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Trump Campaign Raises Over $4 Million in Cryptocurrencies, With Bitcoin Leading the Charge

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Former President Donald Trump’s campaign has raised over $4 million through various digital currencies, with Bitcoin leading among the cryptocurrencies used for donations. This represents a notable shift in political fundraising, as campaigns increasingly embrace digital currencies. Bitcoin’s prominence in these donations underscores its importance and influence in the crypto space, setting a precedent for future political fundraising strategies.

In addition to Bitcoin, the Trump campaign has received substantial donations in other digital currencies such as Ethereum, XRP, and USDC. Last week alone, the campaign reported around $3 million in crypto contributions. Among the notable donors, 19 individuals contributed over $2.15 million in Bitcoin.

Prominent figures from the cryptocurrency world, like the Winklevoss twins, Kraken’s co-founder Jesse Powell, and Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty, have made significant donations, highlighting the growing intersection of politics and cryptocurrency.

Trump Campaign Raises Over $4 Million in Cryptocurrencies, With Bitcoin Leading the Charge
Trump Campaign Raises Over $4 Million in Cryptocurrencies, With Bitcoin Leading the Charge

The “Trump 47” joint fundraising committee, responsible for raising over $118 million from April to June, demonstrates the campaign’s robust financial backing. These funds are allocated to support Trump’s campaign, the Republican National Committee, and affiliated groups.

This large-scale fundraising effort showcases the campaign’s capacity to mobilize substantial financial resources from both traditional and digital avenues.

Trump’s campaign has also adopted innovative fundraising tactics, including exclusive high-ticket events. A private roundtable at the Bitcoin Conference 2024 in Nashville is being planned, with attendees required to make substantial donations to gain entry.

Ticket prices for individual supporters are set at $60,000, and couples can attend for $100,000. These events are designed to attract top-tier donors and crypto enthusiasts, further solidifying the campaign’s engagement with the cryptocurrency community.

Speculation has arisen regarding Trump’s future plans with cryptocurrencies, such as the potential promotion of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset if he is re-elected. Discussions about a Bitcoin Reserve Bill by Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis at the Nashville conference add to the anticipation.

Trump’s campaign’s focus on crypto-friendly policies has attracted a diverse group of supporters, including professionals from various sectors. Campaign aide Brian Hughes has highlighted the importance of embracing cryptocurrencies, suggesting that Trump’s leadership could be beneficial for the advancement of emerging technologies in the U.S.

Bitcoin Surges Ahead of Trump’s Keynote at Bitcoin Conference; Investors Anticipate Potential Policy Changes

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Bitcoin has recently experienced a resurgence in value, largely driven by optimistic speculation surrounding Donald Trump’s upcoming keynote address at the Bitcoin conference in Nashville.

Trump’s endorsement of cryptocurrency has generated significant excitement among investors, with many anticipating that he will propose new policies that could benefit Bitcoin, such as the establishment of a Bitcoin reserve. This speculation has contributed to a rise in Bitcoin’s price, as market participants expect potential positive announcements from Trump.

Markus Thielen, CEO of 10x Research, has pointed out that there is a notable lack of interest in selling Bitcoin over the weekend, suggesting that investors are confident in the cryptocurrency’s future.

Thielen also mentioned that many traders are avoiding short positions on Bitcoin due to fears of a possible price surge, further indicating strong market confidence in Bitcoin’s upward potential.

Bitcoin Surges Ahead of Trump’s Keynote at Bitcoin Conference; Investors Anticipate Potential Policy Changes
Bitcoin Surges Ahead of Trump’s Keynote at Bitcoin Conference; Investors Anticipate Potential Policy Changes

CoinGlass data supports this positive outlook, showing that future traders are predominantly focused on long positions rather than short ones. This shift in trading behavior is driven by the anticipation of potential price movements.

If Bitcoin’s price were to retrace to $65,000, a significant amount of long positions, totaling $1.11 billion, could be at risk of liquidation, highlighting the high stakes involved in current Bitcoin trading strategies.

As Bitcoin’s price climbs above $67,000 ahead of Trump’s speech, Thielen anticipates that it could rise even further if Trump announces plans related to Bitcoin reserves.

Drawing a comparison with the US Treasury’s gold reserves valued at $600 billion and the $15 billion worth of Bitcoin already seized by the government, Thielen speculates that Trump might propose a Bitcoin reserve ratio equivalent to 10% of the gold reserves. Such a move could potentially drive Bitcoin’s price even higher before the November elections.

The Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, which began on July 25, features prominent figures like Trump, Michael Saylor, and Cathie Wood. Additionally, presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. has advocated for the federal government to purchase Bitcoin, suggesting that his administration would align Bitcoin reserves with gold reserves if elected.

This political endorsement of Bitcoin has been well-received, with the Kraken crypto exchange expressing enthusiasm about Bitcoin’s growing role in US politics. Analysts, including Daan Crypto Trades and Willy Woo, are observing Bitcoin’s price movements and macro signals, with predictions suggesting potential future gains despite current market fluctuations.

Next U.S. President Faces Balancing Act in Regulating Social Media Companies

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The next U.S. president will face the challenging task of regulating social media companies to balance dominance, power, free speech, privacy, and innovation. Although Kamala Harris has not been officially named the Democratic nominee, she has secured substantial support, including endorsements from current President Joe Biden.

