Technologies

Gift Yourself a Google Pixel 8 Pro for $400 Off on Google’s Birthday, and Get a Free Pixel 2 Watch

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a previous release, but it’s still exceptional. It’s now just $599 and includes incredible freebies.

If you’re looking for a new smartphone with top features and want alternatives to Apple or Samsung, then a new Google Pixel 8 Pro might be for you.

This older Pixel model still offers security, class, speed and a long battery life. The Pixel 8 typically costs $999, but it’s down to $599 for the 128GB configuration thanks to Google’s Birthday sale, which saves you a massive $400. This purchase also includes a free Google Pixel Watch 2 and a free Google Pixel 8 Pro case, which gets you this entire bundle at a major discount. This particular deal is live until Oct. 13, but we suggest acting fast.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is known for its three-camera array with up to 50 MP resolution and its selfie camera with 10.5 MP resolution. Its Pro controls allow you to choose your shutter speed, ISO and more features that let your pictures pop.

CNET’s Andrew Lanxon said in his review that, «The Pixel 8 Pro is a solid phone to consider, especially if you’re into nighttime photo taking.»

With a battery life of up to 24 hours, the Google Pixel 8 Pro won’t let you down if you have a hard time finding an outlet. The phone also includes support for AI, Circle to search, instant translation and Call Screen so you can avoid spam or bot calls.

As for the freebies included in this deal, you’ll get a case that protects your new smartphone from any drops, mishaps or scratches.

Google is also throwing in a Google Pixel Watch 2, which was first released in 2023. It includes smooth scrolling, accurate heart tempo readings and Fitbit features that can help you get a better workout. At the time of its release, CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco said in her review, «It’s one of the best-looking smartwatches on the market, and it provides a better balance of health tracking and phone companion features than Fitbit’s Sense and Versa watches.»

Looking for more deals from Google but not sure if this one is for you? Check out our explainer article on Google’s Birthday sale, which includes several deals.

MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Awesome Black):

$350 (save $50)
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked AI Phone (Gray):

$525 (save $125)
Moto G Stylus 5G 256GB Unlocked Phone(2024 Model, Caramel Latte):

$300 (save $100)
Apple iPhone 14 128GB Unlocked Phone (Refurbished, Midnight):

$334 (save $295)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

If you don’t feel the need to grab the Google Pixel 10, then the Google Pixel 8 Pro is still an excellent phone, especially for photographers and content creators.

This deal brings the phone down to $599, and scores you a free Google Pixel Watch 2 and case to boot. This is an excellent offer for anyone looking to make a few upgrades without going over their budget.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source on Chrome.

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Technologies

Verum Messenger Launches an AI Mini-Series

Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.

The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.

Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.

The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.

Stay tuned for more.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You

Verum has officially launched Verum Finance, an innovative financial application that transforms a private messenger into a true financial super app. News of the launch was also featured on the respected platform Dealroom.co.

Verum Finance can now be used both within Verum Messenger and as a standalone application for iPhone and iPad. When users sign in to Verum Finance with their Verum Messenger account, all balances, settings, and account data are automatically synchronized for maximum convenience.

Users can now do more than communicate securely and protect their data — they can also generate passive income directly within the ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

• Top up your balance with a bank card, Apple Pay, or USDT
• Send money instantly anywhere in the world
• Issue and manage debit cards (virtual and physical)
• Full Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds quickly

One of the most unique features is the built-in cryptocurrency mining system inside Verum Messenger.

The application utilizes your device’s resources and allows you to earn cryptocurrency in the background — passively, while chatting, traveling, or simply using the messenger.

Maximum Privacy + Real Freedom

• Registration without a phone number, email address, or passport
• End-to-end encryption and full control over your data
• Lifetime free VPN
• eSIM connectivity in more than 150 countries
• Reliable offline communication mode
• Support for 12+ languages for users worldwide

Everything is available in one place: secure communication, financial tools, earning opportunities, and privacy protection.

Users can access the full experience directly within Verum Messenger or switch to the dedicated Verum Finance app for iOS. All data is synchronized automatically between the two applications.

Why Download Verum Today

While many messaging platforms collect user data and expose users to restrictions, Verum offers greater independence and the opportunity to earn.

With a one-time purchase of the feature package, users receive lifetime access to privacy tools, VPN, eSIM services, cryptocurrency mining, and financial features.

This is more than just a messenger.

It is your personal tool for financial and digital freedom.

Download Verum Finance and Verum Messenger today — start communicating securely and begin earning tomorrow.

Download Links:

→ App Store (iPhone / iPad): Verum Finance
→ App Store (Verum Messenger): Verum Messenger

Technologies

Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger

Verum Finance has announced the launch of a new financial application that allows users to manage their money directly within the secure Verum Messenger ecosystem.

The project has already attracted attention from major media outlets. A dedicated feature was published by Forbes Türkiye, while one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC, covered the launch. Yahoo Finance had previously reported on the evolution of Verum Messenger into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

Verum Finance transforms a messenger into a complete financial platform. Users can:

• Manage their balance and top up using bank cards or USDT
• Send money instantly to other Verum users
• Issue and use debit cards, including Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds
• Access all these services without installing separate banking applications

A strong emphasis is placed on privacy. The platform offers registration without a phone number or email address, end-to-end encryption, and full user control over personal data.

Recognition from Forbes Türkiye

In a dedicated article, Forbes Türkiye highlighted Verum Finance as a notable example of modern privacy-driven fintech. The publication emphasized the growing trend of financial services moving from standalone banking applications into unified messaging ecosystems — a model that has proven successful in Asia through platforms such as WeChat and Alipay and is now expanding globally.

Support from the Crypto Community

Alongside the Forbes Türkiye coverage, news about the launch of Verum Finance was also featured by MEXC, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This reflects growing interest in the project from both traditional business media and the cryptocurrency community.

A Strategic Vision

“We are building more than a payments application and more than a messenger. Verum is a unified secure ecosystem where communication, finance, and privacy tools work together,” the company stated.

Verum Finance is now available for iPhone and iPad users. The application complements Verum Messenger, which offers anonymous chats, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, and other tools designed to enhance digital freedom.

Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im

Verum Messenger: https://verum.im