Month: July 2023

China has processed approximately $250 billion in transactions using their central bank digital currency (CBDC), the e-CNY, predominantly used in domestic retail payments. Despite this growth, this only accounts for 0.16% of China’s total monetary supply, highlighting the untapped potential of this digital currency.

A study from Stanford and UC Berkeley reported significant deteriorations in ChatGPT’s abilities over a few months, with its accuracy in identifying prime numbers falling from 97.6% accuracy rate to a mere 2.4%. This onset decline in AI’s performance highlights the need for regular monitoring and quality checks of such complex, evolving systems.

“ZK proofs, or zero-knowledge proofs, are cryptographic measures that could solve internet users’ privacy concerns. They secure data from the onset, only revealing essential aspects, potentially reshaping the internet framework. However, they may also add to the complexity of online security measures.”

“Digital currencies are revolutionizing commerce and the digital yuan leads this change, infiltrating various industries including aviation. However, challenges like cybersecurity, maintaining decentralized hegemony, and regulatory compliance within blockchain could hinder process, making cautious expansion vital in this digital financial era.”

The South Korean central bank (BOK) plans to upgrade its payment systems with a focus on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Innovations like real-time gross settlement aim to enhance real-time transfers. However, operational risks from digital transformations have prompted BOK to strengthen oversight for secure transactions. Preparatory steps for the CBDC explore possibilities of smart contracts, offline payments, and cross-border transactions.

The advent of quantum computing could impose drawbacks on economic growth, warn researchers. As this new technology emerges, it brings with it the threat of economic stagnation and a “productivity paradox”, wherein improved tech doesn’t immediately cause productivity to surge. A lack of comprehension and risk aversion, alongside significant barriers to entry, may turn quantum computing into a double-edged sword.

Google Play Store’s recent decision to permit NFT games is a testament to blockchain’s growing acceptance. However, Google restricts the inclusion of gambling elements in these games. Even as NFT games redefine the digital world, policies, layoffs and burgeoning transactions highlight both the potential and uncertainties of NFTs.

This article draws parallels between the challenges faced by pioneers of the automobile industry in the 1890s and current crypto developers. From recognition and distancing from scams, to impractical ideas and fraudulent operators, the hurdles are notably similar. However, a spirit of cooperative innovation also links these two technological transformations.

“The Ethereum layer-2 network, Starknet, has announced its venture into software tools dubbed “Starknet Stacks” for developing personalized layer-2 chains, paving the way for application-specific “appchains”. The move presents opportunities for wider, interoperable blockchain ecosystems, better user interfaces, and increased transaction throughput.”

“With an impressive $54 million funding round led by 10T Holdings and Ripple, Futureverse aims to revolutionize the metaverse landscape through advanced AI content generation tools. The company’s partnership with Ripple for redefining metaverse applications adds to their ambition.”

“Cointelegraph’s Historical Collection enables individuals to mint articles as digital collectibles, or NFTs, preserving pieces of quality, verified content. This could serve as a countermeasure against AI’s potential to generate erroneous or biased information, signifying an investment in future of information.”

“Bitcoin mining, criticized for high power consumption, might be becoming environmentally sustainable. Initiatives include utilizing hydro-cooling mining farms, small hydropower plants, and prevention of gas flaring in oil drilling. This transition, along with migration to countries offering cheaper renewable energy, could redefine Bitcoin mining’s environmental impact.”

The minimalist crypto wallet Code, backed by the former CEO of Kik, has launched its Solana-based application focusing on the KIN cryptocurrency. Despite regulatory challenges, Code’s founder believes it offers potential for adoption due to its clearance for U.S trading. Confidently advocating for ‘digital paper cash’, it also allows transactions during network outages. However, its success relies heavily on KIN’s acceptance as a legitimate payment method, a venture that comes with risks due to price volatility.

Ankr and Matter Labs collaboratively launched zkSync Era Nodes and Hyperchain blockchain solutions on Microsoft Azure Marketplace, enhancing Ethereum’s Layer-2 scaling protocol. It enables businesses and Web3 projects to connect and build applications on zkSync Era, including bespoke blockchain application.