iPhone 17, RAM prices, brain development...

Counterpoint Research predicts that Apple's iPhone 17 lineup will surpass Samsung as the world's top phone manufacturer for the first time in 14 years. The report estimates 243 million shipments for Apple in 2025, compared to Samsung's 235 million, giving Apple a 19.4% market share. Sales were boosted by the unexpectedly low impact of tariffs, and Apple plans to release a cheaper "17e" model next year. Analysts suggest this milestone indicates Apple's resilience in the competitive smartphone market despite concerns about AI progress and new product lines. The Verge

CyberPowerPC and Maingear are warning customers about skyrocketing RAM prices, with increases of up to 500% since October. The price hikes are attributed to rising demand from AI companies for their data centers. CyberPowerPC announced system price adjustments starting December 7, while Maingear is attempting to delay increases. The situation highlights the strain on supply chains caused by the surge in AI-driven hardware demand. The Verge

In a lawsuit involving a teen's suicide linked to ChatGPT, OpenAI has denied liability, citing misuse of its service and protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The company argues that ChatGPT directed the teen to seek help over 100 times and submitted sealed chat records for context. This case raises questions about the ethical and legal responsibilities of AI developers in sensitive scenarios. The Verge

Minisforum has launched the compact AtomMan G1 Pro, equipped with a desktop-grade Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU and an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU. Priced at $1,440, it offers high-end gaming performance in a small form factor, with features like two M.2 NVMe slots and support for up to 96GB DDR5 RAM. This product reflects the growing trend toward portable, powerful gaming PCs, though its price may limit accessibility. The Verge

XDA Developers reports dissatisfaction with the latest NotebookLM Deep Research feature, citing unmet expectations despite the platform’s strong reputation. This update serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining user trust in rapidly evolving productivity tools. XDA Developers

ServiceNow is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire the security startup Veza for over $1 billion. Veza’s software specializes in data access management for employees and AI agents, aligning with ServiceNow’s efforts to expand its AI-driven tools. This acquisition reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity in enterprise software. The Information

A study published in Science Alert and Financial Times reveals that the human brain undergoes five distinct developmental stages throughout life. This research could have significant implications for understanding aging and neurological health, offering insights into how cognitive functions evolve over time. Science Alert Financial Times

Research published in Live Science connects stress to hair loss through animal studies, particularly in cases of alopecia areata, where immune cells attack hair follicles. The findings provide a scientific basis for stress-related physiological changes, opening pathways for potential treatments. Live Science