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BTC Faces Increased Uncertainty As Miners’ Market Cap Drops By $12B

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Key Highlights:

  • Bitcoin miner market cap drops from around $36B to nearly $20B.
  • Correlation between BTC price and miners hits multi-month low.
  • Technical breakdown points to a potential drop toward $69.5K or lower.

Bitcoin price is under pressure amid new data showing a steep decline in the market value of crypto mining companies. 

According to market analysis platform Alphractal, the total market cap of publicly traded Bitcoin miners has fallen by almost $12 Billion and is back in the range of $17 Billion to $20 Billion.

It moves back to levels not seen since early 2024.

However, at the same time, analysts have noticed a decreasing correlation between Bitcoin’s price and the value of these mining stocks. 

This has historically been one of the strongest correlations of future Bitcoin price movements. 

A breakdown between these two relationships often means price volatility is coming.

Bitcoin Drops Below $81,317, Mining Stocks Lose Value

Crypto mining companies’ total market cap has fallen from a high of about $36 Billion to around $20 Billion.

Bitcoin’s price action, which is currently trading at $76,968.95, down from the recent high of over $100,000, mirrors this steep drop.

bitcoin price
Bitcoin total market cap of miners | Source: Alphractal

The chart above from Alphractal is Bitcoin’s price against the total market cap of mining companies. 

Bitcoin’s price is represented by the black line, and the blue line is the market cap. They moved together in rallies in 2021, 2024 and early 2025.

However, as Bitcoin tries to hold above $75,000, the mining market cap fell sharply.

Bitcoin miners` index
Bitcoin miners` index | Source: Alphractal

Additionally, the second chart depicts the Bitcoin Miners’ Index, which also dropped from its 2025 high of over 4,200 to nearly 2,500. 

A sharp drop in this index indicates weakness in the mining sector.

Furthermore, the third chart adds another layer to this. The correlation between Bitcoin’s price and the market cap of miners is shown historically. 

If the correlation is high, near 1, then prices and market cap are moving together. 

However, when it falls below 0.5, or even into the negative, it is a sign of a disconnect. 

Correlation has fallen sharply in the latest reading, something that has preceded strong trend changes in the past.

Bitcoin correlation with miners` market cap. Source: Alphractal

According to Alphractal, mining stocks are the most correlated with Bitcoin’s price, more than any other known stock. That correlation is starting to drop again, now.”

Breakdown Pattern Suggests Further Downside for Bitcoin

Meanwhile, according to a recent technical chart from CryptoBullet, Bitcoin’s daily chart is forming a bearish symmetrical triangle. 

This tends to be a breakout pattern, and in this case the price has broken to the downside. 

Currently, Bitcoin is trading below $82,000, which is below the lower support trendline of the triangle.

BTC Price
BTC 1-day price chart. Source: X

Analysts are watching three key levels if the pattern continues to play out. 

The first target is close to $76,000, a level that is very close to the 200-day moving average, which has often provided strong support in the past. 

If that does not work, the next zone of interest is around $69,500, which is a deeper correction.

A further breakdown could take the price towards $64,500, which would be a complete retracement of the gains from earlier in the year. 

Fibonacci extensions and recent support zones are used to calculate these targets.

Why the Drop in Miner Market Cap Matters for Bitcoin

The revenue for bitcoin mining companies comes mainly from block rewards and transaction fees. 

Higher prices mean profit margins are better and, as such, miners often see their stock values rise when Bitcoin prices rise. 

However, despite Bitcoin staying above $75,000, the mining stock values are falling.

This could be a result of growing miner profitability concerns. Block rewards will be cut from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC in the upcoming halving in 2028. It means that for the same amount of work, miners will earn less Bitcoin. If prices don’t fall, or even rise, many smaller miners will become unprofitable.

Now that investors are paying more attention to the mining sector, this is especially important. 

Bitcoin has a history of losing momentum when miners start to struggle financially. 

The falling correlation with the price of Bitcoin and the sharp drop in mining stock value could be early signs that investors are preparing for volatility ahead.

Will XRP Price Rebound To $3 Amid These Bullish Indicators?

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  • XRP open interest surged 25% to $4B, signaling strong market participation.
  • XRP price hit $3 after crypto reserve news but corrected to $2.52 amid profit-taking.
  • XRP futures and options activity soared, reflecting increased bullish sentiment.

XRP price recorded a net inflow of $94.87 for the day, which makes it the third highest net increase on daily record. The trading volume surpassed $4 billion, which created a new multi-month high of the XRP price. Chad Steingraber speaking in the same light also stressed this rise which supports the bullish trend.  

These huge inflows, therefore, suggest growing interest from institutional investors. Such a surge points to the possibility of big investors manipulating the market to build a large position. XRP with a seemingly solid vertical movement in the price reflects the positivity that is being seen in the market recently.  

Open Interest Soars 25%, Signaling Strong Market Activity  

According to data from CoinGlass, OI skyrocketed by 25% in 24 hours to reach the $4 billion mark. This a clear indication that there is active trading happening with investors taking up more futures contracts boldly. The trading of options increased exponentially and the Open Interest grew by 910% reaching $3.22 million .  

An up-tick in the open interest, paired with a higher price level, indicates that traders are becoming more bullish. Market participants continue to observe whether this is a trend that will continue or lead to higher volatility.

XRP Price Action: Sharp Rally and Profit-Taking  

In early March, the price of XRP surged to $3.40 before starting to pull back. At the time of writing, XRP price traded at $2.0252, which is 7.94 % higher than it was at the start of the day. The asset reached its high in the last one day period at $2.2563 while its low was recorded to be at $2.0032.  

The downward movement of the price could be attributed to profit taking following the sharp move up. However, the trading volume is still high and has only dropped to over $2.4 billion in the last 24 hours. From the weekly chart we can identify a parabolic movement accompanied by a correctional phase.  

Moving Averages and Key Support Levels  

The five-day moving average stands at $2.4592, while the ten-day moving average is at $2.5265. The thirty-day moving average remains lower at $1.5037, reflecting the recent uptrend. If XRP holds support at $2.00, buyers may regain control.  

The relative strength index (RSI) shows overbought conditions, signaling a possible retracement. If selling pressure persists, XRP price may struggle to reclaim higher levels. Traders are watching for a consolidation phase before another potential breakout.  

Additionally, XRP inclusion in a crypto strategic reserve fueled market optimism. The reserve also features Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana. The announcement triggered an immediate rally, pushing XRP price from $2.17 to $3.02.  

Uncertainty remains regarding the reserve’s size and purchase structure. Investors are also monitoring Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the SEC. The outcome could impact long-term market sentiment and regulatory positioning.  

Whale Accumulation and Price Outlook  

As for whales, their activity does not slow down, and the number of large investors with large packs of XRP only increases. The crypto analyst Alien Martinez also revealed that whales have bought 270 million XRP over the weekend. This accumulation means that investors are becoming more optimistic even when there is volatility in the market.

However, to maintain an upward trend, XRP price needs to stay above $2.60. If the price rises above $3, there are expectations of a retest at $4.2 and $5. More declines in support could result in additional corrections.

South Korea Lifts Ban On Institutional Crypto Trading, Analysts Cheer

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  1. South Korea’s FSC lifts a seven-year ban on institutional crypto investments.
  2. Initial phase permits law enforcement and educational institutions to sell crypto.
  3. Analysts predict that most of 2025 will be characterized by increased liquidity and significant price movements.

For years, South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC), the country’s primary financial regulator, imposed strict restrictions on corporations and banks regarding virtual asset trading.

