Technologies

Smart Glasses, AI Wardrobes and Cute Bots: Stroll Down Android Avenue at MWC 2026

Google’s showcase is like a tech-centric block party with demos and upcoming products. Here’s what I tried out.

Nestled between two conference halls at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona is a pathway lined with Google’s latest tech — and its cutest robot figures. Here, spectators can step inside homey, wood-paneled booths and try out features across Pixel, Android XR and Search. Welcome to Android Avenue.

I swung by Google’s setup to check out demos for its latest products and features. Greeting me at the entrance and setting the scene was an adorably colorful Android statue waving hello.

In one booth, I tried on the Android XR smart glasses prototype for the first time and explored some promising use cases. I saw and heard real-time, AI-powered translations through the glasses as a Google employee spoke to me in Spanish. I also followed a Google Maps overlay that guided me along my route without obstructing my vision, thanks to the display projected onto the right lens.

Hot off the heels of Samsung’s S26 launch, Google demoed a new Gemini capability that takes on a more assistive role. You can long-press the power button and ask Gemini to plan a vegetarian tapas tour, for instance, then have it drop that information in a Google Keep note, all through voice command.

Other use cases include having Gemini book an Uber for you, which it’ll do in the background so you can keep using other apps on your Galaxy S26 phone.

In another booth, I toyed around with an update to Google’s Circle to Search that’ll simultaneously find all the pieces of an outfit on your screen, then let you try them on virtually.

After long-pressing the home button and circling a picture of an ensemble I liked, Google showed a list of product results for each element. Tapping «try it on» generated a lifelike image of me wearing the orange-red pants I was eyeing.

Amusingly, the AI took the liberty of replacing my real-life dress and jacket with a black T-shirt. It’s not the first time Gemini has decided to play around with the parameters of my modest clothing, but hopefully it’ll get better at avoiding those gaffes with time.

The Circle to Search update is rolling out on the Galaxy S26 series and Pixel 10 devices.

One of my favorite Pixel features lets you use Apple’s AirDrop and Android’s Quick Share across both ecosystems. With a couple of taps, I sent an image from a Pixel 10 phone to an iPhone, and also received one in return. The feature is also available on Pixel 9 devices.

Seeing new tech is always neat, but what I really loved were these Android figurines that appeared to be cleaning a demo booth window. Such diligent little workers.

And that wrapped up my tour of the block. At a tech conference largely dominated by monotonous booths, it was nice to get some fresh air, explore a few demos and, primarily, fawn over cute statues big and small.

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.

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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