Metaverse

Home Metaverse Page 186

Gitcoin Kicks Off ‘Grants Round 23’ To Support Early-Stage And Mature Projects, Donations Open Until April 16

Gitcoin Kicks Off ‘Grants Round 23’ To Support Early-Stage And Mature Projects, Donations Open Until April 16


In Brief

Gitcoin has launched Gitcoin Grants Round 23, enabling early-stage projects to receive Quadratic Funding, while mature projects are funded retroactively, and the donation period is now open.

Gitcoin Launches ‘Grants Round 23’ To Support Early-Stage And Mature Projects, Donations Open Until April 16

Blockchain-based platform for developers, Gitcoin announced that it has launched Gitcoin Grants Round 23 (GG23), which enables early-stage projects to receive Quadratic Funding (QF), while mature projects are funded retroactively based on their measurable impact. The donation period is now open and will close on April 16th.

According to Gitcoin, with GG23, Gitcoin is adopting a dual approach to funding: QF continues to serve as the discovery mechanism, helping early-stage builders gain visibility and community support, while Retroactive Funding ensures that mature projects receive the financial backing that aligns with their measurable success and impact.

QF is a democratic crowdfunding mechanism designed to allocate funds to public goods projects based on community support. It amplifies the impact of individual contributions by matching them with additional funds, prioritizing projects that receive backing from a broad base of contributors. The more unique donors a project attracts, the greater the matching funds it receives, ensuring that projects with widespread community support are adequately funded.

GG23 Allocates $600,000 In Retroactive Funding To 30 Projects And Launches Over Six Community Rounds With $130,000 In Support

Retroactive Funding allocates $600,000 to 30 mature Gitcoin-supported open-source software (OSS) projects that have already demonstrated measurable impact. This initiative rewards builders who have contributed to the growth of Ethereum, with each selected project receiving a minimum grant of $10,000. Badgeholder voting will take place from April 9th to 23rd.

In particular, Gitcoin has highlighted several top projects, including Dappnode, The Tor Project, Blockscout, ZK Email, beaconcha.in, POAPin, Tape, Hey, JobStash, Gitcoin, and the Grants Data Portal, among others. These projects reflect the contributions made by builders in key areas such as developer tooling, which focuses on libraries and frameworks designed to ensure secure and efficient smart contract development. Additionally, in the realm of Web3 infrastructure, builders have contributed to scaling solutions, coordination tools, and essential Ethereum infrastructure. Open-Source decentralized applications (dApps) also play an important role, with projects aimed at enhancing financial inclusion, governance, and accessibility.

In addition to this, GG23 features over six Community Rounds, with $130,000 in matching funds provided by Gitcoin. These rounds allow various ecosystems to fund initiatives that matter most to them, ranging from regenerative finance (ReFi) to education, local impact, and token engineering.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.

About The Author


Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.

More articles


Alisa Davidson










Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.








More articles



Source link

Interpreter Agent in Teams is in Public Preview

Interpreter Agent in Teams is in Public Preview


The future is here, or at least a bit of the scifi-future is now be usable by Microsoft 365 Copilot licensed users who are using Microsoft Teams. The Interpreter Agent just hit Public Preview, and I of course I tested it out. I did not do a video how it works, but in this post I will explain the use and experience to you.

What is the Interpreter Agent? Turning the Interpreter onThe experienceAvailability and licensingAdmin controls

It is a new feature in Microsoft Teams, that is available for users with Microsoft 365 Copilot license. The agent designed to help users overcome language barriers during meetings as it provides nearly real-time speech-to-speech translation, allowing meeting participants to speak and listen in their preferred language seamlessly. In the preview phase there are limited number of languages available, but this applies only to which language the agent is translating to!

The Interpreter agent can also simulate your own voice, making it easier for others to recognize who is speaking and follow along naturally. Alternatively, you can select your voice from a set of few default voices.

The purpose of the Interpreter Agent is to make multilingual meetings more accessible and inclusive, allowing everyone—whether they’re colleagues across the globe or international clients—to communicate clearly and effectively in the language of their choice.

To turn on the agent, go to Language and speech settings when you are in a Teams meeting.

When you turn on the Interpreter Agent the first time, you will get a settings dialogue, where you are selecting your preferences.