This ban, enacted in 2017, aimed to restrain “overheated speculation” amid concerns over market volatility and money laundering. However, after a lengthy seven-year halt, the stance is shifting.

On Thursday, February 13th, the South Korea’s government announced a significant policy change. They announced that they will start allowing corporate institutions to engage in the cryptocurrency market once again.

While responding to the growing global interest in the sector. The FSC has unveiled the results of a month-long consultation and provided the “Roadmap for Corporate Participation in the Virtual Asset Market.” This outlines a long process of 2025 to lift the ban on institutional trading of cryptos.

Moreover, the initiative seeks to facilitate the gradual integration of corporate entities into the crypto market while prioritizing user safety and financial stability.

The FSC confirmed a phased method to institutional adoption, ensuring that financial stability and investor safeguards remain at the forefront.

This strategic move positions South Korea alongside global markets that are already welcoming institutional crypto trading. Keep reading to know more.

South Korea Rolls Out Phased Crypto Access After 7-Year Ban

South Korea’s financial regulator has officially lifted the seven-year ban on institutional investors. This likely comes as a response to the increasing global demand for crypto investment products.

Under the new regulations, South Korea will allow companies listed on the local stock exchange to trade digital assets, including popular cryptocurrencies.

The FSC has outlined a step-by-step roadmap in its press release to facilitate business’s access to crypto markets.

As per their roadmap, in 2025’s initial phase, law enforcement agencies, non-profits, and educational organizations will be permitted to sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

This framework aims to provide institutions with access to crypto assets while ensuring regulatory oversight.

Under this development, the Law enforcement agencies will be the first to utilize this system, particularly when selling confiscated cryptocurrency assets.

Also, the National Tax Service and the Korea Customs Service will also be involved. Which will be creating a structured approach to managing various crypto-related law enforcement matters.

Moreover, in the second quarter of this year, universities and charitable organizations will receive approval to convert their crypto donations into standard currency.

For that to rollout smoothly, the government has established internal control guidelines to ensure efficient management of cryptos within these institutions. Which by introducing a systematic method for handling crypto-based donations.

Looking ahead, South Korea also plans to launch a pilot program for institutional investors in the other half of 2025.

Where, in H2 of 2025, the selected corporations will be able to open real-name trading accounts for investment purposes. The FSC has partnered with over 3,500 authorized companies to facilitate this transition.

Also, the authorities will prioritize established businesses with experience in high-risk financial products.

Meanwhile, firms that the Capital Market Act governs are seen as competent risk managers, that could help mitigate financial market fluxes while nurturing responsible crypto usage.

Notably, this initiative does not include financial institutions, as regulators believe that involving banks could endanger the stability of the entire banking sector.

Authorities intend to monitor developments closely before considering any future expansions of the program.

Analysts Views on South Korea’s Regulator Changed Stance

Furthermore, analysts like Ashcryptoreal have expressed optimism about the recent developments in the cryptocurrency sector, witnessed by the lifting of the ban from South Korea.

SInce it is evident that the current $3.17 Trillion crypto market is poised to experience increased liquidity and trading volume.

This surge could potentially drive prices higher for many altcoins as well as top cryptocurrencies.

Moreover, few months ago, in a previous statement on X, the CEO of CryptoQuant pointed out that South Korea is the second-largest crypto market globally, with an impressive 93% of trades occurring in altcoins and only 4% in Bitcoin.

Through this observation, Ju hinted at the impending lift of the ban, suggesting that we are entering an “altseason.”

Now that the ban has been lifted, Ashcryptoreal believes that the volume of market participation in 2025 will be substantial. Which could be paving the way for significant price movements across the board.

Disclaimer

In this article, the views, and opinions stated by the author, or any people named are for informational purposes only, and they don’t establish the investment, financial, or any other advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrency assets comes with a risk of financial loss.

Chainlink Price Rebound Incoming? TD Sequential Hints At A Big Move

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Key Insights

  • LINK’s TD Sequential indicator flashes a buy signal with potential rebound toward $21 or even $23.
  • 78% of holders are in profit, with key resistance at $20 and strong support at $15.
  • Technical indicators and on-chain metrics signal a major move ahead.

The crypto market exhibited mixed trends over the past two weeks as sentiment shifted from bullish to bearish warnings. As Bitcoin price continues to struggle around the $96k mark, major altcoins faced volatile swings and stayed in a narrow range.

Despite the market uncertainty, Chainlink price has the potential to rebound and could see a major upswing as evidenced by the buy signal emerging from the TD Sequential indicator.

At press time, LINK price was trading at $18.64, witnessing a rise over 1.20% in the past 24 hours. Its market cap stood at $11.89 Billion, ranked 11th in the overall crypto market.

The trading volume soared over 51% to $417 Million and the total supply stands at 1 Billion.

Buy Signal from TD Sequential: Price Surge Incoming?

A recent post on X by Ali Charts revealed that the technical analysis tool TD Sequential indicator signaled a buy signal on the daily chart.

According to the analyst, Chainlink crypto looks poised for a rebound toward $21 followed by $23. Such signals in the past have often preceded upward price movements, making it a focal point for traders anticipating a rebound.

https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1889631535743287672

While its price range fluctuated between $15-$20 in the past week, traders are closely watching a move beyond the $20, where Bollinger band is also squeezing and signals a major move ahead.

On-Chain Data Highlights Key Price Levels

Data from IntotheBlock showed that 78% of PEPE holders are profitable, with strong support established between $14 and $16, where most holders accumulated the token around the 200-day EMA mark.

However, approximately 22% of holders remain unprofitable with potential resistance expected between $20-$22, as these holders may sell to recoup losses.

Holders Data | Source: IntotheBlock
Holders Data | Source: IntotheBlock

Furthermore, the daily active addresses have surged over 1.18% to 3900, replicating rising investors interest and broader usage of the network.

Addresses Stats | Source: CryptoQuant
Addresses Stats | Source: CryptoQuant

As the market sentiment stabilizes, the combination of TD sequential buy signal coupled with holders’ bullish sentiment, could fuel a bullish rally.

Chainlink Price Prediction: Factoring in Indicator Signals

LINK is consolidating around the $20 mark. This signals mixed sentiments regarding its next move. While the TD Sequential indicator pointed toward a buy signal, the ongoing sentiment in the market still revealed uncertainty among the investors.

Until the Chainlink price breaks past the $22 mark, the token may continue to hover around its 200-day EMA support zone.

The next LINK price movement may result from whale participation because these whales control 67% of all LINK units in circulation.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) line was at 38, representing oversold signals. It showed that bears continue to dominate, while bulls are trying hard for a potential reversal.

Litecoin Price Nearing Resistance Zone & Analysts Suggest An Upsurge

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Key Insights

  • Litecoin price has surged by 25% in a week.
  • RSI has displayed a golden crossover which signals a bullish forecast
  • Despite the recent general market correction, nearly three-quarters of LTC holders are still profitable.

Litecoin (LTC) price has undergone a correction phase after a bullish rally. It has been struggling in a parallel channel and nearing a support zone of $140.

Litecoin price has overtaken the 20-day EMA during this bullish trend, indicating the strength of the buyers. The price has risen 20% over the last few days, forming two powerful marubozu candlesticks.

The price of Litecoin has been strongly rejected from the $140 range since December. The price was getting close to this zone once more, although sellers had dominated three times.

Litecoin Price Gains Momentum: Analysts Weigh In

@ali_charts is a crypto analysis page on X that has shared an analysis of the Litecoin price forecast. This news indicates that the LTC price has the potential for a bullish rally. The significant increase that occurred at the session’s close of $127.98 indicated that buyers were actively driving Litecoin higher. But if LTC can maintain a close above the crucial $141 mark, that will be the key to a stronger rally.

