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iPhones to get Texting Via Satellite feature

Messages via Satellite debuts with iOS 18 on iPhone 14 and newer

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When iOS 18 rolls out this summer users with an iPhone 14 or newer will be able to send Message via satellite.

A year or so ago while on a solo trip to Los Angeles, I decided to revisit a favorite hiking spot at Griffith Park in the Hollywood Hills. 

From the summit of Mt. Hollywood, you get sweeping 360 views of downtown LA and the San Fernando Valley, definitely making the trek worth the effort. Just note that at some point, you’ll lose cell service.

As I was doing it alone, I did the responsible thing and let a few friends know where I was and what I was doing, and that if they didn’t hear from me in two hours they should come looking for me. 

Off the grid anxiety is real. If only my iPhone was also a satellite phone. 

Well fun fact, it actually is. 

When Apple launched the iPhone 14 in 2022, they built in special hardware that allows the iPhone to connect to a nearby satellite. This enables a feature called Emergency SOS which gives users the ability to connect to emergency services when out of cell reception. And the ability to use satellite connectivity to send their location (every 15 minutes) to friends via the FindMy app.

Last year Apple rolled out Roadside Assistance via Satellite, letting you connect with a roadside assistance provider while off the grid, to say, get help with a flat tire or if you’ve run out of fuel or charge. 

This year Apple is expanding its suite of Via Satellite features to include messaging. 

Here’s how it works

If your phone detects you have no access to cell service or WiFi, as soon as you launch the Messages app, you’ll get a prompt to connect to a satellite.

The iPhone will then help you point your iPhone in the direction of the satellite. You’ll need to be outdoors, preferably with an unobstructed view of the sky. 

You’ll get prompts via Dynamic Island with arrows telling you to move right or left. These satellites are about 800 miles away, traveling at about 15,000 miles per hour, but in my tests establishing a connection didn’t take very long. 

Once connected you’ll get a green light and you’re ready to go. 

You can send iMessages as your normally would, even use emojis. And as long as you stay connected, you can also receive replies, and even send tapbacks. 

iMessages sent via satellite are end-to-end encrypted.

The service also works with SMS (for recipients who are not on iPhones) but Apple has put in some restrictions to avoid spam texts congesting the network.

You will have to initiate the text before you can get a reply, unless a user is set as an emergency contact or is a member of your iCloud family — texts from them automatically go through.

Messages via Satellite is currently free as part of the free trial that Apple is offering to users (that covers the rest of the satellite features). Pricing has yet to be announced for any of these features, but I expect it to be an optional subscription at some point.

If you’re off the grid for a while, a prompt will also appear on the Lock Screen offering you the ability to use any of the iPhone’s via satellite features. 

SEE ALSO: iOS 18 lets you customize your Home Screen even more

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GCash rolls out in-app OTPs via push notifications to fight scams

SMS-based codes will be phased out by June 22

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June 6, 2026

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GCash is completely changing how users secure their accounts by rolling out in-app OTPs by June 22.

This fully replaces traditional SMS-based authentication as part of heightened cybersecurity measures against phishing scams and financial fraud.

With this security upgrade, users will no longer receive their OTPs via text messages. Instead, the codes will be sent through secure push notifications directly inside the GCash app.

This provides a much safer verification experiences. The migration to internal authentication is a direct response to a directive from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to phase out SMS-based OTPs by June 2026.

Furthermore, the shift aligns with the country’s Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which mandates stricter safeguards to curb digital fraud.

For years, cybercriminals have targeted SMS-based verification codes through various spoofing and phishing tactics to gain unauthorized access to accounts.

By routing OTP requests directly through the user’s authenticated GCash app, the platform ensures that only the rightful account owner can receive and use the unique codes.

Beyond security, the switch brings some much-needed convenience. The instant, one-tap authentication removes the annoying hurdle of switching between apps, copying codes, or waiting for delayed text messages to arrive in areas with poor cellular signal.

To get in-app OTPs on the GCash app, simply turn on Push Notifications on your iOS or Android device.

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The No-Nonsense guide to mid-year shopping

Let AI do the heavy lifting for you this Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale

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June 5, 2026

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The mid-year sale season is here, but the days of mindless impulse buying are over.

Shoppers are shifting toward intentional, value-driven decisions, focusing on quality, authenticity, and actual utility over flashy, low-quality gimmicks.

From 8:00 PM on June 5 until 11:59 PM on June 8, 2026, the Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale is dropping major discounts. But the real win is using the platform’s tools to maximize your budget.

Lock in the baseline discounts

Before diving into specific items, map out how to stack the core offers.

You can stretch your money by hunting down LazFlash Deals for up to 90% off, collecting up to PhP 3,000 in stackable vouchers, and ensuring every order qualifies for the free shipping offers available throughout the event.

True value comes from combining these three layers of savings on things you already need.

Jisulife: One of the participating, trusted brands you can get from LazMall

Filter for authentic value

Shopping smart means avoiding the trap of “too good to be true” counterfeits that end up in the trash.

Data shows a massive consumer shift toward trusted quality, with LazMall growth vastly outperforming standard listings during major sales.

To ensure your money goes toward genuine products with real warranties, restrict your browsing to official, brand-certified stores.

If you are upgrading your tech, parenting gear, or wardrobe, look to trusted names anchoring the sale like UGREEN, JisuLife, ANTA, Maserati Watches, Momcozy, and O.TWO.O.

UGREEN: One of the participating, trusted brands you can get from LazMall

Outsmart the noise with built-in tech

Don’t waste hours scrolling through endless listings or guessing which product is better.

The smartest way to navigate a massive mid-year event is to let the platform’s built-in features cut through choice paralysis.

Tools like AI Lazzie and AI Picks allow you to instantly compare similar items, analyze prices, and get personalized recommendations based on actual data rather than generic marketing hype.

Smart Shopper Tip: True value is a mix of the right price, verified authenticity, and a seamless return policy. Use this sale period to stock up on everyday essentials and high-quality upgrades rather than panic-buying items you’ll regret later.

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Meta adds subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp

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May 28, 2026

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Is your wallet buckling from the weight of so many subscription services? Well, Meta has a trio of new subscriptions for you to sink your hard-earned cash towards. If you have a few dollars, here’s Facebook Plus, Instagram Plus, and WhatsApp Plus.

All three subscriptions are designed to add new features which can enhance the experience for those who practically live on these apps. Among the three, Instagram Plus is the meatiest. It offers users the ability to view other people’s Stories without showing up as a viewer, create more tailored audiences outside of Close Friends, and extend the duration of a Story beyond 24 hours, among others.

Since it shares similarities with Instagram, Facebook Plus offers much of the same features. WhatsApp Plus, however, offers more customization options including new themes, ringtones, and stickers.

If that’s not enough, Meta has also released a new subscription system for Meta AI. Though the basic use of the AI is still free, the new Meta One Plus and Meta One Premium plans offer more capacity and performance for power users. The company is also testing new creator-focused plans, Meta One Essential and Meta One Advanced.

Of course, the new AI-based plans are more focused on those who actually use the AI software. Meanwhile, the three app plans are more for regular users. Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus will cost US$ 3.99 per month. Meanwhile, WhatsApp Plus will cost US$ 2.99 per month.

SEE ALSO: Instagram takes on Snapchat yet again with new Instants feature

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