Technologies

Amazon Leo Boosts Its Race With Starlink, With a Deal to Connect iPhones

Amazon has acquired satellite service provider Globalstar in its plan to provide connectivity services in 2028.

Amazon keeps reaching for the skies, literally. The commerce giant is acquiring satellite service provider Globalstar to enhance Leo — its own satellite operation — when it eventually provides direct-to-device service.

In the deal, reportedly valued at $11.6 billion, Amazon will get Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure and assets. Globalstar, based in Louisiana, has 24 satellites and plans to expand to 32 later this year, according to its website. The company provides «critical and emergency communications to customers around the world,» Tuesday’s announcement said.

The transaction also involves Apple. Globalstar provides emergency satellite connectivity for iPhones from the iPhone 14 and up, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 3, for texting emergency services, requesting roadside assistance, sharing locations and messaging friends and families during natural disasters. Apple bought a 20% stake in Globalstar in November 2024.

Amazon said in Tuesday’s announcement that Leo would «power satellite services for iPhone and Apple Watch, including Emergency SOS via satellite.»

Amazon Leo — the «Leo» stands for «low Earth orbit,» which is where its satellites are positioned in space — is trying to become a major competitor to Starlink, the global satellite service leader owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Starlink has more than 10,000 satellites in orbit, providing connectivity to smartphones, devices, vehicles and appliances as an alternative to cellphone towers.

Formerly known as Project Kuiper, Leo aims to start providing satellite connectivity services in early 2028, but there have been hiccups. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy told shareholders last week that Leo would not begin providing Wi-Fi service to governments, airlines and other businesses until mid-2026. One of the issues is that Amazon must have 1,600 satellites in orbit by July, per a Federal Communications Commission deadline, but it currently has only 250.

Amazon asked the FCC for an extension on the mandate, but the agency has not ruled yet.

Delta Air Lines and JetBlue have deals with Amazon to use Leo for in-flight connectivity for passengers in the future.

Panos Panay, senior vice president of Devices & Services at Amazon, said Tuesday’s deal with Globalstar will help deliver internet to «billions of customers» who are «beyond the reach of existing networks.»

Amazon said that Leo, whenever it does begin delivering satellite service, «will offer substantially higher spectrum use and efficiency than legacy direct-to-cell systems.»

Technologies

The Fourth Episode of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Out

Verum Messenger has released the fourth episode of its AI mini-series SHADOWS, created using Verum AI. The new episode, titled “No Borders,” continues the story of a team trying to stay out of the OMEGA corporation’s sight.

Following the events of the previous episodes, the team moves between cities and countries while OMEGA continues its search. The new episode puts particular emphasis on Verum Messenger’s capabilities that allow users to conceal their location.

“No Borders” is another chapter in a story about privacy, freedom of communication, and technologies that erase borders between people.

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

Episode 4 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

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.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube