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

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