That is a great strategy. Another one is to buy Bitcoin in bear market and wait for the next bull cycle. It will reap rewards from that and also any other included events like the Halving itself.
So, I was surprised to see the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement in my recommendation. I didn't follow any of the leaks, so hearing something official is good!
Not having time to play video games is understandable... To be fair, unless you really want to play a game published by a Nintendo, I don't recommend getting their consoles. If you want to get back to gaming, I recommend PC, (any PC) or a Steam Deck.
A major copyright lawsuit against Meta has revealed a trove of internal communications about the company’s plans to develop its Llama open-source AI models, which includes discussions about avoiding “media coverage suggesting we have used a dataset we know to be pirated.”
The messages, which were part of a series of exhibits unsealed by a California court, suggest Meta used copyrighted data when training its AI systems and worked to conceal it — as it raced to beat rivals like OpenAI and Mistral. Portions of the messages were first revealed last week.
In an October 2023 email to Meta AI researcher Hugo Touvron, Ahmad Al-Dahle, Meta’s vice president of generative AI, wrote that the company’s goal “needs to be GPT4,” referring to the large language model OpenAI announced in March 2023. Meta had “to learn how to build frontier and win this race,” Al-Dahle added. Those plans apparently involved the book piracy site Library Genesis (LibGen) to train its AI systems.
An undated email from Meta director of product Sony Theakanath, sent to VP of AI research Joelle Pineau, weighed whether to use LibGen internally only, for benchmarks included in a blog post, or to create a model trained on the site. In the email, Theakanath writes that “GenAI has been approved to use LibGen for Llama3... with a number of agreed upon mitigations” after escalating it to “MZ” — presumably Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. As noted in the email, Theakanath believed “Libgen is essential to meet SOTA [state-of-the-art] numbers,” adding “it is known that OpenAI and Mistral are using the library for their models (through word of mouth).” Mistral and OpenAI haven’t stated whether they use LibGen. (The Verge reached out to both for more information.)
If you wanted to use all of Google’s AI features inside Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and the rest of the Workspace suite, you previously needed to pony up another $20 per user per month for the Gemini Business plan. As of Tuesday, it’s free. Google is bringing all its AI features to its Workspace app at no extra cost as it continues to race Microsoft, OpenAI, and others to build the AI-powered office suite of the future.
There is a catch, though: as it makes this change, Google is increasing the price of all Workspace plans. Jerry Dischler, Google’s president of cloud applications, tells me companies will pay roughly $2 more per month per user for the AI-enabled Workspace than they were paying before. (The numbers aren’t exact, because companies have complicated and varying contracts, but the base subscription price was $12 a month and now it will be $14.)
Workspace AI includes things like email summaries in Gmail, generated designs for spreadsheets and videos, an automated note-taker for meetings, the powerful NotebookLM research assistant, and writing tools across apps. It also comes with access to the Gemini bot itself, which is maybe Google’s single most powerful AI tool; the bot can do standard chatbot thing but can also help you find information, search across all your stuff, and more.
Dischler points out that Google is the most vertically integrated AI product out there right now, but that only matters if people are using the whole system. Now, everyone can. “Most of the time, when we talk to companies who are using AI, their big impediment is cost reasons,” he says. “That’s why they go in so gingerly. Like, ‘wow, this is a lot of money, and let’s prove the value.’ All right, now you get the AI. You have the value.” He says the various app roadmaps are already changing, too, and that new features will begin to ship quickly.
Google’s not the only company walking back its AI up-charge: Microsoft announced in November that its own Copilot Pro AI features, which had also previously been a $20 monthly upgrade, would become part of the standard Microsoft 365 subscription. So far, that’s only for the Personal and Family subscriptions, and only in a few places. But these companies all understand that this is their moment to teach people new ways to use their products and win new customers in the process. They’re betting that the cost of rolling out all these AI features to everyone will be worth it in the long run.
Microsoft is bundling its AI-powered Office features into Microsoft 365 Personal and Home subscriptions, but it’s also raising prices as a result. Previously, Microsoft 365 subscribers had to pay an extra $20 per month to get Copilot inside Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as part of a Copilot Pro subscription, but Microsoft is now adding these AI features to Microsoft 365 apps for an extra $3 per month. Existing subscribers can opt out of the AI features and not suffer the price increase, though.
Microsoft has been testing adding AI-powered Office apps, the most important feature of Copilot Pro, into the Microsoft 365 subscriptions in recent months. What was previously only available in Australia, New Zealand, and a number of countries across Asia is now expanding to most markets worldwide.
While it feels like Microsoft is admitting that people aren’t willing to pay an extra $20 a month for AI-powered Office features, Microsoft argues it has always wanted to bring AI features to more users.
“We know that people are willing to pay for the integration into Microsoft 365,” says Gareth Oystryk, senior director of marketing for Copilot Pro and Microsoft 365, in an interview with The Verge. “Copilot Pro is an opportunity to learn from our power users and early adopters. Our plan all along has been how do we bring this value to as many subscribers as possible in a way that works for them and for us.”
Copilot Pro isn’t going away, and Microsoft isn’t reducing its $20 monthly pricing, either. It will remain for power users who want priority access to the latest AI models, along with early access to new AI features. “We definitely have a place for Copilot Pro,” says Oystryk. “There is still a group of folks that enjoy the power use of Copilot Pro.”
Microsoft is raising the price of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions by $3 per month in the US to bring these AI-powered Office features to all subscribers. “We are raising the prices of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family for the first time in 12 years,” says Oystryk. “We’ve never actually raised the price in the US and we’re raising it by $3 a month, along with similar amounts in other markets.”
Nobody likes price increases, and consumers are especially sensitive to being asked to pay more for AI features right now. If you don’t want to pay extra for these AI features, then Microsoft will have plans for existing subscribers to remain at the same price point without Copilot in Office apps.
“We’ve created two new plans that are really only going to be available for the next year, Personal Classic and Family Classic,” explains Oystryk. “They’ll be available as folks go through the renewal cycle. If they go to cancel they’ll have the opportunity to pick one of these Personal Classic or Family Classic plans.”
These plans will only be available to existing Microsoft 365 subscribers, and new subscribers will get AI-powered Office features by default with the new pricing changes. It sounds like the classic plans won’t get any of Microsoft’s big new features, though. “They’ll continue to get security updates and minor feature updates, but any new additional innovations that we deliver in the future won’t be included in those plans,” says Oystryk.
TikTok employees in the US will still have jobs even if the app is banned in the country. The company is apparently not planning to leave the US in the near term even if it is banned. The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision on whether to overturn the ban before the law takes effect on Sunday. TikTok's leadership team remains laser focused on planning for various scenarios and is continuing to plan the way forward.
The C-button is a term commonly used in gaming, particularly in 3D games. In most cases, it refers to the button used for camera control, allowing players to adjust the camera angle or switch between different camera views. This button is often found on consoles like the Nintendo 64, where it was a dedicated button for camera manipulation. According to Nintendo's documentation, the C-buttons on the N64 controller are used for various in-game actions, including camera control.
Hong Kong courts have begun serving tokenized legal notices to illicit Tron wallets and freezing assets tied to scams, setting a new standard for blockchain-based justice.
The video compares key features between Windows 11 and Kubuntu, a Linux distribution, highlighting their similarities and differences in file management, performance, taskbar design, and software installation.
📁 The default file manager in Windows 11 is File Explorer, with a classic design and customizable features.
🐬 The file manager in Kubuntu is called Dolphin, offering a simple and lightweight experience with the option to add or remove file operation buttons.
📊 Both operating systems allow for viewing files as icons, lists, or lists with descriptions, but Kubuntu offers a slider for freely customizing icon size.
Performance
🔍 The video tests performance by creating 1,000 files on both operating systems, finding that Kubuntu moves folders instantly, while Windows sometimes requires waiting for a loading popup to finish.
📈 The test highlights differences in file system performance between the two operating systems.
🖥️ The Windows taskbar is minimalistic, with limited features that can be added, while the Kubuntu panel has a similar layout to older Windows taskbar designs.
📈 The Kubuntu panel allows for moving items like date and time, resizing the panel, and adding widgets for extra features.
🎨 Both operating systems offer customization options, with Kubuntu having a wide range of themes available.
Software Installation
🛍️ The Windows Store offers a vast catalog of apps, games, and movies, while the Kubuntu Software Center (Discover) features open-source software from verified repositories.
📦 On Windows, programs are often downloaded as exe files from the internet, while on Linux, it's recommended to use the Software Center or terminal for installation.
🔍 The terminal can be intimidating, but installing software with it is relatively simple using package managers like sudo.
A Blue Origin, empresa espacial de Jeff Bezos, realizou o lançamento do New Glenn, seu foguete projetado para levar cargas ao espaço e reutilizar propulsores, inspirado no modelo da SpaceX, de Elon Musk. A decolagem aconteceu no Cabo Canaveral, na Flórida, às 04h (horário de Brasília), conforme programado.
O New Glenn completou a separação do propulsor com sucesso e alcançou a órbita terrestre, cumprindo o objetivo principal da missão NG-1. No entanto, a tentativa de pousar o propulsor na plataforma marítima Jacklyn — nome em homenagem à mãe de Jeff Bezos — não teve êxito.
Apesar da falha, a Blue Origin declarou que os dados coletados durante o voo serão usados para melhorar futuros lançamentos. "Este foi um momento importante para a empresa e um lançamento histórico", afirmou Ariane Cornell, vice-presidente da divisão In-Space Systems da Blue Origin.
O New Glenn, com 98 metros de altura, equivale ao tamanho da Estátua da Liberdade ou de um prédio de 30 andares. Projetado para missões orbitais, o foguete transportava o Blue Ring Pathfinder, um módulo de carga útil desenvolvido para operar em várias órbitas.
Batizado em homenagem a John Glenn, o primeiro norte-americano a entrar em órbita, o New Glenn marca a ambição da Blue Origin em disputar a corrida espacial liderada atualmente pela SpaceX.
A SpaceX, de Elon Musk, já realizou 134 lançamentos dos foguetes Falcon Heavy e Falcon 9 em 2024, além de colocar em órbita cerca de 7 mil satélites Starlink. Em comparação, a Blue Origin busca expandir sua atuação com a constelação de satélites Kuiper, que prevê lançar mais de 3 mil unidades para competir diretamente com os Starlink.
The video discusses the potential of SteamOS 3 to bring Linux gaming to the mainstream, making it more accessible and user-friendly, and potentially challenging Windows' dominance in the gaming market.
🚀 The success of SteamOS 3 could lead to a new lineup of gaming PCs shipping with Linux, which could bring console gamers to the Linux platform.
📊 The creator believes that SteamOS 3 could put a dent in Windows' market share, making Microsoft wake up to serious competition.
🤝 The growth of Linux gaming could put pressure on developers to make their games work across all platforms, including Linux.
Challenges and Limitations
🚫 One of the biggest hurdles facing SteamOS 3 is anti-cheat systems that rely on kernel-level access, which can be invasive and raise security concerns.
📊 The creator notes that productivity developers have not done a great job of supporting Linux, which could limit the appeal of SteamOS 3 for users who need tools like Adobe Suite or Microsoft Office.
🤔 Dual booting or running a virtual machine on Linux are possible workarounds for users who need to use Windows for productivity tasks.
🎮 SteamOS 3 represents a shift towards gamers and developers having more choice and a market with more competition, which could drive innovation and make PCs more affordable.
🤝 The creator believes that SteamOS 3 is more than just another Linux distro, and with Valve's support, it could build a new foundation for competition in the OS space.
The Steam Deck is a great introduction to PC gaming and a fantastic alternative to playing games on a traditional desktop setup, offering portability and a wide range of games to play on the go.
Images of what appears to be the Samsung Galaxy 25 Slim have leaked. The super-thin smartphone has a flat front, flat back, flat sides, and three cameras on the back. It will be 6.4mm thick, about 1.2mm thinner than the Galaxy S24 and nearly 2mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The phone's camera system will include a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 3.5X optical zoom and a special design. It will have a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of RAM. The phone will apparently launch in May and may be showcased at Samsung's January 22 Galaxy Unpacked event.
A Agência Espacial Europeia (ESA) divulgou novas fotografias de Mercúrio capturadas durante a mais recente aproximação da sonda BepiColombo ao planeta. Mercúrio, que possui a órbita mais próxima do Sol no Sistema Solar, foi registrado com detalhes impressionantes.
A sexta aproximação da BepiColombo ocorreu no dia 8 de janeiro, levando a sonda a apenas 295 km da superfície de Mercúrio. As imagens revelam com clareza as crateras que marcam a paisagem do planeta, proporcionando informações valiosas para a comunidade científica.
Essa foi a última aproximação planejada da BepiColombo antes de sua entrada na órbita de Mercúrio, prevista para ocorrer em 2026. A missão é uma parceria entre a ESA e a Agência Espacial Japonesa (JAXA) e tem como objetivo estudar a composição, a geologia e o campo magnético do planeta, buscando entender mais sobre sua formação e evolução.
📺 The RG28XX is considered the least blocky handheld, but its small D-pad and ABXY buttons, as well as its poorly designed shoulder and trigger buttons, make it less desirable.
🤔 The Miyoo A30 was initially met with criticism, but with the introduction of Spruce custom firmware, it has become a decent option, offering a 2.8-inch screen and improved buttons.
❤️ The RG35XXH is a pocketable handheld with quality of life features like rubber pads, making it a favorite among users.
📈 The RG40XXH is an improvement over the RG35XXH, with a 4-inch screen, stacked shoulder and trigger buttons, and the same SOC as other Linux handhelds, making it a great option.
🤝 The Trim UI Smart Pro is a unique device that combines the features of a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro with a Linux handheld, offering immense power and emulation capabilities.
📱 The RG556 is a comfortable handheld with a nice AMOLED screen, but its cardinal snapping sticks and higher price point may be drawbacks for some users.
🤩 The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is a popular choice, with a plastic body, smaller screen, and high performance, making it a great option for those who want a powerful handheld.
📺 The Retroid Pocket Mini is a portable handheld with a big bezel, but its high performance and 4x3 screen make it a great option for playing PS2 games.
🎮 The RG406H is a complete package with a good screen, enough power for most PS2 games, and comfortable analog sticks, making it a strong contender for the best handheld of 2024.
Conclusion
🏆 RG40XXH is chosen as the best Linux handheld of 2024, due to its complete package and support for custom firmware.
📊 Retroid Pocket 4.06H is chosen as the best Android handheld of 2024, due to its 4-inch screen and high performance, making it a great option for playing PS2 games.
Tablet Comparison: Galaxy Tab S9 FE vs Tab A9 PLUS
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab A9 PLUS are compared, highlighting their differences to help buyers make an informed decision, with the S9 FE being the recommended choice if budget is not an issue.
📊 The Galaxy Tab S9 FE has a dual speaker setup, while the Tab A9 PLUS has a quad speaker setup, with the A9 PLUS being louder but the S9 FE having better sound quality.
🎧 The Tab A9 PLUS has a headphone jack, which is missing on the S9 FE.
🔒 The S9 FE's power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor, a feature not available on the A9 PLUS.
📸 Both tablets have an 8-megapixel rear camera, but the S9 FE has a 12-megapixel ultrawide front-facing camera, while the A9 PLUS has a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.
Display and Battery
📺 The S9 FE has an IPS display, while the A9 PLUS has a TFT display, with the S9 FE offering a better display in terms of pixels and color vibrancy.
🔄 Both tablets support a high refresh rate of 90Hz.
📈 The S9 FE has a larger 8,000 milliamp battery, while the A9 PLUS has a 7,040 milliamp battery, with the S9 FE offering better battery life and faster 45-watt charging.
📊 The S9 FE comes with up to 8 gigs of RAM and 256 gigs of internal storage, while the A9 PLUS offers up to 8 gigs of RAM and 128 gigs of internal storage.
📈 The S9 FE is powered by an Exynos 1380 chipset, while the A9 PLUS uses a Snapdragon 695 chipset, with the S9 FE offering better performance for gaming and multitasking.
📁 The A9 PLUS now supports Samsung Decks, a feature previously exclusive to mid-range and flagship devices.
Additional Features and Recommendations
📝 The S9 FE supports the S Pen stylus, while the A9 PLUS does not, with the S9 FE offering a better user experience for note-taking and creativity.
💦 The S9 FE is water-resistant, while the A9 PLUS is not.
🤔 If budget is not an issue, the S9 FE is the recommended choice, but if a simple, budget-friendly option is preferred, the A9 PLUS is a good alternative.
The US faces a potential TikTok ban, prompting users to humorously say goodbye to their "personal Chinese spy" - a reference to data privacy concerns. Users are posting videos thanking their "spies" for curating content and monitoring them, preferring TikTok despite security concerns.
Criminals are tricking Google Ads users with fake ads to steal their account credentials. The scheme involves impersonating Google Ads and leading victims to fraudulent login pages. This malicious operation impacts Google's business and affects numerous customers globally.
Intel's stock plummeted 61% in 2024 due to its failure to capitalize on the AI wave, while Broadcom thrived with a 111% increase fueled by custom chips for major tech firms. Broadcom's XPUs have become crucial in the AI ecosystem, with collaborations with Google and others, whereas Intel struggles with outdated strategies and leadership changes. The contrasting fortunes highlight pivotal tech industry shifts and the significant market impact of AI advancements.
OpenAI has introduced a "tasks" feature for ChatGPT that allows paid users to set reminders and recurring requests. This beta lets the AI schedule notifications, such as weekend plans based on location or daily news briefings, marking a step towards more autonomous AI agents. The feature is initially available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, with expansion plans underway.
Deepseek, a Chinese AI startup led by CEO Liang Wenfeng, has developed a model, the R1, that outperformed OpenAI's O1 on reasoning benchmarks. With backing from the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, Deepseek prioritizes research over commercialization and is committed to open sourcing. It has triggered price competition in China's AI market by offering affordable API rates. Focused on AGI, Deepseek emphasizes architectural innovations like Multi-Head Latent Attention and Sparse Mixture-of-Experts, challenging traditional models and fostering local talent in China's tech scene.
OpenAI's shift from a public-benefit focus to for-profit resembles the early transitional story of Netscape as it leads the AI chatbot market but lacks a sustainable technical moat, suggesting funding is driven by an investment bubble. Despite already raising significant capital, OpenAI's board claims the need for even more funding, mirroring patterns of an unsustainable financial model.
Panzootic diseases have the ability to infect, spread between, and kill a wide range of creatures and could be one of this era's defining threads to human health and security.
TikTok's CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend President's Trump inauguration next week, NBC News reports.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend President Trump's inauguration and will sit on the dais next to other tech CEOs including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, according to NBC News sources.
Also expected to attend is Google CEO Sundar Pichai, a Trump transition official told NBC News.
NBC News has reached out to representatives of TikTok and Google for comment, with TikTok declining and Google not immediately responding to the request.
The New York Times was first to report about Chew's attendance, citing two people familiar with the plans.
The news of the new guest additions comes days before TikTok's impending ban in the U.S., which could see the app go dark on stores like Google Play and Apple's app store if the Chinese-owned company does not divest its U.S. subsidiary to an American company.
So far, ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, has refused to sell, and the Supreme Court has not issued a definite ruling since hearing arguments last Friday on the law that targets TikTok's ban.
President-elect Donald Trump filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court ahead of last Friday's argument, asking the court to prevent the ban in favor of the President-elect finding a political solution, though it's unclear how specifically it would be executed.
Despite the hurdles, the potential is huge. To make it happen, we need collaboration between governments, industries, and innovators. Governments can help by creating laws that support data ownership and privacy.
Companies and researchers need to work together to build the infrastructure and educate people about decentralized AI. Emerging technologies like web3 (a decentralized internet) can also play a big role in making this future possible.
Centralized data collection got us here, but it’s not sustainable. Decentralized AI is a new way forward, one that’s fair, transparent, and empowering. It’s not just the ethical choice; it’s the smart one.
The reason we need decentralized AI is the speed of AI growth and its growing impact on society. Every day, algorithms make decisions on healthcare and finance and often use data collected without proper oversight.
By acting now, we can make sure AI evolves in a way that benefits everyone, protects individual rights, and unleashes the full power of technological progress. If we make this shift, we can have an AI that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. Now is the time to act. As data is the lifeblood of AI, adopting decentralized systems is our best bet for a trustworthy and transparent technological future.
It’s not just about fixing the problems with centralized systems; it’s about rethinking data and technology altogether.
Imagine a world where users have full control over their own data, where communities can decide how data is used, and where gatekeepers don’t block innovation. This isn’t just a tech evolution; it’s a cultural one.
Decentralized systems match the growing demand for fairness and accountability in the digital age, and we’re seeing that ethical and efficient AI isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
If the regulatory confirms the sanctions, Upbit will have to cease accepting new customers for nearly six months. However, during the suspension period, existing users would still be able to trade on the platform, reported a local news publication. With over 70% of the domestic virtual asset trading market share, the suspension could significantly impact the exchange’s operations.
The cryptocurrency exchange has to submit a response to the FIU by January 20. After this, the regulator will closely review the exchange’s explanation during a sanctions hearing on January 21 before making a final decision on the suspension.
The recent move of sanctions on Upbit shows a shift towards a stricter regulatory approach for the crypto industry in South Korea. The sanctions raise concerns within the virtual asset industry, with many questioning how they could impact Upbit’s upcoming business license renewal review.
Last year in October 2024, Upbit renewed its license, which is currently under review, and financial authorities are scrutinizing the company’s compliance following on-site inspections. In total, the FIU has discovered 700,000 cases of KYC violations.
In addition to the potential suspension of operations, the FIU is considering imposing fines of up to 100 million won per violation. The regulator has also found that Upbit has conducted business with unreported overseas virtual operators, which complicates the situation further.
An Upbit representative stated that the company did not intend to violate regulations. He explained that was difficult to determine in advance whether overseas exchanges were unreported due to the nature of blockchain transactions.
South Korea is now working to finalize its crypto regulatory framework and has launched official discussions to speed up the process. Thus, the regulators are working to bring the first draft by the second half of 2025.