Crossing this level, which has historically served as a strong resistance, could greatly increase bullish sentiment and possibly push the price toward the next resistance levels, which are located around $152 and, eventually, the $170–$200 range.

Source: X

On the other hand, Litecoin’s price could retrace if it is unable to sustain its upward trend and close convincingly above $141. Levels of immediate support could be between $120.50 and $114.50.

LTC may test additional supports down to $108.50 or even lower if these levels are broken, wiping out recent gains.

Although the uptrend is present, the movement isn’t yet verified as a distinct breakout, according to the market dynamics as of right now.

If resistance remains strong, traders should be cautious of a possible fallback or wait for a sustained close above $141 for a bullish confirmation.

Can Litecoin Price Flip Resistance Zone to Support Zone?

When writing, Litecoin crypto was trading at $121.72 which has remained neutral over the past 24 hours. The market capitalization was $9.28 billion and the 24-hour trading volume was around $1.51 billion.

Litecoin price prediction indicates that the price is approaching the $140 resistance zone after leaving the support zone. Because of the bullish market sentiment at the moment, the likelihood of a breakout rises.

LTC/USD 1-D Chart | Source: TradingView

It might be a bullish indication if the price breaks out of the $140 resistance level. Strong buying momentum is expected once the price is maintained above the $140 range. RSI has triggered a golden crossover with the RSI-based moving average which showcases the bullish forecast.

The top coin with bullish momentum in the support zone is Bitcoin. It could have a bullish effect on the altcoins if it starts a bullish momentum.

It is anticipated that the price of LTC will hit $200 in the coming weeks following a successful breakout. The bullish forecast is demonstrated by the golden crossover that the RSI-based moving average has produced.

On the other hand, sellers might take the lead if the price encounters resistance from the $140 resistance area.

Sellers may push the price down to the $95, support zone if the price of Litecoin creates any bearish candlesticks in this range.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and provides no financial, investment, or other advice. The author or any people mentioned in this article are not responsible for any financial loss that may occur from investing in or trading. Please do your research before making any financial decisions.

XRP ETF Filing On Nasdaq: Bullish Catalyst For A Rally?

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  • Nasdaq filed to list XRP and Litecoin ETFs, boosting crypto adoption.
  • Experts note that XRP ETF has 65% chances of approval this year.

The ongoing market speculation regarding the potential approval of XRP ETF has boosted market optimism about the upcoming price rally.

Ripple (XRP) price saw an intraday price surge of over 2.66% as Nasdaq is seeking SEC approval to list the XRP ETF.

Amidst the current market positioning of XRP crypto, the market has remained hopeful that the upcoming ETF approval could kickoff a significant price rally.

Nasdaq Seeks to List XRP ETF: SEC Decision Looms

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC presented its proposal to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for listing and trading Coinshares XRP ETF shares following Nasdaq Rule 5711(d).

Source: X

The exchange-traded fund (ETF) operates as a Delaware Statutory Trust to present XRP investment opportunities to investors while eliminating the need for asset ownership or custody.

Bloomberg analysts Eric Balchunas along with James Seyffart indicated the positive prospects for regulatory approval of upcoming crypto ETF filings covering Litecoin, Dogecoin and XRP and Solana.

In a recent X post, the ETF analysts detailed that XRP ETFs could achieve approval with a 65% likelihood rate while the other three cryptocurrencies followed with different approval percentages.

However, the SEC’s ongoing non classification of Ripple-affiliated cryptocurrency causes significant hurdle for its approval.

Ripple Strengthens Ties with CFTC: What it Means for XRP

XRP faces regulatory changes in the crypto market which brings this critical update with it. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission engaged in discussions with Ripple regarding XRP’s regulatory status.

The CFTC functions differently than the SEC by accepting selected digital assets as commodity registrations.

Source: X

The CFTC launched a pilot program to examine digital assets backed by stablecoins as financial market collateral.

An essential court ruling favored Ripple when it proved certain XRP trade deals failed to fulfill securities definition regulations.

Expert analysts expect this court decision to develop new regulations that will define US cryptocurrency laws. XRP maintains backing from big institutions despite the ongoing legal battles.

XRP Price Prediction: Is a Bullish Rally Incoming?

Amidst the recent XRP ETF filing, XRP price reflected bullish momentum and saw accumulation on the charts.

Despite a sharp shock in the first week of February, XRP held its ground and saw a quick bounceback.

XRP Price Chart | Source: TradingView

Afterward, a significant price consolidation was observed and XRP price was aiming to break the 20 day EMA mark for further upward push toward the $3 mark.

In case of further selloff, the immediate support zones were $2.20 and $1.80, whereas if XRP price moved past the $3 mark, it could see an upsurge toward the $3.20 and $3.60 mark in the coming sessions.

Donald Trump’s World Liberty Financial Emerges as a Leading Force in Crypto

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Key Insights

  • US President Donald Trump continues to foray deeper and deeper into the AI and crypto space.
  • Trump is doing so with the launch of his crypto venture, World Liberty Financial.
  • Before his inauguration and even after, this platform continues to buy massive amounts of cryptocurrency.
  • WLFI is now one of the top holders of staked Ethereum.
  • Industry leaders predict an incoming era of better crypto regulation for the United States, under Donald Trump.

The foray of Donald Trump into the world of crypto has made headlines for the past two weeks, especially with World Liberty Financial (WLFI), his defi platform

This platform has rapidly ascended through the crypto ranks with massive investments in staked Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies so far, and here are the latest updates.

WLFI Joins the Elite 0.1% of stETH Holders

According to  recent data from Arkham, WLFI has become a top 0.1% holder of staked Ethereum.

The blockchain analytics platform noted that this happened after WLFI amassed $33 million worth of the asset, showing its commitment to Ethereum as the leading smart contract platform.

Source: Twitter

However, stETH isn’t the only asset in the WLFI portfolio. Data from Arkham further shows that the platform holds around $182 million in ETH, $55.6 million in USDC, $48 million in Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), $6.9 million in Aave (AAVE)  and $6.2 million in Chainlink (LINK).

Celebrating with Crypto

WLFI also made moves on 20 January, the day of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the president of the United States.

The platform purchased an additional $47 million worth of ETH and WBTC to commemorate the occasion.

Said celebration also extended towards buying extra $4.7 million each in AAVE, LINK, Justin Sun’s Tron (TRX), and $ENA stablecoin.

Source: Twitter

The launch of the $TRUMP memecoin also added more fuel to the fire.

This token, which was deployed on the Solana network on 17 January, quickly became one of the best performing memecoins within 48 hours of launch.

At its peak, it had ammassed billions of dollars in market cap with a price of $73 before dropping below $40.

The memecoin’s launch also caused a surge in new Solana wallets.

Even though Trump himself expressed limited knowledge about the project, he acknowledged that it was a huge success.

Soon after the $TRUMP launch, first lady Melania Trump also launched her own memecoin ($MELANIA), which drew in 500,000 users and billions of dollars in market cap.

Trump’s Broader Vision Of Cryptocurrency and Beyond

While the WLFI crypto purchases dominated headlines, the Trump administration also had further impact on the crypto sector.

For example, industry leaders like Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong now predict that the administration could push for more sensible regulations for Stablecoins and other assets.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the Bank of America, Brian Moynihan noted that there has been an increased interest in crypto payments among financial institutions.

Trump also announced the launch of a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative called Stargate in addition to his crypto ventures.