You will select first the language you want to hear, when other speak. In other words, the language to which everything in the meeting is interpreted to. Next setting is the balance how much you want to hear the original audio, compared to when the agent is speaking. I would slide this to quite a lot to the right side as sometimes you will hear both the speaker and the interpreter.

The cool setting is the next one: your voice representation. This means, that you can select how others (who use interpreter) will hear you. The Simulate my voice takes a couple of sentences when Teams learns your voice and will then use a pretty good replica of your voice.

If you don’t like your voice to be cloned, then just choose of one default voices that will represent you.

Personally, I will select to simulate my voice.

Languages the Interpreter Agent can use (during the preview) are English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish.

When you confirm your settings, you are good to go! If you want to change any of these settings later, you can open Interpreter settings via Language and speech menu.

When someone has turned on the Interpreter in the meeting, you will see a dialogue telling about that.

Just click Turn on for me, and go through settings.

When you have your settings done, consequently turning on the Interpreter will be smoother, just letting you know your language and having the easy way to get into settings.

How the Interpreter works in practice? When a meeting participant speaks, it takes a few moments before the interpreter catches it on and makes the translation. Then the agent speaks the translated message to you, using the language you selected. In case the other party has selected that their voice can be simulated, the agent will, pretty soon , sound like the participant.

The cool? It is possible to speak in any language and the interpreter will translate that to the language you chose. The language is detected automatically, I tested a bit of speaking a sentence in Swedish (nope, I don’t know a lot of Swedish language – those who know me can guess what I said) and then continued in Finnish. Interpreter translated both to English without any issues.

Due to the delay, interpreter won’t work in a fast-paced conversation. It works better when people are speaking for longer time (in a structured way, like an organized meeting), rather than shortly (like table talk at happy hours), as there is a short delay before the translation is done.

Overall, as translation lags a bit behind, it is good to learn a new meeting practice when using the Interpreter. When someone is speaking, it is a good idea to pause for a few moments before continuing. This way the Agent can catch the message up to everyone in the meeting. Basically: avoid speaking so that you overlap the agent. You can keep an eye on the interpreter indicator (top left area) to see when others have finished listening to interpretation. The new meeting practice is then to keep a short break after you have spoken. And depending on language, the interpreted audio may take longer time until it has spoken. Having breaks adds to accuracy and keeps the meeting pleasant for all participants.

The Interpreter Agent is , at the moment, available only during scheduled (ie: meetings created in the calendar) or channels meetings in Teams. There is no support for calls (VoIP, PSTN), town halls, or Teams Rooms at the moment. Also, you need to use Desktop client: I didn’t see the agent in either web nor mobile Teams. I would suspect that at least the mobile Teams will be getting the support.

Users who want to use the Interpreter Agent need to have Microsoft 365 Copilot license. You can use the interpreter in cross-organizational meetings also. For example if you join a meeting where are people from different organizations, and you have the M365 Copilot license, you can turn on the agent. Others who have joined the meeting can use the agent only if they also have the Copilot license. Based on message center bulletin, licensing may change : Beyond preview access, additional licensing details will be communicated prior to general availability.

Admins can use PowerShell and set Teams meeting policy with Set-CsTeamsMeetingPolicy to control if the interpreter and voice simulation options are available in the organization or not.

-AIInterpreter
Enables the user to use the AI Interpreter related features
Possible values:
Disabled
Enabled

-VoiceSimulationInInterpreter
Enables the user to use the voice simulation feature while being AI interpreted.
Possible Values:
Disabled
Enabled

Published by Vesa Nopanen

Vesa “Vesku” Nopanen, Principal Consultant and Microsoft MVP (M365 and AI Platform) working on Future Work at Sulava.

I work, blog and speak about Future Work : AI, Microsoft 365, Copilot, Microsoft Mesh, Metaverse, and other services & platforms in the cloud connecting digital and physical and people together.

I have about 30 years of experience in IT business on multiple industries, domains, and roles.
View all posts by Vesa Nopanen



Source link

NFTs and the Metaverse: Building Digital Ownership in Virtual Worlds | NFT News Today

NFTs and the Metaverse: Building Digital Ownership in Virtual Worlds | NFT News Today


The metaverse is no longer just a sci-fi idea. It’s happening! Imagine a huge digital world where people can hang out, work, buy land, wear cool outfits, and even make money. But here’s the twist: in most online games or platforms, you don’t actually own the stuff you buy. This is why NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are important. These are special digital items stored on the blockchain, meaning they belong to you, not the game developer or social media platform. Whether it’s a virtual house, a pair of NFT sneakers, or even a pet dragon, NFTs are changing how you own things in the digital universe.