The country’s top regulator, the Financial Services Commission (FSC), recently held a meeting for the same. For the upcoming crypto bill, the FSC has outlined major target areas for the same.
I’m a very small time investor. I only have 25 Tesla shares, which is probably laughable to some of you, but I worked had for the extra money and have invested it in a company that I believe is a pioneer, innovator and disruptor of the global economy as we know it. Nothing is for certain, but with Elon at the helm, you can bet on it being probable.
The IPO could happen as early as the second quarter of 2025. This timeline would give eToro ample time to prepare for its U.S. market debut, despite some recent hurdles. For example, in September 2024, the platform stopped trading most crypto assets in the U.S. after resolving regulatory issues with the SEC. A U.S. listing would open doors to a bigger pool of investors, even though the U.K. remains eToro’s largest market.
Leading banks like Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and UBS are advising eToro on this major step. With their backing, the company seems well-positioned to navigate the tricky IPO waters.
In September 2024, eToro faced a setback when it stopped trading most crypto assets in the U.S. after settling with the SEC over regulatory violations. Despite this, the platform remains a global force. Founded in 2007, eToro has grown into a trusted name for trading stocks, cryptocurrencies, and more.
What’s Next for eToro?
If the IPO becomes a success, it will be a game changer for eToro. This process is not just about raising funds but putting a name flag in the market. With all the regulatory challenges it has faced in the US, getting listed is no small win and the potential rewards are huge. Investors and industry watchers will be paying close attention to see how eToro plays its cards.
However, worsening macroeconomic conditions in 2022 and 2023 hit Covid high-fliers like Freetrade hard — and in 2023, Freetrade completed a crowdfunding round at a valuation of £225 million down 65% from the £650 million it was worth previously.
The deal is a potential signal for further consolidation coming to the wealth technology industry. It comes after Hargreaves Lansdown was acquired for £5.4 billion by a consortium of investors including private equity giant CVC Group.
Viktor Nebehaj, CEO and co-founder of Freetrade, described the takeover as a "transformative deal that recognizes the significant value that Freetrade has created."
"Together with IG Group's significant resources and backing, this is an exciting opportunity to accelerate our growth and delivery of new products and features," he added.
Freetrade said the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals, adding that it expects it will close the deal later this year.
"The surging demand for AI chips has exceeded expectations in Q4," Brady Wang, associate director at Counterpoint Research told CNBC, adding that revenue was also bolstered by demand for the advanced chips in Apple's latest iPhone 16 model.
The Taiwan-based company first released its December revenue last week, bringing its annual total to NT$ 2.9 trillion — a record-breaking year in sales since the company went public in 1994.
"We observed robust AI related demand from our customers throughout 2024," Wendell Huang, chief financial officer and vice president at TSMC, said in an earnings call on Thursday, adding that revenue from AI accelerator products accounted for "close to a mid-teens percentage" of total revenue in 2024.
"Even after more than tripling in 2024, we forecast our revenue from AI accelerators to double in 2025 as a strong surge in AI-related demand continues as a key enabler of AI applications," Huang added.
However, TSMC may face some headwinds in 2025 from U.S. restrictions on advanced semiconductor shipments to China and uncertainty surrounding the trade policy of President-elect Donald Trump.
TSMC Chairman and CEO C.C. Wei said the company will not attend Trump's inauguration as its philosophy is to keep a low profile, Reuters reported.
Trump, who will assume office next week, has threatened to impose broad tariffs on imports and has previously accused Taiwan of "stealing" the U.S. chip business. .
Still, Counterpoint's Wang forecasts 2025 to be another strong year for TSMC, with significant revenue growth fueled by strong and expanding demand for AI applications, both in diversity and volume.
Taiwan-listed shares of TSMC gained 81% in 2024 and were trading 3.75% higher on Thursday.
The New England Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo after the season. Many believe that Jerod Mayo was fired...so the Patriots could hire Mike Vrabel. According to Jerod Mayo wife...the firing of her husband was unfair.
We discuss the firing of Jerod Mayo...and the response from his wife. We explain why fairness doesn't exist in the NFL...and how it's acceptable for the Patriots to fire Jerod Mayo to hire Mike Vrabel. We also explain why Jerod Mayo wife isn't helping her husband...by complaining about lack of fairness.
Michael DeAngelo covers the report by SNY that the Mets have previously checked in on Vladimir Guerrero Jr, as well as David Stern's approach to Pete Alonso's free agency. Mets Digest is a YouTube Channel that covers all the latest news, trades, reports, and rumors regarding the New York Mets. We provide comprehensive coverage on topics such as game highlights, player performances, and in-depth analysis of team strategies. Our channel features discussions on key players like Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Max Scherzer, Brandon Nimmo, and Kodai Senga, as well as insights from coach Carlos Mendoza and General Manager David Stearns. Stay tuned for all the exciting updates and engaging content on everything Mets!
Stocks of European semiconductor companies trading on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange rose Thursday, with ASML up 3.5%, ASM International gaining 3.75% and Besi rising 5.1%.
Substantial amounts of open-source code can be found in artificial intelligence frameworks, databases, web browsers and mobile operating systems. Some of the best known open-source projects include Android (now owned by Google), GitHub (acquired by Microsoft) and Apache Spark, data analytics technology at the heart of Databricks.
While many companies have been able to commercialize versions of open-source software or sell support and services as a way to generate revenue, there's no consistent model for rewarding individuals or small groups of contributors who often do valuable work.
Chris Dixon, managing partner of Andreessen's crypto fund, said that open source is "poorly funded and too reliant on altruistic contributions."
In comments he's posting on X, Dixon wrote that Merit "is building a protocol that properly attributes and rewards contributors proportionally to the value they create."
Ragsdale, who worked with Dixon at the venture firm, first met Sproule as an undergraduate at Washington University in St. Louis. Sproule went on to crypto-focused firm Blockchain Capital in San Francisco, and the pair then teamed up with Hall, who was also on Andreessen's crypto team.
The project is still in development, even as the company says it's obtained a post-funding valuation of $55.5 million. Most of its current users are friends and acquaintances of the founders. Merit expects to roll out a broader release by the end of February after gathering and incorporating feedback from its early testers.
Sproule, Merit's CTO and a former Amazon Web Services engineer, says the startup has the opportunity to sit "in the middle," connecting software buyers and users with the actual creators of the technology.
"If you can solve this attribution problem, you can essentially get users to pay directly for the software people build," he said.
The Williamsburg community in the Brooklyn borough of New York, where the small Merit team is based, has been transformed over the past few decades from a former industrial district, first into a vibrant arts and music center and more recently into an upscale neighborhood filled with new high-rise apartment buildings and luxury shops.
But the old Domino factory, two blocks north of the Williamsburg Bridge, remains a relic of the past. The refinery was the last operating industrial facility on the waterfront before closing in 2004.
After years of neglect, the building has been reimagined as a hub for modern innovation, with panoramic views of Manhattan visible through the original brickwork. The facility opened as a modern office complex in 2023, and now offers carved-up startup space as well as full floors for bigger organizations.
The name Merit Systems is a "throwback to the companies of the '60s or the '70s, which had very industrial names that explain exactly what they do," Ragsdale said. Merit is meant to be a straightforward description of the company's mission.
There's also a coveted view of Manhattan.
"You can see the skyline through the old brick in the windows," Ragsdale said.
Inside the office, there are four desks and eight chairs. Whiteboards covered in notes and math equations fill the only corner of the office currently in use, while 3D printers from Ragsdale's home produce prototypes, including the company's tesseract logo.
"We're definitely not using all 3,000 square feet," said Ragsdale. "We'll get there eventually."
Merit plans to add seven new hires in the coming months and is specifically looking for people who want an in-person work culture.
"The idea flow between people when you're sitting next to them is really important," says Sproule. "We don't really believe in the fully decentralized remote work model for an early-stage company."
Nintendo is hoping that the Switch 2 will help boost console sales. The current-generation Switch was released way back in March 2017 and has now reached an almost eight-year lifetime. Most console makers tend to wait roughly six to seven years before replacing them with a new model.
Nintendo took in net profit of 27.7 billion Japanese yen ($178.2 million) in its September quarter, down around 69% year-over-year. Company revenues sank 17% year-over-year to 276.7 billion Japanese yen.
Trump has changed his position on TikTok before, eventually waging the app as an effective campaigning tool that helped propel him to the White House in November.
President Joe Biden's administration is also considering ways to keep TikTok available in the U.S. if the scheduled ban goes into effect on Sunday, according to three people familiar with the discussions.
Ever since OG was available from the Raptors and arrived here, OG expressed his desire to be a bigger part of the team offensively. You saw some of that in the playoffs especially his great performance in the Sixers series and you can make the argument that if OG doesn't get hurt, we play Boston in the ECF. Fast forward the acquisition of Towns and Bridges along with OG's play while Bridges was stinking up the joint. OG is now the 4th option and playing better defense that Bridges could lead to a little resentment. If OG feels the "NOVA" boys going to do them then why not me?
Megyn Kelly is joined by political commentators Ana Kasparian and Kevin Madden to discuss Joe Biden mumbling his way through a quick and dark farewell address, his bizarre and hypocritical attacks on billionaires and oligarchs, his cheerleading for tech censorship, and more.
GSCI increased 29.69 points or 5.40% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Historically, GSCI Commodity Index reached an all time high of 1718.63 in July of 2008.
WTI crude oil futures fell below $79 per barrel on Thursday, down from a five-month high, as markets responded to new US sanctions on Russian crude oil and speculation that President-elect Donald Trump might soften these restrictions after taking office. Countries like India and China are already seeking extra oil supplies from Saudi Arabia to make up for potential shortfalls due to the sanctions. At the same time, a growing amount of oil is stuck off China’s coast as traders try to navigate the new rules. In the US, Trump’s team is reportedly working on a sanctions strategy that could potentially benefit Russian oil companies and facilitate peace talks with Ukraine. With Trump’s inauguration just days away, traders are preparing for possible changes, including tariffs on Canadian oil and policies to boost US production.
Brent crude oil futures fell to $81.2 per barrel on Thursday, down from a five-month high, as markets responded to new US sanctions on Russian crude oil and speculation that President-elect Donald Trump might soften these restrictions after taking office. Countries like India and China are already seeking extra oil supplies from Saudi Arabia to make up for potential shortfalls due to the sanctions. At the same time, a growing amount of oil is stuck off China’s coast as traders try to navigate the new rules. In the US, Trump’s team is reportedly working on a sanctions strategy that could potentially benefit Russian oil companies and facilitate peace talks with Ukraine. With Trump’s inauguration just days away, traders are preparing for possible changes, including tariffs on Canadian oil and policies to boost US production.
US natural gas futures bounced back on Thursday, rising over 5% to reach $4.3/MMBtu, the highest in two years. This increase was driven by predictions of severe cold weather, expected to push demand to unprecedented levels, and an EIA report confirming a storage withdrawal as anticipated. Federal data showed that utilities withdrew 258 billion cubic feet of gas from storage for the week ending January 10, a much higher figure than the 150 bcf withdrawn in the same week last year and well above the five-year average of 128 bcf. Analysts expect upcoming reports for the weeks ending January 17 and 24 to reveal even larger withdrawals, surpassing 200 bcf, due to rising heating needs. The forecasted colder-than-normal weather over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend could disrupt gas production and pipelines, further increasing heating demand. At the same time, gas flows to the eight major US LNG export plants have reached an all-time daily high, adding to the surge in overall demand.
US gasoline futures fell to $2.11 per gallon, retreating from a three-month high after the EIA reported a larger-than-expected increase in gasoline inventories. Stocks rose by 5.852 million barrels in the week ending January 10, marking the third consecutive weekly build and surpassing forecasts for a 2.6 million-barrel increase. In contrast, crude inventories declined for the eighth consecutive week, hitting their lowest levels since April 2022 and marking the longest streak of draws since 2021. Meanwhile, oil prices eased from a five-month high as the market absorbed new sanctions on Russian crude and speculated on the possibility of President-elect Donald Trump softening these measures.
U.S. heating oil futures rose above $2.57 per gallon in January, reaching an over six-month high, as expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, fueled by softer-than-expected U.S. core inflation data, boosted optimism for stronger economic activity and higher energy demand. Additionally, the latest EIA report showed an eighth consecutive draw in crude oil inventories, which fell by 1.96 million barrels, surpassing market expectations for a 1.6 million-barrel draw for the week ending January 10th. Meanwhile, global oil demand forecasts remain positive, with OPEC predicting steady growth through 2026, supporting bullish sentiment. However, distillate stockpiles increased by nearly three times the expected 1.1 million-barrel build, reaching 3.07 million barrels, while heating oil inventories rose by 0.65 million barrels for the same period, easing supply pressures for the heating commodity.
Gold rose to the $2,715 per ounce mark on Thursday, extending gains from the prior session to test its highest in two months amid growing expectations that the Fed will lower interest rates this year. Retail sales rose less than expected in December while initial unemployment claims rebounded sharply in January. The results aligned with the backdrop that favors lower interest rates by the Fed to prevent a sharper economic slowdown this year, magnifying the impact of yesterday’s slower core CPI print on gold prices. Such developments lift bullion and Treasuries across all durations as lower monetary restriction limits the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. Expectations of lower rates were also present in the UK following their softer monthly GDP print and in the Eurozone as energy prices abated despite tighter supply of natural gas. Elsewhere, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage agreement, easing demand for safe-haven assets.
Silver prices surged toward $31 per ounce on Thursday, reaching a one-month high as softer underlying inflation in the US supported bets of further interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year. Core inflation unexpectedly slowed in December, while headline inflation remained in line with expectations. The prospect of lower US rates could stimulate demand for commodities by boosting economic growth and weakening the dollar. Despite the bullish momentum, silver prices remained below the 12-year high of $35 reached in October, due to concerns over uncertain demand from its manufacturing uses. In particular, overcapacity in China’s solar panel industry has led photovoltaic companies to join a government-led self-discipline program aimed at regulating supply, which could limit silver demand from the sector, the metal’s top industrial user.
Copper futures rose toward $4.4 per pound on Thursday, hovering at over two-month highs as a surprise decline in US core inflation supported bets on further interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year. Lower US rates could stimulate demand for commodities by supporting economic growth and weakening the dollar. Additionally, hopes that China will implement aggressive economic support measures, including fiscal and monetary stimulus, to boost consumption further fueled bullish sentiment. On the supply side, top copper producer Chile lowered its production forecasts for the coming years, citing challenges in finding and developing new deposits. However, traders remained cautious ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, amid concerns that potential new tariffs could disrupt global trade and dampen market sentiment.
Soybean futures eased to near $10.2 per bushel, retreating from recent three-month highs of $10.6 per bushel. The earlier rally was driven by tighter U.S. supply forecasts and speculation over potential changes in U.S. biofuel policy. However, profit-taking and a record U.S. soy crush of 206.6 million bushels in December, exceeding trade expectations and rising 5.8% year-over-year, contributed to the price decline. Additional downward pressure came from mounting evidence of a record soybean harvest in Brazil. Safras & Mercado raised its 2024/25 Brazilian soybean crop forecast, citing favorable weather, particularly in Mato Grosso, where production could reach 47.7 million tons due to high crop quality. Similarly, Brazilian crop agency Conab slightly lifted its forecast to 166.32 million metric tonnes for the 2024/25 season. In contrast, Argentina’s 2024/25 soybean estimate was cut by 1 million tons to 52 million as heat and limited rainfall continued to stress crops.
Copper futures rose toward $4.4 per pound on Thursday, hovering at over two-month highs as a surprise decline in US core inflation supported bets on further interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year. Lower US rates could stimulate demand for commodities by supporting economic growth and weakening the dollar. Additionally, hopes that China will implement aggressive economic support measures, including fiscal and monetary stimulus, to boost consumption further fueled bullish sentiment. On the supply side, top copper producer Chile lowered its production forecasts for the coming years, citing challenges in finding and developing new deposits. However, traders remained cautious ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, amid concerns that potential new tariffs could disrupt global trade and dampen market sentiment.
Wheat futures remained stable above $5.30 per bushel following the release of the WASDE report. The 2024/25 U.S. wheat outlook for January shows slightly larger supplies, higher domestic use, unchanged exports, and a small increase in ending stocks. Supplies are boosted by higher imports, especially Hard Red Spring wheat, which rise by 5 million bushels to 130 million. Feed and residual use stays at 120 million bushels. Seed use is raised by 2 million bushels to 64 million. Exports remain unchanged at 850 million bushels, with offsetting by-class changes. Globally, supplies are up by 0.4 million tons to 1,060.7 million tons, driven by increased production in Syria and Pakistan. On the other hand, global consumption is lowered by 0.6 million tons to 801.9 million tons, primarily due to reduced demand from Turkey. Global trade is forecast to decline by 1.7 million tons, while ending stocks are expected to rise to 258.8 million tons.
Newcastle coal futures were near $115 per tonne in January, remaining near their lowest in nearly four years as soaring output offset robust demand from the world’s top fossil fuel consumers. The Chinese Coal Transportation and Distribution Association announced that output is set to expand 1.5% to 4.82 billion tons in 2025 following a record-setting 2024. The agency cited expanded mining capacity to avoid risks of lower availability stemming from carbon emission limits and mine shutdowns from safety protocol breaches. The development occurred as utilities already deal with record-high coal inventories, which rose by 12% in the two months ending October. In the meantime, concerns that stimulus from Beijing will not be able to trigger growth weighed on the record-high thermal consumption in 2024. Additionally, demand was further pressured by ample rainfall in key Chinese manufacturing hubs, allowing hydroelectric power to be preferred over coal power.
Steel rebar futures rose to over CNY 3,290 per tonne, extending the rebound from the three-month low of CNY 3,129 touched on January 8th amid optimism that demand for major manufacturers and constructors will gain some traction this year. China exported 9.7 million tons of steel in December, a 26% surge from the previous year to cap off a record-setting year for steel exports, indicating that major Chinese mills continued to sell large volumes of metal to for foreign consumers despite the growing global protectionism rhetoric. In turn, leading appetite was supported by a surge in Chinese iron ore imports, indicating that mills expect high turnover. Signals pointing to a rebound in demand also included the sharp rebound in the NBS Construction PMI, which rose to 53.2 in December from the record low of 49.7 in November. Meanwhile, investors continued to gauge the impact of incoming economic support from Beijing this year, led by looser monetary policy and more deficit spending.
European natural gas prices fell to €46 per megawatt-hour, reflecting steady supply even as colder weather drives up demand. Gas storage is lower than it was last year (65% full compared to 77% in 2024), but there’s no immediate risk of shortages. Forecasts show colder-than-normal temperatures in northwest Europe from January 17-22, along with weak wind power generation until January 24, which will increase the need for natural gas. At the same time, the EU is considering banning imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of potential new sanctions. While pipeline gas imports from Russia have decreased over the years, Europe imported record amounts of Russian LNG in 2024.
Lumber prices climbed to around $580 per thousand board feet in January, reaching a six-week high, as falling U.S. Treasury yields and a sharp rise in mortgage applications signaled robust demand for construction materials. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield fell significantly after the latest CPI report revealed easing core inflation, bolstering expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts by mid-year. Meanwhile, mortgage applications surged 33.3%, the largest weekly increase since 2020, despite mortgage rates exceeding 7% as buyers sought to lock in borrowing costs amid fears of rate hikes. Adding to the upward pressure, the looming prospect of a 25% tariff on Canadian softwood lumber imports prompted U.S. buyers to stockpile inventory, while existing duties averaging 14.4% already strain supply. Domestic production remains challenged by workforce shortages and mill closures, with reliance on Canadian imports critical as alternative suppliers lack the capacity to meet demand.
Iron ore prices for cargoes with 62% iron content surged above $100 per ton in mid-January, reaching a two-week high amid market optimism about potential stimulus measures from Beijing. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced plans to boost consumption and stabilize foreign trade and investment this year, further supporting sentiment. Additionally, data revealed that China’s annual imports of the steel-making ingredient hit a record high of 1.24 billion tons last year. Annual steel shipments from the country also reached their highest level since 2015, totaling 110.7 million tons. However, concerns over potential new tariffs under incoming US President Donald Trump could weigh on the market by disrupting Chinese exports.
China's money markets have started to come unglued, with serious illiquidity driving up money rates. Despite provoking one of the largest liquidity operations in twenty years from the PBOC yesterday, the disorder came back even worse today. All of this against the backdrop of a currency fight and the prospect China's bank credit problem becomes a full-blown liquidity crisis.
The euro rebounded slightly to $1.03 from an over two-year low of $1.018, following reports that President-elect Donald Trump’s economic team is considering a phased approach to trade tariffs that could avoid inflation spikes. The proposed strategy includes gradual monthly tariff hikes of 2% to 5% instead of sharp, one-time increases. The euro has faced downward pressure as investors scaled back expectations for major central bank rate cuts and assessed whether Trump’s policies might drive inflation higher. Attention now shifts to the ECB's December meeting minutes and upcoming Eurozone inflation data for clues on future monetary policy.
The British pound weakened to $1.22, hovering near low levels last seen in late 2023, as traders assessed key economic data amid growing concerns about a potential stagflationary scenario. GDP figures showed the economy expanded a meagre 0.1% in November, below forecasts of 0.2%, and growth for the three months to November stalled. It means that the economy will stagnate for a second straight quarter unless GDP grows by at least 0.07% in December, according to the ONS. Meanwhile, the annual inflation rate surprisingly fell to 2.5% in December, in line with the BoE's forecast but below market expectations of 2.6%. Traders have so far priced in only a single quarter-point interest rate cut by the Bank of England this year. UK financial markets, particularly the bond market, remain under pressure amid growing concerns about the country’s debt levels and the government’s ability to restore public finances while adhering to its budget plans.