This sets up a likely head-to-head race between Harris and former President Donald Trump, with significant attention on their approaches to big tech and social media regulation.

Regarding the potential TikTok ban, Harris has not taken a clear stance, whereas Trump attempted to ban the app in 2020 but reversed his position in 2024, influenced by his ties with Republican donor Jeff Yass, who has a financial stake in TikTok.

On content moderation, Harris advocates for stricter regulations and transparency, seeking a cooperative approach between the government and social media platforms. Trump, conversely, has called for revising Section 230 and has criticized social media for spreading “fake news” while using these platforms to disseminate misinformation.

Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris

On the issues of online harassment and hate speech, Harris supports holding platforms accountable, believing they have not done enough. Trump, however, emphasizes protecting free speech over implementing stronger measures against harassment and hate speech.

In terms of data privacy, Harris pushes for stronger laws to protect consumer information and control over their data. Trump is less vocal on specific privacy policies but generally favors a lighter regulatory approach.

When it comes to antitrust enforcement, Harris is expected to continue Biden’s efforts to promote fair competition and prevent monopolies. Trump has previously taken an uncharacteristically aggressive stance for a Republican on scrutinizing mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the tech sector.

Regarding the breakup of big tech companies, Harris has shown openness to the idea, while Trump’s interest seems driven more by personal grievances than antitrust concerns.

Regarding AI regulation, Harris endorses Biden’s executive order for increased public oversight and regulation. In contrast, Trump has vowed to repeal this order if he wins the election.

Concerning election interference, Harris recognizes the danger of foreign meddling and calls on platforms to take preventative measures.

Trump insists on stronger actions from social media companies to combat election interference, accusing them of censorship and bias against conservatives, and has threatened to regulate or shut them down if they do not comply.

Open-Source AI Reaches Pivotal Moment, Challenging Proprietary Systems and Democratizing Advanced Technology

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Open-source artificial intelligence is at a major turning point, challenging the control of proprietary systems and changing the AI landscape. This week, two key events pushed open-source AI models into the spotlight, making advanced AI tools more accessible.

On Tuesday, Mark Zuckerberg from Meta announced Llama 3.1, saying it is now as advanced as the best systems from companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. The next day, a French AI lab called Mistral released Mistral Large 2, a model that competes with or surpasses the top systems, especially in handling multiple languages.

These back-to-back releases signify a major shift in the AI world. For years, tech giants have kept their most powerful AI models proprietary, citing concerns over safety, potential misuse, and competitive advantage.

The introduction of these advanced open-source models challenges this paradigm, sparking debates about equity, innovation, and the ethical implications of democratizing such transformative technology. Industry experts view these developments as a potential turning point in AI history, comparable to other pivotal technological revolutions.

Open-Source AI Reaches Pivotal Moment, Challenging Proprietary Systems and Democratizing Advanced Technology
Open-Source AI Reaches Pivotal Moment, Challenging Proprietary Systems and Democratizing Advanced Technology

The availability of frontier-level open-source models is expected to accelerate global AI development, potentially reshaping entire industries and altering the balance of power in the tech world.

This democratization of cutting-edge AI capabilities could usher in a new era of innovation and competition, with far-reaching consequences for businesses, researchers, and society at large.

Smaller companies and individual developers can now access sophisticated AI without the hefty costs or vendor lock-in associated with proprietary systems, potentially fueling unprecedented innovation as diverse global contributors build upon these tools.

However, the widespread availability of advanced AI raises new challenges. Organizations must differentiate themselves in a world where cutting-edge AI capabilities are becoming commoditized.

Business leaders and technical decision-makers need to develop strategies that leverage these open technologies while adding unique value.

The geopolitical implications are also significant, as the proliferation of open-source models could alter the global balance of power in technology. Countries and regions effectively harnessing these resources may gain significant advantages in AI development and application.

Despite the excitement, some urge caution regarding claims of parity with top proprietary models. The AI field is known for rapid advancements and shifting benchmarks, making “frontier-level” a moving target.

Additionally, raw model capability is only one factor in AI system effectiveness; data quality, fine-tuning, and application-specific optimizations are crucial for real-world performance.

The open sourcing of advanced AI intensifies debates about AI safety and ethics, as transparency can help identify and address biases but may also lower barriers for malicious actors.

Policymakers must adapt regulatory frameworks to keep pace with advancements while ensuring public safety and ethical use of AI. The future of AI is becoming more open, accessible, and participatory, and the pace of change is accelerating rapidly.

Apple Reaches Tentative Agreement with Unionized Towson Store Employees for Improved Pay and Job Protections

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The unionized employees at Apple’s Towson, Maryland retail store and the company have reached a tentative agreement that offers improved pay, job protections, and enhanced scheduling to foster a better work-life balance.

This store, which became the first Apple Store in the U.S. to unionize in 2022, had previously voted to authorize a strike in May due to unsatisfactory negotiation results.

Apple Reaches Tentative Agreement with Unionized Towson Store Employees for Improved Pay and Job Protections
Apple Reaches Tentative Agreement with Unionized Towson Store Employees for Improved Pay and Job Protections

Since January 2023, Apple has been in negotiations with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE). The resulting tentative three-year agreement includes an average raise of 10 percent for workers over the contract’s duration and higher starting pay rates for most positions.

Additionally, the agreement includes a severance clause, further protecting employees’ job security. The union, representing around 85 employees at the Towson location, has been working towards securing these benefits as part of their ongoing negotiations with Apple.

