Technologies

Bark Phone Lets You Prioritize Your Children’s Safety and Right Now, You Can Save $30

This customizable phone lets you monitor offline and online activity of your kids, and right now, you can get started for just $9 a month.

It’s only natural for kids to want their own phones these days, but we get why handing over a regular smartphone with full internet access can feel like a hard nope for most parents. Arguing with Gen Alpha about it is losing a battle, so you need something that gives them the freedom they’re asking for in a safe, controlled environment.

The Bark Phone, which looks like a regular phone on the outside, does exactly that. It’s built with safety in mind, and right now, there’s a great back-to-school deal that makes it a bit easier on the wallet. The phone normally retails for $10 per month for 24 months, with plans starting at $29 per month. Currently, using the code CLASS30 at checkout gets you $30 off your first month, which means you’ll only pay $9 plus taxes to get started.

The phone itself is a Samsung Galaxy A16, which comes preloaded with parental controls according to the plan you choose. The starter plan starts at $29 a month and includes unlimited talk and text with no internet access or games — ideal for younger kids. No more stranger danger, since you’re also able to approve or deny every contact.

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Advanced plans let kids gradually access more features while also keeping you in the loop. For instance, children can request any apps in the Google Play Store for you to approve. You are still able to monitor, set limits, and remove previously approved content.

The phone actively scans all data and also looks for social media red flags like adult content, harassment and bullying. If it spots anything suspicious, you’re notified immediately.

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Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Awesome Black):

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Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

Bark Phone offers a great way to let your children access technology while also prioritizing their safety. This deal takes $30 off your first month, which means you can get started for just $9. Note that deals like this are usually short-lived, so if this interests you, hurry while you can.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im