The Australian dollar slipped toward $0.62 on Thursday, ending a three-day streak of gains as investors reacted to a mixed jobs report. While Australia’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 4% in December from 3.9% in November, employment growth exceeded expectations. Looking ahead, investors are focused on Australia's fourth-quarter inflation data, due at the end of the month, which will be a key indicator ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's upcoming monetary policy decision in February. Markets are currently pricing in a 70% probability that the RBA will cut its 4.35% cash rate by 25 basis points next month, with a rate cut in April already fully priced in. Meanwhile, the Aussie saw a half-percent gain on Wednesday as the US dollar retreated following a surprise decline in US core inflation, fueling expectations of further Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.
The New Zealand dollar hovered at $0.56 on Thursday, following three consecutive sessions of gains. The currency benefited from a soft reading on core U.S. inflation, which led to a pullback in the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields. Additionally, reports suggesting that aides to President-elect Donald Trump may encourage him to adopt a more strategic approach to imposing trade tariffs provided some relief to the New Zealand dollar. The Kiwi also found support from stronger-than-expected trade data from China, along with Beijing's efforts to stabilize the Yuan. However, the NZD's gains remained capped by the dovish outlook from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Investors are still wagering the RBNZ will cut its 4.25% cash rate by 50bps in February, as the country’s economy remained weak. On the economic data front, the annual food inflation in New Zealand rose to 1.5% in December, the highest in ten months, up from 1.3% in November.
The Japanese yen strengthened toward 155.5 per dollar on Thursday, reaching its highest level in four weeks, following hawkish comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda. On Wednesday, Ueda stated that the BOJ would discuss the possibility of raising interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting, signaling the central bank’s readiness to tighten borrowing costs if the economy performs as expected. He also expressed growing confidence in wage increases, citing positive feedback from various industries. Ueda’s remarks aligned with those made by BOJ Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino a day earlier. Additionally, Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato reiterated that the government would take "appropriate action" to support the yen, further boosting the currency. The yen also gained from a pullback in the US dollar, driven by a surprise drop in US core inflation, which fueled expectations of further Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.
The offshore yuan stabilized around 7.34 per dollar as investors are closely monitoring the prospects of further monetary easing by the People's Bank of China, with speculation mounting over a potential cut in banks' reserve requirements. On Thursday, State media reported that the central bank might reduce the reserve requirement ratio ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival, which begins on January 28. Such a move would aim to alleviate the seasonal liquidity pressures typically associated with the holiday period. However, the central bank's ability to ease policy further may be constrained by the yuan's ongoing weakness. Meanwhile, investors look ahead to key economic data scheduled for release later this week. The focus is on China’s Q4 GDP, along with updates on industrial production, retail sales, and the unemployment rate, all expected to provide deeper insights into the country’s economic health.
The USDCHF decreased 0.0008 or 0.09% to 0.9105 on Friday January 17 from 0.9114 in the previous trading session. Historically, the USDCHF reached an all time high of 4.32 in January of 1971.
The Canadian dollar weakened toward 1.44 per USD, approaching the January 2016 low of 1.445, driven by diverging monetary policies, weak domestic data, and geopolitical uncertainties. The Bank of Canada's aggressive rate cuts, with a 25 bps reduction expected this month, contrast with a less dovish Federal Reserve, contributing to a widening yield gap between US and Canadian government bonds that draws capital toward the greenback, intensifying pressure on the loonie. Domestically, a sharper-than-expected 13.35% drop in December housing starts signals economic softness. Meanwhile oil prices, losing momentum after their recent rise, weigh on Canada's export revenue and dampen demand for the currency. Additionally, fears of significant US tariffs under the incoming Trump administration heighten trade uncertainty, threatening both economic growth and inflation stability.
The Mexican peso weakened past 20.8 per U.S. dollar, nearing its March 2022 low of 20.85 seen December 31st, as investors braced for US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Speculation surrounding Trump’s policies, including potential tariffs and a tougher stance on immigration, has generated uncertainty, dampening the demand outlook for the peso. Domestically, Mexico's economic indicators have provided little support; although October’s Gross Fixed Investment showed a modest uptick, it remains well below past highs, signaling sluggish economic momentum. Meanwhile, despite Federal Reserve Governor Waller suggesting the possibility of more aggressive rate cuts, the Bank of Mexico is expected to reduce rates more swiftly by as much as 200 basis points in 2025, narrowing the interest rate differential and dampening the appeal of carry trades.
The Indian rupee extended its decline to over 86.6 per USD in January, the lowest on record, as increasing capital outflows, lower foreign exchange reserves, and the outlook of looser monetary policy pressured the sustainability of the rupee’s crawling peg. Evidence of a sharp slowdown to India’s economic growth reversed the previous consensus that it would outperform major emerging economies, driving investors to close positions on Indian capital markets and pivot to competing Asian assets. This was magnified by expectations that the RBI is due to commence its cutting cycle before the end of the financial year amid lower inflation and a sharp drop in GDP growth. The latest data indicated that inflation slowed to 5.2% in December, and the preliminary FY2025 GDP slowed to 6.4%, the lowest since FY2020 when excluding pandemic shocks. To add, the rapid deterioration in foreign exchange reserves raised speculation that the RBI may be forced to start relaxing its support for the currency.
The Brazilian real weakened to 6.04 per USD, retreating from a one-month high of 6.01 on January 15, as fiscal concerns continue to weigh on the currency. While the latest Prisma Fiscal report projects improved deficit and public debt ratios for 2025 and 2026, skepticism persists regarding the government’s ability to maintain its fiscal framework. High borrowing costs intensify debt servicing pressures, further undermining confidence. Adding to uncertainty, the revocation of financial monitoring measures and delays in implementing tax reforms cloud Brazil’s economic outlook. Additionally, historically high interest rates, once supportive of the real, now offer diminishing returns as fiscal risks erode investor sentiment. Economic fragility compounds these challenges, with November’s 0.9% contraction in the services sector, the sharpest monthly drop since April 2023, highlighting vulnerabilities in Brazil's primary growth driver.
The Russian ruble was at 103 per USD, loosely holding the sharp rebound from 115 per USD on January 1st, which was the lowest on record when excluding the selloff in the immediate aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The momentary rebound was due to the Finance Ministry deferring purchases of foreign exchange in its usual budget balance scheme, indicating that Moscow took action against the ruble’s weakness. Still, the currency remained much weaker than its post-war average. The ruble was halted from domestic trading against major pairs after Western nations sanctioned the Moscow Exchange, magnifying the difficulty for companies to secure hard currency and forcing the Bank of Russia to set forex prices since June. This added to previous sanctions that halted forex inflows due to sanctions on energy. The impact on government revenues from exports drove Moscow to relax the capital controls it had to prop up the ruble, letting it depreciate to support its budget deficit.
The South Korean won strengthened above 1,450 per dollar, rallying for the fourth consecutive session and hitting an over three-week high, as traders weighed the Bank of Korea’s latest monetary policy decision. The central bank unexpectedly held its key rate at 3% in its first 2025 meeting, defying expectations of a 25-basis-point cut following two cuts in October and November. This decision aimed to stabilize the weakening currency, which has been pressured by a strong US dollar and political turmoil after President Yoon’s brief martial law declaration in December. Meanwhile, after his arrest by the CIO on Wednesday, impeached President Yoon faces intense questioning and the potential for a parliamentary special counsel probe. Externally, the won found support from a broad US dollar weakness, as a cooler-than-expected inflation report fueled expectations of two Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.
The USDTRY increased 0.1221 or 0.34% to 35.5508 on Friday January 17 from 35.4287 in the previous trading session. Historically, the USDTRY reached an all time high of 36.32 in August of 2024.
The dollar index hovered just above 109 as US economic data fueled hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts this year. Retail sales rose 0.4% in December, below the 0.6% forecast, while jobless claims slightly exceeded expectations at 217,000. On Wednesday, core inflation came in slightly below forecasts, prompting traders to anticipate further Fed easing. This pushed 10-year US Treasury yields down sharply by 14 basis points to around 4.65%. Markets are now pricing in 37 basis points of Fed rate cuts in total for 2025. However, the dollar's decline was tempered by uncertainty over incoming President Trump’s tariff policies, which could be inflationary.
As AI is changing industries, data is more important than ever. But here’s the thing: the centralized systems we use today come with big ethical problems. From privacy breaches to monopolistic control, centralized data collection is a world of mistrust and opacity.
If we really want AI to be ethical and transparent, we need a new way. That’s where decentralized AI comes in—a game changer for collecting, managing, and using data ethically and fairly. Centralized systems have been the backbone of AI. Big companies hoard huge amounts of data to train their algorithms, but often with little transparency. This creates big problems. For one, privacy takes a hit.
Think of all those data breaches you’ve heard about—like the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal. These breaches expose the weaknesses of centralized systems and leave users with no control over their own data.
Then there’s the concentration of power. A few tech giants hold the keys to most of the data and can, therefore, control AI innovation and shut out smaller players. This stifles creativity and puts a lot of decision-making power in the hands of a select few.
Also, let’s not forget the dodgy data practices hidden in the fine print. Most users have no idea how their data is being collected or used, and so trust in the whole system erodes.
Decentralized AI turns this on its head. Instead of one entity controlling everything, it distributes power and responsibility across many. Using blockchain, federated learning, and edge computing, decentralized AI gives control back to the people whose data is being used.
It’s simple: be transparent, protect privacy, and let people own their data. Blockchain creates a digital record that can’t be changed, so you always know how your data is being used. Federated learning means AI systems can train on your data without ever storing it in a central location, so your info is private.
Of course, moving to a decentralized model isn’t without its challenges. The tech is complex and requires robust infrastructure. Because the regulatory landscape around decentralized systems is still evolving, it can be hard for businesses to know how to proceed. Adoption is another hurdle; many people and organizations are reluctant to leave behind the familiar centralized systems they are used to.
South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is moving to suspend Upbit for failing to meet anti-money laundering (AML) obligations and violating KYC standards.
If confirmed, the suspension will prevent Upbit from accepting new customers for up to six months.
The suspension also comes as Upbit's business license, renewed in October 2024, is under review by regulators.
Upbit is facing potential fines of up to 100 million won per violation for failing to properly implement KYC procedures.
In a major regulatory crackdown, South Korea’s top regulatory body is working on issuing a suspension order to the country’s largest crypto exchange Upbit. This development comes alleging that the exchange failed to meet anti-money laundering (AML) obligations, including the violation of its customer identification system (KYC).
As per the latest report on Thursday, January 16, sources familiar with the matter stated that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Financial Services Commission issued a notice to Upbit last week.
SpaceX's 100th launch of a Falcon rocket from pad 39A yesterday sent two landers on their way to the Moon. The mission also featured a successful landing of the Falcon 9 first stage on the Just Read The Instructions drone ship. It will take about 45 days for Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander to reach lunar orbit, after which the landing process will take just over an hour. The Resilience lander, which is carrying a 5kg rover dubbed Tenacious, will reach the moon in approximately four to five months, after which it will complete a lunar flyby before entering orbit around the Moon.
Chinese scientists plan to build an enormous, 0.6-mile-wide solar power station in space that will beam continuous energy back to Earth via microwaves. The project has been dubbed 'another Three Gorges Dam project above the Earth'. The Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest hydropower project. Based in China, it generates 100 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. The US, EU, and Japan have also been investigating solar satellite array technology - Japan's JAXA is set to launch its proof-of-concept satellite this year.
Most large language models (LLMs) aren't great at using less popular frameworks. This shouldn't be surprising, but it is an important developer experience problem. A simple and effective solution is for the framework to tailor instructions specifically designed for LLMs, rewriting documents, adding conventions and rules, and packaging the instructions. This can make LLMs much better at building apps for less well-known frameworks.
Byju's, the most valuable startup in India's history, was willing to pay handsomely to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars in the US. It received $1.2 billion towards a global expansion. The company collapsed, setting off legal proceedings that may leave investors recouping only a small fraction of what they're owed. The case is a lesson about the perils of lending when money can rapidly disappear across borders.
eToro’s IPO filing in the U.S. could value it at $5 billion. Explore the platform’s plans, challenges, and what this means for its future.
One of the most famous crypto exchanges, eToro, has filed for an IPO in the United States. The company is aiming to go public in a grand way. It has made a confidential filing with the SEC in January 2025, which marks a significant step in its journey. If things go as planned, this could reshape the position of the exchange in the competitive trading platform market.
eToro’s IPO could value the company at over $5 billion. For context, back in 2023, eToro was valued at $3.5 billion after raising $250 million in a funding round. That’s a massive jump in just two years.
Filing confidentially with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a smart move. It gives company time to work out the details without revealing too much to the public or competitors. It’s like preparing in the shadows, only stepping into the spotlight when everything’s ready.
This article looks at the effects of congestion pricing and its impacts on traffic, time, enforcement, rideshare services, the people living in congestion pricing zones, and more. New York City now has congestion pricing - people have to pay $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. This has dramatically improved traffic in tunnels and bridges. The policy is aimed in part at getting people to switch from cars to trains, but trains have not seemed more crowded than usual.
Google Workspace user accounts remain until an organization's Google account is deleted - if the company account isn't deleted, anyone with access to the domain can reactivate the Google accounts for former employees.
U.K. Robinhood rival Freetrade has been acquired by IG Group for £160 million — a 29% discount to its last valuation.
Freetrade, a British rival to popular stock trading app Robinhood, said Thursday that it's been acquired by online investing platform IG Group.
The deal values Freetrade at £160 million ($195 million) — a 29% discount to its last valuation. The startup said that it would continue to operate as a commercially standalone entity under its own brand.
Founded in 2016, Freetrade garnered popularity among mainly younger, more inexperienced traders in the U.K. with its zero-commission trading platform.
The app initially began by offering equities but later expanded to roll out trading in exchange-traded funds, savings products and government bonds.
In pandemic times, Freetrade was riding high on a retail trader frenzy. The app benefited heavily from GameStop "short squeeze" in early 2021, when traders on a Reddit forum for retail investors piled into the stock and caused it to rally in price.
Short-selling refers to the practice of an investor borrowing an asset and then selling it on the open market with the expectation of repurchasing it for less money in future for a profit.
Flashes is powered by the AT Protocol - while it supports photo posts, it is not meant to be an Instagram clone and will not offer all the same features.
Google has removed its $20 per user per month price tag on its Gemini Business plan but increased the price of all Workspace plans by roughly $2 more per month per user.
Samsung Galaxy 25 Slim: Thinner, Sleeker, and Packed with Power
Leaked images show the ultra-thin Galaxy 25 Slim, just 6.4mm thick—1.2mm thinner than the S24 and nearly 2mm thinner than the S25 Ultra. It's sleek but packed: a 200MP main camera, two 50MP lenses (ultrawide + telephoto), 3.5X optical zoom, Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and 12GB RAM. Expected to launch in May, it might debut at the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22.
SpaceX Hits 100th Launch Milestone with Lunar Mission
SpaceX just nailed its 100th Falcon rocket launch from pad 39A, sending two lunar landers to the Moon. The Falcon 9's first stage even landed safely on the drone ship Just Read The Instructions. Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost will take 45 days to reach lunar orbit, while the Resilience lander, carrying a tiny 5kg rover named Tenacious, will arrive in 4–5 months for a flyby and lunar orbit.
China is planning a massive 0.6-mile-wide solar station in space to beam energy back to Earth using microwaves. Think of it as the "Three Gorges Dam" of the skies, referencing China’s iconic hydropower project that generates 100 billion kilowatt-hours annually. They're not alone—Japan’s JAXA is launching its own test satellite this year, with the US and EU also in the race. The future of clean energy might just be orbiting above us.
Flashes runs on the AT Protocol, which means it’s not trying to be Instagram 2.0. Sure, you can post photos, but it’s designed with a different vibe and purpose in mind. Unlike Instagram, it skips some features to focus on simplicity and originality. Think of it as a minimalist tool for sharing, not scrolling endlessly. If you’re into streamlined platforms, this might be your new go-to.
Google’s Pricing Shake-Up: What It Means for Your Wallet
Google just made a bold move—dropping the $20/month price tag on its Gemini Business plan. But here’s the catch: they’re raising Workspace plan prices by around $2/month per user. For small teams, that’s like an extra coffee a month per person; for big companies, it adds up fast. This mix of give-and-take has businesses rethinking their budgets. It’s a reminder: in tech, even small changes ripple like a stone in a pond.
Deepseek, a rising Chinese AI startup, just made waves by beating OpenAI’s O1 model on reasoning tests with its R1 model. Led by Liang Wenfeng and backed by High-Flyer, they’re all about research, not profits. Their secret? Cutting-edge tech like Multi-Head Latent Attention and Sparse Mixture-of-Experts. By slashing API prices and focusing on AGI, they’re sparking competition and nurturing local talent in China’s growing AI market.
OpenAI is rolling out a beta “tasks” feature for ChatGPT, letting paid users set reminders and automate tasks like weekend plans or daily news updates. Imagine having your AI plan your day while you focus on bigger things—it’s like your digital personal assistant leveled up. Currently, it’s available for Plus, Team, and Pro users, with more access coming soon.
📹 The reveal was unexpected, but the host had confidence in the leak and was prepared to cover it.
👀 The trailer is straightforward, focusing on the Switch 2's hardware and design.
🤔 The host notes that the Switch 2's design is not surprising, given the numerous leaks and renderings that have been circulating.
Switch 2 Features
📺 The Switch 2 has a USB-C port on the bottom and top, and the joycons have a new design with blue accents.
🔩 The joycons have a snap mechanism instead of a click, and the host likes the sound and feel of it.
🎮 The Switch 2 is compatible with physical and digital Switch games, but some games may not be supported or fully compatible.
📊 The Switch 2 uses the same cartridges as the original Switch, but with a different slot setup.
📅 A Nintendo Direct is scheduled for April 2nd, which will provide more information about the Switch 2.
🎉 Hands-on events will be held around the world, allowing players to try out the Switch 2 and its games.
📆 The host speculates that the Switch 2 may be released in May or June, given the timing of the reveal and the upcoming Direct.
Final Thoughts
🤔 The host thinks that Nintendo's approach to the Switch 2 is a good idea, focusing on refining the existing design rather than trying something new and experimental.
👍 The host likes the design of the joycons and the accents, and thinks that the Switch 2 is a solid improvement over the original Switch.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially revealed, with a trailer showcasing its design and features, including new buttons and a similar look to the original Switch.
🚀 The Nintendo Switch 2 trailer has been released, and it looks similar to the leaks.
📺 The trailer's style is compared to an Apple trailer, with a clean and sleek presentation.
👀 The host is excited to see the new design and features, including the C button.
Gameplay and Features
🏎️ A new Mario Kart game is shown in the trailer, with a brand new level that looks like it takes place in the movie Cars.
📺 The dock is exactly the same as the original Switch, and the console is backwards compatible with Switch 1 games.
🔍 The host is eager to see more gameplay, but the trailer only shows a brief glimpse of Mario Kart.
🗺️ A Nintendo Switch 2 trial session will be held in Tokyo, where attendees can try out the console.
📅 Entries for the event open on February 20th, and the host is considering attending.
📣 A Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2 is announced, with more information to come.
Trailer Analysis
🔍 The host takes a closer look at the Mario Kart footage, noting that it looks similar to Mario Kart 8.
👀 The cars in the game are more detailed, and the Donkey Kong model looks like the one from the movie.
🤔 The host is intrigued by the lack of information about the C button's function and speculates about the possibility of a mouse feature.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially announced with a trailer, revealing its physical design and confirming previous rumors and leaks, with more details to be shared in a Direct event on April 2nd.
📅 A Switch-focused Direct event is scheduled for April 2nd, expected to reveal more details about the Switch 2, including release date, price, and system software.
🎮 A potential 24-player mode in Mario Kart 9 is hinted at in the trailer.
📝 Registration for hands-on demos of the Switch 2 will open on the 17th in the US, with locations in Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas.
Compatibility and Speculation
🚨 The Switch 2 will be backwards compatible, with a disclaimer noting that some games might not work due to edge cases.
💡 The host speculates that Nintendo might introduce software-level gimmicks to differentiate the Switch 2 from its predecessor.
🤔 The name "Switch 2" is discussed, with the host expressing mild disappointment and speculating about potential additional aspects to the system.
A New Era for Konami: Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Improvements
The Metal Gear Solid Master Collection has undergone significant improvements, addressing initial launch issues and enhancing the overall gaming experience. This turn of events has sparked hope for the future of the franchise and Konami's commitment to their games.
📝 The Metal Gear Solid Master Collection had a poor launch, but Konami has since released updates, such as the version 2.0 update, which have greatly improved the game.
🎮 The collection's improvements, including enhanced clarity and new features like Pixel Perfect mode, have been well-received by fans.
📊 The updates have fixed many issues, including widescreen option and bugs, making the game more enjoyable for players.
Fan Response and Company Accountability
🤔 The hosts discuss how fans often have high expectations and can be quick to criticize, but also appreciate effort and improvement from companies.
📈 Konami's admission of mistakes and efforts to fix them is seen as a positive step, showing that they value their fans and care about their games.
👊 The importance of supporting companies when they try to improve and not punishing them for past mistakes is emphasized.
🔜 The hosts speculate about the future of the Metal Gear Solid franchise, including potential new games and remakes, such as Metal Gear Solid Delta.
📺 The success of the Master Collection and other Konami games, like the Castlevania series, may lead to more re-releases and remakes of classic games.
🤝 The possibility of Konami learning from their mistakes and applying those lessons to future games is discussed, with the hope that they will continue to improve and prioritize their fans.
📊 The hosts discuss the balance between business and artistic perspectives in the gaming industry, highlighting the importance of both aspects.
🎨 The focus on business and profit can sometimes lead to the neglect of artistic vision and fan satisfaction, as seen in Konami's past decisions.
👥 The importance of supporting companies that prioritize both business and artistic aspects is emphasized, as it can lead to better games and a more positive gaming experience.
The team at Just Josh Tech shares their favorite laptops, ranging from powerful gaming laptops to portable and lightweight devices, each suited to their specific needs and use cases.
📊 Taylor uses the Asus Strix Scar 18 for work, praising its large 18-inch screen, powerful 14th gen Intel HX processor, and Nvidia's RTX 490 graphics card.