The project is aimed at constructing advanced AI data centers across the United States, which will be funded by private equity players like OpenAI and Oracle, among others.

The project now has around $100 billion earmarked for immediate investment and is set to create jobs while improving the US’ competitiveness in the AI space.

Ethereum Struggles Deepen as Bitcoin Dominance Surges

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Key Insights

  • Bitcoin has been steadily outperforming Ethereum for months, in terms of price and institutional interest.
  • The ETH/BTC ratio has also crashed to new lows across the market.
  • The speculation about the strategic Bitcoin reserve might have waned. However, Ethereum remains unable to beat Bitcoin.
  • Unless Ethereum can change the tide with a new bullish move, Bitcoin’s dominance is expected to continue.

Ethereum has been steadily losing ground compared to Bitcoin, especially with the ETH/BTC trading pair dropping to a fresh new low of 0.031 as of today—its lowest in four years.

This decline shows the growing dominance of Bitcoin In the crypto market, especially with Ethereum struggling to keep up.

Here’s what’s been happening between these two.

Bitcoin’s Rise vs. Ethereum’s Modest Gains

The last year has seen Bitcoin soar by 158%, after climbing from a low of $41,000 at the start of last year, to an impressive $107,608 at the time of writing.

Source: TradingView

This performance has solidified Bitcoin’s position as the largest and better performing asset, after reaching consistent new all time highs through out the year.

On the flip side, Ethereum has only managed to post a 35% price increase during the same period.

Not only this, the cryptocurrency is also about 32% lower than its $4,878 all time high from November 2021—despite the bull run being in full-gear.

This stark difference between the two has also been mirrored by the ETH/BTC ratio, which has erased all the gains it made over the last four years.

The ETH/BTC Ratio

The ETH/BTC ratio is often used as an indicator that shows the relative strength between Ethereum and Bitcoin.

This ratio peaked at 0.087 in the fact altcoin season, as Ethereum led the market and targeted the $5,000 mark.

However, with the start of the new bear market, this ratio has declined after falling below the critical 0.054 support (a level that had previously held firm in June during the last bull run).

Source: TradingView

The ongoing decline has also sparked concerns about Ethereum’s ability to spearhead another altcoin season, especially as the market’s preference for Bitcoin remains unchallenged.

Speculation on a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

Before 20 January, there were widespread rumors that President Donald Trump might announce a strategic Bitcoin reserve during his inaugural address.

However, his speech on Monday this week made no mention of Bitcoin or even crypto in general.

This dampened most of the bullish sentiment held by investors.

Additionally, the GOP congressional priorities report also showed no mention of Bitcoin or even crypto-related initiatives.

https://twitter.com/AggrNews/status/1881387394789790174

This further caused market confusion, with the probability of Donald Trump establishing a national Bitcoin reserve within his first 100 days in office dropping from around 50% to 38% on PolyMarket.

Can Ethereum Turn the Tide in 2025?

Despite its struggles, there might still be some hope for the cryptocurrency.

Analysts believe that a surge is coming for Ethereum, with many forecasting prices as high as $8,000.

The renewed interest in the spot Bitcoin ETFs could also lead to more capital inflows that improve its market standing.

However, to accomplish all of this, the cryptocurrency must first break above the psychological $4,000 zone to regain investor confidence.

Unless Ethereum can address its ongoing challenges and show investors a compelling narrative, the current outperformance of Bitcoin compared to Ethereum is likely to continue.

Whether this year will mark a new turning point for Ethereum remains to be seen. However, Bitcoin continues to dominate the market in the meantime.

Trump Pardons Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht Amid Massive Internet Controversy

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Key Insights

  • US President Donald Trump has just pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road marketplace.
  • This marketplace was infamous for accommodating drug traffickers and illegal traders of all kinds.
  • Ulbricht was prosecuted and sentenced to two life terms, a move supporters have criticized as highly unfair.
  • Ulbricht has reacted to this move, calling it an “amazing blessing” after spending more than 10 years in jail.
  • Critics have called the move a “slap in the face” for families who were affected by the silk road activities.

This week, president of the United States, Donald Trump has issued a full and unconditional pardon for one of the most high profile cases within the country.

Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace is now set to walk free, on Trump’s orders—a move that has drawn both praise and criticism from concerned citizens.

Critics have drawn attention to the broader implications for Donald Trump’s move and what it means for both justice and drug-related crimes.

Libertarian circles on the other hand, have praised the president for his first presidential pardon.

Here are all the details of the ongoing case.

Who is Ross Ulbricht?

Ross Ulbricht, who is now 40 years old, was the creator of Silk Road.

The Silk Road was an infamous online market place on the dark web, right before it was shut down.

Ulbricht established this platform under the pseudonym “Dread Pirate Roberts,” in 2011 as the platform grew to accommodate users who wished to trade everything from illegal goods like drugs to hacking tools, or even child pornography and stolen passports using Bitcoin.

The users of this illegal platform favoured its ability to handle transactions with a high degree of anonymity.

However, the FBI shut down the site in 2013 and Ulbricht was arrested in a San Francisco public library during an elaborate sting operation.

He was then convicted two years after this on charges related to drug trafficking conspiracy, money laundering and computer hacking.

Ulbriche eventually got sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years, without the possibility of parole.

The case’s Divided Opinions

Right from the start of  the case, Ulbricht’s involvement drew mixed reactions.

The prosecutors for example, portrayed Ulbricht as a criminal mastermind who prioritized the profits from the Silk Road platform over human lives.

They alleged that the platform helped move over $200 million in drug-related proceeds and was directly involved in multiple drug-related deaths.

They even claimed that Ulbricht solicited murder-for-hire services to protect his operation, even without concrete evidence of any such killings.

The supporters, however, argued that Ulbricht was being unjustly punished for the actions of other people who merely used his platform.

They viewed his two life sentences as a prime example of government overreach, with Ulbricht himself stating that his intentions were merely to protect privacy and individual choice.

Trump’s Involvement

Interestingly, the president’s decision to pardon Ulbricht was not entirely unexpected.

Last year, Trump hinted at the possibility of pardoning the accused during a Libertarian National Convention speech while courting votes.

Many Libertarians had also lobbied for Ulbricht’s release, especially with the “disproportionate” nature of his punishment, when compared to his alleged crimes.

On announcing the pardon, Trump called Ulbricht’s sentence “ridiculous” and criticized those involved in his prosecution.

“The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who weaponized government against me,” he said in a post on Truth Social.

Ulbricht reacted to this pardon in a video message he shared on X, expressing his gratitude to Donald Trump and calling the move an “amazing blessing.”

https://twitter.com/RealRossU/status/1882609887878029519

He also reflected on his time in prison and celebrated his newfound fredon, after spending more than 11 years behind bars.

“This is a victory for freedom and second chances,” he said.

He also added that he planned to spend time with his family and share some more of his future plans in the coming days.

Political and Public Backlash

While many praised Trump for this move, it drew sharp attacks from critics, with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto calling pardon a “slap in the face” to families who had lost loved ones to drug-related crimes linked to Silk Road.

https://twitter.com/SenCortezMasto/status/1882232916069265564

She also argued that Trump undermined justice and public safety with his actions.

Critics like Masto also believe that Trump is inadvertently sending a broader message to the world about accountability for large-scale criminal operations.

“Pardoning drug trafficking kingpins is an outrage,” she added.

Price Prediction As Bitcoin Stalls Around $105K—Could These Cryptocurrencies Hit New All Time Highs?

