Technologies

Pebble’s Bringing Its Round Watch Back, This Time With Revamps

The Pebble Round is back with a decade-later sequel and a two week battery life and hook-in possibilities for AI agents onboard.

Pebble brought its smartwatch lineup back last year and new models are already coming fast. The $199 Pebble Round 2, coming in May, is actually a long-overdue sequel to the original Round Pebble watch I loved from a decade ago. With a round watch face, swappable bands and a touchscreen, 2016 me would have been freaking out about this. It’s available to pre-order now on Pebble’s website.

In 2026, it’s still an intriguing proposition. Pebble’s comeback as an indie gadget company caught my eye this time around not just because it has retro appeal now, but because these watches deliver some extreme battery life. The Round 2 doesn’t have the month-long battery of the other Pebbles, but a promised two weeks on a charge still far outstrips Apple and Google’s watches. The round display’s an always-on color e-paper, higher-res than the older Round watch (1.3 inches, 260 x 260 pixels). The steel watch is 8mm thick, and has a look to it that still catches my eye compared to Pixel watches.

Classic Pebble apps should work on the Round 2 but it’s the promise of AI hook-ins that could open up some new ideas. The Round 2 has two microphones for voice replies to messages and, like the other Pebbles, it could connect with AI agents — not something that’s part of the watch natively but it could be hacked to make it happen. It also works with Pebble’s one-button smart ring, the Index 01, that’s also coming soon.

I’ll be seeing all the Pebble watches and the ring at CES soon, so I’ll have more impressions then.

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.

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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