Buying Land in the Metaverse: Yes, It’s a Thing

Owning land isn’t just for millionaires in the real world. It’s now a big deal in the metaverse, too! Platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox let people buy digital land, build houses, open virtual stores, or even create amusement parks. Just like in real life, the value of these plots can go up, especially as big companies jump in. Some brands are even setting up digital offices and stores, making metaverse real estate a serious investment. The best part? Since the land is an NFT, no one can take it away from you. It’s yours forever (or until you sell it for a profit!).

Dressing Your Avatar: The Rise of NFT Fashion

Ever wanted to flex in a virtual Gucci jacket? Now you can! Fashion brands are going all in on NFTs, creating digital clothing and accessories that avatars can wear in the metaverse. Just like people collect sneakers or designer handbags in real life, NFT fashion is becoming a status symbol online. Some companies even sell NFT outfits that come with a real-life version, so you can match your avatar. As more people start living part of their lives in digital worlds, looking stylish online might become just as important as dressing up in the real world!

Gaming and NFTs: Finally, You Own Your Stuff

In most video games, you can spend real money on cool skins, weapons, or pets, but they’re stuck in that one game. If the developers shut it down? Boom…your items disappear. NFTs fix this problem. When you buy an NFT sword or pet, you own it and can even sell or trade it with other players. Some games are already letting users take their NFT items across different platforms. You might even find that an online casino in the metaverse might be trying out NFT-based betting, where players can win exclusive digital collectibles instead of just money.

What’s Next? The Future of NFTs in the Metaverse

NFTs are already making the metaverse feel more real, but this is just the beginning. Imagine using NFTs as concert tickets, VIP passes, or even a digital ID to prove who you are. Some companies are creating NFT-based memberships, giving special perks to people who own certain digital assets. Of course, there are challenges. Things like scams, crazy high prices, and figuring out laws for digital ownership. But one thing’s for sure: NFTs are making the metaverse a place where digital things aren’t just stuff you use. They’re things you actually own. And that changes everything.



Source link

Could Bybit’s Shutdown Reset the NFT Market? | NFT News Today

Could Bybit’s Shutdown Reset the NFT Market? | NFT News Today


Bybit’s recent closure of its NFT marketplace represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing NFT market reset, coming after a massive security breach and amid plummeting trading volumes. This shutdown reflects broader challenges in the crypto ecosystem, where centralized platforms face increasing pressure from both market forces and security vulnerabilities.

Key Takeaways

NFT trading volume has collapsed 70% year-over-year, with Q1 2025 sales falling to $1.5 billion (a 63% decline).

Bybit’s NFT closure followed a devastating $1.46 billion security breach by North Korea-linked hackers in February 2025.

The market is consolidating around major platforms like OpenSea, Blur, and Magic Eden, which now control over 80% of market share.

A shift from speculative collectibles to utility-based NFTs signals a maturing market focused on practical applications.

Decentralized marketplaces are gaining traction as users prioritize security and self-custody following centralized platform failures.

The NFT Market’s Death Spiral

The once-booming NFT market is in freefall. Daily trading volumes have plummeted 70% year-over-year, dropping from $18 million to just $5.34 million. This represents a breathtaking 95% decline from December 2024’s high of $113.6 million, painting a stark picture of a market in crisis.

For perspective, monthly NFT sales reached an all-time high of $3.24 billion in August 2021. Fast forward to Q1 2025, and total sales have crashed to $1.5 billion for the entire quarter – a 63% year-over-year decline that’s sending shockwaves through the digital asset trends landscape.

User engagement has suffered equally dramatic losses. According to DappRadar data, active NFT wallets have collapsed from over 500,000 at the market’s peak in 2021 to fewer than 20,000 by 2025. This exodus of users has created a liquidity crisis that’s driving floor prices down across most collections.

Bybit’s Exit: More Than Market Conditions

While the broader market decline created challenging conditions, Bybit’s shutdown stems from multiple compounding factors. The catastrophic $1.46 billion security breach by North Korea-linked hackers in February 2025 dealt a crushing blow to the platform’s operations and user trust.