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Key Insights

  • The crypto market is now recovering after the post-inauguration slump from earlier this week.
  • Bitcoin is making its way up from the $100,000 zone and is attempting to finalize its break above the $104,000 zone.
  • A break above the $109,000 zone could lead to a high of $128,000 for Bitcoin.
  • Ethereum is currently trending higher from the $3,125 zone and could be ready to hit the psychological $3,500 zone soon.
  • XRP is attempting a break above $3.19, but also needs to clear the $3.47 price level to be considered fully bullish.

The price of Bitcoin hit a new high this week, just as US President Donald Trump took office as the 47th leader of the country.

The cryptocurrency took a step backwards towards the $100,000 mark soon after this event, and is now attempting to make its way upwards once again.

Bitcoin’s performance affected the general crypto market as expected, causing a decline late across the altcoin market  as well on Monday.

Source: TradingView

As it stands, the crypto market is struggling to get back on its feet, and here’s what’s been going on with the three largest cryptocurrencies on the market:

Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP in terms of price action.

Bitcoin Reattempts The $110,000 zone

According to Bitcoin’s price history, the cryptocurrency reacted to the Trump inauguration on Monday and hit a new all time high of $109,000.

Despite its decline towards the $101,000 zone soon after, trends in on-chain data show that the institutional investors jumped in on the dip, and have taken the opportunity to buy so close to the psychological $100,000 mark.

Source: TradingView

As indicated by the chart above, Bitcoin’s price explosion was brought on by its break out from the falling wedge as shown.

Its subsequent decline towards the $100,000 mark was a retest move after the breakout, and was a completely normal reaction.

The RSI on the daily chart show that the bulls are in control of prices, and that Bitcoin still has a lot of upside potential.

Source: TradingView

The cryptocurrency is also attempting to stabilize above the $104,000 price level and the Fibonacci extension tool shows that the major resistance to be aware of is the $109,000 price level that Bitcoin declined from this week.

The indicator also shows that a confirmed break above the $109,000 zone could lead to a push further upwards to $128,355.

Ethereum Is In Good Hands

According to data from CoinMarketCap, Ethereum trades at around $3,320.

This is encouraging, because It means that the cryptocurrency is far up from the immediate supports around $3,125 and the psychological $3,000 level.

Source: TradingView

As shown by the charts, the 200-day EMA (red line) has been incredibly strong over the last few months, holding Ethereum up since November of last year.

Ethereum is now resting on top of this moving average (which sits at $3,125) and is leveraging it as a dynamic support.

With this in mind, Ethereum must keep from breaking below this price level, considering how steep drops have historically resulted from Ethereum breaking below the 200-day EMA.

As long as Ethereum keeps from breaking below this $3,125 price level, it is bound to continue further upwards and hit the psychological $3,500 zone—which could pave the way towards $4,000 and beyond.

Strong Upside Potential For XRP

So far, XRP has been particularly strong, especially with its ongoing recovery around the $3 mark.

The RSI on the daily chart shows that the cryptocurrency is trading in bullish territory, which is encouraging.

Source: TradingView

On the 4-hour chart, XRP is also making strong attempts to push further up from the $2.9 price level.

It is currently attempting to break above the $3.19 price level as marked out by the Fibonacci retracement tool, and could be looking at retests or even possible breakouts from the next resistances around $3.47, and $3.82.

With all of this said, XRP can only be considered fully back in bullish action if a break above the $3.47 zone occurs.

Bullish predictions for the cryptocurrency include targets anywhere between the $5 mark to $10.

Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Price Predictions As Volatility Looms This Week

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Key Insights

  • The crypto market is bracing for volatility this week, with three of the largest cryptocurrencies showing signs of incoming volatility.
  • Bitcoin must keep from breaking below the $100,000 zone to push forward to $125,000.
  • Ethereum must keep from breaking below the $3,125 price level to continue forward to the $3,700 zone.
  • XRP has to stay above $2.9 to continue further upwards to $5.

The crypto market continues to make waves in the financial space, with juggernauts like Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP taking the center stage.

Bitcoin and Ethereum on the one hand, are retesting critical support levels.

XRP on the other, is managing to sustain its bullish momentum and could be looking towards a breakout from an interesting pattern.

Here’s a closer look at the performances of each of these cryptocurrencies, and what could be next for them.

Bitcoin Eyes Stability at $100K Support

According to the daily charts, Bitcoin rebounded strongly last week, especially after the release of the CPI data on Wednesday.

The cryptocurrency soared by more than 10% after an initial crash to the $90,000 zone between Monday and Tuesday, eventually ending up above the $100,000 zone.

However, this rally was somewhat shortlived, considering the cryptocurrency’s behavior after hitting the $106,000 resistance.

Bitcoin and a falling wedge
Source: TradingView

Monday has brought Bitcoin into a new phase of bullishness as shown above, with its rebound after retesting the falling wedge.

The cryptocurrency has so far risen by around 3% over the last 24 hours, with a current price of $108,000.

Bitcoin’s ongoing price action
Source: CoinMarketCap

Going forward, the cryptocurrency’s $100,000 price level serves as the strongest psychological support.

Holding above this level is an encouraging signal for a continuation to the upside.

However, if a break below occurs for any reason, Bitcoin could crash further down to the next psychological level around $90,000.

If this $100,000 price level holds, Bitcoin could be hitting the $125,000 zone in no time.

Ethereum Targets Recovery Above $3,125

Ethereum is also performing well on all timeframes, even though it remains trapped underneath the $3,500 price level.

On Monday this week, the cryptocurrency is showing signs of a recovery after retesting its 200-day EMA at $3,125. 

The cryptocurrency now has a current price of $3,392 with an incoming break above $3,500.

Ethereum’s performance on the daily timeframe
Source: CoinMarketCap

According to the charts, if Ethereum successfully holds above its 200-day EMA (red line) as shown, it could be on its way towards challenging the $3,730 resistance level.

The charts show the RSI reading currently at 46—which is below neutral and indicates that the bears are slightly stronger than the bulls.

Ethereum in the daily timeframe
Source: TradingView

In more positive news, the MACD on this timeframe is on the verge of a bullish crossover.

This indicates that the bulls might be ready to retake the baton from the bears.

Ethereum needs to avoid a drop towards the $3,125 support to avoid a correction further down to the psychological $3,000 level.

Ripple Extends Bullish Momentum Toward $3.63

According to the charts, XRP;s price action has been incredible.

The cryptocurrency rallied by 30% last week, after breaking above a symmetric triangle and above the $3 mark.

The cryptocurrency struggled around the $3.3 price level over the weekend, but and is still attempting to continue above this price level.

XRP’s current performance
Source: CoinMarketCap

According to the charts, XRP is targeting a push towards the $3.63 price level.

The RSI reading of 65 on the daily chart supports this outlook, and the dominance of the bulls.

XRP’s price performance
Source: TradingView

The Fibonacci retracement tool shows that XRP is at risk of becoming bearish if it breaks below the $2.9 price level, where it might fall further down to the $2.5 zone.

Overall, the top three cryptocurrencies are navigating important price levels, and are setting the stage for massive price movements. 

Traders should closely monitor what happens around the $100,000 mark for Ethereum, the $3,125 zone for Ethereum and the $2.9 price level for XRP.

The Spectacle And Controversy Around The New Trump-Affiliated Memecoin

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Key Insights

  • President-elect Donald Trump has just launched a new memecoin collection in the market, amid speculation and critique.
  • This memecoin has exploded in value over the last two days, adding billions to Donald Trump’s net worth.
  • Skeptics have pointed out the supply concentration, where Trump-affiliated companies control a large amount of this memecoin.
  • Only time will tell what comes next for this memecoin, after hitting billions of dollars in market cap.