The employees at the Towson store will have the opportunity to vote on this tentative agreement on August 6. If approved, the contract could mark a significant step forward in improving conditions for Apple’s retail employees and serve as a precedent for other unionized workplaces within the company.

DOJ Seeks Dismissal of TikTok’s Challenge to U.S. Ban Citing National Security

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) urged a federal court to dismiss TikTok’s attempt to overturn a law that could lead to its ban in the United States. This law mandates ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, to sell the app or face a ban, a move President Biden enacted into law in April.

The DOJ emphasized national security concerns, alleging that TikTok uses internal search tools to gather information on users’ opinions on sensitive topics.

In documents submitted to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, the DOJ claimed that ByteDance and TikTok employees could use a search tool within Lark, the company’s web-suite system, to amass user data based on content or expressions about contentious issues like gun control, abortion, and religion.

DOJ Seeks Dismissal of TikTok’s Challenge to U.S. Ban Citing National Security
DOJ Seeks Dismissal of TikTok’s Challenge to U.S. Ban Citing National Security

The DOJ also warned that TikTok might manipulate content for US users and that sensitive user data could potentially be stored on servers in China.

TikTok has consistently denied allegations that it poses a national security threat, branding the attempts to ban it as unconstitutional. The company reiterated its stance in a recent statement on X (formerly Twitter), asserting that the Constitution supports its position and disputing the DOJ’s claims.

The legal battle underscores ongoing concerns about data privacy and national security related to Chinese-owned technology companies operating in the US. As TikTok fights to overturn the ban, the case highlights the broader geopolitical tensions and regulatory challenges surrounding digital platforms and user data protection.

Latvia Enacts Crypto Asset Services Law to Regulate Blockchain Businesses, Aiming to Foster Innovation and Attract Investment

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Latvia has recently enacted the Crypto Asset Services Law, aiming to provide regulatory clarity for blockchain businesses and foster innovation within the country. This new law addresses the issuance, public offering, and trading of blockchain assets, requiring crypto service providers to obtain a license from the Bank of Latvia.

Prior to this legislation, crypto companies in Latvia operated without relevant permits, leading to a lack of consumer protection and anti-money laundering regulations.

The new law mandates that firms and individuals consulting on blockchain technology demonstrate sufficient competence, impose annual monitoring fees, and set significant fines for non-compliance.

Key components of the law include the licensing requirement, with application costs starting at €1.25K and potentially exceeding €3K, and an annual monitoring fee of 0.6% of gross revenue for crypto service providers. The legislation also sets forth severe penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to €5M for individuals and €15M for companies.

Latvia enacts Crypto Asset Services Law to regulate blockchain businesses, aiming to foster innovation and attract investment.
Latvia enacts Crypto Asset Services Law to regulate blockchain businesses, aiming to foster innovation and attract investment.

While the law provides a framework for licensing and fees, it doesn’t specify other responsibilities for crypto service providers. However, Latvia has adopted the EU-wide Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCa), which offers additional investor protections and anti-financial crime measures.

Latvia plans to allocate €210M by 2035 to support crypto and blockchain innovation. The Ministry of Finance is working on enabling tax payments and capital contributions in crypto, and the Bank of Latvia will offer funding to crypto firms through its Innovation Hub.

This financial commitment reflects Latvia’s strategic vision to become a leading hub for Web3 businesses in Europe, leveraging blockchain technology to drive economic growth.

Despite currently having only around 30 crypto companies, Latvia’s new legislation aims to attract more blockchain businesses and foreign investments. Since the law’s enactment, several Lithuanian companies have shown interest in obtaining operational licenses in Latvia.

The government plans to double its GDP over the next decade, allocating substantial funds for digitalization and innovation, demonstrating a strong belief in blockchain technology’s potential to boost the economy.

Latvia’s Crypto Asset Services Law positions the country as a pioneer in the regulatory environment for digital assets. The legislation could significantly transform Latvia’s economy by attracting crypto entrepreneurs and investors.

However, the success of these policies will depend on their effective implementation and the country’s ability to maintain a supportive environment for blockchain innovation.

Revolut Obtains UK Banking License, Enabling Expanded Services After a Three-Year Wait, Announced by Antoine Le Nel

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British fintech startup Revolut has finally gotten its UK banking license from the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) after waiting three years. The license was given to a part of Revolut Group Holdings Ltd., so the company won’t switch its UK customers over right away but will keep working as an e-money institution regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Antoine Le Nel, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer & Partner at Revolut, shared this news on LinkedIn.

Revolut’s co-founder and CEO, Nik Storonsky, expressed pride in achieving this milestone and emphasized the company’s commitment to becoming the preferred bank for UK customers.

Although Revolut secured a banking license in the European Union in 2018 with assistance from the Bank of Lithuania, acquiring a similar license in its home country has been more challenging. The company has been pursuing this goal since 2021, and the lack of a UK banking license has previously limited its growth, particularly in offering credit products like personal loans, overdrafts, and credit cards.

Revolut obtains UK banking license, enabling expanded services after a three-year wait, announced by Antoine Le Nel.
Revolut obtains a UK banking license, enabling expanded services after a three-year wait, announced by Antoine Le Nel.

For Revolut customers, the new banking license signifies upcoming improvements and expanded services. However, immediate changes are not expected as the company is currently in the “mobilization” stage, which includes certain restrictions.

