Crypto Rides ??: Bitcoin Peaks & Plummets, Ethereum Revamps ??, and NFT Madness ??!

Welcome to this week's edition of the Crypto Weekly Digest!?

Buckle up as we dive into a whirlwind of crypto phenomena that shook the digital sphere. From Bitcoin 's breathtaking roller coaster rides to Ethereum's transformative upgrades, we're bringing you the cutting-edge developments that every crypto enthusiast, trader, and bystander needs to know. ??

Bitcoin's Roller Coaster: Stabilizing Around $63K! ??

What an eventful journey for Bitcoin aficionados! ?? After recent tumultuous swings, BTC has settled into a more steady state, currently oscillating around the $63,000 mark. This new phase starkly contrasts its previous roller coaster moments, notably when it soared past $73,000, before experiencing a decline. Now, as the market adjusts, the narrative continues to evolve, showing the ever-changing nature of the crypto world. ??

While Bitcoin displays signs of leveling, the crypto community remains resilient, confronting the usual ebbs and flows with a seasoned "been there, done that" mindset. ??

Ethereum's Dencun Makeover: Goodbye, High Fees, Hello Efficiency! ?????

Ethereum just got a major facelift with its Dencun upgrade, making the crypto universe more wallet-friendly! ?? Say adios to those hefty transaction fees as the update introduces nifty "blobs" for data storage - way cheaper than the old-school method.?

Layer 2 platforms are already feeling the magic, with fees plummeting from dollars to cents! ?? Arbitrum average fee dropped to $0.5, zkSyncEra saw a decrease to $0.161, and in the case of Optimism and Base, prices plummeted down respectively to $0.05 and $0.064. But wait, there's a plot twist: despite the tech upgrade, the crypto crowd seems chill, with no big love shown for native tokens just yet. ??

Mystery Solved: Craig Wright Not Bitcoin's Daddy, Court Confirms! ?????♂?

In a courtroom drama that could rival the best of them, the high court has finally spoken: Craig Wright, an Aussie computer whiz, is definitely NOT Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin's elusive creator. ???

The judge tossed out Wright's claims faster than a Bitcoin transaction, citing "overwhelming" evidence. After a blockbuster trial filled with plot twists like questionable docs and a psychological expert out of his depth, the crypto world finally gets a breath of fresh air.?

Wright's tale of being the digital gold's father? Officially debunked. ??♂????? So, crypto fans, the hunt for the real Satoshi continues, but one thing's for sure, it's not Craig. Onwards, to more blockchain mysteries! ????

Metavisio's Blockchain Breakthrough: Ditching Banks for Bond Bliss! ??

Hold onto your digital hats, folks! Metavisio, a tech-savvy French firm, just revolutionized the finance world by issuing the first-ever digital bond for a public company, sans traditional banking buddies. ?????

Teaming up with Obligate and Capital Système Investissements, they've catapulted themselves into the blockchain bonanza, using USDC on the Polygon network. What's the cash for? Expanding their tech empire to India, aiming for global domination with innovative computing solutions. ???????

This game-changing move not only slashes the usual bond baggage of costs and time but also flings open the doors to a future where corporate finance frolics freely in the DeFi domain. ???? Say goodbye to the old guard; Metavisio's setting the new standard with smart contracts and savvy strategies!

Fireblocks Teams Up with Zodia to Spark a Revolution in Cross-Border Payments! ????

Globally connected folks, this one's for you! Fireblocks and Zodia Markets are joining forces to jazz up the world of cross-border payments with some crypto magic?????

Imagine sending money across the globe not with slow and pricey traditional banking but with the zippy speed of stablecoins. Fireblocks, the digital safekeeper, and Zodia, the UK's crypto whiz, are now making it happen, allowing big bucks to move faster and cheaper with the stablecoins, skipping the old-school currency way. And with both teams bringing their A-game, global transactions might just get a whole lot smoother. Stay tuned for this dynamic duo's adventures in digital finance!

LSE Opens the Gate for Crypto Crusaders: ETNs on the Horizon! ??????

Attention, we have a new crypto player in the game! The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is stepping into the crypto playground, all set to entertain the idea of adding some shiny new toys. We're talking physically-backed crypto ETNs (Exchange Traded Notes) for Bitcoin and Ether.???? Starting Q3 2024, the LSE will be accepting these proposals, but only the best-dressed (aka strictly regulated) ones will make the cut.

But hold your horses – it's not a free-for-all! These crypto goodies are reserved for the top-tier pros: think big investment firms and the financial elite. The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is still playing it cool with retail investors, keeping the crypto ETNs off their playground since the ban remains from 2021. ????