The crypto industry never runs out of surprises.

However, the launch of the new $TRUMP memecoin by president-elect Donald Trump on Friday has redefined what “unexpected” means.

This new cryptocurrency was deployed on the Solana network and experienced a staggering 500% increase in price within the first 24 hours of launch.

However, beyond this rise in price and the opportunities it has presented for investors, this move has several implications for the crypto market.

Let’s go over the latest developments.

The TRUMP Token’s Record-Breaking Debut

The launch of the official $TRUMP memecoin came with a wave of announcements from Trump’s social media handles, including X and Truth Social.

Within hours of its launch, this token had hit a market cap of around $8 billion, and was already one of the top 30 cryptocurrencies.

This rapid jump in price was also fueled by nearly $12 billion in trading volumes within a single day.

The token’s deployment on the Solana network might have had much to do with its growth, because $SOL itself surged to a new all time high of $274 on Saturday.

Solana-based defi products also saw a noticeable increase in liquidity and TVL according to DefiLlama.

All of this happened at the expense of Ethereum, where many ERC-based memecoins dipped in comparison.

Ownership Concentration Sparks Skepticism

Despite this token’s success, critics have attacked its legitimacy all weekend.

For example, data from Arkham Intelligence shows that 80% of this new token’s supply is controlled by two Trump-affiliated entities: CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC. 

This concentration of ownership has been a source of concern about centralization, considering how concentrated supplies have historically been one of the ingredients of crypto rug pulls.

Critics have also pointed out inconsistencies in the token’s message.

For example, while the announcement tweets tout the cryptocurrency as a “celebration” of his presidential victory, the official website clearly states that $TRUMP is non-political, and “has no ties” to Donald Trump’s campaign.

Critics have also pointed out inconsistencies in the messaging around the token. While Trump’s social media accounts described $TRUMP as a celebration of his presidential victory, the token’s website explicitly states that it is a “non-political digital asset” with no ties to his campaign or government activities.

Is the TRUMP Token Legitimate?

The token’s legitimacy has also been questioned by industry experts so far.

In the first few hours of the token launch, there were initial concerns about the Trump social accounts being hacked.

Even after subsequent posts reaffirmed that the token was legitimate, several experts remained skeptical.

One example is JRNY Crypto, who noted the absence of official confirmation from Trump’s advisors.

Prominent trader Edward Morra also warned that high-profile memecoins could take over the market and lead to harsher volatility in case of a sell off.

Interestingly, $TRUMP isn’t Donald Trump’s first foray into the world of digital assets.

In recent years, the Trump brand has been linked to several other ventures, including three NFT trading card collections, which allegedly generated nearly $10 million in licensing fees.

Trump has also sold several other branded items including $100,000 luxury watches and branded sneakers.

This memecoin, however, is a new frontier and only time can tell what comes next.

 

AMD RDNA 4 Graphics Cards Under New Radeon 9000 Series Brand Confirmed

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AMD’s upcoming RDNA 4 flagship graphics card is reportedly named the Radeon RX 9070 XT, marking the introduction of a new Radeon 9000 series branding.

This revelation comes from Chiphell’s senior member, Napoleon, and aligns with growing speculation around AMD’s next-generation GPU lineup.

A Shift to Radeon 9000 Branding

Rumors about AMD’s RDNA 4 GPUs have been circulating for months, with the lineup expected to debut at CES 2025 and hit retail shelves in the first quarter of the year.

While initial reports suggested the series would adopt Radeon RX 8000 branding, recent leaks indicate that AMD has opted for the Radeon RX 9000 designation instead.

According to Napoleon, AMD’s naming convention will also undergo a notable change. Rather than the traditional “XX00” format, the new GPUs will follow an “X0X0” structure.

This means successors to the Radeon RX 7700 XT and 7800 XT will not be named 9700 XT or 9800 XT but rather 9070 XT and 9080 XT, based on this hypothesis.

Alignment with Market Trends

Interestingly, AMD’s new naming scheme appears to mirror NVIDIA’s GeForce lineup, such as the RTX 4070 and the forthcoming RTX 5070.

AMD RDNA 4 Graphics Card
AMD RDNA 4 Graphics Card

This approach isn’t entirely new for AMD, as the company has previously adopted higher numerical branding to align with competitors.

For instance, AMD switched from Ryzen AI 100 to Ryzen AI 300 branding to differentiate itself from Intel’s Core Ultra lineup. Larger numbers can be advantageous in marketing, potentially giving the impression of greater capability.

The Radeon RX 9070 XT naming also aligns with AMD’s existing strategy for other products, like the Strix Halo iGPU, which goes up to the Radeon RX 8060S. Since the Radeon RX 80X0 series is built on RDNA 3.5 architecture, the jump to RX 90X0 branding for RDNA 4 makes logical sense.

Performance Expectations

Leaked performance benchmarks suggest the Navi 48 GPU, part of the RDNA 4 lineup, will compete directly with NVIDIA’s RTX 4080 in rasterization.

It is also rumored to outperform the Radeon RX 7900 XTX by up to 45% in ray tracing performance while offering improved power efficiency.

Despite being categorized as a mainstream offering, the Navi 48 GPU is expected to cost around $500, positioning it as a rival to NVIDIA’s upcoming RTX 5070, which is anticipated to share a similar price point.

With CES 2025 around the corner, the reveal of AMD’s RDNA 4 GPUs will shed more light on the company’s strategic shift and the performance potential of its new flagship graphics card.

Google’s AI Tool Whisk That Lets You Upload Images To Generate Custom Images

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Google’s latest artificial intelligence tool, “Whisk,” enables users to upload photos and receive a combined, AI-generated image without needing to input any text to specify their preferences.

By uploading images that represent the subjects, settings, and styles they have in mind, users allow Whisk to merge these elements into a single cohesive image.

In a blog post, Google described Whisk as a “creative tool” designed for rapid inspiration rather than a “traditional image editor.” Whisk is positioned as an entertaining feature for sparking creativity rather than a solution for creating polished professional artwork.

The introduction of Whisk highlights the ongoing race among major tech companies like Google and OpenAI to develop consumer-oriented products that showcase the potential of cutting-edge technology. However, critics caution that the fast-paced development of AI without proper safeguards could pose significant risks to society.

Since OpenAI launched its text-to-image generation tool, DALL-E, in 2021, AI-generated artwork has proliferated on social media and become a prominent feature in consumer products. Building on the popularity of text-to-image tools, Google’s Whisk functions as an image-to-image generator.

Users of Whisk can “remix” their final image by modifying the input parameters and experimenting with categories to create variations such as plush toys, enamel pins, or stickers. While users can add text to guide specific details, text input is not required to generate images.

“Whisk is designed to allow users to remix a subject, scene, and style in new and creative ways, offering rapid visual exploration instead of pixel-perfect edits,” explained Thomas Iljic, Director of Product Management at Google Labs, in a statement.

Whisk leverages the generative AI technology developed by DeepMind, the AI research lab Google acquired in 2014. The tool integrates Google’s core AI platform, Gemini, launched in December 2023, with Imagen 3, DeepMind’s latest text-to-image generator released the same month.

When users upload images to Whisk, Gemini generates a caption based on the uploaded content, which is then processed by Imagen 3. This method captures the “essence” of the subject rather than creating an exact replica, facilitating creative remixing but also introducing the possibility of deviations from the original input.

For instance, the resulting image might feature variations in height, hairstyle, or skin tone compared to the original input images, as Google noted in its blog post.

Whisk’s introduction follows earlier challenges faced by Google’s Gemini platform. When Gemini’s text-to-image creator was launched in February, it drew criticism for generating historically inaccurate images.

