Technologies

TextNow Adds eSIM Option for Immediate Unlimited Phone Data Access

The company’s new eSIM option should allow for a faster sign-up experience.

TextNow has built a business on free calling and texting, as long as you’re fine with using its app over Wi-Fi, viewing ads and letting TextNow determine which data is free and which you’ll need to pay for.

If you want to communicate away from Wi-Fi, you can sign up for a free or paid data plan, but that requires purchasing a physical SIM card and waiting for it to be delivered.

Now, customers can circumvent the wait and the cost (just $4 for the card, but still) with TextNow’s new eSIM option, which is set up from within the TextNow app. eSIM is currently available on iOS and will be coming soon for Android, according to the company.

Once people decide to sign up for cellular data, they want it right away, said TextNow CEO and founder Derek Ting, noting that eSIM reduces the friction of a physical SIM. «They can download a fully functioning phone plan on their phone without spending a nickel,» he said.

Upon activation, the eSIM defaults to the Free Essential Data plan, which offers unlimited talk, texting and data «for apps like email, maps, rideshare and finance,» according to TextNow. Or, customers can sign up for one of the following unlimited data plans that open up wireless data to any app: Day Pass ($3 a month), Week Pass ($9 a month) or Month Pass ($36 a month).

During setup, FaceTime and Messages can be enabled. However, phone calls still need to be made using the TextNow app. Ting also said that support for using a phone as a mobile hotspot is not yet available, but the company is working on it.

While this eSIM option should provide a fast way to activate service on most modern phones, TextNow will still offer a physical SIM option.

TextNow also said its 5G network infrastructure has been improved, but didn’t point to specific improvements. Ting declined to disclose which network provider TextNow relies on, whether that’s T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T or a mix, such as the way US Mobile straddles all three.

«It’s not just eSIM. There’s a lot of stuff we did underneath the hood,» he said, noting that customers will see improvements in coverage and connectivity.

While TextNow’s free service could get customers in the door, ramping up to its $36 monthly pass to use it for all purposes puts it squarely into the same price range as other prepaid carriers like Verizon’s Visible and US Mobile.

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