Technologies

Playing Silksong on the ROG Xbox Ally X: I’m Ready for More

A clever surprise demo opp was also a great chance to see how Microsoft and Asus’ upcoming handheld feels. I’m impressed.

The biggest game of next week, or weeks, is a long-awaited indie sequel you may have heard of. Hollow Knight: Silksong, which has been expected for years, just dropped like a magic back-to-school gift.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is available for several platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and PC. I got a chance to play it for an hour on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X handheld. This upcoming Windows-based handheld promises better support of Microsoft’s game library and services than previous Windows handhelds offered.

CNET already got a look at the Rog Ally X in person, and a full review will come when the hardware launches in October. I didn’t get to see the OS or Microsoft’s new secret sauce in this device, which may make things work even better, potentially giving the device an advantage over its rivals in the handheld space.

All I did was play some Silksong, a game that doesn’t demand much processing power at all. Much like the original Hollow Knight, the sequel puts you in a subterranean world of murky mazes and charming, but dangerous, bug characters, finding secret switches and doors to open on what, hopefully, is the right way forward.

Silksong looks as lovely as the previous Hollow Knight game, and I can’t wait to wander around longer and discover more of its secrets (and actually go back and play Hollow Knight again). But I was more focused on Ally X’s controls, which felt generous and comfy like an Xbox game controller.

The Ally X’s button layout makes sense, and the analog sticks are solid — not too stiff, not too loose. The trigger placement felt just right. The handheld’s size, while big, didn’t feel too heavy (the Ally X weighs 715 grams, compared to the Steam Deck OLED’s 640 grams). I’m getting used to big gaming handhelds anyway, having spent years with the Steam Deck and now adjusting to the larger Nintendo Switch 2.

I was also impressed by the onboard haptics, which seemed to rumble in subtle ways that felt very organic to the game — in this case, giving me little jolts when hitting (or getting hit) by enemies with Silksong’s sword. The whole handheld feel was as comfy as any regular console controller experience. Like many PC handhelds, the controls felt better than the Switch 2’s. I didn’t accidentally press the shoulder buttons, and the responsive sticks and sturdy grips were useful for quick movement. Also, the d-pad is a great way to play.

But will the Xbox Ally and Ally X transform the Windows gaming handheld landscape, offering something like a true long-awaited Xbox handheld, or will this be a stepping stone to a better one in the future? I have no idea. But I’m as curious as anyone else, especially now that the Switch 2 has opened a larger door into the possibilities of graphics-boosted next-gen handhelds.

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