Market saturation also played a key role. OpenSea, Blur, and Magic Eden have established dominance, controlling over 80% of all NFT trading volume. This left smaller platforms like Bybit fighting for scraps in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The Bybit NFT closure isn’t happening in isolation. It joins an exodus of platforms exiting the space, including:

Beyond market dynamics, there’s been a fundamental shift in user expectations. The days of purely speculative NFT collecting appear to be waning as the market matures toward utility-focused applications.

Survivors Amid the Carnage

Despite the market’s overall decline, several players are finding ways to thrive in this challenging environment. The consolidation is benefiting major platforms like OpenSea, Blur, and Magic Eden on Ethereum, while Unisat and Magic Eden dominate the inscriptions market.

A few standout projects have bucked the downward trend entirely:

Pudgy Penguins increased sales by 13% to $72 million in Q1 2025

Doodles secured a $32 million partnership with McDonald’s despite the broader market decline

For users affected by the Bybit shutdown, many experts are advising migration to decentralized alternatives. These platforms offer greater security through blockchain-based custody systems rather than centralized control of assets.

The Decentralization Effect

The Bybit security breach has highlighted a critical vulnerability in centralized exchanges – they represent single points of failure in the blockchain outlook. When compromised, users can lose everything.

Decentralized marketplaces, by contrast, leverage blockchain’s inherent security features by keeping assets in user-controlled wallets rather than platform-controlled accounts. This fundamental difference is driving many NFT traders to prioritize self-custody solutions.

The contrast between Bybit’s catastrophic security breach and the relative resilience of decentralized infrastructure has accelerated a shift that was already underway in the crypto ecosystem. Users are increasingly choosing security over convenience, especially for high-value digital assets.

Regulatory Landscape Finding Clarity

Amid the market turmoil, regulatory developments are creating a clearer path forward for compliant NFT operations. The SEC’s closure of its OpenSea investigation signals potential legitimacy for platforms that adhere to regulatory frameworks.

Paradoxically, Bybit’s exit may actually strengthen market confidence by removing vulnerable players from the ecosystem. As regulatory clarity emerges, institutional investors can engage with greater confidence in the remaining platforms that prioritize compliance and security.

This regulatory evolution is part of a natural maturation process for the NFT market reset, establishing guardrails that protect investors while allowing innovation to continue.

From Speculation to Utility

Perhaps the most significant shift in the NFT market is the transition from pure speculation to practical utility. Projects integrating NFTs into gaming, AI, and authentication systems are gaining traction while purely collectible assets continue to struggle.

This shift aligns with the growth of utility-focused marketplaces. The most successful projects now combine collecting with practical applications, creating sustainable value propositions beyond mere scarcity.

Examples of utility-driven NFT adoption include:

Future Reset: What Comes Next

The current market correction, while painful for many investors, may be laying the groundwork for more sustainable growth. There are interesting parallels to Binance’s 2023 crisis management and subsequent stabilization, suggesting the NFT ecosystem could follow a similar recovery path.

Infrastructure-focused innovation is replacing pure speculation, with development resources shifting toward building more robust, secure, and user-friendly platforms. The migration from centralized to decentralized platforms is also accelerating, driven by security concerns highlighted by incidents like the Bybit hack.

This evolution represents a natural maturation phase for the NFT market rather than its demise. Like many emerging technologies, NFTs appear to be following the classic hype cycle pattern, moving from peak inflated expectations through the trough of disillusionment toward eventual productive applications.

What This Means for NFT Investors

wen

Navigating the post-Bybit landscape requires a strategic shift for investors. I recommend focusing on projects with demonstrable utility and mainstream adoption potential rather than purely speculative collections.

Understanding the transition from short-term speculation to long-term value creation is essential for identifying sustainable investment opportunities. This means evaluating factors beyond scarcity and hype, such as:

Strong development teams with clear roadmaps

Practical utility that extends beyond collecting

Robust community engagement and growth

Transparent tokenomics and business models

Security considerations should also be paramount when choosing marketplaces and custody solutions. The Bybit incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with centralized platforms in the crypto ecosystem.