This stage can last several months but typically does not exceed 12 months. One major restriction during this period is that the bank cannot hold more than £50,000 in total customer deposits, which may limit some of its operations temporarily.

Revolut, founded in 2015, boasts over 45 million customers globally, with 9 million in the UK alone. The company reported substantial financial growth in 2023, with $2.2 billion (£1.8 billion) in revenue and $545 million (£438 million) in pre-tax profit.

This period also marked the first time in three years that Revolut published its audit reports, signaling a move towards greater transparency, which may have positively influenced the PRA’s decision to grant the banking license.

Revolut’s acquisition of the UK banking license marks a crucial step in its expansion and ability to offer a broader range of financial products to its customers. The company is poised for significant growth and development as it transitions through the mobilization stage and begins to leverage the full benefits of its new banking status.

OpenAI Introduces SearchGPT, A New Search Engine Merging Real-Time Web Data with AI Capabilities For More Accurate Answers

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AI generative text tools, like ChatGPT, train their models by analyzing vast amounts of text from the internet, a process similar to what search engines like Google do. This overlap in functionality has led to the development of SearchGPT, a new search engine from OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT.

SearchGPT is designed to integrate the capabilities of AI with up-to-date web information to deliver quick and relevant answers, while also incorporating clear sources. Currently, it is available as a prototype, with plans to integrate its features into the broader ChatGPT ecosystem.

The rationale behind SearchGPT lies in the inherent limitations of current AI models. For example, ChatGPT-4, as of its latest update, only includes data up until April 2023. This means it cannot provide real-time information or updates beyond that period.

OpenAI Introduces SearchGPT, A New Search Engine Merging Real-Time Web Data with AI Capabilities For More Accurate Answers
OpenAI Introduces SearchGPT, A New Search Engine Merging Real-Time Web Data with AI Capabilities For More Accurate Answers

By incorporating indexed search data that is continually updated, SearchGPT aims to offer more current and precise information. This is particularly useful for retrieving the latest details, such as current political candidates, which ChatGPT-4 may not accurately reflect.

In response to concerns about copyright and data usage, OpenAI has taken steps to address these issues with SearchGPT. The company has acknowledged criticism regarding the use of copyrighted materials for training its models and has sought to address these concerns by partnering with publishers.

The new search engine will offer features allowing publishers to manage their appearance and ensure proper attribution in search results.

SearchGPT is presented as a temporary tool for now, with its features potentially becoming part of the ChatGPT platform in the future. This approach suggests a strategy of gradual integration, allowing OpenAI to refine the tool based on user feedback and operational experience before fully merging its capabilities with existing ChatGPT applications.

SearchGPT represents an effort to enhance the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated information by combining the strengths of AI models with real-time search data. It reflects OpenAI’s attempt to address previous criticisms and adapt its technology to better serve users by providing timely and well-sourced answers.

Tesla Warns Against Dangerous “Wet Towel” Charging Hack to Avoid Overheating

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Tesla car culture is known for its abundance of hacks and shortcuts, some of which have proven to be effective while others less so. One popular but ill-advised trick among Tesla owners, known as the “wet towel” trick, has recently prompted the Tesla Charging department to issue a public warning.

The trick involves wrapping a damp, cool cloth around the Supercharger cable handle with the belief that it will accelerate the charging process by cooling the handle and deceiving the temperature monitors into increasing the charging speed.

The rationale behind this trick is based on the idea that the Supercharger has temperature sensors designed to prevent overheating during the charging process.

Some Tesla owners speculate that by cooling the charging handle, they can trick these sensors into allowing a higher charging rate. However, this assumption overlooks the potential dangers involved in manipulating such a sophisticated system.

Tesla Warns Against Dangerous "Wet Towel" Charging Hack to Avoid Overheating
Tesla Warns Against Dangerous “Wet Towel” Charging Hack to Avoid Overheating

Tesla has clarified that wrapping a wet towel around the Supercharger handle can result in inaccurate temperature readings. If the sensor believes the temperature is lower than it actually is, the system could fail to prevent overheating, leading to a risk of damage or even fire. This warning emphasizes the importance of adhering to the designed safety protocols and not attempting to bypass the built-in safeguards.

Despite the obvious risks, it took Tesla more than two months to address the issue publicly. The warning came in response to a growing number of discussions about the trick on auto news websites and Reddit forums.

The Tesla Charging account on the social media platform X posted a message advising customers to stop using the “wet towel” trick and highlighting the dangers associated with it.

This incident highlights a broader issue within Tesla’s communication strategy. Since dissolving its public relations team in 2020, the company has struggled with timely and effective communication. Elon Musk’s decision to eliminate the PR department was based on his desire to avoid spending money on advertising and public relations.

However, this approach has led to significant communication gaps, such as the delayed response to the “wet towel” trick, which could have been addressed sooner with a dedicated PR team.

Proton Launches Secure Self-Custody Bitcoin Wallet, Emphasizing Privacy and Control

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Proton, known for its secure VPN service, is entering the cryptocurrency space with the Proton Wallet, a self-custody Bitcoin wallet. This wallet allows users to control their private keys, ensuring they are not dependent on Proton for access to their Bitcoin. Proton’s motivation to create this wallet stemmed from a 2014 incident where PayPal froze its assets, emphasizing the risks of relying on centralized financial institutions.

