Bitcoin Fever ??: $90K Milestone Nears ??, ETF Mania Hits $2.6B ??, Solana's BTC Play ??, and More!

Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! ?? Welcome to this week’s Crypto Weekly Digest, where we dive into the wildest stories from Bitcoin's latest moonshot to AI bots getting their own wallets. Buckle up, grab your favorite snack, and get ready to be amazed by what’s shaking up the crypto world! ??

Bitcoin Rockets Toward $100K Amid Crypto Boom ??

Bitcoin has smashed through another record, nearly hitting $90,000 this week and sparking excitement across the crypto world. ?? With a friendlier U.S. regulatory environment expected, analysts are eyeing $100,000 as the next milestone. ???

Crypto ETFs are raking in billions, bolstering the market, which now boasts a jaw-dropping $3.1 trillion cap — even surpassing some countries' GDPs. ?? But remember, while the bulls are cheering, experts advise keeping an eye out for potential pitfalls and scams lurking in the euphoria. ???? Stay savvy, crypto explorers! ???

Bitcoin ETFs Cash in Big: $2.6B Poured In! ??

The Bitcoin bull run ???? has investors running to the gates of spot Bitcoin ETFs, pushing a massive $2.6 billion into these funds in just one week! BlackRock ’s iShares Bitcoin Trust led the charge, raking in a jaw-dropping $2 billion. ???

Grayscale surprised everyone with rare positive inflows. Even Ethereum got its moment, with spot Ether ETFs hitting record daily inflows of nearly $295 million on November 11th. Looks like crypto FOMO is back and bigger than ever! ????

Coinbase Brings Bitcoin to Solana’s DeFi Playground ??

Coinbase just shook up the DeFi scene by launching its own wrapped Bitcoin, cbBTC, on the Solana blockchain! This move aims to bring Bitcoin's power into Solana’s fast-growing DeFi ecosystem, making BTC more accessible and useful. ????

Unlike the soBTC flop from the FTX era, cbBTC is backed 1:1 with real Bitcoin and ready for action on platforms like Jupiter and Raydium. With Solana DeFi on the rebound and Coinbase leading the charge, it’s clear BTC is flexing its muscles in new digital playgrounds. ????

Web3 Level-Up: Immutable Brings In-Game Crypto Magic ???

Immutable just unveiled its Pre-Approved Transactions feature, bringing smoother gameplay to Web3 gaming fans by allowing in-game transactions without wallet pop-ups or interruptions. ???? Say goodbye to constant wallet approvals and hello to seamless item trading, crafting, and marketplace action, all within the game. ??????

The feature is currently limited to game-issued assets, but plans are in motion to include IMX, USDC, and ETH soon. Immutable promises that with this boost, Web3 gaming can feel as natural as traditional gaming—no blockchain headaches included! ????

Conflux Pumps $500M Into PayFi: Web3 Payments Get a Boost ??

Conflux Foundation is throwing a whopping $500 million into PayFi, a new Web3 payment platform aiming to bridge traditional finance and blockchain. ???? This bold move hopes to simplify user experiences, offering things like credit cards that leverage DeFi-generated yields for payments—no need for clunky setups or reliance on traditional banking. ???

The goal? Make crypto so user-friendly that even your grandma might give it a whirl, pushing mass adoption closer to reality. ????

WazirX’s Bold Move: DEX Plans After Hack Shock ????

WazirX , the Indian crypto exchange, is shaking things up with plans for a decentralized exchange (DEX) after a jaw-dropping $235 million hack in July 2024. ???♂??? Founder Nischal Shetty is determined to give users full control over their assets, saying the new platform will eliminate counter-party risk and let traders manage their crypto like pros. ????

To sweeten the deal, a special DEX token is on the way to handle fees and governance. Looks like WazirX is gearing up to make amends and reclaim trust in the crypto community! ?????

Swift, UBS, and Chainlink Give Fund Settlements a Blockchain Boost ??

In a twist that could shake up traditional finance, Swift , 瑞银集团 and Chainlink have teamed up under Singapore’s MAS Project Guardian to pilot a tokenized fund settlement system. ????

This pilot makes fund transactions smoother by using Swift’s existing global network to support tokenized assets, allowing for real-time and cost-efficient processes without needing full blockchain payment adoption. ?? With UBS launching its own tokenized money market fund (uMINT) and Chainlink’s tech bridging the gap, the dream of blending blockchain with old-school finance just got a step closer. ??