Sources

[Arbiterz – Bybit Closes NFT Marketplace Inscription and IDO Services](https://arbiterz.com/bybit-closes-nft-marketplace-inscription-and-ido-services/)

[Cointelegraph – Bybit Shuts Down Its NFT Marketplace](https://cointelegraph.com/news/bybit-shuts-down-its-nft-marketplace)

[Invezz – Bybit Shuts NFT, IDO Services Weeks After 1.46B Hack](https://invezz.com/news/2025/04/01/bybit-shuts-nft-ido-services-weeks-after-1-46b-hack/)

[Cryptonews – Bybit Shuts Down NFT and IDO Services Following 1.5B Crypto Theft](https://cryptonews.com/news/bybit-shuts-down-nft-and-ido-services-following-1-5b-crypto-theft/)



Source link

NFT-Based Legal Notices: How Courts Are Embracing Blockchain | NFT News Today

NFT-Based Legal Notices: How Courts Are Embracing Blockchain | NFT News Today


In recent years, courts worldwide have been looking for new ways to handle the unique challenges of blockchain technology. A recent example comes from Brazil, where a court decided to use NFTs to serve legal notices on anonymous defendants in the BWA Brazil bankruptcy case.

Rather than sending paperwork by mail or email—usual methods that require knowing someone’s physical or digital address—this approach leverages the transparency of NFTs and blockchain. By targeting wallet addresses directly, the court aims to ensure individuals who might otherwise remain hidden are still informed of ongoing legal proceedings.

BWA Brazil Case Overview

The BWA Brazil situation involves allegations that the company operated as a pyramid scheme and acquired about 11,200 Bitcoins (BTC) using creditor funds prior to bankruptcy. At current prices, that amount of BTC is worth more than $900 million. To protect creditors’ interests, the court-appointed trustee petitioned for permission to interrupt the statute of limitations on potential claims tied to those crypto assets.

Because many of these assets were traced to wallet addresses without identifiable owners, traditional service methods were impractical. In response, the trustee asked the court to mint NFTs embedding the relevant legal documents and send them directly to the wallet addresses in question. This step was made possible by Bitcoin’s public ledger, which allows anyone to track transactions from one address to another.

Although pseudonymous, these addresses still offer a traceable path for blockchain-based notifications. The Brazilian Public Prosecutor’s Office supported the trustee’s request, indicating a growing willingness among legal authorities to recognize new technological methods in pursuing due process.

Other Notable Instances of NFT-Based Service of Process

Celsius Network Bankruptcy Case (October 2024)

During the Celsius Network LLC bankruptcy proceedings in the United States, the litigation administrator needed to recover assets that had been transferred to unidentifiable cryptocurrency wallets. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York approved the use of NFTs to deliver summonses and complaints, considering it “reasonably calculated” to reach the unknown defendants.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (March 2023)

In a separate case involving the alleged theft of nearly $1 million in cryptocurrency, Judge Beth Bloom allowed the plaintiff to serve process via NFTs. This decision was primarily driven by the anonymity of the defendants and the impracticality of using conventional methods, signaling the court’s openness to new digital tools for legal procedures.

Legal Considerations and Challenges

Due Process Compliance

Courts are tasked with ensuring that any method of service is sufficient to alert defendants to pending legal actions. NFT-based service can satisfy this requirement by being “reasonably calculated” to reach the intended party.

Defendant Anonymity

Even when an NFT summons reaches a specific wallet, there’s no guarantee that the individual responsible for that wallet will respond. Continued anonymity makes enforcing judgments and collecting potential damages more complex.

Jurisdictional Variations

Each country or region has its own rules for acceptable service of process. While some courts see NFT-based notification as a viable option, others have not yet clarified their stance.

Implications and Future Outlook

The use of NFTs in legal proceedings highlights how rapidly courts are adapting to the realities of digital assets and decentralized finance. By approving blockchain-based methods for serving process, judges and trustees acknowledge that many defendants in crypto-related cases may never be found using conventional methods.

As illustrated by the BWA Brazil case, Celsius Network bankruptcy proceedings, and other examples, these adaptations are gaining acceptance as a means to protect the rights of both creditors and plaintiffs. Moving forward, continued exploration of NFT-based notifications could shape how global legal systems handle cryptocurrency disputes.

While there are still questions about enforceability, privacy, and cross-border compliance, the trend suggests that blockchain technology could keep playing a significant role in the evolution of legal practices—and that courts will continue seeking new ways to reach participants in an increasingly decentralized financial landscape.



