HeyWhatsNew: AWS Outage Hits the Web and Console Leaders Explore Generative AI
Welcome back, Heyuppers! It’s been quite an exciting week, and we can’t wait to catch you up on everything that’s happened since October 20, 2025!
AWS Outage Brings the Web to a Standstill
The internet had a rough day this week when a massive outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS) knocked out more than 1,000 popular apps and websites, including Snapchat, Zoom, Roblox, Coinbase, and major banks like Lloyds and Halifax. The problem started in AWS’s busy US-EAST-1 data center in northern Virginia and lasted around 15 hours, leaving millions of users offline and frustrated. Experts say a glitch in the Domain Name System (DNS), essentially the internet’s “phone book,” was to blame. It is the third time in five years an outage from the same AWS region has caused global chaos, raising questions about how much of the web depends on a handful of powerful cloud providers.
AWS says everything is back to normal now, but the ripple effects are still being felt. Businesses are counting their losses, developers are catching up on missed work, and users are just relieved to have their apps back.
iOS 26.1 Beta Lets You Tint Liquid Glass for a Softer Look
Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 developer beta gives you a new way to tweak the look of Liquid Glass on your iPhone. You can now make it more frosted or more transparent, depending on your preference. Since Liquid Glass first appeared at WWDC, Apple has been fine-tuning it to make sure everything is easy to read, and this new toggle puts the choice in your hands. You’ll find it under Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass, with options for “Clear” or “Tinted.” iPadOS 26.1 and macOS 26.1 betas also let you adjust the tint for a consistent look across Apple devices.
On top of that, iOS 26.1 adds a simple but useful privacy tweak. You can now turn off swipe-to-camera from the lock screen, stopping anyone who gets hold of your phone from quickly taking pictures without unlocking it. Between the Liquid Glass tint and this privacy option, the update gives you more control over both how your devices look and how secure they feel.
X Unveils Marketplace for Inactive Handles with Premium Perks
X is giving users a new way to snag inactive usernames through a dedicated marketplace. Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers can request “Priority” handles, like @GabrielJones or @PizzaEater, for free. If the request is approved, the handle is transferred to them at no cost. Subscribers who cancel or downgrade will get their old handle back after a 30-day grace period. Requests are usually reviewed within three business days, and once approved, your old handle is reserved so no one else can claim it.
For highly sought-after “Rare” handles, like @Pizza or @Tom, X is offering them through public drops or direct purchases, which can range from a few thousand dollars to over a million. Public drops consider your past activity, engagement, and intended use, while direct purchases are priced based on popularity, length, and cultural relevance. Once you’ve secured a rare handle, it’s yours to keep even if your Premium subscription ends. X says this marketplace helps prevent spam and misuse while giving users a fair and controlled way to claim the handles they want
PlayStation and Xbox Explore Generative AI for Game Development
Generative AI is quietly starting to shape how games are made, even if it’s still a controversial topic in the gaming world. Reports show that around one in five Steam games now use AI, mostly among indie developers who can experiment more freely. Now, even the big players are exploring the technology. PlayStation and Xbox are testing AI in their workflows, signaling that the next wave of AAA games could be influenced by these tools, even as some gamers remain skeptical.
On the PlayStation side, a new studio called Dark Outlaw Games is hiring concept artists familiar with AI tools like MidJourney and ChatGPT. Xbox is reportedly experimenting with AI at Halo Studios to help build worlds and refine art for upcoming Halo games, though the company hasn’t officially confirmed it. While some developers worry about fan backlash, others see AI as a helpful way to save time and spark creativity.
Google Invites Pixel Superfans to Test Upcoming Phones
Google is giving its most devoted Pixel fans a sneak peek at the next Pixel phone through its new “Trusted Tester Program.” Fifteen lucky participants will be chosen from the Superfans community, and they’ll need to sign non-disclosure agreements and use protective cases to keep the new device under wraps. In return, they’ll get to test the phone and share feedback, helping Google fine-tune features before the official launch. Submissions are judged on both knowledge of and passion for Pixel devices. The company is already planning its 2026 and 2027 lineup, and these early testers may play a key role in shaping the future of the Pixel series.
Play as Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE
Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is bringing the hit anime to life, letting fans experience the world of Sung Jinwoo like never before. Launching on PC this November, the action RPG features detailed recreations of every main hunter, ally, and enemy. Players can switch between weapons and abilities, master precise parries and combos, and even step into Jinwoo’s transformation as the Monarch of Shadows. On top of the story campaign, the game offers intense boss raids and four-player co-op battles for those who want to team up and take down the toughest foes in the Solo Leveling universe.
Thanks for tuning in, Heyuppers! Catch us next week for more trending stories on tech, gaming, and the latest in innovation.