And because reputation is key, the LSE insists these ETNs must be as solid as the Crown Jewels, meaning they've gotta be physically backed and chilled in the coldest of storages. So, if you're in the game, you'd better bring your A-game. The crypto corridors of the LSE are opening, but only for those who can walk the talk! ??♂???

Nissan Zooms into the Metaverse: 90 Years of Heritage and Safety! ????

Buckle up, folks! 日产 is throwing a virtual bash to celebrate its big 9-0, and you're invited to the party in the metaverse! Introducing the 'Heritage Cars & Safe Drive Studio' – it's like a time machine and driving school all rolled into one, launched on March 7th. ???? Nissan's diving headfirst into its past, showcasing three of its iconic speedsters while giving us a crash course (pun intended) in road safety.

First stop? The slick Silvia Q S13 exhibition, where it's not just about admiring those smooth lines; it's a lesson in how the little things, like the color of your shirt, can make big waves in driving perception. ?? Next, rev those engines with the legendary Skyline 2000GTX-E, where you'll learn why texting and driving should never mix – all while soaking up some serious car culture. ???? Last but not least, take a nostalgic spin to a 1950s diner and drive-in, mastering the art of steering without spilling your milkshake. ?????

And here's the kicker – this whole virtual adventure is a team effort between Nissan and brainy university researchers, showing off how old-school cool can meet cutting-edge tech. Plus, if you've got a Meta Quest headset, you're all set to dive in! ???? Nissan's not new to this game; they've been mixing cars and pixels since 2022, but this time, they're taking it to a whole new level of immersive and educational fun. So, gear up and get ready to drive down memory lane with a safety-first twist! ?????

All Aboard the NFT Express: IRCTC's Colorful Leap into Holi Festivities! ????

Hey travelers and tech buffs! The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is mixing tradition with a tech twist this Holi season! ???? They're rolling out NFT train tickets for journeys between Delhi and Lucknow on the Tejas trains. Yep, you heard right – those paper stubs are going digital with a blockchain bang, featuring artistic snapshots of Delhi and Lucknow's iconic sights! ????

From March 20 to April 2, this digital souvenir gives you more than just a ride; it's a piece of art and a piece of history, all while you're on the go to celebrate Holi, the splashy, color-packed festival that bids adieu to winter and ushers in spring! ???? And hold onto your seats – this isn't just about getting from A to B. It's a glimpse into a future where trips come with digital keepsakes and blockchain tech weaves into the fabric of Indian railways. ?????

But wait, there's more! Indian Railways is boarding the blockchain train full steam ahead, with educational collabs and NFT tickets to religious sites already on the agenda. So, what's the deal? It looks like the future of ticketing might just be a scan away – making lost tickets a thing of the past! Welcome to the new era of travel, where culture, color, and coding collide! ????

Rarible & Celo Unite: A New Chapter in NFTs and Stablecoins! ????

Get ready, blockchain enthusiasts! ?? Rarible and Celo are joining forces, kicking off a supercharged week for the Celo Foundation blockchain. First up, Rarible's API is merging with the Celo network, arming builders with top-notch tools for their dApps. We're talking real-time NFT indexes, multi-chain magic, and a trading SDK to boot. ????? This duo aims to spark creativity and spread the NFT love, making digital collectibles more accessible and impactful, especially with unique projects like Steward and Ecosapiens on board.

Or shall we rather say trio? Tether is also hopping on the Celo express, bringing its heavyweight USDT into the mix from March 11, 2024. This collaboration is all about making digital currency more user-friendly and affordable worldwide, thanks to Celo's mobile-first mojo and microtransaction mastery. ????

Together, these partnerships are not just about fancy tech – they're about making real-world impacts, from funding environmental initiatives to democratizing finance with USDT's low fees and Celo's inclusive platform. So whether you're into NFTs, saving the planet, or just making cheaper, faster payments, Celo's got something for you this week. ???? Let the blockchain festivities begin!

'Black Mirror Experience' NFTs Changing the Game!?????

In a digital twist that even "Black Mirror" would nod to, the new "Smile Club" NFT collection, inspired by the show's unnervingly insightful "Nosedive" episode, sold out quicker than you can say "social credit score" – under three hours, to be precise! ???? Teaming up with PIXELYNX , Animoca Brands , and Banijay Entertainment Brands, this collection takes fans into a new dimension, blending the eerie charm of Black Mirror with the wild west of NFTs.