Source link

Cyvers Alerts Identifies Unauthorized Transactions In UPCX, Potential Loss Estimated At $70M

Cyvers Alerts Identifies Unauthorized Transactions In UPCX, Potential Loss Estimated At M


In Brief

Cyvers Alerts has identified a potential $70 million security breach in UPCX, prompting it to suspend deposits and withdrawals, while the user assets remain secure and the investigation continues.

Cyvers Alerts Detects Potential $70M Security Breach in UPCX, While Platform Suspends Deposits And Withdrawals

Real-time security monitoring platform Cyvers Alerts has identified potentially unauthorized transactions within the decentralized payment network UPCX, suggesting a possible security breach.  

According to Cyvers Alerts, an unknown entity appears to have gained control of the address 0x4C….3583E, allowing them to modify the ‘ProxyAdmin’ contract. This modification enabled the execution of the ‘withdrawByAdmin’ function, which resulted in the transfer of approximately 18.4 million UPC tokens—valued at around $70 million—from three separate management accounts.

At present, the transferred funds remain in the address 0xFf7….334, with no signs of conversion or movement to other wallets, indicating that the assets have not yet been swapped or dispersed, the platform noted.

Meanwhile, the UPCX team has acknowledged the security incident, confirming the detection of unauthorized activity within its management account.

In response to the situation, the platform has implemented precautionary measures to safeguard its operations. As part of these efforts, deposits and withdrawals on UPCX have been temporarily suspended. However, the team has assured users that their assets remain secure and unaffected by the incident. An active investigation is underway to determine the cause and extent of the unauthorized activity, and further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.  

UPCX also expressed its appreciation for users’ patience and cooperation during this time.

What Are UPCX And UPC Token?

UPCX is designed to simplify blockchain-based payments by making them more accessible and user-friendly. The platform supports smart contracts and aims to enhance the payment experience by addressing key blockchain challenges, including high transaction fees, slow settlement times, and usability issues.  

In order to achieve high-speed processing, UPCX employs a hybrid consensus mechanism that integrates Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) with Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT). This combination allows the network to handle up to 100,000 transactions per second while ensuring near-instant block confirmations, positioning its performance on par with traditional credit card networks.  

The platform’s native cryptocurrency, UPC, plays a central role within the ecosystem. It facilitates transaction processing, contributes to network security, and supports multiple payment methods, including NFC-based transactions, QR code payments, and scheduled transfers.  

At the time of writing, UPC is trading at approximately $3.85, reflecting a 5.39% decline within the past day. The token experienced a sharp drop from its earlier price above $4, while its market capitalization stands around $343 million, according to CoinMarketCap data.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.

About The Author


Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.

More articles


Alisa Davidson










Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.








More articles





Source link

BitMEX Upgrades BMEX With More Fee Tiers, Reduced Staking Requirements, And 50% Increase In Staking Rewards

BitMEX Upgrades BMEX With More Fee Tiers, Reduced Staking Requirements, And 50% Increase In Staking Rewards


In Brief

BitMEX announced upcoming changes to its BMEX token, including a rise in staking rewards to 7.5% and more competitive fee tiers offering up to 70% discounts on trading fees.

BitMEX Upgrades BMEX With More Fee Tiers, Reduced Staking Requirements, And 50% Increase In Staking Rewards

Cryptocurrency exchange and derivative trading platform BitMEX announced upcoming changes to its BMEX Token. 

The changes include an increase in staking rewards, with holders now earning up to 7.5%, up from the previous 5%. Additionally, the platform is offering more competitive fee tiers, providing up to a 70% discount on trading fees. 

Another new feature is the introduction of yield-generating airdrops for staked BMEX, meaning users will now receive airdrops automatically, without the need to stake the tokens themselves. Furthermore, the unstaking period for BMEX has been reduced from 14 days to 7 days, offering users greater flexibility. 

These updates come in response to the BMEX token’s impressive 92% surge over the past six months, with the goal of rewarding all traders, whether new, returning, or existing, and enhancing their access to the token’s benefits.

What Is BMEX?

It is the native utility token of the BitMEX exchange, created to enhance the financial potential of traders by offering a range of benefits such as staking rewards, trading fee discounts, withdrawal fee refunds, and exclusive privileges. The key advantages of BMEX include earning up to 7.5% in staking rewards when holding BMEX in a BitMEX wallet, gaining access to improved fee tiers for competitive discounts on both derivatives and spot market trades, and receiving additional BMEX airdrops based on the user’s fee level. 