The Proton Wallet includes features like a recovery phrase for key recovery, two-factor authentication, and end-to-end encryption to ensure top-notch security. Even Proton employees cannot access users’ Bitcoin. Additionally, the wallet enhances privacy by rotating public addresses with each new transaction, making it difficult to track transactions through blockchain explorers.

Proton Launches Secure Self-Custody Bitcoin Wallet, Emphasizing Privacy and Control
Proton Launches Secure Self-Custody Bitcoin Wallet, Emphasizing Privacy and Control

Currently, the Proton Wallet is available in early access to subscribers of Proton’s Visionary or Lifetime plans, with plans to release it to all users soon. The wallet supports only Bitcoin at launch, but Proton intends to add more cryptocurrencies based on user feedback. A Proton Wallet Plus plan is also in development to offer additional protection for vulnerable users such as activists, journalists, and executives.

Integration with the Proton ecosystem, which includes 100 million accounts, allows users to send and receive Bitcoin using email addresses instead of long public keys. This integration simplifies transactions and enhances the user experience within the Proton ecosystem.

Proton’s innovation extends beyond cryptocurrency; it recently introduced Proton Docs, an end-to-end encrypted document editor aimed at offering a private alternative to Google Docs.

Proton Docs emphasizes privacy, pledging never to track user data or use it for AI training. Based in Switzerland, Proton benefits from strong privacy laws and is not part of the Five Eyes alliance, ensuring robust protection against both local and foreign surveillance.

Bitcoin Cash Price Drops as Mt. Gox Repayment Program Begins and Market Dynamics Shift

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The price of Bitcoin Cash (BCH) has declined following the commencement of the Mt. Gox repayment program. Mt. Gox, a defunct cryptocurrency exchange, transferred 48,641 BTC to the Kraken crypto exchange for distribution to its creditors. This transfer marks a significant event in the crypto market, influencing the supply dynamics and prices of BTC and BCH.

Kraken’s CEO, David Ripley, confirmed the successful transfer of these assets back to Mt. Gox creditors through the exchange. Subsequently, creditors started withdrawing their BTC and BCH tokens from Kraken, leading to a massive inflow of these tokens into the market. This influx exerted significant downward pressure on the price of Bitcoin Cash, causing noticeable price dips.

Furthermore, Mt. Gox sent additional BTC to the Bitstamp crypto exchange, contributing to increased market volatility. BCH saw a near 3% decline in the past 24 hours due to these activities. The repayment scheme, which began in July, involves five exchanges, including Kraken and Bitstamp, distributing payments to Mt. Gox creditors.

Bitcoin Cash Price Drops as Mt. Gox Repayment Program Begins and Market Dynamics Shift
Bitcoin Cash Price Drops as Mt. Gox Repayment Program Begins and Market Dynamics Shift

Data from Arkham indicates that Bitstamp received 5,110 BTC worth $340.1 million, spread across four wallet addresses. Mt. Gox has moved $2.85 billion worth of Bitcoin to new wallets and distributed 5,110 BTC to Bitstamp addresses, leaving its wallet holding 85,234 BTC valued at $5.70 billion.

Altinvest.finance reports that while a significant amount of Bitcoin is still awaiting distribution, the progress made so far is a positive development. They advised stakeholders to remain vigilant and patient during this period, anticipating price fluctuations and renewed regulatory discussions to protect investors and ensure market stability.

Despite the recent decline, Bitcoin Cash has shown signs of recovery. After suffering a price drop between July 22-23, BCH found support at the $362.04 price level and formed a green candle on the daily chart, suggesting potential for recovery.

BCH is currently trading above the median band of the Donchian Channel, indicating a possible price increase. The RSI is at 47.72, suggesting that a move above 50 could signal a bullish trend. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index indicates that investor sentiment remains optimistic, hinting at positive price action for BCH in the coming weeks.

Study Shows Rise in Micromobility Injuries Highlights Need for Improved Safety Measures

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UC San Francisco researchers have reported a significant increase in accidents related to micromobility vehicles, such as electric scooters and bicycles, within urban environments.

Their study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed injury and hospitalization data across the U.S. for both electric and conventional scooters and bicycles. This research is notable as it is the first comprehensive investigation into the recent injury trends associated with these vehicles in the country.

The study revealed a concerning rise in injuries: e-bicycle injuries doubled annually from 2017 to 2022, and e-scooter injuries increased by 45%. Notably, e-riders were generally older and less likely to wear helmets compared to conventional riders.

E-scooter users experienced more internal injuries, while conventional scooter riders had more upper extremity injuries. These findings highlight a demographic shift and emphasize the need for enhanced safety measures to accommodate the growing use of micromobility vehicles.

Micromobility has expanded rapidly, especially in urban areas, due to the affordability and convenience of electric scooters and bicycles, which can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour.

Study Shows Rise in Micromobility Injuries Highlights Need for Improved Safety Measures
Study Shows Rise in Micromobility Injuries Highlights Need for Improved Safety Measures

Despite their benefits in reducing congestion and emissions, these vehicles pose significant safety risks, particularly for inexperienced riders. The researchers utilized data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, examining injury types, regions affected, and helmet usage.

