Since the update Phantoms no longer make their scream upon respawning (they do the first time they spawn). They also do not move as an orb anymore. If a phantom is getting near you see the humanoid form of them slowly walking towards you. They still become an orb when "killed".
I saw this today too. It's like being suddenly accosted by Hot Topic clientele. It amused me highly and definitely made phantoms less scary.