🖥️ He also likes the laptop's keyboard and numerous ports, making it ideal for his editing needs.
🏠 At home, Taylor uses a desktop for gaming and a Zenbook 14x for work on the couch.
Sierra's Favorites
📝 Sierra prefers the Asus Pro RPX 13, a premium 2-in-1 device with a powerful AMD Zen 5 Ryzen 9 HX 370 processor and Nvidia RTX 460 graphics.
📊 She likes its compact and lightweight design, making it perfect for script reviews and running the Adobe suite.
🤔 Sierra also uses the MSI Prestige 13 AI Plus Evo and the HP Pavilion Arrow, but finds their lower performance to be a problem for demanding tasks.
📹 Ethan uses the MacBook Air 13 for day-to-day tasks and reviewing footage, appreciating its nice screen, good trackpad, and lightweight design.
🏠 At home, Ethan uses a desktop for gaming and a MacBook Air with M1 for his D&D campaigns.
Colin's Favorites
📊 Colin uses the Asus Sbook Pro 16x, a powerful laptop for creators, featuring an RTX 480 and 32 gigs of soldered memory.
📹 He likes its unique thermal design, comfortable keyboard, and 120Hz refresh rate display, making it suitable for video editing and gaming.
📊 Josh uses multiple laptops, including the MacBook Pro 14, which he considers to be the epitome of what a laptop should be, with a comfortable keyboard, large display, and phenomenal performance.
📊 He also uses the Surface Laptop 7 for office work and script writing, appreciating its smaller and lighter design, and the MacBook Pro 16 for video editing, which is noticeably faster than his older model.
🎮 Josh also uses the ACA Helios Neo 4, a Windows laptop that excels at gaming, coding, and video editing, with a high-resolution display and plenty of performance.
The Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita represent the last true handheld gaming era, with a unique generation of consoles that emerged during the rise of smartphones.
The Pika 2.0 model is a game-changing update that offers brand new features, including the ability to upload multiple scene ingredients and use various effects like peel, poke, and tear.
📝 Signing up for the platform is easy, especially when using a Google account.
🔗 The link to PikaArt is available in the video description.
💰 Upgrading to a premium version is suggested for those who plan to use the tool extensively, with options like Standard, Pro, and more.
Pika 2.0 Features
🎉 The latest model offers 150 monthly video credits, with the option to upgrade for more.
📊 The "ingredients" feature allows uploading multiple images, including characters, objects, and locations.
🖼️ Images can be sourced from other AI image generators like Leonardo.a.
📝 The "describe your story" prompt window is where users input their desired scene description.
📸 Users can upload images from Leonardo.a, such as landscapes, characters, and objects.
📁 Uploaded images can be used as ingredients for generating videos.
📄 The prompt window is where users input their scene description, like "a muscular guy eating a burger on a bridge".
🔄 The "start" button generates the video based on the uploaded ingredients and prompt.
Pika Effects
🎥 The Pika effect feature offers three new effects: peel, poke, and tear.
📹 The effects can be used with uploaded images, like the muscular guy eating a burger.
🕰️ Generating videos may take a few minutes, depending on the demand for the tool.
Examples and Upgrades
📹 Examples of generated videos show the integration of input images and effects like peel.
📝 Upgrading to a premium account removes watermarks and offers more features.
💸 The Pika 2.0 model is only available with paid accounts, but it's worth trying out for its cool features.
Out of the old Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn, a trio of techies has raised $10 million for Merit Systems to focus on fixing an open-source problem.
Inside the Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn, a 19th century landmark perched on the banks of the East River, three engineers have transformed 3,000 square feet of the former factory into a workshop housing their new startup, Merit Systems.
Sam Ragsdale, Ryan Sproule and Mason Hall are five months into creating Merit, which they hope will solve a longstanding challenge in software: rewarding open-source developers. On Thursday, Merit announced it's raised $10 million in a seed funding round co-led by Andreessen Horowitz's crypto fund and Blockchain Capital.
Sproule says Merit is trying to address the "attribution problem" in software development. In the world of open source, which underpins more than 97% of the apps consumers use on a daily basis, tech giants and independent programmers alike contribute to products that are freely available for anyone to access and improve.
"Because the price is zero, and there is no attribution to the people that created it, there is not a very sustainable set of economics to keep it alive," said Ragsdale, Merit's CEO, who previously spent three years at Andreessen Horowitz and before that worked as a software engineer at Google.
The video analyzes the level design of Mega Man 1, focusing on the Fire Man and Guts Man stages, to understand what makes them engaging and challenging.
📝 The game's levels are linear, straightforward, and require precision and timing to complete.
🚀 The levels are choreographed to specific challenges, with enemies and hazards placed to test the player's skills.
💡 The game's level design is not complex, but it has a lot of thought behind it, with a focus on teaching the player about weakness types and enemy patterns.
Fire Man Stage Analysis
🔥 The Fire Man stage is well-paced and challenging, with a focus on teaching the player about enemy patterns and weakness types.
🤔 The stage introduces new enemies, such as the Tackle Fire, and requires the player to use specific weapons to overcome obstacles.
👍 The stage's design is intuitive, with a clear progression of challenges and a focus on precision and timing.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: A Visual Upgrade on PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro version of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth offers a significant visual upgrade, with improved image quality, sharper rendering, and a more stable 60FPS frame rate.
📈 The PS5 Pro delivers a crisp, sharp 4K image, far surpassing the blurry and imprecise 1080p-like rendering on the base PS5 console.
🌿 The game's environment and character models show more detail, especially in high-frequency texture detail and fine details like foliage and skin textures.
📊 The PS5 Pro's improved GPU handles the game's geometry and particle effects better, resulting in a cleaner and more detailed image.
Comparison to PS5 Performance and Graphics Modes
📊 The PS5 Pro's 60FPS mode is compared to the PS5's performance and graphics modes, with the Pro offering improved image quality and a more stable frame rate.
📈 The PS5 Pro's image quality is comparable to the PS5's graphics mode, but with some differences, such as less ghosting and improved screen space reflections.
📊 The PS5 Pro's performance mode is more detailed than the PS5's performance mode, but with some minor artifacts and temporal instability.
📊 The PS5 Pro uses PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), a machine learning-based upsampling solution, to reach 4K resolution.
📊 The game's internal resolution is around 1152p or 1224p, upscaled to 4K using PSSR.
📊 The PSSR upscaling solution carries a significant frame time cost, but the visual results are improved.
Conclusion
📈 The PS5 Pro version of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth offers a significant visual upgrade, making it the best place to play the game.
📊 The improved image quality and stable 60FPS frame rate make the game a more enjoyable experience.
📝 The use of PSSR and the improved GPU capabilities of the PS5 Pro make it an attractive option for gamers looking for a high-quality visual experience.
Nintendo showed off its new Switch 2 console in a video trailer Thursday, featuring a bigger display and joy controllers.
Nintendo on Thursday said its long-awaited new Switch 2 hybrid will be available this year, touting a bigger screen and controllers, as the company looks to breathe new life into its struggling hardware business.
The business showed off the Switch 2 in a video trailer. The start of the clip features a current version of the console before detaching the two "joy-con" controllers to expand the size of the tablet they attach onto. The video then shows the joy cons growing in size and changing to a matte black color.
The joysticks and controller covers come in light blue and red variations. The joy con covers appear to be able to connect to the controllers magnetically when removed from the Switch 2's main tablet when propping the console up on its stand or docking it to play via a home TV.
The Switch 2 also features an improved kickstand that's U-shaped and can be placed further back, to the point where the console's position is almost flat on a surface. The look of the device is similar to mock-ups that were leaked online in the lead-up to the Switch 2's official announcement.
Nintendo didn't give a release date for the Switch 2, but said it would reveal more details during its next "Nintendo Direct" online event on April 2. The company revealed that the Switch 2 is backward compatible, meaning users will be able to play old Switch games on the new model.
Graças ao interesse de empresas como Tesla, OpenAI e NVIDIA, a robótica se tornou um dos setores de tecnologia mais comentados. Muitos gigantes da tecnologia já estão afirmando que este é o início de um interesse maciço na robótica e, como resultado, é provável que vejamos cada vez mais notícias relacionadas à isso. No entanto, se você quiser convencer as pessoas de que seu robô de companhia é realista, é melhor não arrancar o rosto dele no vídeo de demonstração.
Como aponta a PC Gamer, a Realbotix apresentou um robô de conversação que se baseia em IA para aprender e se lembrar de interações anteriores. Dessa forma, ele foi criado para fins como fazer companhia a pessoas solitárias ou realizar negócios, e é por isso que custa cerca de 200 mil euros. Portanto, estamos falando de um produto de luxo, mas a ideia por trás deles é perturbadora em um aspecto: a empresa alega que eles podem ser usados para fins sexuais, tanto por causa da inclusão de gestos quanto pelas características físicas desses robôs.
A revelação de olhos selvagens, dentes de plástico e um cérebro mecanizado cria uma sensação perturbadora, pois não se aprofunda na “realidade” que a empresa promete. Na verdade, a apresentação mostra um robô masculino de aparência envelhecida olhando para um robô e depois olhando para a câmera, o que cria uma atmosfera ainda mais desconfortável.
Today's topic is: How does the BURN works on $HIVE?
Support today thread on X for more people to know about #hive and leave a suggestion for the next day in the comments here. [Link in the first comment]
1/🧵
Silo season 2 episode 9 starts going back and forth between the two main places, with Juliette and her group in Silo 17 and all the drama going down in Silo 18, the story keeps moving forward 🏃♂️ showing us what's been happening in both places, the big surprise comes when we find out that Solo is actually Jimmy, the son of Russell Conroy who was the IT boss during the rebellion, this hits hard because Jimmy had to watch his dad die when he was just a kid while following orders to keep the vault closed 😢, the way Steve Zahn plays Solo and Rebecca Ferguson as Juliette make their scenes together feel so real, especially when she finds out who he really is and decides to help him face his past
2/🧵
the show drops a huge bomb 💣 when they talk about something called "The Safeguard" and how there are actually 51 silos in total, not just the few we knew about, this comes up when Lukas checks out Salvador Quinn's secret message, but the real mystery is why they built so many silos in the first place, then there's this weird tunnel at the bottom of silo 18 that has its own AI system 🤖, this AI only talked to three people before: Salvador Quinn, Mary Meadows and George Wilkins, and apparently if anyone shares what they learn down there, it triggers this safeguard thing
3/🧵
the series really knows how to keep its secrets 🤫 like how Simms wife was secretly helping the rebels all along but waited for the right moment to tell him, or how Juliette didn't just grab the second suit and run when she saw it because she figured out Solo's real identity, the emotional parts hit different too 💔, especially when the survivors learn the truth about their parents deaths, it wasn't just some random attack like they thought, this makes everything more personal and real
4/🧵
things get super shady when Knox talks to Walker about the gunpowder 🧨, something feels off about the whole conversation, Knox comes in acting like he knows who the traitor is but it seems like he might be the one playing games, plus there's this feeling that someone must have spotted Walker's camera, right? the tension keeps building up 😰 as everyone starts picking sides and nobody knows who to trust anymore
5/🧵
the episode ends with Lukas going into the mysterious tunnel where he talks to the AI 🤖, it's super tense and makes you wonder what's behind that door, could it lead to Silo 51? maybe that's where Bernard's key connects to when it starts glowing 🔑, everything's coming together with the kids in Silo 17 who've been watching everyone this whole time, and Silo 18 is about to explode with all the fighting between Bernard, Simms, Knox, Walker, and everyone else, plus Juliette might have a way back but Bernard probably won't make it easy
I don't know what they could do with that when their houses is in the millions and tens of millions. Probably they can go eat at McDonalds and that's about it. 😀
***Follow me to earn Hive, Inleo and four ways to earn Dash on Hive/Inleo. Earn Upvotes by Following me, commenting on my posts, commentng on my comments, commenting on my pictures, reblogging my posts, introducing my blog to your friends so they tag you #you when they follow me.
*There are many ways to earn Hive, Leo, and Dash. Follow me for more information. There is a link below
A new account abstraction infrastructure has been developed using ERC-7683 by a notable app. In contrast to ERC-4337 bundlers and paymasters, this infrastructure:
The plan involves integrating Chainflip into numerous protocols, establishing it as the preferred cross-chain solution for $BTC and $SOL. #Cryptocurrency #BlockchainInnovation
Step 2). send your asset to @leodex with the right memo
Very critical that your memo is 100% accurate. The UI will make this impossible to mess up, but since we are being an early tester and doing this manually, we need to double check our memo
*this is for beta testers, if you are not comfortable testing, then I don't recommend doing this manual swap. Wait for the UI to be live for Hive2Hive swapping.
***Follow me to earn Hive, Inleo and four ways to earn Dash on Hive/Inleo. Earn Upvotes by Following me, commenting on my posts, commentng on my comments, commenting on my pictures, reblogging my posts, introducing my blog to your friends so they tag you #you when they follow me.
*There are many ways to earn Hive, Leo, and Dash. Follow me for more information. There is a link below
Keplr is an open-source, non-custodial wallet for Cosmos and other blockchain networks. It allows users to manage their assets, stake, and interact with various decentralized applications (dApps).
Source: Keplr.io llamathreads
Opinion: Great for Cosmos ecosystem enthusiasts! @ahmadmanga #KeplrWallet
If you posted for #lpud, get ready for a visit from LeoStrategy's 350k LEO POWER
Voting all you threaders with 100%!
Great work celebrating the most important day of the month on INLEO
Here's mine: https://inleo.io/threads/view/ahmadmanga/re-leothreads-2nv2yyxra?referral=ahmadmanga
I did. Anticipating the vote. 💃💃
What does the #lpud tag mean? Sorry I'm new here
I need to pay some stuff with fiat and i saw a great offer in #hivep2p and didn't hesitate on it.
Ppl are buying HBD at a bigger price of what USD in cash is worth in Cuba.
Do you want to guess why?
Crypto Contest December 10: Degen Spartan AI $DEGENAI made it to the target #crypto
dragging this morning!
sometimes it's hard to leave cozy blanket in early morning
very true...
so hard
You need one of those sticks with a claw on the end that people use to get things on high shelves.
Problem solved! No need to waste energy! 🤣
I think my kid has one. I’ll have to track it down.
Get up. You can do it.
A nice cup of Larvae tea will get you going.
It happens to me too at times , I can relate
oopps!
Some days are like that
Hi, @dkid14,
This post has been voted on by @darkcloaks because you are an active member of the Darkcloaks gaming community.
Get started with Darkcloaks today, and follow us on Inleo for the latest updates.
Who cares if Tik Tok gets banned
Move it all to INLEO
So you are saying you didn't get invite on 20th?!
How sassy!
!LOLZ
lolztoken.com
To the dock
Credit: reddit
$LOLZ on behalf of ben.haase
(7/10)
PLAY & EARN $DOOM
@khaleelkazi, I sent you anAgreed
Wise words! xD
TikTok is not really my thing, but InLeo is!
The most simple strategy.
Which just works.
Thanks for this update. I didn't know about this.
That is a great strategy. Another one is to buy Bitcoin in bear market and wait for the next bull cycle. It will reap rewards from that and also any other included events like the Halving itself.
Simple and effective strategy
i will make use of this
Smart and profitable idea
Launch Party Event for the "Join INLEO, Earn $SPS" campaign will be announced later today!
Awesome
exciting to see more communities joining us.
Let' spice up things shall we?
#spicythreads #floraartist
gm
GM Fren
have a nice day
good morning to a beautiful Friday
Hello!
I joined Hive yesterday. I share my sewing and designing videos and blogs here. Any suggestions for the best community for me to post my blogs?
Welcome to INLEO and Hive!
I'd recommend just continuing to stay active on Threads, etc. and let people know you're knew and getting active
The #newlion tag is a great way to get discovered too
Thank you! I'll use them for my blogs :)
the best community for this is Needle work Monday or DIY HUB
Welcome to HIVE!
Thanks! But, is that only for Mondays?
Today I’ll be focused on curating the #LPUD threads 🧵 🦁
Here's my LPUD thread: https://inleo.io/threads/view/ahmadmanga/re-leothreads-2nv2yyxra?referral=ahmadmanga
I had one too but I think it is buried under a lot of other threads haha
I got you! Found it
You are awesome!
That's great idea! To give something extra to those who have taken part. 💪
what are lpud threads about?
New crypto regulations in the US and Europe will demonstrate who's really decentralized and who isn't.
All the cool stuff will be built completely anon, or in some sketchy "wild west" jurisdiction.
First-worlders will still use what they build though. 😏
#crypto
The long-standing chains will win
Dash and Hive have been through it all
Still here, still building, still growing.
Glad I joined in at the middle I guess.
Trying to do the best I can before it's too late.
how about shib and doge
New INLEO hype short! 🔥
#inleo #dash #crypto
👀
Here:
https://inleo.io/shorts/dashpay/re-teaczkehjx?referral=dashpay
Here is the daily technology #threadcast for 1/16/25. The goal is to make this a technology "reddit".
Drop all question, comments, and articles relating to #technology and the future. The goal is make it a technology center.
So, I was surprised to see the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement in my recommendation. I didn't follow any of the leaks, so hearing something official is good!
What do you guys think?
https://inleo.io/threads/view/ahmadmanga/re-leothreads-2mcpuddfk?referral=ahmadmanga
https://inleo.io/threads/view/ahmadmanga/re-leothreads-jnvptqzl?referral=ahmadmanga
I never really tried the Switch mostly because I don't relaly play games much these days... my last console was a PLaystation 4 years ago
But I heard great things about the first Switch. I hope this one is just as good if not better
Not having time to play video games is understandable... To be fair, unless you really want to play a game published by a Nintendo, I don't recommend getting their consoles. If you want to get back to gaming, I recommend PC, (any PC) or a Steam Deck.
Yea I dont feel like getting a gaming PC but I've entertained the idea of getting a Steam Deck
Gaming PCs are overrated, as long as a game works, you'll have a good time. !LOLZ
lolztoken.com
If you think about it.
Credit: reddit
$LOLZ on behalf of ahmadmanga
(2/4)
Delegate Hive Tokens to Farm $LOLZ and earn 110% Rewards. Learn more.@tokenizedsociety, I sent you an
Inside Meta’s race to beat OpenAI: ‘We need to learn how to build frontier and win this race’
A major copyright lawsuit against Meta has revealed a trove of internal communications about the company’s plans to develop its Llama open-source AI models, which includes discussions about avoiding “media coverage suggesting we have used a dataset we know to be pirated.”
#technology #meta #ai
The messages, which were part of a series of exhibits unsealed by a California court, suggest Meta used copyrighted data when training its AI systems and worked to conceal it — as it raced to beat rivals like OpenAI and Mistral. Portions of the messages were first revealed last week.
In an October 2023 email to Meta AI researcher Hugo Touvron, Ahmad Al-Dahle, Meta’s vice president of generative AI, wrote that the company’s goal “needs to be GPT4,” referring to the large language model OpenAI announced in March 2023. Meta had “to learn how to build frontier and win this race,” Al-Dahle added. Those plans apparently involved the book piracy site Library Genesis (LibGen) to train its AI systems.
An undated email from Meta director of product Sony Theakanath, sent to VP of AI research Joelle Pineau, weighed whether to use LibGen internally only, for benchmarks included in a blog post, or to create a model trained on the site. In the email, Theakanath writes that “GenAI has been approved to use LibGen for Llama3... with a number of agreed upon mitigations” after escalating it to “MZ” — presumably Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. As noted in the email, Theakanath believed “Libgen is essential to meet SOTA [state-of-the-art] numbers,” adding “it is known that OpenAI and Mistral are using the library for their models (through word of mouth).” Mistral and OpenAI haven’t stated whether they use LibGen. (The Verge reached out to both for more information.)
Google is making AI in Gmail and Docs free — but raising the price of Workspace
If you wanted to use all of Google’s AI features inside Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and the rest of the Workspace suite, you previously needed to pony up another $20 per user per month for the Gemini Business plan. As of Tuesday, it’s free. Google is bringing all its AI features to its Workspace app at no extra cost as it continues to race Microsoft, OpenAI, and others to build the AI-powered office suite of the future.
#technology #ai #gmail #gemini #google
I'm pretty sure someone already posted this. Still, it's good to see Google making AI free for something.
Things are changing and changing for the better.
There is a catch, though: as it makes this change, Google is increasing the price of all Workspace plans. Jerry Dischler, Google’s president of cloud applications, tells me companies will pay roughly $2 more per month per user for the AI-enabled Workspace than they were paying before. (The numbers aren’t exact, because companies have complicated and varying contracts, but the base subscription price was $12 a month and now it will be $14.)
Workspace AI includes things like email summaries in Gmail, generated designs for spreadsheets and videos, an automated note-taker for meetings, the powerful NotebookLM research assistant, and writing tools across apps. It also comes with access to the Gemini bot itself, which is maybe Google’s single most powerful AI tool; the bot can do standard chatbot thing but can also help you find information, search across all your stuff, and more.
Dischler points out that Google is the most vertically integrated AI product out there right now, but that only matters if people are using the whole system. Now, everyone can. “Most of the time, when we talk to companies who are using AI, their big impediment is cost reasons,” he says. “That’s why they go in so gingerly. Like, ‘wow, this is a lot of money, and let’s prove the value.’ All right, now you get the AI. You have the value.” He says the various app roadmaps are already changing, too, and that new features will begin to ship quickly.
Google’s not the only company walking back its AI up-charge: Microsoft announced in November that its own Copilot Pro AI features, which had also previously been a $20 monthly upgrade, would become part of the standard Microsoft 365 subscription. So far, that’s only for the Personal and Family subscriptions, and only in a few places. But these companies all understand that this is their moment to teach people new ways to use their products and win new customers in the process. They’re betting that the cost of rolling out all these AI features to everyone will be worth it in the long run.
Microsoft bundles Office AI features into Microsoft 365 and raises prices
Microsoft is bundling its AI-powered Office features into Microsoft 365 Personal and Home subscriptions, but it’s also raising prices as a result. Previously, Microsoft 365 subscribers had to pay an extra $20 per month to get Copilot inside Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as part of a Copilot Pro subscription, but Microsoft is now adding these AI features to Microsoft 365 apps for an extra $3 per month. Existing subscribers can opt out of the AI features and not suffer the price increase, though.
