Technologies

‘Megaspider’: This enormous funnel-web spider is as big as a tarantula

Big nope.

In internet slang, spiders are sometimes known simply as «nopes.» So please give a warm welcome to the most nope-ity of nopes, a venomous funnel-web spider that has earned the imposing nickname «Megaspider.»

An anonymous good Samaritan dropped off Megaspider — which is especially large for its kind of spider — at a funnel-web spider collection site where it was picked up by the brave folks at the Australian Reptile Park zoo in New South Wales.

Funnel-web spiders can be deadly to humans. The Australian Museum calls them the «most notorious members of our spider fauna» but said there haven’t been any recorded deaths attributed to the spiders since the introduction of an antivenom in 1981. The Australian Reptile Park milks funnel-web spiders for their venom, which is made into antivenom for treating bites.

A Facebook video shows Megaspider strolling across various items for scale, including a glove and a hat.

Megaspider clocks in at 3.1 inches (8 centimeters) from the tip of its front foot to the tip of its back foot, which the zoo said makes it comparable in size to a tarantula. It’s even bigger than a funnel-web spider named Colossus that the reptile park received in 2018. The spiders usually top out at about 2 inches (5 centimeters).

The spider was donated inside an unmarked Tupperware container, and the zoo would like to find out exactly where it came from.

«Having Megaspider handed into the venom program is so amazing, in my 30+ years at the Park, I have never seen a funnel-web spider this big!» education officer Michael Tate said in a statement last week. «She is unusually large and if we can get the public to hand in more spiders like her, it will only result in more lives being saved due to the huge amount of venom they can produce.»

It takes about 150 spiders to make one vial of antivenom. The Australian Reptile Park relies on the public to supply the spiders and offers a handy video showing how to safely catch the critters. One recommended method involves gently encouraging the spider into a jar using a long spoon or ruler.

Megaspider seems like a nightmare, but she will be doing her part to help humanity.

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