HeyWhatsNew: Book Publishers Face AI Backlash, and Star Wars Racing Returns After 20 Years
Welcome back, Heyuppers! Here’s what’s trending in gaming, tech, and innovation this week, starting October 12, 2026.
Older DDR4 RAM Is Making a Comeback
With RAM prices continuing to rise, Intel and AMD are turning to older technology to make PC upgrades more affordable. Intel is reportedly developing new processors that will support DDR4 memory, with a release expected in early 2027. AMD is also bringing attention back to its older AM4 platform, giving users more options without having to spend extra on newer DDR5 RAM.
Although DDR4 has been around for over a decade, it remains a much cheaper option. A 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5 kit currently costs around $620, compared to just $260 for the DDR4 version. DDR5 does offer better speed and power efficiency, but with such a big price gap, DDR4 is looking pretty appealing again. For anyone planning a PC upgrade, holding onto older RAM could save a fair amount of money.
19-Year-Old Raises $11 Million for a Personal AI Computer
At just 19, Zain Javaid has raised $11 million for his startup, Ghost, which is developing a personal AI computer called Core. The $3,499 device is designed to run AI assistants that can take care of everyday tasks and work across your apps and devices. It doesn't have a screen, so users access it through an app on their phone or computer. It also comes with three AI models preinstalled.
The idea is to have an AI assistant that gets to know your routine and can help without being prompted every time. For example, Core could pick up on changes in your heart rate and sleep habits and let you know if you could be getting sick. Ghost says all personal data is stored and processed on the device, rather than in the cloud. Preorders opened on October 5, and the first devices are set to ship toward the end of October.
Major Book Publishers Face Staff Concerns Over AI-Generated Content
Some of the biggest book publishers in the US are using AI more often, and their employees aren't happy about it. A WIRED investigation found that HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette have been using tools like ChatGPT and Claude to write book descriptions, create cover art, prepare marketing materials, and even send emails to literary agents. In some cases, authors haven't been told that AI is being used. While publishers are looking for ways to make work easier, many staff members feel they're being pushed to use tools they don't necessarily want.
There are also concerns about what this means for jobs and authors' work. Employees worry that unpublished manuscripts could be shared with AI tools without permission, while others fear that more tasks will eventually be automated. At Simon & Schuster, workers have pushed back against plans to explore software that could track their work and identify tasks suitable for automation. Many employees are now asking for clearer rules and more openness about how AI is being used in publishing.
GTA 6 Receives Official Age Ratings Ahead of November Launch
GTA 6 has received its official age ratings ahead of its November 19, 2026 release. The game has been rated M for Mature in the US, PEGI 18 in Europe, and R18+ in Australia and New Zealand. The ratings confirm that players can expect violence, strong language, drug use, and sexual content. Some of the details also suggest that GTA 6 could feature more graphic content than previous games.
Rockstar has also been sharing more details about the game as the release date gets closer, including gameplay footage and a preview of its radio stations. The age ratings also mention in-game purchases, although it's not yet clear what these will include. After 13 years since GTA 5, fans finally have just over a month to go before GTA 6 arrives.
Sony Wants to Let Viewers Help Streamers During Games
Sony has filed a patent for a feature that could give viewers a more active role in livestreams. Rather than leaving suggestions in the chat, viewers could use a pointer on the screen to show streamers where to go, highlight hidden items, or help them find a boss's weak spot. This would allow viewers to give tips directly during gameplay without taking control of the game.
The patent also suggests that viewers could move objects or create temporary bridges to help streamers get through difficult sections. They could even send reactions that cause the player's controller to vibrate. There would be some restrictions on when viewers can interact, such as during cutscenes. Sony hasn't announced any plans to release the feature yet, so it's unclear whether it will ever be available on PlayStation.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer Launches After More Than 20 Years
Star Wars: Galactic Racer has officially launched, bringing back Star Wars racing games for the first time in over 20 years. Developed by Fuse Games, a studio based in Guildford, England, the game features high-speed racing where the decisions players make can affect the outcome. It also has its own storyline and playable character, with the story set around the end of the Empire.
The game has been in development since 2023, with a team of around 75 people working on it. Fuse Games CEO Matt Webster, who previously worked on Burnout and Need for Speed, admitted that he felt both excited and nervous about the release. It's the studio's first game, and its launch adds to Guildford's reputation as one of the UK's major game development hubs.
That's all for this week, Heyuppers! We'll be back next week with more of what's happening in gaming, tech, and innovation.
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