From 2017 to 2022, e-bicycle injuries increased from 751 to 23,493, and e-scooter injuries rose from 8,566 to 56,847. In total, the study recorded nearly 2.5 million bicycle injuries, over 304,000 scooter injuries, 45,586 e-bicycle injuries, and approximately 189,517 e-scooter injuries.

The data indicated that urban settings saw a higher incidence of both conventional and electric vehicle injuries, with older riders more frequently engaging in risky behaviors such as intoxicated riding and not wearing helmets.

The median age for injured e-bicyclists was 39, compared to 30 for conventional bikers, while the median age for e-scooter riders was 30 compared to 11 for conventional scooter users.

The authors, including co-first author Kevin D. Li and senior author Dr. Benjamin N. Breyer, stressed the importance of a multifaceted approach to improve micromobility safety. This includes developing better infrastructure in urban areas, promoting helmet use, and encouraging sober riding through educational campaigns.

They emphasized that understanding and addressing the safety challenges of micromobility vehicles is crucial to fully leveraging their potential for creating more sustainable, healthy, and safe urban environments.

Motherboard Market Set for Strong Recovery in 2024 with New CPU Releases

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The motherboard market has seen a significant decline in sales since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2022 being a notably difficult year for the leading manufacturers.

However, 2024 is projected to mark a significant recovery, with sales expected to surpass the figures seen in 2019. This anticipated rebound is attributed to several factors, including the upcoming releases of AMD’s Ryzen 9000 and Intel’s Arrow Lake desktop CPUs, which are expected to drive demand.

According to a Digitimes report, the four major motherboard manufacturers – Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, and Asrock – are forecasted to deliver a combined 38.8 million units in 2024, a significant increase from the previous years and a return to pre-pandemic sales levels.

This projection surpasses the 37.6 million units sold in 2019, indicating a strong recovery for the industry. Asus is expected to lead with 15 million units, followed by Gigabyte with 10.3 million, MSI with 9.3 million, and Asrock with 4.2 million units.

Motherboard Market Set for Strong Recovery in 2024 with New CPU Releases
Motherboard Market Set for Strong Recovery in 2024 with New CPU Releases

The sector’s downturn from 2020 to 2022 was severe, with a sharp decline in 2022 where sales dropped nearly 25% year-on-year, translating to ten million fewer units sold.

This period saw Asrock experiencing the most drastic reduction, with shipments plummeting by 55% from 6 million units in 2021 to 2.7 million in 2022. MSI also faced a significant decline of 42%, with Asus and Gigabyte seeing decreases of 25% and 14%, respectively.

The decline was driven by several factors, including the reduction in demand for home computing equipment as workers returned to offices and a downturn in the cryptocurrency market, which lessened the need for mining-related hardware.

Additionally, despite the release of new processors and motherboards in 2022 and 2023, economic uncertainties caused PC buyers and DIY builders to hold back on purchases.

The outlook for 2024 is much more positive, with AMD and Intel set to release their new desktop processors later in the year, which is expected to spur motherboard sales. AMD’s Ryzen 9000-series processors will launch on July 31, 2024, and Intel’s Arrow Lake chips are anticipated in October.

The introduction of new chipsets and motherboards, along with China’s reopening and subsequent economic recovery, are significant factors contributing to the resurgence of the motherboard market. Increased economic activity and consumer confidence in China, coupled with eased production disruptions, are expected to bolster the industry’s recovery further.

Developer Runs Windows 11 on iPhone 15 Pro Using New Emulator

Contrary to the belief that Apple and Microsoft would never allow their software to coexist on the same device, a developer has managed to run Windows 11 on the latest iPhone 15 Pro.

This feat was accomplished using a new emulator called UTM SE, available on the App Store. Emulation allows one hardware architecture to mimic another, enabling the iPhone’s ARM-based silicon to emulate a PC environment. Despite this technical success, the user experience is far from ideal.

The developer of a compact version of Windows 11, known as Tiny11, utilized UTM SE to get the OS running on the iPhone 15 Pro. The process showcases significant technical prowess but results in a rather rough and unrefined user experience.

Screenshots shared by NTDEV reveal that the emulated Windows 11 instance operates on modest virtual specifications: a 1GHz single-core CPU and 2GB of RAM. This is substantially below Windows 11’s standard requirements, which include at least 4GB of RAM.

NTDEV’s experiment highlights the limitations of running a full desktop OS on a mobile device. The performance is sluggish, with the boot process taking about 20 minutes.

The screenshots display a cramped and awkwardly framed Windows interface, emphasizing the challenges of fitting a desktop environment onto a smartphone screen. Although the text rendering and UI appear functional, the overall experience is hampered by significant performance issues.

The difference between emulation and virtualization is critical to understanding this accomplishment. Emulation involves mimicking an entirely different hardware architecture, whereas virtualization creates virtual environments within the same architecture.

Developer Runs Windows 11 on iPhone 15 Pro Using New Emulator
Developer Runs Windows 11 on iPhone 15 Pro Using New Emulator

UTM SE performs the complex task of translating Windows’ x86 instructions into ARM-compatible ones, allowing Windows 11 to run on the iPhone’s ARM-based processor.

While this endeavor is a novel achievement, it’s not unprecedented in the tech world. Enthusiasts have long been pushing the boundaries of what mobile devices can do, such as running PC and console games on smartphones. Recent advancements in smartphone technology have improved these capabilities.

