Technologies

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Skips Out on Satellite Connectivity (for Now)

Samsung’s mobile chief says it may consider adding satellite connectivity when the tech matures.

This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung’s most popular products.

One of the iPhone 14’s most significant new features is its ability to communicate with satellites to contact emergency responders when cell service isn’t available. Chipmaker Qualcomm has also pledged to bring similar tech to Android phones later this year.

Samsung, however, is sitting this one out. At least for now.

The South Korean tech giant unveiled the Galaxy S23 lineup at its Samsung Unpacked event on Wednesday, which includes all the hallmarks we’ve come to expect from premium smartphones in 2023. All three new devices boast faster processors and more advanced cameras, while the two smaller phones are also getting bigger batteries. But satellite connectivity, which is already shaping up to be a key trend in new phones, is noticeably absent.

TM Roh, president and head of Samsung’s mobile experience business, acknowledges that there’s interest and promise in bringing satellite connectivity to smartphones. But he also thinks it’s too soon because the satellite functionality on today’s phones is still fairly limited. Roh spoke through a translator in an interview with CNET ahead of Samsung’s Unpacked event.

«When there is the right timing, infrastructure and the technology [is] ready, then of course for Samsung Galaxy, for our mobile division, we would also actively consider adopting this feature as well,» he said.

Apple’s implementation of satellite connectivity kicks in automatically if you have an iPhone 14 and attempt to call 911 without a cell signal. When this happens, you should see the Emergency Text via Satellite option, writes my colleague Patrick Holland, who has tried the feature. But Apple’s service isn’t available everywhere; it launched in the United States and Canada initially before rolling out to parts of Europe in December.

The feature also works a little differently than traditional texting. Instead of typing out a message, you answer prompts on your phone so that dispatchers can gather more information about the emergency. Although the technology is new, there have already been reports of Apple’s satellite network being used to locate a stranded snowmobiler in Alaska.

Qualcomm, meanwhile, debuted Snapdragon Satellite last month at the annual CES trade show in Las Vegas. But unlike Apple, Qualcomm has already said it plans to expand beyond emergency scenarios so people will be able to send texts for social purposes too.

According to Roh, satellite connectivity is just one way to make phones better at helping people communicate in emergency scenarios. He says Samsung has made other efforts to give people a sense of security, such as improving the sensors found inside its phones and broadening 5G coverage.

«I do not believe that is the end-all or be-all of the solutions to ensure peace of mind among users,» he said.

For more, check out CNET’s first takes of Samsung’s newest Galaxy Book and phones, the Galaxy S23, S23 Plus and S23 Ultra. They’re available for preorder now.

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

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

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im