Currently, Whisk is available as a website on Google Labs for users in the United States and remains in its early development stages. The project, codenamed “Moohan,” reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to innovate in the AI space.

The competitive space includes OpenAI’s recent reveal of a text-to-video generator called Sora, which underscores the rivalry among tech giants to deliver groundbreaking consumer AI tools.

Dan Ives, Managing Director and Senior Equity Analyst at Wedbush Securities, described Whisk as another example of Google flexing its muscles in the AI and tech arena.

“DeepMind is a key asset for Google,” Ives stated, highlighting AI’s central role in Google’s 2025 product strategy, which also includes a new Android operating system developed in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm.

Intel’s Newest Affordable A570 and A580 Graphics Cards To Compete Against Nvidia and AMD

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Intel’s renewed attempt to break into the graphics card duopoly shows potential, but the journey to this point has been a long one.

The PC graphics card market has long been dominated by a lopsided duopoly, with Nvidia reigning supreme and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) consistently trailing behind.

In late 2022, Intel (INTC -1.87%) entered the fray with its Arc Alchemist graphics cards, offering much-needed options for consumers seeking alternatives.

However, Intel’s initial foray into the market was rocky. Despite the A750 and A770 graphics cards being solid pieces of hardware, the software drivers were riddled with issues.

Some older games were unplayable or experienced inconsistent performance, and numerous bugs rendered the cards an impractical choice for many PC gamers. As a result, Intel failed to secure significant market share or disrupt the status quo.

Over the past few years, Intel has significantly improved its software through consistent updates, providing a more stable foundation for its graphics card business.

While some doubted Intel’s commitment to the market, particularly following a tough year that culminated in the CEO’s departure, the company is returning with its second act: Battlemage, the codename for its B-series Arc graphics cards.

Earlier this month, Intel revealed two new graphics cards targeting the high-volume midrange segment of the market. The B570, set to launch in January at $219, and the more powerful B580, already available at $249, mark Intel’s reentry. These cards feature significant architectural advancements designed to boost both performance and efficiency.

Early reviews of the B580 have been encouraging. Tom’s Hardware, for instance, dubbed it “the new $249 GPU champion.” The B580 outperforms Nvidia’s RTX 4060 and AMD’s 7600 XT in both rasterization and ray tracing while being more affordable than its competitors.

Intel’s Arc A580 Graphics Card

While some minor software issues were noted during Tom’s Hardware’s testing, there were no critical game-crashing bugs, and the overall software experience has improved markedly. The review concluded on a positive note: “The good news is that Battlemage looks more promising than its predecessor.”

Becoming a major contender in the gaming GPU market could open a valuable revenue stream for Intel and bolster its CPU sales as it competes with AMD. With Intel facing multiple challenges, a win in this area would be a much-needed boost.

Late to the Party

Despite the improvements, Intel’s timing poses a challenge. It took the company over two years to launch a follow-up to its initial release.

While the B580 stands out against current offerings from Nvidia and AMD, these competitors’ products have already been on the market for some time. Both Nvidia and AMD are expected to introduce next-generation graphics cards in the near future, which could diminish Intel’s competitive edge.

Nvidia is rumored to be preparing an announcement for its RTX 5000 series, and AMD is likely to reveal its RX 8000 series early next year.

Intel might gain some breathing room if these companies prioritize high-end cards first or adopt less aggressive pricing strategies for the midrange market. Nevertheless, the B570 and B580 are expected to face new competition within the next year.

Intel’s second attempt at establishing itself in the graphics card market appears promising, but the company must convince consumers of its long-term commitment and address lingering concerns about software reliability. Whether Intel can achieve this remains to be seen.

Trump Transition Indicates A Change in EV Push Direction With Promise Of Smooth Shift To Electric Technology

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President-elect Trump’s transition team is advocating for federal funds currently allocated to President Biden’s green energy initiatives to be redirected toward national defense.

The transition team for the Republican president-elect is reportedly advising the incoming administration to end federal support for electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure once Trump takes office.

This recommendation, if implemented, would significantly undermine Biden’s longstanding effort to shift American consumers toward EV adoption.

Additionally, Trump is said to be weighing the introduction of a global tariff on all battery materials, allowing negotiation exceptions for allied nations. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing components, as detailed in a document outlining the transition team’s plans.

The reallocated funds, according to the report, would shift from backing Biden’s green energy agenda to bolstering national defense initiatives.

The transition team’s document highlights that while minerals and components essential for EVs are deemed “critical to defense production,” EVs themselves and their charging infrastructure are not classified as such.

The Biden administration has heavily invested federal resources into its climate-focused agenda, particularly for EV production. In July, it announced $1.7 billion in funding for EV manufacturing.

Elected President Donald Trump
Elected President Donald Trump

Additionally, Biden’s administration offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for EV purchases, a policy Trump reportedly plans to rescind upon assuming office.

The president-elect is expected to prioritize dismantling Biden’s green energy policies during the early months of his term. His administration’s plans include targeting EV-related measures immediately after taking office.

Trump previously stated that, if elected, he would revoke federal EV mandates and any waivers granted to California by the Biden administration.

Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this stance, asserting that Trump would take these actions on “day one” of his presidency.

The Trump campaign has also criticized Biden’s support for California’s proposed EV mandate regulations.

Leavitt, serving as Trump’s campaign national press secretary at the time, told Fox News Digital: “Fresh off imposing his insane, job-killing electric vehicle mandate at the federal level, Crooked Joe Biden is preparing to slaughter the remnants of the U.S. auto industry by approving California’s waiver request outlawing the sale of all gasoline-powered automobiles.”

Xbox To Move Away From Exclusive Titles For Future Consoles

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A credible insider has suggested that Xbox may be moving away from permanent console exclusivity as a core strategy.

The year 2024 marked a significant shift in this approach, with Microsoft starting to release its first-party games on rival platforms, including PlayStation and Nintendo. It appears that this multiplatform strategy is set to expand further in the future.

Earlier in the year, Xbox leadership announced that four of its first-party titles—Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, Grounded, and Hi-Fi Rush—would be coming to PlayStation and Nintendo consoles.

This shift surprised many Xbox fans and was reportedly driven by Microsoft’s internal efforts to recover the $68.7 billion spent acquiring Activision Blizzard.

Over the course of 2024, additional Xbox first-party games were confirmed for the PlayStation 5, such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and The Great Circle.

Xbox Game Pass and Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, in particular, has been highlighted as a major win for Xbox Game Pass, which had a strong showing throughout 2024. The game’s inclusion in the service added significant value to the platform.

At The Game Awards 2024, Obsidian Entertainment revealed that its upcoming title, The Outer Worlds 2, will launch simultaneously on PS5 next year.

This announcement has further fueled speculation about the end of Xbox’s console exclusivity model.

Xbox and Playstation

Addressing the situation, reliable Microsoft insider Jez Corden recently stated on Twitter that the “era” of permanent Xbox console exclusives is effectively “over.”

He claimed that existing and upcoming exclusives like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Avowed, and South of Midnight will eventually be available on PS5 and other competing platforms.

Every Xbox First-Party Game Reportedly Heading to PS5

“It’s cuz they don’t want to just mandate it on teams that aren’t set up yet for multiplatform simultaneous development. But the era of Xbox having permanent console exclusives is over.” — Jez (@JezCorden), December 13, 2024

According to Corden, the reason Xbox hasn’t yet announced remaining console exclusives for PS5 is that it doesn’t want to impose a “mandate” on first-party studios that aren’t yet prepared for “multiplatform simultaneous development.”