Similar initiatives include Google demonstrating ChromeOS on an Android handset, illustrating that while integrating a full desktop OS onto an iPhone remains a technical challenge, it’s a pursuit that continues to capture the imagination of developers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Cyber Criminals Exploit Microsoft Outage Amid Increased Phishing and Malware Threats

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Opportunistic cyber criminals are exploiting the recent Microsoft outage caused by an error from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike during an update. Security agencies are alerting organizations and individuals to the heightened risk of cyber attacks following the global crash of millions of machines on 19 July.

This pattern of exploitation is consistent with past incidents such as the 2024 UK General Election, the cost-of-living crisis, and the Covid-19 pandemic. These events have historically been targeted by malicious actors for phishing and other cyber attacks.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has confirmed that the outages were not due to a security incident or malicious activity, but they still advise high alertness.

Cyber Criminals Exploit Microsoft Outage Amid Increased Phishing and Malware Threats
Cyber Criminals Exploit Microsoft Outage Amid Increased Phishing and Malware Threats

An increase in phishing attempts referencing the outage has been observed, targeting both organizations and individuals. The NCSC recommends reviewing its guidance to implement multi-layer phishing defenses and remaining vigilant against suspicious communications.

The United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) supports the NCSC’s warnings, noting ongoing phishing attempts by cyber threat actors leveraging the outage.

CISA is actively collaborating with CrowdStrike and other partners to monitor and address emerging threats. Similarly, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has reported malicious websites and unofficial code claiming to offer recovery solutions for the outage.

Financially motivated threat actors are expected to exploit the confusion from the outage, according to researchers at ReliaQuest. They predict a surge in phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks aiming to compromise credentials and deploy malware.

ReliaQuest emphasizes the importance of following official remediation advice to mitigate these threats. Additionally, an individual falsely claiming responsibility for the incident was banned from a dark web forum for failing to provide proof.

CrowdStrike has identified instances of malicious code circulating, including a fake update named crowdstrike-hotfix.zip containing a HijackLoader payload that deploys the Remcos remote access Trojan (RAT).

This malicious file was first uploaded from Mexico during the outage. CrowdStrike also noted an increase in typo-squatting domains designed to trap users who mistype the company’s name. They advise ensuring communications with CrowdStrike through official channels and following their technical guidance.

Solana Price Surge Sparks Investor Speculation on $1,000 Target

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Despite the overall struggles in the cryptocurrency market, Solana (SOL) has recently seen a significant price surge of 34% since July 4. This impressive performance has caught the attention of investors, with many speculating about even higher price targets for SOL.

Notably, analyst Ali Martinez has suggested that Solana might break out and reach $1,000, a prediction that has further fueled investor interest.

Martinez identified a bullish pattern known as a bull pennant on Solana’s weekly chart, suggesting a solid continuation of the upward trend. According to his analysis, SOL has broken out above the upper trendline of the pennant, indicating increasing bullish momentum.

Currently trading around $173.73, Martinez’s projection of $1,000 for Solana would mean a staggering 478% increase from its current levels. However, he cautioned that volume confirmation is essential to validate this breakout.

Solana Price Surge Sparks Investor Speculation on $1,000 Target
Solana Price Surge Sparks Investor Speculation on $1,000 Target

Supporting Martinez’s bullish outlook, another analyst on Tradingview noted a cup and handle pattern for Solana, suggesting a potential price rise to $1,400, which would represent a 709% increase from $173.

Despite these optimistic predictions, market sentiment around Solana remains negative, according to data from Santiment. The report suggests that if traders shift from fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) to fear of missing out (FOMO), it could drive SOL’s price to $200 soon.

Solana’s recent performance has not been driven solely by technical analysis. The cryptocurrency has seen a 34% rally in the past month, spurred by internal developments and external market factors.

A significant catalyst was the news of potential spot SOL ETFs, with applications from 3iQ Capital in Canada and VanEck in the USA in late June, indicating growing institutional interest in Solana. This news initially sparked the rally, signaling a favorable environment for the cryptocurrency.

Favorable macroeconomic data has also contributed to Solana’s bullish momentum. Positive figures from the Non-Farm Payrolls and Consumer Price Index (CPI) have created a supportive environment for crypto assets. Solana’s price recently broke the $154 resistance level to reach $163, its highest in 40 trading days.

With bullish MACD and RSI indicators, combined with the bullish technical patterns and ambitious price targets, Solana appears poised for further gains, presenting an exciting opportunity for investors aiming for the potential $1,000 rally.

Microsoft Introduces Persistent Backup Notifications in Windows 11

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Microsoft has introduced a new, unavoidable pop-up notification in Windows 11, promoting the use of its built-in cloud backup solution. This notification appears while many users are still frustrated by frequent Windows 11 update alerts. The new pop-up specifically advises users to back up their systems using Microsoft’s backup service, suggesting that doing so will protect their data in case something happens to their PC.

The notifications serve as an indirect push for users to store their file backups on Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud service. While presenting this option, Microsoft is also advertising additional storage space for OneDrive.

The free version of OneDrive offers 5GB of storage, which can be quickly exhausted if users back up all their files as suggested. To get more storage, users must pay $2 per month for 100GB or $7 per month for 1TB, with discounts available for annual payments.

Microsoft Introduces Persistent Backup Notifications in Windows 11
Microsoft Introduces Persistent Backup Notifications in Windows 11

A significant point of contention is that this backup notification cannot be disabled, effectively forcing users to either use the service or repeatedly dismiss the alerts.