BitMEX implements a monthly BMEX token burn to encourage ecosystem growth and maintain long-term utility. This burn process, which includes 4% of net fees from derivatives markets, 8% from spot markets, and 50% from BMEX trading pairs, helps increase demand for BMEX and offers token holders the potential for price surges alongside the token’s other ecosystem benefits. 

The platform also offers incentives for both new and returning traders. These traders can earn up to $5,000 in BMEX airdrops within their first 30 days, depending on the trading volume. Existing traders can further benefit by improving their fee tiers and enjoying higher staking rewards of up to 7.5%, based on their deposit value and trading activity.

BitMEX allows users to trade cryptocurrency contracts, such as futures and perpetual contracts, without having to own the underlying assets. The platform is designed for experienced investors and professional traders, offering advanced features like leveraged trading and a customizable trading interface that includes a growing selection of widgets to enhance user experience.

BitMEX has encountered legal and regulatory issues over time. In October 2020, US authorities indicted the platform’s founders for not having adequate anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures in place, leading to violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. 

Recently, former President Donald Trump issued pardons to the BitMEX co-founders—Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, and Samuel Reed—who had previously pleaded guilty to these AML and KYC violations.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.

About The Author


Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.

More articles


Alisa Davidson










Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.








More articles



Source link

OpenAI To Release New Open-Weight Language Model In Coming Months

OpenAI To Release New Open-Weight Language Model In Coming Months


In Brief

OpenAI plans to release a new open-weight language model with reasoning capabilities in the coming months and has launched a form for developers, researchers, and the community interested in participating in a feedback session.

OpenAI To Release New Open-Weight Language Model In Coming Months

CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman shared on the social media platform X that the company plans to release a new, powerful open-weight language model with reasoning capabilities in the upcoming months. OpenAI has also launched a form for those interested in participating in a feedback session, inviting developers, researchers, and the broader community to collaborate and provide input in order to make the model as effective and useful as possible.

This new model is expected to be OpenAI’s first open-weight language model since GPT-2. While OpenAI has been considering this move for some time, other priorities took precedence. However, the company now feels that releasing this model is important. Before launching, OpenAI will evaluate the model using its preparedness framework, as it does with any other model, and will conduct additional work, knowing that the model will likely be modified after release, according to Sam Altman.

The CEO further mentioned that some decisions are still pending, which is why the company is organizing developer events to collect feedback and allow participants to engage with early prototypes. The first event will take place in San Francisco in a few weeks, followed by sessions in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. OpenAI is eager to see how developers utilize the model and how it may be adopted by large companies and governments, especially those who prefer to run a model independently.

OpenAI Raises $40B To Advance AI Research And Expand Infrastructure

The announcement coincided with the news that OpenAI has raised $40 billion, achieving a post-money valuation of $300 billion, marking the largest private tech deal in history. The funding round was led by SoftBank, with additional participation from Microsoft, Coatue, Altimeter, and Thrive. 

OpenAI stated that the new capital will be used to further advance AI research and expand its computing infrastructure. Around $18 billion of the funding is expected to be allocated toward OpenAI’s commitment to Stargate infrastructure project, which aims to establish a network of AI data centers around the US.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.

About The Author


Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.

More articles


Alisa Davidson










Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in cryptocurrency, zero-knowledge proofs, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.








More articles



Source link

The Ultimate Guide to April’s Hottest NFT Launches and Airdrops | NFT News Today

The Ultimate Guide to April’s Hottest NFT Launches and Airdrops | NFT News Today


The NFT market in April 2025 presents a complex landscape where sales have significantly declined, yet specific collections continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth potential. Despite the overall market downturn, several upcoming NFT launches and airdrops are generating substantial buzz among collectors who recognize that bear markets often create the best entry opportunities for long-term value.

Key Takeaways

Q1 2025 NFT sales have dropped 63% year-over-year, but collections like Pudgy Penguins and Doodles are defying the trend with impressive growth.

Major April 2025 NFT launches include Binary Beauties, Brett’s Biz Mint, The Smurfs’ Society, and Starbucks’ First Store Collection.

Noteworthy NFT airdrops April 2025 include BUZZEUM (55M tokens), W-Coin, and XMAQUINA, with registration deadlines throughout the month.

Major NFT collections are building dedicated blockchain infrastructure, signaling a shift toward more sustainable ecosystems.