Binance Dives Into DeSci With BIO Protocol Investment ??

Binance Labs is branching out from crypto into the world of decentralized science (DeSci) with its latest investment in BIO Protocol. ?? This innovative platform rallies BioDAOs to tackle healthcare projects that often miss out on traditional funding, like rare disease research and new therapies, giving stakeholders a real voice. ??????

With Binance Labs’ support, BIO Protocol plans to fund more groundbreaking biotech initiatives, from IP-NFT sales to the development of futuristic tech like quantum microscopes. Talk about taking science and blockchain to the next level! ????

Alchemy Pay Expands US Reach with New Licenses ??

Alchemy Pay is stepping up its compliance game by snagging four new money transmitter licenses (MTLs) in Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Wyoming. ???? This brings their total to eight licensed states, paving the way for smoother crypto-to-USD transactions for residents and businesses. ?????

Each license means more Americans can now easily hop between the US dollar and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. ??? Alchemy Pay isn’t slowing down, with their focus firmly on making crypto access smoother and safer, one state at a time! ?????

Bitget Wallet Rolls Out $20M Grant to Revive Telegram Mini Apps ????

Bitget Wallet is doubling down on crypto adoption on Telegram with a hefty $20 million funding boost aimed at developers of Mini Apps. ???? Despite The Open Network (TON) seeing a big drop in total value locked (TVL) since July, Bitget and Foresight Ventures are here to inject fresh energy and support. ???

This initiative offers not just money but also technical and marketing help, hoping to revive projects like the once-popular Hamster Kombat and lure developers with perks like strategic partnerships and potential Bitget listings. Looks like Telegram’s Mini App world is set for a comeback! ????

Lamborghini Shifts Gears with ‘Revuelto NFT’ Mint ?????

Lamborghini is steering into the NFT world by launching its Revuelto NFT mint in collaboration with Animoca Brands and Transak . ??? This move will let fans race digital Lambos across Motorverse’s game ecosystem, making their NFT collectibles more than just eye candy. ??????

While NFT sales have been spinning their wheels lately, with volumes still way below early 2024 peaks, Lamborghini’s strategy isn’t just about big sales. It’s all about revving up engagement with exclusive, digital experiences that keep high-end collectors coming back for more. ????

Arkham’s Big Move: New Crypto Perpetuals Exchange Debuts ???

Arkham Intelligence, known for its blockchain tracking wizardry, has just unveiled a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, ready to give platforms like Binance a run for their money! ?????

This new exchange, rolling out next week (but sorry, not for U.S. users ??♂?), promises on-chain audits and proof-of-reserve features to keep things transparent. ??? With crypto derivatives trading volumes skyrocketing past $3 trillion, Arkham’s timing is spot-on. ??

Magic Labs & Polygon Unveil Crosschain Wallet Magic ??♂???

Magic Labs and Polygon Labs are taking a leap into the crosschain universe with their new Newton testnet, designed for AggLayer’s smart wallet system. ???? This wallet is set to make DeFi smoother by letting users share liquidity across multiple blockchains, tackling those pesky inefficiencies and high costs. ????

Built with Polygon's CDK, Newton promises chain-abstracted wallets and easy access to global liquidity — all from one simple command line. ?? With over 35 million users already onboarded by Magic Labs, this could be a big win for seamless crypto transactions! ????

WalletConnect & Reown Bring Order to Wallet Chaos ????

WalletConnect Foundation and Reown (prev. WalletConnect Inc.) are shaking up the crypto wallet world with their new WalletGuide and WalletConnect Certified program. ???? This initiative sets UX standards to simplify blockchain wallets, aiming to make them more user-friendly and less like deciphering an ancient scroll. ???♂????

Already, big names like MetaMask and Binance Web3 Wallet have earned their certification badges. ?? With features like minimizing clicks and improving interoperability, the goal is clear: make crypto as easy as tapping an app, not driving a manual car on a steep hill! ?????

AggLayer Welcomes AUSD: A New Era for Crosschain Stability ????

AggLayer, the crosschain settlement network co-developed by Polygon Labs , just got a major boost by integrating Agora’s AUSD stablecoin as its native currency. ???? This move simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need for token bridges, cutting transaction costs, and ensuring seamless liquidity for developers and users alike. ???? With institutional backing from names like State Street, AUSD promises a solid and reliable store of value.?