This aggressive promotion has led to user frustration, as it’s perceived as another instance of Microsoft pushing its services through intrusive ads and reminders. Despite the notification being dismissible temporarily, it reappears, perpetuating user annoyance.

While backing up important data is generally recommended, users are not limited to Microsoft’s OneDrive for this purpose.

There are numerous free backup software options available that can perform offline backups, eliminating the need for cloud storage and avoiding Microsoft’s pushy tactics. These alternatives can provide similar data protection without the recurring interruptions from OneDrive notifications.

This content was originally published by PC-WELT and has been translated and localized from German for this article. It highlights user dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s persistent advertising strategies in Windows 11, while also providing insight into alternative backup solutions.

Immediate Revamps CMP Strategy to Enhance Data Practices and Ad Tech Partnerships

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Immediate’s consent management platforms (CMPs) serve a pivotal role beyond compliance with data laws, steering strategic ad tech partnerships by assessing their cookie practices.

Mario Lamaa, the director of revenue operations at Immediate, spearheaded efforts to scrutinize partners’ data usage starting in 2023, leading to the termination of those who couldn’t justify their practices.

This initiative significantly reduced Immediate’s ad tech partners from nearly 900 at the beginning of 2023 to around 150 by year’s end, with a goal to streamline further to about 50 by mid-next year.

The primary aim of this reduction is to refine and enhance the value of data shared with partners. Immediate evaluates each partner’s necessity based on data monetization potential and adherence to acceptable data practices.

Immediate Revamps CMP Strategy to Enhance Data Practices and Ad Tech Partnerships
Immediate Revamps CMP Strategy to Enhance Data Practices and Ad Tech Partnerships

Despite the potential for revenue loss from fewer partners, Immediate compensates by offering advertisers richer, more transparent data directly, thus maintaining and potentially enhancing its appeal to advertisers.

This strategy marks a significant shift from the checkbox compliance approach of many publishers. Immediate’s CMPs facilitate detailed consent management, allowing the exclusion of non-compliant vendors, conducting audits, revoking access for suspicious activities, and documenting data flows.

This meticulous approach enables Immediate to perform regular privacy audits, ensuring robust data protection and transparency, ultimately enhancing user trust.

Immediate’s nuanced approach to CMPs highlights their importance in interacting with users and providing personalized consent messages.

This approach moves beyond the traditional role of CMPs as mere compliance tools, emphasizing user-centric data practices and strategic business control. By progressively refining its CMP strategy, Immediate underscores the value of understanding and managing data use intricately.

Balancing revenue generation with user privacy and transparency is central to Immediate’s strategy. By allocating 20% of their inventory to not involve data sharing, Immediate demonstrates a commitment to privacy that transcends revenue goals.

This balanced approach ensures compliance and user trust while maintaining a strategic edge in data monetization, setting Immediate apart in the competitive landscape of digital advertising.

New Rapid Test by Alveo Technologies Detects H5N1 Avian Influenza in Cattle and Humans in Colorado

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A new rapid molecular test for detecting the latest H5N1 avian influenza variants in cattle and recent human infections in Colorado has been developed by Alveo Technologies Inc. This test represents a significant advancement in the fight against bird flu, utilizing Alveo’s proprietary technology platform.

The company has confirmed through in silico analysis that their handheld, point-of-need molecular diagnostic can detect H5N1 variants based on genetic sequences from recent human cases in Colorado and infections found in cattle.

The Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) released the genetic sequence of the H5N1 virus from a dairy farm worker in Colorado on July 15 and 16, highlighting a concerning mammalian adaptation marker (E627K).

This marker suggests that cattle could be shedding a virus adapted to mammals, posing a risk of reintroducing the virus to commercial poultry or driving it toward further mammalian adaptation. Such a development increases the likelihood of H5N1 gaining the ability to spread more efficiently among humans.

New Rapid Test by Alveo Technologies Detects H5N1 Avian Influenza in Cattle and Humans in Colorado
New Rapid Test by Alveo Technologies Detects H5N1 Avian Influenza in Cattle and Humans in Colorado

According to a report by the UK Health Security Agency, the risk of H5N1 evolving to cause human transmission has increased from a previously remote chance to a higher probability, although precise risk levels remain uncertain.

Alveo Technologies underscores the critical importance of increased testing capacity for both animals and humans in combating emerging infectious diseases like avian influenza.

Alveo’s analysis of their Avian influenza A subtype H5 LAMP designs against recent human and bovine sequences from GISAID showed that their test could detect all 12 reported emerging H5 sequences. These results support the efficacy of Alveo’s LAMP Avian influenza assay in identifying clade 4.3.4.4b, H5N1 variants, including those infecting humans.

The company plans to begin shipping its Flockscreen LAMP Avian Influenza Molecular Test for poultry to Europe and the Middle East by the third quarter of 2024, pending regulatory validation and verification.

Shaun Holt, CEO of Alveo Technologies, emphasized the urgent need for rapid, precise diagnostics to prevent H5N1 from evolving into a virus that spreads efficiently among humans. Alveo’s portable molecular testing platform aims to provide accurate results quickly, supporting limited laboratory resources and capacity.

The company’s efforts, including partnerships for accessing field samples and rigorous product development, position them at the forefront of intersecting human, animal, and food health, making molecular detection and diagnostics more accessible across various settings.