Here's the deal: fans get to mint their own character, dive into quests, and climb the social status ladder, all within the Ethereum blockchain. It's like the episode leaped out of the screen and said, "Wanna play?" ????? And if that's not Black Mirror enough for you, the project's kick-off was in none other than Times Square, turning heads and sparking debates about our digital futures.

MetaMask & Mastercard Team Up: A Crypto Spending Revolution!????

That’s what we call a power duo! MetaMask, the behemoth of web3 wallets, is tinkering with a game-changer: a Mastercard payment card that's entirely on-chain. Yes, you heard it right – your crypto can now leave the virtual world and pay for your coffee, shopping, or anything else where cards flash their magic. ???

This isn't just a tech experiment; it's like Batman teaming up with Superman – MetaMask brings its 30 million monthly users, and 萬事達卡 throws in its global payment network. Together, they're crafting "the first ever truly decentralized web3 payment solution." Imagine swiping your card at the grocery store and, bam, you're spending Bitcoin or Ether as easily as fiat. ????

Behind the scenes, Mastercard has been cozying up with blockchain bigwigs, cooking up ways to bridge our digital wallets with everyday spending. And with Visa not far behind in the crypto courting game, it looks like our wallets are about to get a whole lot smarter. So get ready to tap, swipe, and secure your groceries with a dash of blockchain. Who knew shopping could feel so futuristic? ?????

French Montana Hops onto the Bitcoin Block: A Crypto Easter Egg in the Mix!????

Alright, music and crypto fans, get this: French Montana is taking album Easter eggs to a whole new level – he's embedding a song from his new album directly into the Bitcoin network! ???? Indeed, you heard correctly. Using the BRC-420 asset protocol, he's carved his musical mark on the blockchain, turning a piece of his art into an immortal digital footprint.

This isn't just any old music drop. The Easter egg song has been etched into block number 834618, taking up all of its 3.956mb space – talk about making a grand entrance! ???? So now, alongside all those digital transactions, there's a slice of hip-hop history chilling in the Bitcoin network, coded as inscription number 64333690.

This move isn't just about showing off; it's a bold blend of music, technology, and a dash of mystery, turning the blockchain into an unexpected treasure trove for music enthusiasts. French Montana is not just dropping beats; he's dropping them into one of the most secure ledgers in the world. Ready to dig through the blocks for beats? ???♂???

Berachain Leaps into the Crypto Unicorn Club with Stellar $69 Million Raise!????

Here's the lowdown for all you crypto-curious folks: Berachain, the shining new kid on the blockchain block, is stirring up the digital finance realm by snagging over $69 million in its latest funding fiesta! ???? Led by the savvy squads at Brevan Howard Digital and Framework Ventures , this DeFi platform is now strutting into the exclusive 'unicorn' territory with a whopping valuation of $1.5 billion. That's right, billion with a 'B'!

What's all the fuss about? Well, Berachain is shaking up the financial status quo by making lending, trading, and borrowing as easy as pie, without the old-school bank middlemen. ?????? In the world of crypto, where bulls and bears often tango, venture capital bigwigs are dusting off their wallets and jumping back on the bandwagon amid a surging market.

So, if you've been snoozing on crypto's comeback, it might just be time to wake up and smell the blockchain roses! Berachain's not just playing the game; they're setting new rules and bringing in the big bucks. ????

Comic Giants Leap into NFTs: Batman and Marvel Unveil Digital Collectibles! ?????

Alright comic fans and digital collectors, brace yourselves for a superhero-sized update! ?? Batman, the caped crusader himself, is celebrating 85 years of vigilantism with The Legacy Cowls Collection, a new series of NFTs brought to you by the power trio: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Discovery Group, and Candy Digital . Launching on March 29, this collection not only honors Batman’s rich history but also offers fans 3D digital collectibles, augmented reality experiences, and a chance to be part of the Bat-verse's future decisions. ????

Over in the Marvel Universe, a partnership with VeVe Comics is bringing over 300 digital issues of your favorite heroes like Spider-Man, X-Men, and Black Panther right to your fingertips. And here's the kicker – they're offering limited-edition NFT versions of these comics, complete with unique covers and the ability to dive into the stories via augmented reality. ?????

Both these ventures go beyond turning pages into pixels, transforming the way we interact with our beloved characters and stories. Batman's NFTs will unlock a whole new world of fan engagement, while Marvel Entertainment 's digital platform promises up-to-the-minute comic releases, marrying tradition with tech. So, whether you're in Gotham or swinging through New York with Spidey, the future of comic book fandom is here – and it's spectacularly digital. Get ready to add a new dimension to your collection! ????

