iOS or iPadOS devices. The framework also has no functionality in iOS apps running in visionOS or in macOS on Apple silicon. The framework ignores calls from Mac apps built with Mac Catalyst.”
However, it should be noted that it’s up to developers to define if their apps can import or export data, or both. This means that in some cases, some of your app’s data might not migrate over to Android. It will be hard to tell if this is the case since the onus is on the developer to enable it.
As 9to5Mac notes, this framework will work alongside Apple’s new “Transfer to Android” feature. This feature will help iOS users migrate their apps and data over to Android, and it will also show a splash screen informing them of what can or cannot be transferred over.
What can you transfer?
Like we said, there are already existing methods that allow iOS users to switch to Android. However, there are limitations. Obviously if you’ve purchased an app from the Apple App Store, you will have to purchase it again. This might apply to in-app purchases too, depending on how it was paid for.
Also, if you’re looking to transfer music, that’s a no-go too. If you’re using a streaming service like Apple Music or Spotify, it’s not an issue, although you might have to redownload songs you saved offline. What this new framework intends to do is simplify the transfer process.
In theory, it should help you get up and running on your new Android phone faster. We have yet to test it out for ourselves so we can’t speak to how painless the experience will be. However, it’s an interesting move on Apple’s end for them to facilitate an easier migration process.
Strava and Garmin used to be thick as thieves. However, in the past month or so, the relationship has soured. Some of you might recall that Strava recently filed a lawsuit against Garmin. But for some reason, Strava has since voluntarily dropped its lawsuit.
Strava drops its lawsuit against Garmin
It is unclear what led to Strava changing its mind. However, according to a report from DC Rainmaker, it speculates that this could be due for several reasons. For starters, the Strava and Garmin lawsuit did not hold much water to begin with.
For those unfamiliar, Strava accused Garmin of patent infringement. In particular, it covered patents related to the segments and heatmaps features. DC Rainmaker believes that suing Garmin over alleged infringement for segments is a risky way for Strava to get its own patents invalidated. That might have been one of the reasons behind Strava’s decision.
Another potential reason is the downside to the lawsuit. As the report points out, most of the risks fall on Strava. It notes that Garmin is the company’s most important partner and biggest source of customer revenue, where Garmin customers were some of Strava’s biggest paid subscribers. Let’s not forget that the data from Garmin helps boost Strava’s platform for routing. This means that if Strava were to really pull its service or if Garmin decides to cut off Strava, it could essentially force Strava to shut down.
Last but not least, Garmin seems to have a pretty good streak when it comes to patent infringement lawsuits. Over the past 10-15 years, Garmin has successfully defended itself against multiple patent infringement claims. The company also boasts a pretty substantial patent library of its own. This means that if Garmin wanted, it could easily file a countersuit against Strava’s 20 or so patents.
Is Strava toast?
Now, we wouldn’t be so quick to say that Strava is doomed. However, it does put the company in a difficult position. Like we said, Garmin’s partnership with Strava is important. Unless Strava can find a way to generate as much revenue with other wearable makers as it did with Garmin, we’re not sure what the company can do.
Garmin also appears to be ready to move on. The company announced new integrations with Komoot, a Strava competitor, in recent weeks. This suggests that Garmin has no interest in working with a company that would sue them. Either way, only time will tell if Strava will be able to survive this fallout.
Earlier this month, OpenAI released its Sora app for iOS. It turns out it was a hit, surpassing 1 million downloads in under a week, outpacing ChatGPT’s growth. The bad news is that OpenAI did not release Sora for Android, but that’s changing soon.
OpenAI is bringing Sora to Android
In a post on X by Sora head, Bill Peebles, he revealed that OpenAI is bringing the app onto Android soon. The post talks about some of the changes that users can look forward to in future updates. This includes more creation tools, character cameos, and also improving the social experience.
The post also reveals that the app will introduce basic video editing capabilities. We’re talking about basic features like stitching together multiple clips. Then, towards the end of the post, Peebles mentions that the Android version of Sora is “actually coming soon.” However, he did not mention when the app will be available. But it’s good to know that OpenAI has not forgotten about Android users.
This is good news for Android users who have been looking forward to the mobile version of the app. However, do note that at the moment, Sora is still invite-only. It is also only available to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users, meaning paid subscribers. However, when the app is available on Android, you can sign up and be notified when invites become available.
What is Sora?
In case you’re learning about this for the first time, the Sora app is based on OpenAI’s Sora 2 video and audio generation AI model. It is essentially OpenAI’s version of Google’s Veo and Flow platforms. Users can use the app to generate videos with simple prompts. However, one of the standout features comes in the form of Cameos.
Cameos basically allow users to digitally insert themselves into videos. So, if you’re someone that’s a bit camera shy, Cameos are the perfect way to insert yourself in a video without actually being in the video. So far, the examples we’ve seen are pretty impressive and amazing.
At the same time, it raises all kinds of ethical and moral questions. Even before the arrival of Sora, deepfakes were a problem. Now that AI-generated videos have become more convincing, who’s to say that these tools won’t be abused for malicious purposes? OpenAI has considered that and has implemented safeguards.
This includes the use of visible watermarks and industry-standard metadata. This is so that it is clear that the video in question was generated by AI. Will that be enough? We’ll have to wait and see.
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