Technologies

Samsung’s New Galaxy S26 Phone Is Just Around the Corner, and You Can Already Save $900

Reserving a preorder scores you $30 in credit, plus there are massive trade-in savings and even a chance to win $5,000.

After weeks of rumors, it’s almost time to get our first official peek at Samsung’s latest lineup of new Galaxy S devices. The Unpacked event is scheduled for Feb. 25, and while there’s no confirmation, it’s widely expected to feature the new Galaxy S26 phones — which we expect to include the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra — as well as the Galaxy Buds 4. Now is the perfect time to plan your upgrade, as Samsung is already offering a chance to lock in some savings on your new S26.

Get your preorder in ahead nice and early, and you’ll automatically earn $30 of credit to use toward your new device. Plus, you’ll qualify for trade-in credit that can save you up to $900 in exchange for your old phone, tablet or smartwatch. And don’t worry if you don’t have a device to trade in, you’ll still qualify for up to $150 in savings regardless.

That’s not all Samsung is offering. Your reservation also enters you into a sweepstakes with a chance to win a whopping $5,000 gift card to use on Samsung’s website. Note thatyou have to be 18 or older to claim it. Just be sure to reserve your spot before the event on Feb. 25. Remember, even if you reserve your space right now, there is no obligation to follow through if you decide not to buy anything after the event. Even if you’re only considering upgrading to a new Galaxy phone, it’s worth signing up.

MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Get an iPhone 17 Pro Free With Trade-in and Qualifying Plan at T-Mobile
Google Pixel 10 Pro 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian):

$749 (save $250)
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (Awesome Black):

$298 (save $102)
Motorola Edge 256GB Unlocked Phone (2024 Model, Midnight Blue):

$241 (save $310)
Google Pixel 9 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian):

$499 (save $300)

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

Why this deal matters

This is an offer that Android users definitely won’t want to miss. Just signing up automatically scores you $30 in savings, as well as a chance to win much, much more. We don’t know what will be announced at the event, but you can read all about our predictions for the S26 lineup here.

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

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