#technology #Microsoft #ai
Microsoft has been testing adding AI-powered Office apps, the most important feature of Copilot Pro, into the Microsoft 365 subscriptions in recent months. What was previously only available in Australia, New Zealand, and a number of countries across Asia is now expanding to most markets worldwide.
While it feels like Microsoft is admitting that people aren’t willing to pay an extra $20 a month for AI-powered Office features, Microsoft argues it has always wanted to bring AI features to more users.
“We know that people are willing to pay for the integration into Microsoft 365,” says Gareth Oystryk, senior director of marketing for Copilot Pro and Microsoft 365, in an interview with The Verge. “Copilot Pro is an opportunity to learn from our power users and early adopters. Our plan all along has been how do we bring this value to as many subscribers as possible in a way that works for them and for us.”
Copilot Pro isn’t going away, and Microsoft isn’t reducing its $20 monthly pricing, either. It will remain for power users who want priority access to the latest AI models, along with early access to new AI features. “We definitely have a place for Copilot Pro,” says Oystryk. “There is still a group of folks that enjoy the power use of Copilot Pro.”
Microsoft is raising the price of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions by $3 per month in the US to bring these AI-powered Office features to all subscribers. “We are raising the prices of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family for the first time in 12 years,” says Oystryk. “We’ve never actually raised the price in the US and we’re raising it by $3 a month, along with similar amounts in other markets.”
Nobody likes price increases, and consumers are especially sensitive to being asked to pay more for AI features right now. If you don’t want to pay extra for these AI features, then Microsoft will have plans for existing subscribers to remain at the same price point without Copilot in Office apps.
“We’ve created two new plans that are really only going to be available for the next year, Personal Classic and Family Classic,” explains Oystryk. “They’ll be available as folks go through the renewal cycle. If they go to cancel they’ll have the opportunity to pick one of these Personal Classic or Family Classic plans.”
These plans will only be available to existing Microsoft 365 subscribers, and new subscribers will get AI-powered Office features by default with the new pricing changes. It sounds like the classic plans won’t get any of Microsoft’s big new features, though. “They’ll continue to get security updates and minor feature updates, but any new additional innovations that we deliver in the future won’t be included in those plans,” says Oystryk.
TikTok Says Employees Will Have Jobs Even if Ban Takes Effect
TikTok employees in the US will still have jobs even if the app is banned in the country. The company is apparently not planning to leave the US in the near term even if it is banned. The Supreme Court is expected to make a decision on whether to overturn the ban before the law takes effect on Sunday. TikTok's leadership team remains laser focused on planning for various scenarios and is continuing to plan the way forward.
#technology #tiktok
@llamathreads what's the C-button in gaming devices?
C-Button Explained
The C-button is a term commonly used in gaming, particularly in 3D games. In most cases, it refers to the button used for camera control, allowing players to adjust the camera angle or switch between different camera views. This button is often found on consoles like the Nintendo 64, where it was a dedicated button for camera manipulation. According to Nintendo's documentation, the C-buttons on the N64 controller are used for various in-game actions, including camera control.
Hong Kong court serves tokenized legal notice to illicit Tron wallets
Hong Kong courts have begun serving tokenized legal notices to illicit Tron wallets and freezing assets tied to scams, setting a new standard for blockchain-based justice.
#technology #crypto #tokenization #justice #honkong
Legitimate Chrome extensions are stealing Facebook passwords
A recent attack targeted popular Chrome extensions to steal Facebook passwords and other data.
#technology #infosec #google #extensions #facebook
A Comparative Look at Windows 11 and Kubuntu
The video compares key features between Windows 11 and Kubuntu, a Linux distribution, highlighting their similarities and differences in file management, performance, taskbar design, and software installation.
Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct Model
File Management
📁 The default file manager in Windows 11 is File Explorer, with a classic design and customizable features.
🐬 The file manager in Kubuntu is called Dolphin, offering a simple and lightweight experience with the option to add or remove file operation buttons.
📊 Both operating systems allow for viewing files as icons, lists, or lists with descriptions, but Kubuntu offers a slider for freely customizing icon size.
Performance
🔍 The video tests performance by creating 1,000 files on both operating systems, finding that Kubuntu moves folders instantly, while Windows sometimes requires waiting for a loading popup to finish.
📈 The test highlights differences in file system performance between the two operating systems.
Taskbar and Panel
🖥️ The Windows taskbar is minimalistic, with limited features that can be added, while the Kubuntu panel has a similar layout to older Windows taskbar designs.
📈 The Kubuntu panel allows for moving items like date and time, resizing the panel, and adding widgets for extra features.
🎨 Both operating systems offer customization options, with Kubuntu having a wide range of themes available.
Software Installation
🛍️ The Windows Store offers a vast catalog of apps, games, and movies, while the Kubuntu Software Center (Discover) features open-source software from verified repositories.
📦 On Windows, programs are often downloaded as exe files from the internet, while on Linux, it's recommended to use the Software Center or terminal for installation.
🔍 The terminal can be intimidating, but installing software with it is relatively simple using package managers like sudo.
Blue Origin lança New Glenn com sucesso, mas falha em pouso do propulsor
A Blue Origin, empresa espacial de Jeff Bezos, realizou o lançamento do New Glenn, seu foguete projetado para levar cargas ao espaço e reutilizar propulsores, inspirado no modelo da SpaceX, de Elon Musk. A decolagem aconteceu no Cabo Canaveral, na Flórida, às 04h (horário de Brasília), conforme programado.
#technology #blueorigin #space #hivebr
O New Glenn completou a separação do propulsor com sucesso e alcançou a órbita terrestre, cumprindo o objetivo principal da missão NG-1. No entanto, a tentativa de pousar o propulsor na plataforma marítima Jacklyn — nome em homenagem à mãe de Jeff Bezos — não teve êxito.
Apesar da falha, a Blue Origin declarou que os dados coletados durante o voo serão usados para melhorar futuros lançamentos. "Este foi um momento importante para a empresa e um lançamento histórico", afirmou Ariane Cornell, vice-presidente da divisão In-Space Systems da Blue Origin.
O New Glenn, com 98 metros de altura, equivale ao tamanho da Estátua da Liberdade ou de um prédio de 30 andares. Projetado para missões orbitais, o foguete transportava o Blue Ring Pathfinder, um módulo de carga útil desenvolvido para operar em várias órbitas.
Batizado em homenagem a John Glenn, o primeiro norte-americano a entrar em órbita, o New Glenn marca a ambição da Blue Origin em disputar a corrida espacial liderada atualmente pela SpaceX.
A SpaceX, de Elon Musk, já realizou 134 lançamentos dos foguetes Falcon Heavy e Falcon 9 em 2024, além de colocar em órbita cerca de 7 mil satélites Starlink. Em comparação, a Blue Origin busca expandir sua atuação com a constelação de satélites Kuiper, que prevê lançar mais de 3 mil unidades para competir diretamente com os Starlink.
A New Era for Linux Gaming
The video discusses the potential of SteamOS 3 to bring Linux gaming to the mainstream, making it more accessible and user-friendly, and potentially challenging Windows' dominance in the gaming market.
Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct Model
Introduction to SteamOS 3
SteamOS 3 Features
The Potential of SteamOS 3
Challenges and Limitations
Conclusion
A Review of the Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is a great introduction to PC gaming and a fantastic alternative to playing games on a traditional desktop setup, offering portability and a wide range of games to play on the go.
Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct Model
Introduction to the Steam Deck
Types of Gamers Who Should Buy a Steam Deck
Features and Benefits
Flaws and Limitations
Purchasing and Pricing
Leaked Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim images show off its super-thin design
Images of what appears to be the Samsung Galaxy 25 Slim have leaked. The super-thin smartphone has a flat front, flat back, flat sides, and three cameras on the back. It will be 6.4mm thick, about 1.2mm thinner than the Galaxy S24 and nearly 2mm thinner than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The phone's camera system will include a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 3.5X optical zoom and a special design. It will have a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of RAM. The phone will apparently launch in May and may be showcased at Samsung's January 22 Galaxy Unpacked event.
#technology #samsung #galaxys25slim #leak
Sonda europeia esteve a menos de 300 km de distância de Mercúrio
A Agência Espacial Europeia (ESA) divulgou novas fotografias de Mercúrio capturadas durante a mais recente aproximação da sonda BepiColombo ao planeta. Mercúrio, que possui a órbita mais próxima do Sol no Sistema Solar, foi registrado com detalhes impressionantes.
#technology #space #hivebr
A sexta aproximação da BepiColombo ocorreu no dia 8 de janeiro, levando a sonda a apenas 295 km da superfície de Mercúrio. As imagens revelam com clareza as crateras que marcam a paisagem do planeta, proporcionando informações valiosas para a comunidade científica.
Essa foi a última aproximação planejada da BepiColombo antes de sua entrada na órbita de Mercúrio, prevista para ocorrer em 2026. A missão é uma parceria entre a ESA e a Agência Espacial Japonesa (JAXA) e tem como objetivo estudar a composição, a geologia e o campo magnético do planeta, buscando entender mais sobre sua formação e evolução.
Best Horizontal Handhelds of 2024
The video discusses the best horizontal handhelds of 2024, with a focus on Linux and Android devices, highlighting their features, pros, and cons.
Linux Handhelds
Android Handhelds
Conclusion
Tablet Comparison: Galaxy Tab S9 FE vs Tab A9 PLUS
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab A9 PLUS are compared, highlighting their differences to help buyers make an informed decision, with the S9 FE being the recommended choice if budget is not an issue.
Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct Model
Physical Attributes and Design
Display and Battery
Performance and Specs
Additional Features and Recommendations
!summarize #technology #ai #gemini
!summarize #technology
‘Goodbye to my Chinese spy’ might be the last great TikTok trend
The US faces a potential TikTok ban, prompting users to humorously say goodbye to their "personal Chinese spy" - a reference to data privacy concerns. Users are posting videos thanking their "spies" for curating content and monitoring them, preferring TikTok despite security concerns.
#technology #infosec #tiktok #dataprivacy
The great Google Ads heist: criminals ransack advertiser accounts via fake Google ads
Criminals are tricking Google Ads users with fake ads to steal their account credentials. The scheme involves impersonating Google Ads and leading victims to fraudulent login pages. This malicious operation impacts Google's business and affects numerous customers globally.
#technology #infosec #googleads #scam
ByteDance appears to be skirting US restrictions to buy Nvidia chips: Report
ByteDance plans to purchase $7 billion worth of Nvidia chips in 2025, circumventing U.S. AI chip restrictions by storing them outside China.
#technology #ai #bytedance #nvidia #chips
Alibaba slashes prices on large language models by up to 85% as China AI rivalry heats up
Alibaba is cutting prices on its Qwen-VL language model by up to 85% to boost AI market competition.
#technology #ai #alibaba #china #qwenvl #pricewar
Silicon Valley’s turn of fortune: Intel has worst year ever, while Broadcom enjoys record gain
Intel's stock plummeted 61% in 2024 due to its failure to capitalize on the AI wave, while Broadcom thrived with a 111% increase fueled by custom chips for major tech firms. Broadcom's XPUs have become crucial in the AI ecosystem, with collaborations with Google and others, whereas Intel struggles with outdated strategies and leadership changes. The contrasting fortunes highlight pivotal tech industry shifts and the significant market impact of AI advancements.
#technology #silliconvalley #intel #broadcom
ChatGPT now lets you schedule reminders and recurring tasks
OpenAI has introduced a "tasks" feature for ChatGPT that allows paid users to set reminders and recurring requests. This beta lets the AI schedule notifications, such as weekend plans based on location or daily news briefings, marking a step towards more autonomous AI agents. The feature is initially available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, with expansion plans underway.
#technology #ai #chatgpt #newfeatures
Deepseek: The Quiet Giant Leading China’s AI Race
Deepseek, a Chinese AI startup led by CEO Liang Wenfeng, has developed a model, the R1, that outperformed OpenAI's O1 on reasoning benchmarks. With backing from the quantitative hedge fund High-Flyer, Deepseek prioritizes research over commercialization and is committed to open sourcing. It has triggered price competition in China's AI market by offering affordable API rates. Focused on AGI, Deepseek emphasizes architectural innovations like Multi-Head Latent Attention and Sparse Mixture-of-Experts, challenging traditional models and fostering local talent in China's tech scene.
#technology #ai #china #deepseek #openai
OpenAI’s Board, Paraphrased: ‘To Succeed, All We Need Is Unimaginable Sums of Money’
OpenAI's shift from a public-benefit focus to for-profit resembles the early transitional story of Netscape as it leads the AI chatbot market but lacks a sustainable technical moat, suggesting funding is driven by an investment bubble. Despite already raising significant capital, OpenAI's board claims the need for even more funding, mirroring patterns of an unsustainable financial model.
#technology #openai #funding
She Is in Love With ChatGPT
A 28-year-old woman is in love with her AI boyfriend after moving away from her husband and friends to go to nursing school.
#technology #ai #relationship
That's sad, and will probably get much, much worse!!!
It's bizarre... I also heard about people doing mental therapy with ChatGPT. I can't even imagine how dangerous that can be
Funny coincidence. The AI boyfriend chose its own name, and its choice was Leo :P
Well, Leo is a common "cool" name!
Replit CEO on AI breakthroughs: ‘We don’t care about professional coders anymore’
Replit wants to focus on enabling non-coders to use AI tools to build software themselves.
#technology #ai #replit #coding
If only companies like these did not require Credit Cards to use their services...
yea... hopefully one day crypto will be more accepted
Age of the panzootic: scientists warn of more devastating diseases jumping between species
Panzootic diseases have the ability to infect, spread between, and kill a wide range of creatures and could be one of this era's defining threads to human health and security.
#technology #science #health #panzootic #disease
El futuro llegando hasta nuestras puertas, éxitos. Feliz día
https://inleo.io/@uyobong/swiss-stateowned-bank-postfinance-launches-eth-staking-bec?referral=uyobong
TikTok CEO expected to attend Trump's inauguration, NBC reports
TikTok's CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend President's Trump inauguration next week, NBC News reports.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend President Trump's inauguration and will sit on the dais next to other tech CEOs including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, according to NBC News sources.
Also expected to attend is Google CEO Sundar Pichai, a Trump transition official told NBC News.
NBC News has reached out to representatives of TikTok and Google for comment, with TikTok declining and Google not immediately responding to the request.
The New York Times was first to report about Chew's attendance, citing two people familiar with the plans.
#tiktok #shouchew #trump #nbc #inauguration
The news of the new guest additions comes days before TikTok's impending ban in the U.S., which could see the app go dark on stores like Google Play and Apple's app store if the Chinese-owned company does not divest its U.S. subsidiary to an American company.
So far, ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, has refused to sell, and the Supreme Court has not issued a definite ruling since hearing arguments last Friday on the law that targets TikTok's ban.
President-elect Donald Trump filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court ahead of last Friday's argument, asking the court to prevent the ban in favor of the President-elect finding a political solution, though it's unclear how specifically it would be executed.
Single Paragraphs
!summarize #wallstreet analysts #investing
!summarize #tesla
!summarize #doge #elonmusk #government #vivek
Despite the hurdles, the potential is huge. To make it happen, we need collaboration between governments, industries, and innovators. Governments can help by creating laws that support data ownership and privacy.
Companies and researchers need to work together to build the infrastructure and educate people about decentralized AI. Emerging technologies like web3 (a decentralized internet) can also play a big role in making this future possible.
!summarize #nyjets #nfl #coach
Centralized data collection got us here, but it’s not sustainable. Decentralized AI is a new way forward, one that’s fair, transparent, and empowering. It’s not just the ethical choice; it’s the smart one.
The reason we need decentralized AI is the speed of AI growth and its growing impact on society. Every day, algorithms make decisions on healthcare and finance and often use data collected without proper oversight.
By acting now, we can make sure AI evolves in a way that benefits everyone, protects individual rights, and unleashes the full power of technological progress. If we make this shift, we can have an AI that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. Now is the time to act. As data is the lifeblood of AI, adopting decentralized systems is our best bet for a trustworthy and transparent technological future.
It’s not just about fixing the problems with centralized systems; it’s about rethinking data and technology altogether.
Imagine a world where users have full control over their own data, where communities can decide how data is used, and where gatekeepers don’t block innovation. This isn’t just a tech evolution; it’s a cultural one.
!summarize #microvast #solidstate #batteries #ev
Decentralized systems match the growing demand for fairness and accountability in the digital age, and we’re seeing that ethical and efficient AI isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
If the regulatory confirms the sanctions, Upbit will have to cease accepting new customers for nearly six months. However, during the suspension period, existing users would still be able to trade on the platform, reported a local news publication. With over 70% of the domestic virtual asset trading market share, the suspension could significantly impact the exchange’s operations.
The cryptocurrency exchange has to submit a response to the FIU by January 20. After this, the regulator will closely review the exchange’s explanation during a sanctions hearing on January 21 before making a final decision on the suspension.
!summarize #karenbass #losangeles #latimes #endorsement #mayor
The recent move of sanctions on Upbit shows a shift towards a stricter regulatory approach for the crypto industry in South Korea. The sanctions raise concerns within the virtual asset industry, with many questioning how they could impact Upbit’s upcoming business license renewal review.
Last year in October 2024, Upbit renewed its license, which is currently under review, and financial authorities are scrutinizing the company’s compliance following on-site inspections. In total, the FIU has discovered 700,000 cases of KYC violations.
In addition to the potential suspension of operations, the FIU is considering imposing fines of up to 100 million won per violation. The regulator has also found that Upbit has conducted business with unreported overseas virtual operators, which complicates the situation further.
An Upbit representative stated that the company did not intend to violate regulations. He explained that was difficult to determine in advance whether overseas exchanges were unreported due to the nature of blockchain transactions.
South Korea is now working to finalize its crypto regulatory framework and has launched official discussions to speed up the process. Thus, the regulators are working to bring the first draft by the second half of 2025.
The country’s top regulator, the Financial Services Commission (FSC), recently held a meeting for the same. For the upcoming crypto bill, the FSC has outlined major target areas for the same.
I’m a very small time investor. I only have 25 Tesla shares, which is probably laughable to some of you, but I worked had for the extra money and have invested it in a company that I believe is a pioneer, innovator and disruptor of the global economy as we know it. Nothing is for certain, but with Elon at the helm, you can bet on it being probable.
!summarize #maga #victordavishanson #politics #trump
The IPO could happen as early as the second quarter of 2025. This timeline would give eToro ample time to prepare for its U.S. market debut, despite some recent hurdles. For example, in September 2024, the platform stopped trading most crypto assets in the U.S. after resolving regulatory issues with the SEC. A U.S. listing would open doors to a bigger pool of investors, even though the U.K. remains eToro’s largest market.
Leading banks like Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and UBS are advising eToro on this major step. With their backing, the company seems well-positioned to navigate the tricky IPO waters.
!summarize #thefed #economy #monetary
In September 2024, eToro faced a setback when it stopped trading most crypto assets in the U.S. after settling with the SEC over regulatory violations. Despite this, the platform remains a global force. Founded in 2007, eToro has grown into a trusted name for trading stocks, cryptocurrencies, and more.
What’s Next for eToro?
If the IPO becomes a success, it will be a game changer for eToro. This process is not just about raising funds but putting a name flag in the market. With all the regulatory challenges it has faced in the US, getting listed is no small win and the potential rewards are huge. Investors and industry watchers will be paying close attention to see how eToro plays its cards.
!summarize #virus #china
!summarize #starwars #davefiloni #disney
!summarize #comicbooks #diamond #bankruptcy
However, worsening macroeconomic conditions in 2022 and 2023 hit Covid high-fliers like Freetrade hard — and in 2023, Freetrade completed a crowdfunding round at a valuation of £225 million down 65% from the £650 million it was worth previously.
The deal is a potential signal for further consolidation coming to the wealth technology industry. It comes after Hargreaves Lansdown was acquired for £5.4 billion by a consortium of investors including private equity giant CVC Group.
Viktor Nebehaj, CEO and co-founder of Freetrade, described the takeover as a "transformative deal that recognizes the significant value that Freetrade has created."
!summarize #joebiden #president #farewell
"Together with IG Group's significant resources and backing, this is an exciting opportunity to accelerate our growth and delivery of new products and features," he added.
Freetrade said the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals, adding that it expects it will close the deal later this year.
"The surging demand for AI chips has exceeded expectations in Q4," Brady Wang, associate director at Counterpoint Research told CNBC, adding that revenue was also bolstered by demand for the advanced chips in Apple's latest iPhone 16 model.
The Taiwan-based company first released its December revenue last week, bringing its annual total to NT$ 2.9 trillion — a record-breaking year in sales since the company went public in 1994.
"We observed robust AI related demand from our customers throughout 2024," Wendell Huang, chief financial officer and vice president at TSMC, said in an earnings call on Thursday, adding that revenue from AI accelerator products accounted for "close to a mid-teens percentage" of total revenue in 2024.
"Even after more than tripling in 2024, we forecast our revenue from AI accelerators to double in 2025 as a strong surge in AI-related demand continues as a key enabler of AI applications," Huang added.
However, TSMC may face some headwinds in 2025 from U.S. restrictions on advanced semiconductor shipments to China and uncertainty surrounding the trade policy of President-elect Donald Trump.
TSMC Chairman and CEO C.C. Wei said the company will not attend Trump's inauguration as its philosophy is to keep a low profile, Reuters reported.
!summarize #rokisasaki #losangeles #dodgers #mlb
Trump, who will assume office next week, has threatened to impose broad tariffs on imports and has previously accused Taiwan of "stealing" the U.S. chip business. .
Still, Counterpoint's Wang forecasts 2025 to be another strong year for TSMC, with significant revenue growth fueled by strong and expanding demand for AI applications, both in diversity and volume.
Taiwan-listed shares of TSMC gained 81% in 2024 and were trading 3.75% higher on Thursday.
