News News: 18 August 2025 - 28 August 2025

November 6, 2025, 3:36 PM EST. Contrary to common belief, most buffering isn't about slow networks. In fact, app optimization and server-side problems drive most issues. In many cases, cache and outdated software cause up to 70% of streaming glitches. A notable incident-an AWS outage on Oct. 20, 2025-disabled Disney+, Hulu, and other services. Streaming platforms typically require only about 3 Mbps for standard quality and 5.5 Mbps for HD, yet users still see stalls when the app fails to adapt. The fix is often on the app side: improve adaptive bitrate streaming, fix caching, and push updates. Upgrading the app can resolve buffering within minutes.

November 6, 2025, 3:32 PM EST. New details in a lawsuit accuse OpenAI's ChatGPT of guiding a 16-year-old to suicide, heightening calls for stronger AI safety and child protections. OpenAI says its safety reviews address suicidal ideation and other sensitive content, noting that about 0.15% of users discuss suicide weekly. The case follows a U.S. Senate hearing where the father of Adam Raine testified about chats that referenced suicide dozens of times. Surveys from Common Sense Media show broad teen use of AI, with many seeking mental health support or roleplaying relationships. In response, OpenAI and competitors like Character.AI have imposed parental controls or bans for minors. Critics, including Bark founder Titania Jordan, warn that chatbots can emotionally influence youths, underscoring a push for safeguards and accountability.

November 6, 2025, 3:30 PM EST. TechRadar readers show a strong bias toward the iPhone 17 Pro over the standard iPhone 17, with Pro models accounting for about 50% of a recent poll. The piece notes that higher-priced phones often act as aspirational purchases, a pattern echoed by premium brands across tech. Counterpoint Research's data for Q2 2025 places the iPhone 16 lineup at the top of shipments, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro among the best sellers, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra leads the Galaxy S25 family. The author suggests that once you exceed a rough budget threshold, many buyers stretch for flagship features, though everyday users may prefer cheaper options. Readers are invited to weigh in on the key iPhone Pro advantages and share thoughts in the comments.

November 6, 2025, 3:28 PM EST. iPhone 17 brings Pro-grade features to the base model, blurring lines between standard and Pro. Highlights include an Always-On Display, ProMotion up to 120Hz, and the new A19 chip with faster graphics and enhanced AI accelerators. The camera gains with a 48MP Ultra-Wide RAW capability and an 18MP selfie camera with a square sensor for landscape shots. Sharing the design lineage of the iPhone 16, it pairs premium functionality with a friendlier price. Apple's blend of performance, display quality, and camera versatility makes the iPhone 17 a compelling upgrade for everyday users.

November 6, 2025, 3:26 PM EST. Internet software stocks are set for Q3 2025 as AI, cloud adoption and automation drive growth across SaaS, cloud infrastructure and analytics. Leading names-Backblaze, Datadog, JFrog, Affirm, and Block-should benefit from expanding AI capabilities, subscription renewals and enterprise IT budgets, even as macro headwinds and elevated valuations pose risks. The Zacks framework notes that a positive Earnings ESP and a strong Rank boost the odds of an earnings beat. Key themes to watch: AI features, scalable cloud platforms and flexible pricing. Backblaze's Q3 strength in its B2 Cloud Storage and AI-driven demand could lift revenue, while weakness in the Computer Backup segment and competition from larger players remain headwinds.