This indicates that all Xbox first-party studios are likely working on PS5—and possibly Nintendo Switch 2—versions of their current and upcoming Series X/S exclusives.

The inclusion of “simultaneous” in his remarks suggests that future Xbox first-party titles might launch on PS5, Series X/S, and PC on the same day.

Iconic Xbox Franchises Could Expand to PlayStation

Corden’s comments open the door to the possibility of iconic Xbox franchises like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza appearing on PlayStation in the future.

Supporting this perspective, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has previously stated that the company has no “red lines” for which Xbox titles could come to PlayStation, even leaving the door open for a PS5 release of the next Halo game.

As Microsoft moves forward with this approach, the company will likely need to craft careful messaging about the evolving nature of Xbox console exclusivity to avoid alienating its core audience.

HDMI 2.2 Update With Higher Specs Requiring A More Robust Cable

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The HDMI Forum, the organization responsible for the HDMI standard, has announced plans to reveal a new specification during a press conference on January 6th.

This upcoming release promises to support “a wide range of higher resolutions and refresh rates.” According to an email from the HDMI Forum, these enhanced capabilities will require “a new cable.”

As VideoCardz suggests, this new specification is likely to be HDMI 2.2. The HDMI Forum’s email hints at this as well, stating that two of the event’s scheduled speakers represent the HDMI Licensing Administrator, which is responsible for licensing “Version 2.2 of the HDMI specification.”

HDMI 2.1, first introduced in 2017 and subsequently updated with minor lettered revisions, currently supports up to 48Gbps bandwidth, 120Hz variable refresh rates, and resolutions as high as 10240 x 4320.

HDMI 2.2

VideoCardz speculates that the new specification might push these limits further, potentially achieving higher resolutions and frame rates without relying on Display Stream Compression.

The mention of a new cable serves as a timely reminder that, much like USB-C, not all HDMI cables are created equal.

It seems improbable that the HDMI Forum would alter the port itself, so existing cables will likely remain compatible with the updated specification.

Some older cables might even support its higher bandwidth requirements. However, there’s always a possibility that new cables will be necessary to fully utilize the enhanced features when they arrive.

Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks, Case Company Reveals Final Design and Dimensions

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Nintendo may want to consider hiring a few famous Italian plumbers, given that it seems like leaks are popping up everywhere these days.

Another Chinese manufacturer has shared images of an upcoming accessory for the Nintendo Switch 2, and once again, we’re looking at a familiar design that has already made the rounds.

The latest images were shared by Towkay Vortex on Facebook, who posted: “Switch accessories company has just sent me an email that they will have 3 models of Switch 2 Accessories. Do you want to order case, first?”

Nintendo Switch 2 Silicone Case Leak

The console design closely resembles the Nintendo Switch 2 mockup sent to YouTuber SwitchUp by a Chinese manufacturer. The new images show key features that align with those leaks.

What stands out includes the same eight-inch display, slightly larger Joy-Con controllers that feature the new rear buttons, and a USB-C port located on the top next to the headphone jack and game card slot.

The design shown in these images corresponds with previous Nintendo Switch 2 leaks, which have included photos of the redesigned Joy-Con controllers.

Given that manufacturers typically wouldn’t produce accessories unless they were confident about the dimensions and features of the console, the evidence strongly suggests that these images and prior leaks are indeed representative of the Nintendo Switch 2 design

Nintendo’s choice to maintain a similar design to the Switch OLED is perhaps unsurprising.

Aside from a larger screen, a few subtle design tweaks like improved ventilation and the addition of mysterious back buttons on the Joy-Con controllers, the design hasn’t changed drastically.

What’s Inside Matters the Most

While the design may not seem revolutionary, it’s what’s under the hood that makes the Nintendo Switch 2 exciting.

Nintendo has yet to share specific details about the console’s power and performance, but the company has promised to provide an official announcement for its next console by March 31, 2025.

Given the increasing presence of leaks and images like these, it might make sense for Nintendo to accelerate its timeline. Many had expected the Switch 2 to be announced back in September, but now it seems increasingly likely that January will mark the official reveal.

A More Competitive Handheld Market

Nintendo will likely want to ensure its new console is well-positioned in the market, especially as competition is heating up.

Microsoft has essentially confirmed that it is developing its own Xbox handheld, while Sony is also rumored to be working on a new PlayStation Portable, or PSP 2.

On top of that, portable gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally X have introduced additional competition, making the handheld gaming space more crowded and competitive than it was in 2017 when the Nintendo Switch first launched.

Nintendo’s strategy moving forward will involve ensuring that the Switch 2 can carve out a strong foothold in this competitive market, whether by revealing its capabilities sooner rather than later or by leveraging its proven formula with Switch fans and gamers worldwide.

Apple iOS 18.2 Addressing Major Security Vulnerabilities, Urging Users To Update Immediately

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Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18.2, introducing the first major Apple Intelligence features alongside 21 critical security updates that users are urged to apply immediately.

This update is expected to prompt many iPhone users to transition to iOS 18, given the significant security enhancements it brings.

The iOS 18.2 release addresses critical vulnerabilities in the iPhone Kernel and WebKit, the underlying engine of the Safari browser, among other issues. These patches fix flaws that could allow attackers to execute malicious code on a device.

Additionally, Apple has discontinued the option to remain on iOS 17 for devices compatible with iOS 18. For older devices, Apple released iOS 17.7.3, which addresses 14 vulnerabilities.

However, the compatibility for this update is limited to specific models, including the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad 6th generation.

This change highlights Apple’s push for users with newer devices to adopt iOS 18, as staying on iOS 17 leaves devices vulnerable.

What’s Fixed in iOS 18.2?

Apple has kept details about the iOS 18.2 security patches limited to allow users ample time to update before malicious actors can exploit the vulnerabilities.

Among the key fixes are three Kernel flaws (CVE-2024-54494, CVE-2024-54510, and CVE-2024-44245), with one potentially allowing apps to cause system crashes or corrupt Kernel memory.

A particularly concerning issue in libexpat (CVE-2024-45490) could enable remote attackers to terminate apps unexpectedly or execute code.

Apple iOS 18.2

Similarly, two libxpc vulnerabilities were patched, one of which allowed apps to gain elevated privileges.

WebKit, which powers Safari, received updates to address four flaws that could lead to memory corruption when interacting with malicious web content.

Another critical vulnerability in the Passwords app (CVE-2024-54492) was patched to resolve a risk where attackers in privileged network positions could alter traffic due to the use of unencrypted HTTP for downloading icons.

The issue was resolved by switching to HTTPS, a secure protocol. Researchers from Mysk flagged this vulnerability, noting the potential risk since iOS 18’s launch.

Sean Wright, head of application security at Featurespace, emphasized the importance of addressing the issue promptly, urging users to update as soon as possible.

Other Updates Released Alongside iOS 18.2

In addition to iOS 18.2 and iOS 17.7.3, Apple released updates across its ecosystem, including Safari 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, macOS Ventura 13.7.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and visionOS 2.2. These updates fix various vulnerabilities, particularly in WebKit and Safari.

Why Update to iOS 18.2 Now?

The sheer number of security fixes and the fact that users cannot remain secure on iOS 17 make updating to iOS 18.2 crucial. Beyond security, the update introduces exciting new features, including the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT with Siri for the first time.

iOS 18.2 is available for iPhone XS and newer models, as well as various iPad generations, including iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation, iPad Air 3rd generation, iPad 7th generation, and iPad mini 5th generation.

To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install iOS 18.2 today to ensure your device remains secure and up-to-date with Apple’s latest innovations.