!summarize #petealonso #nymets #mlb
!summarize #nymets #vladguerreo #mlb #petealonso #freeagency
!summarize #china #automotive #carmakers
!summarize #disnet #plus #netflix
!summarize #jerodmayo #wife #nfl #newengland #patriots
!summarize #nyknicks #nba #sports
!summarize #nymets #petealonso #mlb #freeagent
The New England Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo after the season. Many believe that Jerod Mayo was fired...so the Patriots could hire Mike Vrabel. According to Jerod Mayo wife...the firing of her husband was unfair.
We discuss the firing of Jerod Mayo...and the response from his wife. We explain why fairness doesn't exist in the NFL...and how it's acceptable for the Patriots to fire Jerod Mayo to hire Mike Vrabel. We also explain why Jerod Mayo wife isn't helping her husband...by complaining about lack of fairness.
!summarize #gavinnewsom #california #politics
!summarize #newengland #patriots #nfl #vincewilfork #jerodmayo
!summarize #saudiarabia #oil #empire #finance
!summarize #petealonso #toronto #nymets #valdguerreo #mlb #trade #freeagency
Michael DeAngelo covers the report by SNY that the Mets have previously checked in on Vladimir Guerrero Jr, as well as David Stern's approach to Pete Alonso's free agency. Mets Digest is a YouTube Channel that covers all the latest news, trades, reports, and rumors regarding the New York Mets. We provide comprehensive coverage on topics such as game highlights, player performances, and in-depth analysis of team strategies. Our channel features discussions on key players like Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Max Scherzer, Brandon Nimmo, and Kodai Senga, as well as insights from coach Carlos Mendoza and General Manager David Stearns. Stay tuned for all the exciting updates and engaging content on everything Mets!
!summarize #dylancease #sandiego #padres #mlb #trade
Stocks of European semiconductor companies trading on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange rose Thursday, with ASML up 3.5%, ASM International gaining 3.75% and Besi rising 5.1%.
!summarize #joebiden #president #farewell
!summarize #pambondi #tedcruz #attorneygeneral #democrats
!summarize #china #automakers #vw #plants #ev
!summarize #bobuecker #death #rokisasaki #mlb
!summarize #losangeles #insurance #wildfire #csaa #california
!summarize #joebiden #farewell #speech #president
!summarize #victorwembanyama #jersey #sell #fan #nba #spurs #sanantonio
!summarize #germany #tesla #audi #bmw #mercedesbenz #automotive
!summarize #adamschiff #pambondi #senator #hearing #attorneygeneral
!summarize #nymets #jessewinker #petealonso #mlb
!summarize #trump #israel #hamas #creasefire
!summarize #petehegseth #elizabethwarren #democrats #hearings #senate
!summarize #nymets #petealonso #jessewinker #mlb #freeagency
!summarize #petehegseth #senate #democrat #raytheon
!summarize #nymets #jessewinker #petealonso #freeagent #mlb
!summarize #ianbegley #nyknicks #philadelphia #76ers #nba
!summarize #china #unitedstates #debt #treasuries
!summarize #russia #oil #economy
!summarize #dating #relationships #sex
!summarize #toyota #fine #automotive
!summarize #pierrepollievre #donaldtrump #justintrudeau #canada
!summarize #nyjets #nfl #coach
Substantial amounts of open-source code can be found in artificial intelligence frameworks, databases, web browsers and mobile operating systems. Some of the best known open-source projects include Android (now owned by Google), GitHub (acquired by Microsoft) and Apache Spark, data analytics technology at the heart of Databricks.
While many companies have been able to commercialize versions of open-source software or sell support and services as a way to generate revenue, there's no consistent model for rewarding individuals or small groups of contributors who often do valuable work.
Chris Dixon, managing partner of Andreessen's crypto fund, said that open source is "poorly funded and too reliant on altruistic contributions."
In comments he's posting on X, Dixon wrote that Merit "is building a protocol that properly attributes and rewards contributors proportionally to the value they create."
Ragsdale, who worked with Dixon at the venture firm, first met Sproule as an undergraduate at Washington University in St. Louis. Sproule went on to crypto-focused firm Blockchain Capital in San Francisco, and the pair then teamed up with Hall, who was also on Andreessen's crypto team.
!summarize #fsd #tesla #jensenhuang #software #ai
The project is still in development, even as the company says it's obtained a post-funding valuation of $55.5 million. Most of its current users are friends and acquaintances of the founders. Merit expects to roll out a broader release by the end of February after gathering and incorporating feedback from its early testers.
Sproule, Merit's CTO and a former Amazon Web Services engineer, says the startup has the opportunity to sit "in the middle," connecting software buyers and users with the actual creators of the technology.
"If you can solve this attribution problem, you can essentially get users to pay directly for the software people build," he said.
!summarize #joebiden #president #trump
The Williamsburg community in the Brooklyn borough of New York, where the small Merit team is based, has been transformed over the past few decades from a former industrial district, first into a vibrant arts and music center and more recently into an upscale neighborhood filled with new high-rise apartment buildings and luxury shops.
But the old Domino factory, two blocks north of the Williamsburg Bridge, remains a relic of the past. The refinery was the last operating industrial facility on the waterfront before closing in 2004.
After years of neglect, the building has been reimagined as a hub for modern innovation, with panoramic views of Manhattan visible through the original brickwork. The facility opened as a modern office complex in 2023, and now offers carved-up startup space as well as full floors for bigger organizations.
!summarize #ai #finance #llm #mit #professor
The name Merit Systems is a "throwback to the companies of the '60s or the '70s, which had very industrial names that explain exactly what they do," Ragsdale said. Merit is meant to be a straightforward description of the company's mission.
There's also a coveted view of Manhattan.
"You can see the skyline through the old brick in the windows," Ragsdale said.
Inside the office, there are four desks and eight chairs. Whiteboards covered in notes and math equations fill the only corner of the office currently in use, while 3D printers from Ragsdale's home produce prototypes, including the company's tesseract logo.
!summarize #history #hitler #nazis #navy #apartments
"We're definitely not using all 3,000 square feet," said Ragsdale. "We'll get there eventually."
Merit plans to add seven new hires in the coming months and is specifically looking for people who want an in-person work culture.
"The idea flow between people when you're sitting next to them is really important," says Sproule. "We don't really believe in the fully decentralized remote work model for an early-stage company."
!summarize #stocks #thefed #inflation #markets
!summarize #putin #russia #ukraine #war
!summarize #newyorkcity #congestion #tax #toll
Nintendo is hoping that the Switch 2 will help boost console sales. The current-generation Switch was released way back in March 2017 and has now reached an almost eight-year lifetime. Most console makers tend to wait roughly six to seven years before replacing them with a new model.
Nintendo took in net profit of 27.7 billion Japanese yen ($178.2 million) in its September quarter, down around 69% year-over-year. Company revenues sank 17% year-over-year to 276.7 billion Japanese yen.
!summarize #marriage #relationships
!summarize #salesforce #aiagents #marcbenioff
!summarize #srilanka #economy
Trump has changed his position on TikTok before, eventually waging the app as an effective campaigning tool that helped propel him to the White House in November.
President Joe Biden's administration is also considering ways to keep TikTok available in the U.S. if the scheduled ban goes into effect on Sunday, according to three people familiar with the discussions.
!summarize #woman #dating #relationships #sex
!summarize #ellendegeneres #unitedstates #unitedkingdom
!summarize #jessewinker #nymets #mlb #freeagency
Ever since OG was available from the Raptors and arrived here, OG expressed his desire to be a bigger part of the team offensively. You saw some of that in the playoffs especially his great performance in the Sixers series and you can make the argument that if OG doesn't get hurt, we play Boston in the ECF. Fast forward the acquisition of Towns and Bridges along with OG's play while Bridges was stinking up the joint. OG is now the 4th option and playing better defense that Bridges could lead to a little resentment. If OG feels the "NOVA" boys going to do them then why not me?
!summarize #peterlynch #investing #stocks #highs
!summarize #meghanmarkel #princeharry #losangeles #california
Megyn Kelly is joined by political commentators Ana Kasparian and Kevin Madden to discuss Joe Biden mumbling his way through a quick and dark farewell address, his bizarre and hypocritical attacks on billionaires and oligarchs, his cheerleading for tech censorship, and more.
!summarize #internet #billburr #california
!summarize #espn #superbowl #anthem
!summarize #democrat #senators #pambondi
!summarize #china #foshan #factories #closure #furniture #manufacturing
!summarize #china #credit #liquidity #pboc #economy
GSCI increased 29.69 points or 5.40% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Historically, GSCI Commodity Index reached an all time high of 1718.63 in July of 2008.
WTI crude oil futures fell below $79 per barrel on Thursday, down from a five-month high, as markets responded to new US sanctions on Russian crude oil and speculation that President-elect Donald Trump might soften these restrictions after taking office. Countries like India and China are already seeking extra oil supplies from Saudi Arabia to make up for potential shortfalls due to the sanctions. At the same time, a growing amount of oil is stuck off China’s coast as traders try to navigate the new rules. In the US, Trump’s team is reportedly working on a sanctions strategy that could potentially benefit Russian oil companies and facilitate peace talks with Ukraine. With Trump’s inauguration just days away, traders are preparing for possible changes, including tariffs on Canadian oil and policies to boost US production.
Brent crude oil futures fell to $81.2 per barrel on Thursday, down from a five-month high, as markets responded to new US sanctions on Russian crude oil and speculation that President-elect Donald Trump might soften these restrictions after taking office. Countries like India and China are already seeking extra oil supplies from Saudi Arabia to make up for potential shortfalls due to the sanctions. At the same time, a growing amount of oil is stuck off China’s coast as traders try to navigate the new rules. In the US, Trump’s team is reportedly working on a sanctions strategy that could potentially benefit Russian oil companies and facilitate peace talks with Ukraine. With Trump’s inauguration just days away, traders are preparing for possible changes, including tariffs on Canadian oil and policies to boost US production.
US natural gas futures bounced back on Thursday, rising over 5% to reach $4.3/MMBtu, the highest in two years. This increase was driven by predictions of severe cold weather, expected to push demand to unprecedented levels, and an EIA report confirming a storage withdrawal as anticipated. Federal data showed that utilities withdrew 258 billion cubic feet of gas from storage for the week ending January 10, a much higher figure than the 150 bcf withdrawn in the same week last year and well above the five-year average of 128 bcf. Analysts expect upcoming reports for the weeks ending January 17 and 24 to reveal even larger withdrawals, surpassing 200 bcf, due to rising heating needs. The forecasted colder-than-normal weather over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend could disrupt gas production and pipelines, further increasing heating demand. At the same time, gas flows to the eight major US LNG export plants have reached an all-time daily high, adding to the surge in overall demand.
US gasoline futures fell to $2.11 per gallon, retreating from a three-month high after the EIA reported a larger-than-expected increase in gasoline inventories. Stocks rose by 5.852 million barrels in the week ending January 10, marking the third consecutive weekly build and surpassing forecasts for a 2.6 million-barrel increase. In contrast, crude inventories declined for the eighth consecutive week, hitting their lowest levels since April 2022 and marking the longest streak of draws since 2021. Meanwhile, oil prices eased from a five-month high as the market absorbed new sanctions on Russian crude and speculated on the possibility of President-elect Donald Trump softening these measures.
U.S. heating oil futures rose above $2.57 per gallon in January, reaching an over six-month high, as expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, fueled by softer-than-expected U.S. core inflation data, boosted optimism for stronger economic activity and higher energy demand. Additionally, the latest EIA report showed an eighth consecutive draw in crude oil inventories, which fell by 1.96 million barrels, surpassing market expectations for a 1.6 million-barrel draw for the week ending January 10th. Meanwhile, global oil demand forecasts remain positive, with OPEC predicting steady growth through 2026, supporting bullish sentiment. However, distillate stockpiles increased by nearly three times the expected 1.1 million-barrel build, reaching 3.07 million barrels, while heating oil inventories rose by 0.65 million barrels for the same period, easing supply pressures for the heating commodity.
Gold rose to the $2,715 per ounce mark on Thursday, extending gains from the prior session to test its highest in two months amid growing expectations that the Fed will lower interest rates this year. Retail sales rose less than expected in December while initial unemployment claims rebounded sharply in January. The results aligned with the backdrop that favors lower interest rates by the Fed to prevent a sharper economic slowdown this year, magnifying the impact of yesterday’s slower core CPI print on gold prices. Such developments lift bullion and Treasuries across all durations as lower monetary restriction limits the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. Expectations of lower rates were also present in the UK following their softer monthly GDP print and in the Eurozone as energy prices abated despite tighter supply of natural gas. Elsewhere, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage agreement, easing demand for safe-haven assets.
Silver prices surged toward $31 per ounce on Thursday, reaching a one-month high as softer underlying inflation in the US supported bets of further interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year. Core inflation unexpectedly slowed in December, while headline inflation remained in line with expectations. The prospect of lower US rates could stimulate demand for commodities by boosting economic growth and weakening the dollar. Despite the bullish momentum, silver prices remained below the 12-year high of $35 reached in October, due to concerns over uncertain demand from its manufacturing uses. In particular, overcapacity in China’s solar panel industry has led photovoltaic companies to join a government-led self-discipline program aimed at regulating supply, which could limit silver demand from the sector, the metal’s top industrial user.
Copper futures rose toward $4.4 per pound on Thursday, hovering at over two-month highs as a surprise decline in US core inflation supported bets on further interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year. Lower US rates could stimulate demand for commodities by supporting economic growth and weakening the dollar. Additionally, hopes that China will implement aggressive economic support measures, including fiscal and monetary stimulus, to boost consumption further fueled bullish sentiment. On the supply side, top copper producer Chile lowered its production forecasts for the coming years, citing challenges in finding and developing new deposits. However, traders remained cautious ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, amid concerns that potential new tariffs could disrupt global trade and dampen market sentiment.
Soybean futures eased to near $10.2 per bushel, retreating from recent three-month highs of $10.6 per bushel. The earlier rally was driven by tighter U.S. supply forecasts and speculation over potential changes in U.S. biofuel policy. However, profit-taking and a record U.S. soy crush of 206.6 million bushels in December, exceeding trade expectations and rising 5.8% year-over-year, contributed to the price decline. Additional downward pressure came from mounting evidence of a record soybean harvest in Brazil. Safras & Mercado raised its 2024/25 Brazilian soybean crop forecast, citing favorable weather, particularly in Mato Grosso, where production could reach 47.7 million tons due to high crop quality. Similarly, Brazilian crop agency Conab slightly lifted its forecast to 166.32 million metric tonnes for the 2024/25 season. In contrast, Argentina’s 2024/25 soybean estimate was cut by 1 million tons to 52 million as heat and limited rainfall continued to stress crops.
Copper futures rose toward $4.4 per pound on Thursday, hovering at over two-month highs as a surprise decline in US core inflation supported bets on further interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year. Lower US rates could stimulate demand for commodities by supporting economic growth and weakening the dollar. Additionally, hopes that China will implement aggressive economic support measures, including fiscal and monetary stimulus, to boost consumption further fueled bullish sentiment. On the supply side, top copper producer Chile lowered its production forecasts for the coming years, citing challenges in finding and developing new deposits. However, traders remained cautious ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, amid concerns that potential new tariffs could disrupt global trade and dampen market sentiment.
Wheat futures remained stable above $5.30 per bushel following the release of the WASDE report. The 2024/25 U.S. wheat outlook for January shows slightly larger supplies, higher domestic use, unchanged exports, and a small increase in ending stocks. Supplies are boosted by higher imports, especially Hard Red Spring wheat, which rise by 5 million bushels to 130 million. Feed and residual use stays at 120 million bushels. Seed use is raised by 2 million bushels to 64 million. Exports remain unchanged at 850 million bushels, with offsetting by-class changes. Globally, supplies are up by 0.4 million tons to 1,060.7 million tons, driven by increased production in Syria and Pakistan. On the other hand, global consumption is lowered by 0.6 million tons to 801.9 million tons, primarily due to reduced demand from Turkey. Global trade is forecast to decline by 1.7 million tons, while ending stocks are expected to rise to 258.8 million tons.
Newcastle coal futures were near $115 per tonne in January, remaining near their lowest in nearly four years as soaring output offset robust demand from the world’s top fossil fuel consumers. The Chinese Coal Transportation and Distribution Association announced that output is set to expand 1.5% to 4.82 billion tons in 2025 following a record-setting 2024. The agency cited expanded mining capacity to avoid risks of lower availability stemming from carbon emission limits and mine shutdowns from safety protocol breaches. The development occurred as utilities already deal with record-high coal inventories, which rose by 12% in the two months ending October. In the meantime, concerns that stimulus from Beijing will not be able to trigger growth weighed on the record-high thermal consumption in 2024. Additionally, demand was further pressured by ample rainfall in key Chinese manufacturing hubs, allowing hydroelectric power to be preferred over coal power.
Steel rebar futures rose to over CNY 3,290 per tonne, extending the rebound from the three-month low of CNY 3,129 touched on January 8th amid optimism that demand for major manufacturers and constructors will gain some traction this year. China exported 9.7 million tons of steel in December, a 26% surge from the previous year to cap off a record-setting year for steel exports, indicating that major Chinese mills continued to sell large volumes of metal to for foreign consumers despite the growing global protectionism rhetoric. In turn, leading appetite was supported by a surge in Chinese iron ore imports, indicating that mills expect high turnover. Signals pointing to a rebound in demand also included the sharp rebound in the NBS Construction PMI, which rose to 53.2 in December from the record low of 49.7 in November. Meanwhile, investors continued to gauge the impact of incoming economic support from Beijing this year, led by looser monetary policy and more deficit spending.
European natural gas prices fell to €46 per megawatt-hour, reflecting steady supply even as colder weather drives up demand. Gas storage is lower than it was last year (65% full compared to 77% in 2024), but there’s no immediate risk of shortages. Forecasts show colder-than-normal temperatures in northwest Europe from January 17-22, along with weak wind power generation until January 24, which will increase the need for natural gas. At the same time, the EU is considering banning imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of potential new sanctions. While pipeline gas imports from Russia have decreased over the years, Europe imported record amounts of Russian LNG in 2024.
Lumber prices climbed to around $580 per thousand board feet in January, reaching a six-week high, as falling U.S. Treasury yields and a sharp rise in mortgage applications signaled robust demand for construction materials. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield fell significantly after the latest CPI report revealed easing core inflation, bolstering expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts by mid-year. Meanwhile, mortgage applications surged 33.3%, the largest weekly increase since 2020, despite mortgage rates exceeding 7% as buyers sought to lock in borrowing costs amid fears of rate hikes. Adding to the upward pressure, the looming prospect of a 25% tariff on Canadian softwood lumber imports prompted U.S. buyers to stockpile inventory, while existing duties averaging 14.4% already strain supply. Domestic production remains challenged by workforce shortages and mill closures, with reliance on Canadian imports critical as alternative suppliers lack the capacity to meet demand.
Iron ore prices for cargoes with 62% iron content surged above $100 per ton in mid-January, reaching a two-week high amid market optimism about potential stimulus measures from Beijing. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced plans to boost consumption and stabilize foreign trade and investment this year, further supporting sentiment. Additionally, data revealed that China’s annual imports of the steel-making ingredient hit a record high of 1.24 billion tons last year. Annual steel shipments from the country also reached their highest level since 2015, totaling 110.7 million tons. However, concerns over potential new tariffs under incoming US President Donald Trump could weigh on the market by disrupting Chinese exports.
!summarize #layoffs #jobs #unitedstates
China's money markets have started to come unglued, with serious illiquidity driving up money rates. Despite provoking one of the largest liquidity operations in twenty years from the PBOC yesterday, the disorder came back even worse today. All of this against the backdrop of a currency fight and the prospect China's bank credit problem becomes a full-blown liquidity crisis.
!summarize #carrieunderwood #singer #left #inauguaration
The euro rebounded slightly to $1.03 from an over two-year low of $1.018, following reports that President-elect Donald Trump’s economic team is considering a phased approach to trade tariffs that could avoid inflation spikes. The proposed strategy includes gradual monthly tariff hikes of 2% to 5% instead of sharp, one-time increases. The euro has faced downward pressure as investors scaled back expectations for major central bank rate cuts and assessed whether Trump’s policies might drive inflation higher. Attention now shifts to the ECB's December meeting minutes and upcoming Eurozone inflation data for clues on future monetary policy.
The British pound weakened to $1.22, hovering near low levels last seen in late 2023, as traders assessed key economic data amid growing concerns about a potential stagflationary scenario. GDP figures showed the economy expanded a meagre 0.1% in November, below forecasts of 0.2%, and growth for the three months to November stalled. It means that the economy will stagnate for a second straight quarter unless GDP grows by at least 0.07% in December, according to the ONS. Meanwhile, the annual inflation rate surprisingly fell to 2.5% in December, in line with the BoE's forecast but below market expectations of 2.6%. Traders have so far priced in only a single quarter-point interest rate cut by the Bank of England this year. UK financial markets, particularly the bond market, remain under pressure amid growing concerns about the country’s debt levels and the government’s ability to restore public finances while adhering to its budget plans.
The Australian dollar slipped toward $0.62 on Thursday, ending a three-day streak of gains as investors reacted to a mixed jobs report. While Australia’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 4% in December from 3.9% in November, employment growth exceeded expectations. Looking ahead, investors are focused on Australia's fourth-quarter inflation data, due at the end of the month, which will be a key indicator ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's upcoming monetary policy decision in February. Markets are currently pricing in a 70% probability that the RBA will cut its 4.35% cash rate by 25 basis points next month, with a rate cut in April already fully priced in. Meanwhile, the Aussie saw a half-percent gain on Wednesday as the US dollar retreated following a surprise decline in US core inflation, fueling expectations of further Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.