MapleStory Merges with Avalanche: A New Chapter in Blockchain Gaming! ????

Gamers and crypto enthusiasts, gear up for a trip down memory lane with a twist! The beloved 20-year-old game MapleStory is joining forces with Avalanche to revolutionize the blockchain gaming world. ???? This partnership aims to elevate the MapleStory Universe with Avalanche's cutting-edge 'Subnet' technology, ensuring a gaming experience that can handle more action than ever before.

Here's the scoop: MapleStory Universe is expanding into four unique dimensions – including a PC MMORPG and a mobile version, all spiced up with NFT technology for a truly unique adventure. Plus, there's MapleStory N Worlds for those who love creating their own content, and a nifty SDK for the tech-savvy to develop their own MapleStory-themed apps. ????

But that's not all – keep your eyes peeled for their panel discussion at the 2024 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, where they'll dive deeper into blending gaming with blockchain technology. Rather than just upgrading a classic game, these two powerhouses are paving a brand new path for the future of gaming. Get ready to jump back into Maple World, but not as you know it – this time, it's turbocharged with blockchain! ????

Berachain's Blockchain Bonanza: Bagging $69M in DeFi Dreamland!????

Alright, finance wizards and blockchain buffs, here's the tea: Berachain, the new kid on the blockchain block, has just secured a cool $69 million in funding, catapulting it to a jaw-dropping $1.5 billion valuation! ???? With big names like Brevan Howard Digital and Framework Ventures leading the charge, Berachain is setting the stage for a DeFi (decentralized finance) revolution.

What makes Berachain stand out? It's a Layer 1 Ethereum-compatible blockchain, but with a twist – it's cooking up a unique blend using Cosmos tech and rolling out something called Proof of Liquidity, a nifty take on the traditional staking models. This means, instead of just staking your crypto or drowning it in DeFi pools, you get to do both and earn sweet rewards in their native tokens, BGT and Honey. ????

But wait, there's more: Berachain hasn't even officially launched yet, and it's already causing a stir in the crypto community with its big ideas and even bigger following. And with its founders shrouded in mystery, this blockchain saga is as intriguing as they come. So, if you've got an appetite for DeFi and a curiosity for what's next in blockchain, keep your eyes on Berachain is? reinventing the recipe! ????

Thailand's SEC Embraces Bitcoin ETFs with a Twist! ????

Watch out, Bitcoiners: Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has just jazzed up its rules to welcome private funds that are keen on diving into spot Bitcoin ETFs traded in the U.S. But don't get your wallets out just yet – this exclusive crypto club is only open to the big shots: institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. ????

Why the sudden change? Well, after the U.S. SEC gave the green light to spot Bitcoin ETFs, defining them as securities (not just digital wild cards), Thai securities firms got the go-ahead to start playing in this new financial sandbox. ????? However, it's not a free-for-all – these amendments come with a velvet rope, ensuring only the financially hefty can hop into the Bitcoin ETF bandwagon.

So, if you're in Thailand dreaming of Bitcoin ETFs, you might need to check your bank balance first. This move marks a significant step towards integrating traditional finance with the buzzing world of crypto, but with a cautious approach that keeps the average Joe on the sidelines... for now. ????

El Salvador’s Bold Bitcoin Bet: One BTC a Day Keeps the Doubters Away! ?????

?Latest news from the digital frontier: El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele is doubling down on his Bitcoin enthusiasm by stashing away one Bitcoin daily into a cold wallet. That's right, every single day, rain or shine, until the end of time (or until Bitcoin somehow becomes unbuyable with regular cash). ????

This crypto crusade isn't new; it kicked off back in November 2022, marking a bold move in national finance tactics. But here's the twist – these daily Bitcoin deposits are now being transferred into what Bukele cheekily calls the nation's "first Bitcoin piggy bank," safely tucked away in a physical vault on home turf. ????

So, what’s the big deal? El Salvador is turning its Bitcoin belief into a national strategy, literally banking on the digital gold to pave its financial future. And while some may chuckle at the piggy bank analogy, Bukele’s unwavering crypto commitment has turned this small country into a watchworthy experiment in state-level investment in cryptocurrencies. It's not just a policy; it's becoming a national treasure hunt. ?????

It was quite a lot to take in, wasn't it? This week was full of twists and turns, and there will probably be more in the upcoming one. Thank you for joining us on this wild ride through the week's most compelling crypto narratives and hopefully, see you in the next one!

Remember, the world of cryptocurrency is as volatile as it is fascinating – stay informed, stay savvy, and, most importantly, stay tuned for next week's Crypto Weekly Digest!