Plus, the cherry on top? Income from AUSD flows back into the Web3 community instead of a centralized issuer—bringing that sweet, decentralized charm. ????

DWF Labs & UCLA Team Up for Blockchain Education Boost ????

DWF Labs is teaming up with 美国加州大学洛杉矶分校 to launch an educational push focused on tokenized securities — financial assets minted on the blockchain. ??? This initiative is part of a broader effort to get institutions ready for a future where tokenization plays a major role, with experts forecasting the RWA (real-world asset) market could balloon to over $30 trillion by 2030. ?????

The collaboration will also feature in The STO Financial Revolution, a book by UCLA's Alex Nascimento, aiming to make blockchain concepts clearer for students and industry pros alike. Looks like blockchain’s getting an academic glow-up! ????

Bitget’s UK Comeback: Compliance is the New Cool ????

Bitget has made a triumphant return to the UK market, relaunching its platform after getting in line with the FCA’s Financial Promotions regime. ???? After a pause in May 2024 to sort out compliance, Bitget is back with Archax ’s approval, offering over 150 tokens — more than double what most exchanges provide! ????

This move ensures UK users can safely dive into trading and exploring tokenized real-world assets. Bitget’s relaunch isn’t just a comeback; it’s a compliance flex that shows playing by the rules can be pretty rewarding. ????

BNB Chain’s No-Code Magic: Tokenize Assets Like a Pro! ?????

BNB Chain Innovation is rolling out a slick new service that lets anyone tokenize real-world assets in mere minutes — no coding skills required! ???? This tool guides users step-by-step through the tokenization process, complete with built-in compliance features, making it a breeze for small businesses to jump into the tokenization game. ?????

From fractional ownership of art and securities to boosting customer loyalty programs, this solution opens doors to big benefits. With experts predicting a potential $30-trillion market for asset tokenization by 2030, BNB Chain is positioning itself at the forefront of this digital gold rush. ????

Nano Labs Goes Bitcoin: Chips for Crypto! ??

Chinese microchip maker Nano Labs is making waves by announcing it will now accept Bitcoin as payment for its products and services through a Coinbase business account. ??? This move positions the Huangzhou-based company as a forward-thinker in financial tech, adding a touch of flexibility to its payment options.?

Shares ticked up slightly after the news, rising 2.81% — a small but notable boost after a recent price slump. ?? While China’s relationship with crypto is as unpredictable as ever, it seems Nano Labs is embracing the digital tide with open (block)arms! ?????

Tether Dives Into Oil: $45M Trade Kicks Off New Era ????

Tether.io , best known for its USDt stablecoin, just made waves in the commodities market by financing a hefty $45 million crude oil deal. ???? Completed in October, this transaction facilitated the shipment of 670,000 barrels of Middle Eastern oil, marking Tether's first venture into oil trading. ?????

With its Trade Finance division leading the charge, Tether aims to shake up traditional, slower trade finance with blockchain efficiency. As if stablecoins weren’t busy enough, Tether’s looking to bring some digital spice to global commodities! ????

Monero Meets .xmr: Unstoppable Domains Teams Up with Cake Wallet ?????

Unstoppable Domains and Cake Wallet are making life easier (and cooler) for Monero users with the launch of .xmr domains! ??? Now, instead of copying those mind-numbing strings of alphanumeric addresses, Monero fans can send and receive tokens using simple, human-readable usernames. ??????

This move not only streamlines transactions but also ups the ante on privacy and control, a core value for Monero enthusiasts. With .xmr domains, Cake Wallet users can manage their blockchain interactions with a bit more flair and a lot less confusion! ?????

Detroit Embraces Crypto for Tax Payments: Bitcoin Meets the Motor City! ????

Starting mid-2025, Detroit residents will be able to pay their taxes and city fees in cryptocurrency, thanks to a partnership with PayPal . ???? This forward-thinking move is part of Detroit’s mission to modernize its payment systems and attract blockchain businesses, making the city more tech-friendly. ?????

While it hasn’t been confirmed which cryptos will be accepted, PayPal currently supports big players like Bitcoin and Ether. Mayor Mike Duggan is excited for Detroit to lead the charge, positioning it as one of the first major U.S. cities to dive into blockchain-powered civic applications. ????

AI SPOTLIGHT ??

OpenAI Dives Into Hardware: Meta’s AR Pro Joins the Team ????