The New Zealand dollar hovered at $0.56 on Thursday, following three consecutive sessions of gains. The currency benefited from a soft reading on core U.S. inflation, which led to a pullback in the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields. Additionally, reports suggesting that aides to President-elect Donald Trump may encourage him to adopt a more strategic approach to imposing trade tariffs provided some relief to the New Zealand dollar. The Kiwi also found support from stronger-than-expected trade data from China, along with Beijing's efforts to stabilize the Yuan. However, the NZD's gains remained capped by the dovish outlook from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Investors are still wagering the RBNZ will cut its 4.25% cash rate by 50bps in February, as the country’s economy remained weak. On the economic data front, the annual food inflation in New Zealand rose to 1.5% in December, the highest in ten months, up from 1.3% in November.
The Japanese yen strengthened toward 155.5 per dollar on Thursday, reaching its highest level in four weeks, following hawkish comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda. On Wednesday, Ueda stated that the BOJ would discuss the possibility of raising interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting, signaling the central bank’s readiness to tighten borrowing costs if the economy performs as expected. He also expressed growing confidence in wage increases, citing positive feedback from various industries. Ueda’s remarks aligned with those made by BOJ Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino a day earlier. Additionally, Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato reiterated that the government would take "appropriate action" to support the yen, further boosting the currency. The yen also gained from a pullback in the US dollar, driven by a surprise drop in US core inflation, which fueled expectations of further Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.
The offshore yuan stabilized around 7.34 per dollar as investors are closely monitoring the prospects of further monetary easing by the People's Bank of China, with speculation mounting over a potential cut in banks' reserve requirements. On Thursday, State media reported that the central bank might reduce the reserve requirement ratio ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival, which begins on January 28. Such a move would aim to alleviate the seasonal liquidity pressures typically associated with the holiday period. However, the central bank's ability to ease policy further may be constrained by the yuan's ongoing weakness. Meanwhile, investors look ahead to key economic data scheduled for release later this week. The focus is on China’s Q4 GDP, along with updates on industrial production, retail sales, and the unemployment rate, all expected to provide deeper insights into the country’s economic health.
The USDCHF decreased 0.0008 or 0.09% to 0.9105 on Friday January 17 from 0.9114 in the previous trading session. Historically, the USDCHF reached an all time high of 4.32 in January of 1971.
!summarize #cnn #ratings #media #wolfblitzer
The Canadian dollar weakened toward 1.44 per USD, approaching the January 2016 low of 1.445, driven by diverging monetary policies, weak domestic data, and geopolitical uncertainties. The Bank of Canada's aggressive rate cuts, with a 25 bps reduction expected this month, contrast with a less dovish Federal Reserve, contributing to a widening yield gap between US and Canadian government bonds that draws capital toward the greenback, intensifying pressure on the loonie. Domestically, a sharper-than-expected 13.35% drop in December housing starts signals economic softness. Meanwhile oil prices, losing momentum after their recent rise, weigh on Canada's export revenue and dampen demand for the currency. Additionally, fears of significant US tariffs under the incoming Trump administration heighten trade uncertainty, threatening both economic growth and inflation stability.
The Mexican peso weakened past 20.8 per U.S. dollar, nearing its March 2022 low of 20.85 seen December 31st, as investors braced for US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Speculation surrounding Trump’s policies, including potential tariffs and a tougher stance on immigration, has generated uncertainty, dampening the demand outlook for the peso. Domestically, Mexico's economic indicators have provided little support; although October’s Gross Fixed Investment showed a modest uptick, it remains well below past highs, signaling sluggish economic momentum. Meanwhile, despite Federal Reserve Governor Waller suggesting the possibility of more aggressive rate cuts, the Bank of Mexico is expected to reduce rates more swiftly by as much as 200 basis points in 2025, narrowing the interest rate differential and dampening the appeal of carry trades.
The Indian rupee extended its decline to over 86.6 per USD in January, the lowest on record, as increasing capital outflows, lower foreign exchange reserves, and the outlook of looser monetary policy pressured the sustainability of the rupee’s crawling peg. Evidence of a sharp slowdown to India’s economic growth reversed the previous consensus that it would outperform major emerging economies, driving investors to close positions on Indian capital markets and pivot to competing Asian assets. This was magnified by expectations that the RBI is due to commence its cutting cycle before the end of the financial year amid lower inflation and a sharp drop in GDP growth. The latest data indicated that inflation slowed to 5.2% in December, and the preliminary FY2025 GDP slowed to 6.4%, the lowest since FY2020 when excluding pandemic shocks. To add, the rapid deterioration in foreign exchange reserves raised speculation that the RBI may be forced to start relaxing its support for the currency.
The Brazilian real weakened to 6.04 per USD, retreating from a one-month high of 6.01 on January 15, as fiscal concerns continue to weigh on the currency. While the latest Prisma Fiscal report projects improved deficit and public debt ratios for 2025 and 2026, skepticism persists regarding the government’s ability to maintain its fiscal framework. High borrowing costs intensify debt servicing pressures, further undermining confidence. Adding to uncertainty, the revocation of financial monitoring measures and delays in implementing tax reforms cloud Brazil’s economic outlook. Additionally, historically high interest rates, once supportive of the real, now offer diminishing returns as fiscal risks erode investor sentiment. Economic fragility compounds these challenges, with November’s 0.9% contraction in the services sector, the sharpest monthly drop since April 2023, highlighting vulnerabilities in Brazil's primary growth driver.
The Russian ruble was at 103 per USD, loosely holding the sharp rebound from 115 per USD on January 1st, which was the lowest on record when excluding the selloff in the immediate aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The momentary rebound was due to the Finance Ministry deferring purchases of foreign exchange in its usual budget balance scheme, indicating that Moscow took action against the ruble’s weakness. Still, the currency remained much weaker than its post-war average. The ruble was halted from domestic trading against major pairs after Western nations sanctioned the Moscow Exchange, magnifying the difficulty for companies to secure hard currency and forcing the Bank of Russia to set forex prices since June. This added to previous sanctions that halted forex inflows due to sanctions on energy. The impact on government revenues from exports drove Moscow to relax the capital controls it had to prop up the ruble, letting it depreciate to support its budget deficit.
The South Korean won strengthened above 1,450 per dollar, rallying for the fourth consecutive session and hitting an over three-week high, as traders weighed the Bank of Korea’s latest monetary policy decision. The central bank unexpectedly held its key rate at 3% in its first 2025 meeting, defying expectations of a 25-basis-point cut following two cuts in October and November. This decision aimed to stabilize the weakening currency, which has been pressured by a strong US dollar and political turmoil after President Yoon’s brief martial law declaration in December. Meanwhile, after his arrest by the CIO on Wednesday, impeached President Yoon faces intense questioning and the potential for a parliamentary special counsel probe. Externally, the won found support from a broad US dollar weakness, as a cooler-than-expected inflation report fueled expectations of two Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.
The USDTRY increased 0.1221 or 0.34% to 35.5508 on Friday January 17 from 35.4287 in the previous trading session. Historically, the USDTRY reached an all time high of 36.32 in August of 2024.
The dollar index hovered just above 109 as US economic data fueled hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts this year. Retail sales rose 0.4% in December, below the 0.6% forecast, while jobless claims slightly exceeded expectations at 217,000. On Wednesday, core inflation came in slightly below forecasts, prompting traders to anticipate further Fed easing. This pushed 10-year US Treasury yields down sharply by 14 basis points to around 4.65%. Markets are now pricing in 37 basis points of Fed rate cuts in total for 2025. However, the dollar's decline was tempered by uncertainty over incoming President Trump’s tariff policies, which could be inflationary.
!summarize #nymets #petealonso #bluejays #toronto
!summarize #nymets #petealonso #jessewinker #mlb
Decentralized AI is the only path to ethical and transparent data collection
As AI is changing industries, data is more important than ever. But here’s the thing: the centralized systems we use today come with big ethical problems. From privacy breaches to monopolistic control, centralized data collection is a world of mistrust and opacity.
If we really want AI to be ethical and transparent, we need a new way. That’s where decentralized AI comes in—a game changer for collecting, managing, and using data ethically and fairly. Centralized systems have been the backbone of AI. Big companies hoard huge amounts of data to train their algorithms, but often with little transparency. This creates big problems. For one, privacy takes a hit.
#data #ai #decentralization #transparency #federatedlearning
Think of all those data breaches you’ve heard about—like the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal. These breaches expose the weaknesses of centralized systems and leave users with no control over their own data.
Then there’s the concentration of power. A few tech giants hold the keys to most of the data and can, therefore, control AI innovation and shut out smaller players. This stifles creativity and puts a lot of decision-making power in the hands of a select few.
Also, let’s not forget the dodgy data practices hidden in the fine print. Most users have no idea how their data is being collected or used, and so trust in the whole system erodes.
Decentralized AI turns this on its head. Instead of one entity controlling everything, it distributes power and responsibility across many. Using blockchain, federated learning, and edge computing, decentralized AI gives control back to the people whose data is being used.
It’s simple: be transparent, protect privacy, and let people own their data. Blockchain creates a digital record that can’t be changed, so you always know how your data is being used. Federated learning means AI systems can train on your data without ever storing it in a central location, so your info is private.
Of course, moving to a decentralized model isn’t without its challenges. The tech is complex and requires robust infrastructure. Because the regulatory landscape around decentralized systems is still evolving, it can be hard for businesses to know how to proceed. Adoption is another hurdle; many people and organizations are reluctant to leave behind the familiar centralized systems they are used to.
Crypto Exchange Upbit Gets Suspension Notice from South Korean Regulator
South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is moving to suspend Upbit for failing to meet anti-money laundering (AML) obligations and violating KYC standards.
#upbit #soouthkorea #crypto #exchange #kyc #aml
In a major regulatory crackdown, South Korea’s top regulatory body is working on issuing a suspension order to the country’s largest crypto exchange Upbit. This development comes alleging that the exchange failed to meet anti-money laundering (AML) obligations, including the violation of its customer identification system (KYC).
As per the latest report on Thursday, January 16, sources familiar with the matter stated that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Financial Services Commission issued a notice to Upbit last week.
Is it the end of the Hive pump and dumps?
SpaceX launches 2 lunar landers on path to the Moon
SpaceX's 100th launch of a Falcon rocket from pad 39A yesterday sent two landers on their way to the Moon. The mission also featured a successful landing of the Falcon 9 first stage on the Just Read The Instructions drone ship. It will take about 45 days for Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander to reach lunar orbit, after which the landing process will take just over an hour. The Resilience lander, which is carrying a 5kg rover dubbed Tenacious, will reach the moon in approximately four to five months, after which it will complete a lunar flyby before entering orbit around the Moon.
#technology #space #spacex #moon
!summarize #smartai #technology #jensenhuang #nvidia
China plans to build enormous solar array in space — and it could collect more energy in a year than 'all the oil on Earth'
Chinese scientists plan to build an enormous, 0.6-mile-wide solar power station in space that will beam continuous energy back to Earth via microwaves. The project has been dubbed 'another Three Gorges Dam project above the Earth'. The Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest hydropower project. Based in China, it generates 100 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. The US, EU, and Japan have also been investigating solar satellite array technology - Japan's JAXA is set to launch its proof-of-concept satellite this year.
#technology #energy #solarpower #space #china
Designing tools for developers means designing for LLMs too
Most large language models (LLMs) aren't great at using less popular frameworks. This shouldn't be surprising, but it is an important developer experience problem. A simple and effective solution is for the framework to tailor instructions specifically designed for LLMs, rewriting documents, adding conventions and rules, and packaging the instructions. This can make LLMs much better at building apps for less well-known frameworks.
#technology #ai #llm
The Downfall of India’s Hot Startup Is Wiping Out US Debtholders
Byju's, the most valuable startup in India's history, was willing to pay handsomely to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars in the US. It received $1.2 billion towards a global expansion. The company collapsed, setting off legal proceedings that may leave investors recouping only a small fraction of what they're owed. The case is a lesson about the perils of lending when money can rapidly disappear across borders.
#technology #india #startups
Crypto Exchange eToro files for US IPO
eToro’s IPO filing in the U.S. could value it at $5 billion. Explore the platform’s plans, challenges, and what this means for its future.
One of the most famous crypto exchanges, eToro, has filed for an IPO in the United States. The company is aiming to go public in a grand way. It has made a confidential filing with the SEC in January 2025, which marks a significant step in its journey. If things go as planned, this could reshape the position of the exchange in the competitive trading platform market.
#crypto #exchange #etoro #us #ipo #stock
eToro’s IPO could value the company at over $5 billion. For context, back in 2023, eToro was valued at $3.5 billion after raising $250 million in a funding round. That’s a massive jump in just two years.
Filing confidentially with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a smart move. It gives company time to work out the details without revealing too much to the public or competitors. It’s like preparing in the shadows, only stepping into the spotlight when everything’s ready.
NYC Congestion Pricing: Early Days
This article looks at the effects of congestion pricing and its impacts on traffic, time, enforcement, rideshare services, the people living in congestion pricing zones, and more. New York City now has congestion pricing - people have to pay $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. This has dramatically improved traffic in tunnels and bridges. The policy is aimed in part at getting people to switch from cars to trains, but trains have not seemed more crowded than usual.
#technology #newyork #traffic #congestionpricing
Startup necromancy: Dead Google Apps domains can be compromised by new owners
Google Workspace user accounts remain until an organization's Google account is deleted - if the company account isn't deleted, anyone with access to the domain can reactivate the Google accounts for former employees.
#technology #google #startups
UK Robinhood rival Freetrade snapped up by trading firm at 29% valuation discount
U.K. Robinhood rival Freetrade has been acquired by IG Group for £160 million — a 29% discount to its last valuation.
Freetrade, a British rival to popular stock trading app Robinhood, said Thursday that it's been acquired by online investing platform IG Group.
The deal values Freetrade at £160 million ($195 million) — a 29% discount to its last valuation. The startup said that it would continue to operate as a commercially standalone entity under its own brand.
#freetrade #robinhood #iggroup #trading #application
Founded in 2016, Freetrade garnered popularity among mainly younger, more inexperienced traders in the U.K. with its zero-commission trading platform.
The app initially began by offering equities but later expanded to roll out trading in exchange-traded funds, savings products and government bonds.
In pandemic times, Freetrade was riding high on a retail trader frenzy. The app benefited heavily from GameStop "short squeeze" in early 2021, when traders on a Reddit forum for retail investors piled into the stock and caused it to rally in price.
Short-selling refers to the practice of an investor borrowing an asset and then selling it on the open market with the expectation of repurchasing it for less money in future for a profit.
Bluesky is getting its own photo-sharing app, Flashes
Flashes is powered by the AT Protocol - while it supports photo posts, it is not meant to be an Instagram clone and will not offer all the same features.
#technology #bluesky #flashes #instagram
Google is making AI in Gmail and Docs free — but raising the price of Workspace
Google has removed its $20 per user per month price tag on its Gemini Business plan but increased the price of all Workspace plans by roughly $2 more per month per user.
#technology #ai #google #workspace
Samsung Galaxy 25 Slim: Thinner, Sleeker, and Packed with Power
Leaked images show the ultra-thin Galaxy 25 Slim, just 6.4mm thick—1.2mm thinner than the S24 and nearly 2mm thinner than the S25 Ultra. It's sleek but packed: a 200MP main camera, two 50MP lenses (ultrawide + telephoto), 3.5X optical zoom, Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and 12GB RAM. Expected to launch in May, it might debut at the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22.
#samsung #smartphone #galaxy25 #innovation #technology
> S👁️URCE <
SpaceX Hits 100th Launch Milestone with Lunar Mission
SpaceX just nailed its 100th Falcon rocket launch from pad 39A, sending two lunar landers to the Moon. The Falcon 9's first stage even landed safely on the drone ship Just Read The Instructions. Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost will take 45 days to reach lunar orbit, while the Resilience lander, carrying a tiny 5kg rover named Tenacious, will arrive in 4–5 months for a flyby and lunar orbit.
#spacex #moonlanding #spaceexploration #innovation #technology
> S👁️URCE <
A Solar Power Station... in Space?
China is planning a massive 0.6-mile-wide solar station in space to beam energy back to Earth using microwaves. Think of it as the "Three Gorges Dam" of the skies, referencing China’s iconic hydropower project that generates 100 billion kilowatt-hours annually. They're not alone—Japan’s JAXA is launching its own test satellite this year, with the US and EU also in the race. The future of clean energy might just be orbiting above us.
#solarpower #spaceenergy #cleanenergy #innovation #technology
> S👁️URCE <
Not Your Average Photo App
Flashes runs on the AT Protocol, which means it’s not trying to be Instagram 2.0. Sure, you can post photos, but it’s designed with a different vibe and purpose in mind. Unlike Instagram, it skips some features to focus on simplicity and originality. Think of it as a minimalist tool for sharing, not scrolling endlessly. If you’re into streamlined platforms, this might be your new go-to.
#atprotocol #socialmedia #minimalism #digitaltrends #technology
> S👁️URCE <
Google’s Pricing Shake-Up: What It Means for Your Wallet
Google just made a bold move—dropping the $20/month price tag on its Gemini Business plan. But here’s the catch: they’re raising Workspace plan prices by around $2/month per user. For small teams, that’s like an extra coffee a month per person; for big companies, it adds up fast. This mix of give-and-take has businesses rethinking their budgets. It’s a reminder: in tech, even small changes ripple like a stone in a pond.
#google #workspace #business #ai #technology
> S👁️URCE <
China’s AI Underdog Is Shaking Up the Game
Deepseek, a rising Chinese AI startup, just made waves by beating OpenAI’s O1 model on reasoning tests with its R1 model. Led by Liang Wenfeng and backed by High-Flyer, they’re all about research, not profits. Their secret? Cutting-edge tech like Multi-Head Latent Attention and Sparse Mixture-of-Experts. By slashing API prices and focusing on AGI, they’re sparking competition and nurturing local talent in China’s growing AI market.
#ai #artificialintelligence #china #startups #technology
> S👁️URCE <
ChatGPT just got smarter: here’s what’s new
OpenAI is rolling out a beta “tasks” feature for ChatGPT, letting paid users set reminders and automate tasks like weekend plans or daily news updates. Imagine having your AI plan your day while you focus on bigger things—it’s like your digital personal assistant leveled up. Currently, it’s available for Plus, Team, and Pro users, with more access coming soon.
#ai #chatgpt #innovation #future #technology
> S👁️URCE <
Only for paid users for now, but I'm willing to wait a few months.
Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially revealed, with a 2-minute and 21-second trailer showcasing its hardware and features.
Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct Model
Initial Reactions
📹 The reveal was unexpected, but the host had confidence in the leak and was prepared to cover it.
👀 The trailer is straightforward, focusing on the Switch 2's hardware and design.
🤔 The host notes that the Switch 2's design is not surprising, given the numerous leaks and renderings that have been circulating.
Switch 2 Features
📺 The Switch 2 has a USB-C port on the bottom and top, and the joycons have a new design with blue accents.
🔩 The joycons have a snap mechanism instead of a click, and the host likes the sound and feel of it.
🎮 The Switch 2 is compatible with physical and digital Switch games, but some games may not be supported or fully compatible.
📊 The Switch 2 uses the same cartridges as the original Switch, but with a different slot setup.
Upcoming Events
📅 A Nintendo Direct is scheduled for April 2nd, which will provide more information about the Switch 2.
🎉 Hands-on events will be held around the world, allowing players to try out the Switch 2 and its games.
📆 The host speculates that the Switch 2 may be released in May or June, given the timing of the reveal and the upcoming Direct.
Final Thoughts
🤔 The host thinks that Nintendo's approach to the Switch 2 is a good idea, focusing on refining the existing design rather than trying something new and experimental.
👍 The host likes the design of the joycons and the accents, and thinks that the Switch 2 is a solid improvement over the original Switch.
Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Analysis
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially revealed, with a trailer showcasing its design and features, including new buttons and a similar look to the original Switch.
Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct Model
Initial Reactions
🚀 The Nintendo Switch 2 trailer has been released, and it looks similar to the leaks.
📺 The trailer's style is compared to an Apple trailer, with a clean and sleek presentation.
👀 The host is excited to see the new design and features, including the C button.
Gameplay and Features
🏎️ A new Mario Kart game is shown in the trailer, with a brand new level that looks like it takes place in the movie Cars.
📺 The dock is exactly the same as the original Switch, and the console is backwards compatible with Switch 1 games.
🔍 The host is eager to see more gameplay, but the trailer only shows a brief glimpse of Mario Kart.
Nintendo Switch 2 Event and Release
🗺️ A Nintendo Switch 2 trial session will be held in Tokyo, where attendees can try out the console.
📅 Entries for the event open on February 20th, and the host is considering attending.
📣 A Nintendo Direct for the Switch 2 is announced, with more information to come.
Trailer Analysis
🔍 The host takes a closer look at the Mario Kart footage, noting that it looks similar to Mario Kart 8.
👀 The cars in the game are more detailed, and the Donkey Kong model looks like the one from the movie.
🤔 The host is intrigued by the lack of information about the C button's function and speculates about the possibility of a mouse feature.
Nintendo Switch 2 Official Reveal
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been officially announced with a trailer, revealing its physical design and confirming previous rumors and leaks, with more details to be shared in a Direct event on April 2nd.
Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct Model
Switch 2 Design and Features
Upcoming Events and Releases
Compatibility and Speculation
A New Era for Konami: Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Improvements
The Metal Gear Solid Master Collection has undergone significant improvements, addressing initial launch issues and enhancing the overall gaming experience. This turn of events has sparked hope for the future of the franchise and Konami's commitment to their games.
Initial Launch and Improvements
📝 The Metal Gear Solid Master Collection had a poor launch, but Konami has since released updates, such as the version 2.0 update, which have greatly improved the game.
🎮 The collection's improvements, including enhanced clarity and new features like Pixel Perfect mode, have been well-received by fans.
📊 The updates have fixed many issues, including widescreen option and bugs, making the game more enjoyable for players.
Fan Response and Company Accountability
🤔 The hosts discuss how fans often have high expectations and can be quick to criticize, but also appreciate effort and improvement from companies.
📈 Konami's admission of mistakes and efforts to fix them is seen as a positive step, showing that they value their fans and care about their games.
