Technologies

My Dog and I Put Gemini’s New Navigation Features to the Test

For people who commute by bike or rely on walking directions while traveling, being able to ask quick questions without breaking stride could be a real level-up.

If you’re constantly on the move — like navigating an unfamiliar city while traveling or, if you’re like me, squeezing in a few dog walks between meetings every work day — Google just made Maps more useful and hands-off. Gemini in navigation, previously limited to driving, is now available for walking and cycling.

Google describes Gemini in navigation as «like talking to a friend in the passenger seat,» and that idea translates surprisingly well when you’re on foot or on a bike, too. Instead of tapping at your phone, you can now ask conversational questions out loud while navigating and get real-time, context-aware answers based on Google Maps’ data.

Cyclists get hands-free assistance designed to keep them focused and safe on the road. While navigating, you can ask practical questions, such as, «What’s my ETA?» or, «When’s my next meeting?» without taking your hands off the handlebars. If you’re running late, Gemini can help with quick tasks like sending a message. For instance, just say, «Text Sarah I’m 10 minutes behind,» and it’ll take care of the rest.

For walkers, meanwhile, Gemini effectively doubles as a personal tour guide. While exploring a new city, you can ask questions like, «What neighborhood am I in?» or, «What are the top-rated restaurants nearby?» Gemini will surface recommendations along your current route, pulling from Maps’ up-to-date local information.

I tried this feature out for myself on my regular afternoon walk with my dog, Holden (whom I shamelessly try to write about whenever feasible). He’s very calm and low-energy — the benefit of adopting an older dog — and has always been great on the leash. So great, in fact, that I was pondering if he really even needs to be leashed at all. This dog is like Velcro. He’s not going anywhere.

I went about half a mile away from my home before pulling up Google Maps. I entered my home address just to have the navigation feature running, and asked, «Is it illegal to walk a dog without a leash in Florida?» Gemini gave me a thorough answer about how the state of Florida doesn’t have a statewide leash law, but instead leaves leash regulations to individual counties and municipalities to decide. I then asked, «Is it illegal to walk an off-leash dog in St. Petersburg?»

Turns out, it is indeed illegal — so that idea was quickly dashed — but Gemini did give me some solid recommendations for off-leash dog parks and beaches in my city. Fort De Soto Park dog beach it is.

While not groundbreaking, the hands-free and conversational aspects were surprisingly useful, especially since I always have one hand occupied with a Labrador. I also appreciated how the answers were thorough enough to fully satisfy my question while succinct enough not to lose my interest. I can genuinely see how this tool could come in handy in a slew of different use cases, from checking the menu of a nearby restaurant to asking for the best coffee shops while exploring Amsterdam — as long as you don’t mind looking a little goofy talking to your phone aloud.

Gemini in navigation for walking and cycling is live worldwide on iOS, wherever Gemini is available.

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