OpenAI is stepping into the hardware arena with a bang by bringing on Caitlin Kalinowski, former Meta AR head, to lead their new consumer hardware division. ???? Known for spearheading the development of Meta’s “Orion” AR glasses and her decade-long metaverse experience, Kalinowski is now set to blend her tech wizardry with OpenAI’s AI prowess.?

While details are sparse, this new move hints at OpenAI exploring robotics or devices that might finally deliver AI’s “iPhone moment” to the masses. Will OpenAI’s hardware push redefine how we interact with AI? Stay tuned! ????

Minecraft Meets AGI: AIRIS Takes AI Learning to a New Level ??

SingularityNET and the ASI Alliance have launched AIRIS, a self-learning proto-AGI, in the pixelated playground of Minecraft ! ???? Unlike traditional game AIs, AIRIS adapts in real-time, inventing new rules and strategies as it explores and navigates unexpected in-game challenges.?

This innovative step aims to test AGI capabilities in an open-ended environment, laying the groundwork for future real-world applications in robotics and automation. ?? Whether crafting, surviving, or problem-solving, AIRIS is ready to flex its evolving AI smarts—watch out, creepers! ???

AI Energy Needs: TeraWulf CTO Highlights Load Flexibility ????

TeraWulf CTO Nazar Khan has laid out why load variability is the secret sauce for powering AI and Bitcoin mining centers. ?? Unlike nimble Bitcoin mining setups that can flexibly adjust energy use on the fly, high-performance computing (HPC) and AI data centers are power-hungry beasts needing a continuous 400-500 megawatts of juice and backup systems like gas generators. ???

Khan suggests that those who master integrating these massive loads efficiently will thrive, while others might get a shocking reality check. ?? The future? Think nuclear power — even Google and Microsoft are tapping into reactors for their AI ambitions. ????

Quantum-Proof Emails: Singapore and France Get Serious About Future Security ??

Singapore’s MAS and France’s BDF have joined forces to test post-quantum computing (PQC) encryption, tackling the potential future threat of quantum computers cracking today’s security systems. ???? In an intriguing first step, they successfully exchanged encrypted emails using PQC standards on Microsoft Outlooks —proving that prepping for quantum-age cyber risks is no longer sci-fi. ??

The experiment shows that while we’re still figuring out standards for integrating PQC with current systems, this collaboration is paving the way to safeguard financial communications before quantum computers turn today’s encryption into digital Swiss cheese. ????

Near Protocol’s Mega AI Project: A Trillion Reasons to Watch! ??

NEAR Protocol is setting its sights high, aiming to build the world’s largest open-source AI model at a jaw-dropping 1.4 trillion parameters—3.5 times bigger than Meta’s Llama model! ???? Kicking off with a 500 million parameter test, this ambitious initiative invites thousands of contributors to join through the Near AI Research hub, with participants rewarded through token-based monetization.?

Co-founder Illia Polosukhin, who helped pave the way for ChatGPT , insists this decentralized approach is crucial to keeping AI from being controlled by a single powerful entity. Looks like Web3 is taking on the AI giants! ????

Tether’s New Wallet Kit: For Humans, AI, and Robot Overlords ??

Tether.io has launched an open-source Wallet Development Kit (WDK) that lets developers add non-custodial wallets for USDT and Bitcoin to apps, websites, and even AI systems! ????? This kit aims to give users full control of their digital assets, making third-party custody a thing of the past.

CEO Paolo Ardoino proudly noted that this modular kit can work on anything from mobile devices to “robotic brains.” ???? So, whether you're building the next big app or programming your AI butler, Tether's WDK might just be your new best friend! ???

OpenAI Dodges Copyright Lawsuit, But the Plot Thickens ????

OpenAI just managed to sidestep a copyright lawsuit that accused it of using news articles to train ChatGPT without permission. A New York judge tossed out the case, saying the plaintiffs didn’t show enough harm—but left the door open for them to come back with a beefed-up complaint. ???

The suit, originally filed by Raw Story and AlterNet, claimed their articles were "borrowed" for training purposes. While OpenAI breathes a temporary sigh of relief, news outlets are gearing up for round two. Stay tuned—this story is far from over! ????

And that’s a wrap, folks! From Bitcoin’s epic run to AI's next big moves, the crypto universe never ceases to keep us on our toes. Stay tuned for next week’s issue—you never know what jaw-dropping story will break next! Until then, keep your wallets full and your FOMO in check! ???