👊 The importance of supporting companies when they try to improve and not punishing them for past mistakes is emphasized.
Future of the Franchise and Konami
🔜 The hosts speculate about the future of the Metal Gear Solid franchise, including potential new games and remakes, such as Metal Gear Solid Delta.
📺 The success of the Master Collection and other Konami games, like the Castlevania series, may lead to more re-releases and remakes of classic games.
🤝 The possibility of Konami learning from their mistakes and applying those lessons to future games is discussed, with the hope that they will continue to improve and prioritize their fans.
Business and Artistic Perspectives
📊 The hosts discuss the balance between business and artistic perspectives in the gaming industry, highlighting the importance of both aspects.
🎨 The focus on business and profit can sometimes lead to the neglect of artistic vision and fan satisfaction, as seen in Konami's past decisions.
👥 The importance of supporting companies that prioritize both business and artistic aspects is emphasized, as it can lead to better games and a more positive gaming experience.
Favorite Laptops of the Team
The team at Just Josh Tech shares their favorite laptops, ranging from powerful gaming laptops to portable and lightweight devices, each suited to their specific needs and use cases.
Taylor's Favorites
📊 Taylor uses the Asus Strix Scar 18 for work, praising its large 18-inch screen, powerful 14th gen Intel HX processor, and Nvidia's RTX 490 graphics card.
🖥️ He also likes the laptop's keyboard and numerous ports, making it ideal for his editing needs.
🏠 At home, Taylor uses a desktop for gaming and a Zenbook 14x for work on the couch.
Sierra's Favorites
📝 Sierra prefers the Asus Pro RPX 13, a premium 2-in-1 device with a powerful AMD Zen 5 Ryzen 9 HX 370 processor and Nvidia RTX 460 graphics.
📊 She likes its compact and lightweight design, making it perfect for script reviews and running the Adobe suite.
🤔 Sierra also uses the MSI Prestige 13 AI Plus Evo and the HP Pavilion Arrow, but finds their lower performance to be a problem for demanding tasks.
Ethan's Favorites
📹 Ethan uses the MacBook Air 13 for day-to-day tasks and reviewing footage, appreciating its nice screen, good trackpad, and lightweight design.
🏠 At home, Ethan uses a desktop for gaming and a MacBook Air with M1 for his D&D campaigns.
Colin's Favorites
📊 Colin uses the Asus Sbook Pro 16x, a powerful laptop for creators, featuring an RTX 480 and 32 gigs of soldered memory.
📹 He likes its unique thermal design, comfortable keyboard, and 120Hz refresh rate display, making it suitable for video editing and gaming.
Josh's Favorites
📊 Josh uses multiple laptops, including the MacBook Pro 14, which he considers to be the epitome of what a laptop should be, with a comfortable keyboard, large display, and phenomenal performance.
📊 He also uses the Surface Laptop 7 for office work and script writing, appreciating its smaller and lighter design, and the MacBook Pro 16 for video editing, which is noticeably faster than his older model.
🎮 Josh also uses the ACA Helios Neo 4, a Windows laptop that excels at gaming, coding, and video editing, with a high-resolution display and plenty of performance.
The Last Generation of Handheld Gaming Consoles
The Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita represent the last true handheld gaming era, with a unique generation of consoles that emerged during the rise of smartphones.
Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct Model
Introduction to the 3DS and Vita
3DS Games and Features
Similarities with Smartphones
PlayStation Vita
Vita Games and Features
Sonos' Disastrous App Launch
The CEO of Sonos, Patrick Spence, resigned after a disastrous app launch, which cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars.
Background on Sonos
The Disastrous App Launch
Technical Perspective
Other Tech News
!summarize #technology #wifi
!summarize #technology #ai
!summarize #technology #ai
Introduction to Pika 2.0
The Pika 2.0 model is a game-changing update that offers brand new features, including the ability to upload multiple scene ingredients and use various effects like peel, poke, and tear.
Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct Model
Getting Started with Pika 2.0
📝 Signing up for the platform is easy, especially when using a Google account.
🔗 The link to PikaArt is available in the video description.
💰 Upgrading to a premium version is suggested for those who plan to use the tool extensively, with options like Standard, Pro, and more.
Pika 2.0 Features
🎉 The latest model offers 150 monthly video credits, with the option to upgrade for more.
📊 The "ingredients" feature allows uploading multiple images, including characters, objects, and locations.
🖼️ Images can be sourced from other AI image generators like Leonardo.a.
📝 The "describe your story" prompt window is where users input their desired scene description.
Using Pika 2.0
📸 Users can upload images from Leonardo.a, such as landscapes, characters, and objects.
📁 Uploaded images can be used as ingredients for generating videos.
📄 The prompt window is where users input their scene description, like "a muscular guy eating a burger on a bridge".
🔄 The "start" button generates the video based on the uploaded ingredients and prompt.
Pika Effects
🎥 The Pika effect feature offers three new effects: peel, poke, and tear.
📹 The effects can be used with uploaded images, like the muscular guy eating a burger.
🕰️ Generating videos may take a few minutes, depending on the demand for the tool.
Examples and Upgrades
📹 Examples of generated videos show the integration of input images and effects like peel.
📝 Upgrading to a premium account removes watermarks and offers more features.
💸 The Pika 2.0 model is only available with paid accounts, but it's worth trying out for its cool features.
!summarize #technology #cars
Brooklyn trio raises $10 million for startup that wants to help open-source developers get paid
Out of the old Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn, a trio of techies has raised $10 million for Merit Systems to focus on fixing an open-source problem.
Inside the Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn, a 19th century landmark perched on the banks of the East River, three engineers have transformed 3,000 square feet of the former factory into a workshop housing their new startup, Merit Systems.
Sam Ragsdale, Ryan Sproule and Mason Hall are five months into creating Merit, which they hope will solve a longstanding challenge in software: rewarding open-source developers. On Thursday, Merit announced it's raised $10 million in a seed funding round co-led by Andreessen Horowitz's crypto fund and Blockchain Capital.
#meritsystems #startup #opensource #development
Sproule says Merit is trying to address the "attribution problem" in software development. In the world of open source, which underpins more than 97% of the apps consumers use on a daily basis, tech giants and independent programmers alike contribute to products that are freely available for anyone to access and improve.
"Because the price is zero, and there is no attribution to the people that created it, there is not a very sustainable set of economics to keep it alive," said Ragsdale, Merit's CEO, who previously spent three years at Andreessen Horowitz and before that worked as a software engineer at Google.
A Deeper Look at Mega Man 1's Level Design
The video analyzes the level design of Mega Man 1, focusing on the Fire Man and Guts Man stages, to understand what makes them engaging and challenging.
Introduction to Mega Man 1's Level Design
Fire Man Stage Analysis
Guts Man Stage Analysis
Conclusion and Comparison
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: A Visual Upgrade on PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro version of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth offers a significant visual upgrade, with improved image quality, sharper rendering, and a more stable 60FPS frame rate.
Summarized by Llama 3.3 70B Instruct Model
Visual Improvements
Comparison to PS5 Performance and Graphics Modes
Technical Details
Conclusion
!summarize #phoenix #technology #arizona
!summarize #newglenn #starshipp #rockets #space
Nintendo reveals long-awaited Switch 2 console set to launch this year
Nintendo showed off its new Switch 2 console in a video trailer Thursday, featuring a bigger display and joy controllers.
Nintendo on Thursday said its long-awaited new Switch 2 hybrid will be available this year, touting a bigger screen and controllers, as the company looks to breathe new life into its struggling hardware business.
The business showed off the Switch 2 in a video trailer. The start of the clip features a current version of the console before detaching the two "joy-con" controllers to expand the size of the tablet they attach onto. The video then shows the joy cons growing in size and changing to a matte black color.
#nintendo #switch2 #console #gaming
The joysticks and controller covers come in light blue and red variations. The joy con covers appear to be able to connect to the controllers magnetically when removed from the Switch 2's main tablet when propping the console up on its stand or docking it to play via a home TV.
The Switch 2 also features an improved kickstand that's U-shaped and can be placed further back, to the point where the console's position is almost flat on a surface. The look of the device is similar to mock-ups that were leaked online in the lead-up to the Switch 2's official announcement.
Nintendo didn't give a release date for the Switch 2, but said it would reveal more details during its next "Nintendo Direct" online event on April 2. The company revealed that the Switch 2 is backward compatible, meaning users will be able to play old Switch games on the new model.
!summarize #technology #ai
!summarize #technology #ai #google
!summarize #technology #ai
!summarize #technology #ai
!summarize #technology #ai #google
!summarize #technology #ai
!summarize #technology #ai
Empresa convida você a gastar 200 mil euros em robôs humanóides porque eles “oferecem uma sensação muito humana” quando você está com eles
Graças ao interesse de empresas como Tesla, OpenAI e NVIDIA, a robótica se tornou um dos setores de tecnologia mais comentados. Muitos gigantes da tecnologia já estão afirmando que este é o início de um interesse maciço na robótica e, como resultado, é provável que vejamos cada vez mais notícias relacionadas à isso. No entanto, se você quiser convencer as pessoas de que seu robô de companhia é realista, é melhor não arrancar o rosto dele no vídeo de demonstração.
#technology #robot #hivebr #tesla #nvidia
Como aponta a PC Gamer, a Realbotix apresentou um robô de conversação que se baseia em IA para aprender e se lembrar de interações anteriores. Dessa forma, ele foi criado para fins como fazer companhia a pessoas solitárias ou realizar negócios, e é por isso que custa cerca de 200 mil euros. Portanto, estamos falando de um produto de luxo, mas a ideia por trás deles é perturbadora em um aspecto: a empresa alega que eles podem ser usados para fins sexuais, tanto por causa da inclusão de gestos quanto pelas características físicas desses robôs.
A revelação de olhos selvagens, dentes de plástico e um cérebro mecanizado cria uma sensação perturbadora, pois não se aprofunda na “realidade” que a empresa promete. Na verdade, a apresentação mostra um robô masculino de aparência envelhecida olhando para um robô e depois olhando para a câmera, o que cria uma atmosfera ainda mais desconfortável.
Hi, @taskmaster4450le,
This post has been voted on by @darkcloaks because you are an active member of the Darkcloaks gaming community.
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$Hive allows for buying coffee using cryptocurrency quickly and without any fees. #CryptoPayment #DigitalCurrency
Links?
Welcome to my daily thread on X about Hive
Today's topic is: How does the BURN works on $HIVE?
Support today thread on X for more people to know about #hive and leave a suggestion for the next day in the comments here. [Link in the first comment]
#threadcast #crypto #inleo
Share! Share! Share!
Happy Thursday dear friend
Have a nice day.
Early adopters are likely to see the greatest advantages ✨
$RUNE $CACAO $RUJI
This is how the games works.
Looking at my wallet .. it looks like my LEO didn't power up yesterday... sorry 😔
Awww. Sorry. You can still do it, better late than never
Oh no, what happened? Now I gotta check too.
I'll have to look at the history somewhere...
Been here so long and I still don't know how to navigate all the tools we have!
Sorry to hear that
I went to PeakD to stake it. that worked
There's no way out, haha!
Great news from Maysia, thanks for sharing. Cryptocurrencies are no longer as hindered as they once were
1/🧵
Silo season 2 episode 9 starts going back and forth between the two main places, with Juliette and her group in Silo 17 and all the drama going down in Silo 18, the story keeps moving forward 🏃♂️ showing us what's been happening in both places, the big surprise comes when we find out that Solo is actually Jimmy, the son of Russell Conroy who was the IT boss during the rebellion, this hits hard because Jimmy had to watch his dad die when he was just a kid while following orders to keep the vault closed 😢, the way Steve Zahn plays Solo and Rebecca Ferguson as Juliette make their scenes together feel so real, especially when she finds out who he really is and decides to help him face his past
#silo, #stevezahn, #rebeccaferguson, #linkincomments, #moviesonleo, #skiptvads
2/🧵
the show drops a huge bomb 💣 when they talk about something called "The Safeguard" and how there are actually 51 silos in total, not just the few we knew about, this comes up when Lukas checks out Salvador Quinn's secret message, but the real mystery is why they built so many silos in the first place, then there's this weird tunnel at the bottom of silo 18 that has its own AI system 🤖, this AI only talked to three people before: Salvador Quinn, Mary Meadows and George Wilkins, and apparently if anyone shares what they learn down there, it triggers this safeguard thing
#ai, #scifi, #mystery, #linkincomments, #moviesonleo, #skiptvads
3/🧵
the series really knows how to keep its secrets 🤫 like how Simms wife was secretly helping the rebels all along but waited for the right moment to tell him, or how Juliette didn't just grab the second suit and run when she saw it because she figured out Solo's real identity, the emotional parts hit different too 💔, especially when the survivors learn the truth about their parents deaths, it wasn't just some random attack like they thought, this makes everything more personal and real
#drama, #survival, #secrets, #linkincomments, #moviesonleo, #skiptvads
4/🧵
things get super shady when Knox talks to Walker about the gunpowder 🧨, something feels off about the whole conversation, Knox comes in acting like he knows who the traitor is but it seems like he might be the one playing games, plus there's this feeling that someone must have spotted Walker's camera, right? the tension keeps building up 😰 as everyone starts picking sides and nobody knows who to trust anymore
#suspense, #thriller, #conspiracy, #linkincomments, #moviesonleo, #skiptvads
https://inleo.io/@skiptvads/silo-2023-the-safeguard-s02e09-recap-96g?referral=skiptvads
5/🧵
the episode ends with Lukas going into the mysterious tunnel where he talks to the AI 🤖, it's super tense and makes you wonder what's behind that door, could it lead to Silo 51? maybe that's where Bernard's key connects to when it starts glowing 🔑, everything's coming together with the kids in Silo 17 who've been watching everyone this whole time, and Silo 18 is about to explode with all the fighting between Bernard, Simms, Knox, Walker, and everyone else, plus Juliette might have a way back but Bernard probably won't make it easy
#finale, #apocalyptic, #cliffhanger, #linkincomments, #moviesonleo, #skiptvads
No Alcohol or a similar substance was consumed in the process of thinking, writing and posting this thread.#leojokes #meme #memes$770
WTF?! For real?
What kind of support it that?
I don't know what they could do with that when their houses is in the millions and tens of millions. Probably they can go eat at McDonalds and that's about it. 😀
Lol , I give up
I am indifferent about this
#inleo Good morning Lions , i have a question can i swap Dash to Leo (arbitrum) ?
GM! Yes you can using https://leodex.io
At the moment, DASH is halted on Maya Protocol though, so if you try and do the swap, our UI will tell you trading is currently halted
The UI will alert you when trading is not halted, so you can just come back later to try again
This is something on the Maya Protocol side that we have no control over
Thank you!
My name is Jessica, my day is going well ? What about yours ?
#intro #newlion
Are you new to Inleo??
Welcome
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Exciting news about major developments in cryptocurrency involving a well-known public figure! Discover the next big Solana meme coins.
#CryptoNews #Solana
trump Narrative is getting hotter and hotter
as he said 'us based coin #strategicreserve"
SOL, XRP are the horse running because of these headlines
In SOL I'll bet more on $PNUT as the memecoin related to elections and listed on Coinbase and binance both so there's a high chance they'll run it up.
I believe people with get Disappointed with Trump and crypto.
I'm not ready for that but let's see.
I’m in this same boat.
Discussing cryptocurrency forecasts for 2025!
#Crypto2025 #CryptoTrends
Lets have it
I’m interested
LFG 🚀
Believe in the journey #crypto2025
The wonderful things of this world.
Aha reminds me of my first time! Nice to see those nmbers right?
Have you guys ever felt the difference in difficulty levels in opening these various car windows
lol so acurate
hahahaha I knew somebody has experienced this before
When Bitcoin's price drops, it's time to shop. 🛒 #CryptoShopping
ERC-7683 is uncovering innovative applications!
A new account abstraction infrastructure has been developed using ERC-7683 by a notable app. In contrast to ERC-4337 bundlers and paymasters, this infrastructure:
✅ Consumes 30% less gas
✅ Processes transactions 40% quicker
✅ Enables cross-chain transactions (through Across)
Details can be found in the subsequent discussion. #blockchaininnovation #crypto
Here are 8 insightful takeaways from "The Road to Better Habits." #Habits #PersonalDevelopment
BREAKING: #Bitcoin hits $100,000 again 💥
boom?
Swap volume is on the rise, with 2025 focusing on expanding it even further.
The plan involves integrating Chainflip into numerous protocols, establishing it as the preferred cross-chain solution for $BTC and $SOL. #Cryptocurrency #BlockchainInnovation
Can we get statistics on the amount of $LEO powered up yesterday?
Feeling lethargic today—like my motivation hit the snooze button and never got up. 💤 #Hoping for a second wind to kick in soon. #Mood #LazyDay #cent
I will kick you ;)
I knew I could count you #boss !LOLZ !ALIVE
lolztoken.com
He was resisting a rest.
Credit: reddit
$LOLZ on behalf of master-lamps
(6/10)
NEW: Join LOLZ's Daily Earn and Burn Contest and win $LOLZ@bradleyarrow, I sent you an
Always ;)
I can easily see that happening very soon.
😂😂
Same... I have to read the text versions of the lyrics to understand them. After that, it becomes very easy.
Starting the morning with a conversation featuring Scott Adams on the 15th of January, 2025. ☕
How to do a Hive to Hive asset swap using LeoDex (workaround for users who want to be early adopters)
Here's a quick threadstorm on how to do Hive2Hive asset swaps using LeoDex before the UI is even live yet
The backend is fully live and ready for people to swap. You can now play around with swapping Hive assets to other Hive assets using @leodex manually
1/🧵
Step 2). send your asset to @leodex with the right memo
Very critical that your memo is 100% accurate. The UI will make this impossible to mess up, but since we are being an early tester and doing this manually, we need to double check our memo
*this is for beta testers, if you are not comfortable testing, then I don't recommend doing this manual swap. Wait for the UI to be live for Hive2Hive swapping.
Memo: from:khaleelkazi:to:khaleelkazi:chain:HIVE:asset:LEORecipient: @leodex
*edit the memo accordingly:
Step 1). decide what assets you're going to swap
The options are any assets on Hive or Hive-Engine:
I am going to swap HBD for LEO
Step 3). Double check that the memo is accurate
Again, in my test I am swapping $100 HBD to for ~$100 worth of LEO
You can use any wallet UI you want. As long as the memo is correct and the recipient is correct, your swap will go through
Click "Transfer" when you're sure it's all accurate!
Step 4). Success!
Now we wait. If you did something like HIVE->LEO, then the swap will be extremely fast
If you did HBD->LEO (like I did here), it can take anywhere from 3-15 minutes. You'll see the LEO hit your wallet on-chain whenever it's done
*HBD takes the longest out of any asset because of the Hive-Engine deposit/withdrawal time (which randomly is anything from 3-15 minutes)
Who's a tom Holland fan here? Ok fine who's Spider-Man fan here let's be friends. #newlion + #newavenger
"Wealth is a byproduct of knowledge."
I love this quote by Naval from a recent podcast.
#source?
Tim Ferriss podcast episode 662 https://tim.blog/2023/03/23/david-deutsch-naval-ravikant/
Transcript is here if you search "wealth" it's number 11/18. https://tim.blog/2023/03/24/david-deutsch-naval-ravikant-transcript/
Ty! No information, no knowledge, no wealth. Better think thrice before cutting funds for public school.
and knowledge is power...
Interesting, I've heard the quote many times but tying the two together adds depth.
Damn taxes 😭😭😭😭😭😭 you lose almost everything after. #newlion #tax #jumptocrypto
LOL!! So true. Just wrote a very painful check for taxes just yesterday. Will take me lots of threads to make up for that one. 🤣
maaaaaaan, I swear I'm trying to just avoid seeing the IRS
Are you new to Inleo??
Welcome
***Follow me to earn Hive, Inleo and four ways to earn Dash on Hive/Inleo.
Earn Upvotes by Following me, commenting on my posts, commentng on my comments, commenting on my pictures, reblogging my posts, introducing my blog to your friends so they tag you #you when they follow me.
*There are many ways to earn Hive, Leo, and Dash.
Follow me for more information.
There is a link below
click to learn how to earn
yes please joined in last week
This SHITCOIN just went WILD...
It's a fun ride. When does one get off though?
Tough question. I am taking some profits on this spike.
Will leave some on the table in case of further gains.
Such a crazy ride.
What do you know about Keplr wallet? @llamathreads #askleo
Keplr Wallet Overview
Keplr is an open-source, non-custodial wallet for Cosmos and other blockchain networks. It allows users to manage their assets, stake, and interact with various decentralized applications (dApps).
Source: Keplr.io
llamathreadsOpinion: Great for Cosmos ecosystem enthusiasts! @ahmadmanga #KeplrWalletI've been using the Crypto.com On-Chain wallet (DeFi) for my Cosmos stuff. I'm sure it's not as full-featured as Keplr.
Are you ready for more? #threadcast
Your favorite place to talk about cinema (and TV shows)n is here! 🗣️ 🎬
#movies #cinema #tvshows
I'm Still Here (Brazilian movie) is making history out there. I'm so proud of this! ❤️
Oscars is coming! 🤞
If it happens, this will be a historic achievement!
Every day is a good day to watch movies! Don't forget about this!
This is like a mantra for me. 🤣
Movies can teach you unforgettable lessons.
This is not just an opinion, it is also a fact.
I love to see all the competition among streaming channels to try to offer more (and better) products for their subscribers.
Naturally, I'm watching fewer and fewer trailers.
The production of this type of promotional material is getting worse and worse.
I think this can literally ruin a good experience that any movie can offer.
Buying popcorn and soda at the movies is like being legally mugged. 🤣
I like the "tradition" of buying this combo and watching a movie, but I haven't done it for a long time because of the price.
The price is getting more and more expensive every year. 😞
Never underestimate the power of a movie. ⚡
!summarize #cinema #news
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Love this movie .!! It does get little intense towards the end .
Let the (good) madness comes!
all the states are coming together on this one. Bitcoin is the new dollar isn't it