Technologies

Amazon Reportedly Planning Alexa-Focused Phone for Shopping and AI

It’s been more than 10 years since Amazon stopped selling the Fire Phone. Now it’s planning a comeback.

When Amazon introduced its first mobile phone, the Fire Phone, in 2014, it was so poorly received that the company stopped selling the device only a year later. According to Reuters, that’s not stopping the retail giant from trying again.

Amazon is reportedly developing a new mobile device that would sync with its existing ecosystem of software and hardware, including Alexa-based smart hubs and its Prime Video TV service.

The project is being referred to internally as «Transformer» and could still be in the early stages, according to Reuters. At this stage, there’s no word on a possible timeframe for release, or much information on what would differentiate the phone from the devices it would compete with from companies including Apple and Samsung.

The phone would be focused on AI features instead of app downloads, according to the sources cited in the report. Perhaps inevitably, it would also make it easier than ever to buy products from Amazon and use its services, including Prime Video and Prime Music. The voice assistant Alexa would not be the primary operating system driving the phone, sources said.

Amazon is also rumored to be developing an Android tablet, which would be a break from the tablets it sells running its own Fire OS software.

A representative for Amazon declined to comment on the report.

Avoiding the Fire Phone’s mistakes

In CNET’s review of Amazon’s Fire Phone back in 2014, Jessica Dolcourt awarded the phone 6.9/10, calling it «daring, aspirational and pleasing to use,» but noting that it’s sub-optimal price, performance and specs. «You need to be all-in on the Amazon ecosystem to fully appreciate it, and even then, it’s not delivering a lot of Amazon features that you can’t get on rival products.»

So what could Amazon do differently this time to ensure it doesn’t have another flop phone on its hands? «Amazon proved it can put its name behind electronics at a consumer-friendly price,» says Dolcourt, commenting on the company’s rumored return to the phone market. «The harder part is to create a compelling phone that people actually want to use. It’s not enough for a few perks to tie back to a juggernaut platform — it has to deliver as a standalone device.»

Whether Amazon has learned from its mistakes and can make a phone capable of challenging industry leaders such as Apple and Samsung remains to be seen. We can only hope this rumor doesn’t flame out before the Fire Phone’s successor comes to fruition.

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