Strategic NFT collectors are focusing on utility, brand partnerships, and community engagement as key factors for long-term value.

The Current State of the NFT Market

The NFT landscape in early 2025 has experienced a significant cooling period. Q1 sales plummeted 63% compared to the same period in 2024, totaling just $1.5 billion versus the previous $4.1 billion. March 2025 was particularly challenging with a 76% year-over-year decline. Ethereum remains the dominant blockchain for NFT activity despite seeing sales drop 58% month-over-month to $127 million, followed by Bitcoin ($71M) and Polygon ($63M).

However, not all collections are suffering equally. Several standouts are bucking the downward trend:

Pudgy Penguins achieved $72 million in Q1 sales, an impressive 13% increase year-over-year

Doodles generated $32 million, up from $22.6 million in 2024 (boosted by their McDonald’s partnership)

Milady Maker recorded a remarkable 58% increase in sales compared to last year

These success stories offer valuable insights for collectors looking at upcoming NFT projects in April. Despite the current dip, industry analysts project the global NFT market to grow by $84.13 billion by 2029, suggesting this correction may be temporary.

Most Anticipated April 2025 NFT Launches

April brings several high-potential new NFT drops worth monitoring. Here are the standout projects launching this month:

Binary Beauties (April 7-13)

This collection features 1,950 retro pixel-art NFTs on Ethereum, cleverly blending 1950s pin-up aesthetics with digital innovation. The project has generated substantial social media buzz for its unique artistic direction and nostalgic appeal.

Brett’s Biz Mint (April 20-26)

With 7,777 hand-drawn NFTs launching on Base Chain at a 0.07 ETH mint price, this collection offers compelling utility. Holders gain access to physical merchandise claims and guaranteed spots in future airdrops, creating immediate and long-term value propositions.

The Smurfs’ Society (Begins April 18)

Leveraging iconic IP, this collection will eventually feature 12,500 PFPs, with the first drop containing 3,000 NFTs. Licensed collections have demonstrated strong resilience in bearish markets, making this a noteworthy launch.

Starbucks First Store Collection (April 19)

Starbucks continues its Web3 journey with 5,000 NFT stamps commemorating its original 1971 Seattle location. This represents another major brand strengthening its commitment to NFT technology and digital collectibles.

Zora’s $ZORA Token Launch

While not a traditional NFT collection, Zora’s token launch on Base network includes retroactive rewards for early platform adopters. With a total supply of 10 billion tokens, this launch connects the NFT ecosystem to the broader token economy.

Can’t-Miss NFT Airdrops in April

April 2025 brings several significant NFT airdrops worth considering for both seasoned collectors and newcomers:

BUZZEUM (Deadline: April 15)

This Base blockchain project is distributing 55,555,555 BUZZ tokens (valued at approximately $55.5 million) through a series of social media tasks and engagement activities. The substantial token allocation has attracted significant attention from the community.

W-Coin (Listing: April 29)

With an ambitious 100 billion token supply, W-Coin requires TON wallet connections and mission completions. The project’s registration window closes in mid-April with the official listing scheduled for April 29.

XMAQUINA ($DEUS) (Deadline: April 30)

This smaller but focused airdrop offers 10,000 $DEUS tokens (approximately $10,000 in value) to qualified participants who complete specific tasks before the month-end deadline.

These NFT airdrops April 2025 follow the historical success of airdrops like Bored Ape Yacht Club’s MAYC distribution, which awarded 10,000 mutant serums in 2022 that eventually generated floor prices exceeding $20,000.

The Evolution of NFT Infrastructure

A key development in 2025 is major collections building dedicated blockchains to strengthen their ecosystems:

Pudgy Penguins is developing a Layer 2 solution

Azuki and BAYC are both creating Layer 3 infrastructures

Memeland is establishing its own Layer 2 network

This infrastructure expansion demonstrates maturation in the space, with leading projects creating sustainable ecosystems rather than isolated collections. Additionally, AI algorithms and automations now play a crucial role in tailoring NFT collections to user preferences, creating more personalized collecting experiences.

Corporate NFT integration continues accelerating, with McDonald’s partnership with Doodles helping drive their sales to $32 million in Q1 (up from $22.6 million in 2024). Starbucks’ ongoing Web3 ventures further highlight how mainstream brand adoption is becoming a significant market driver.

Creating Your Own NFTs in 2025

For creators interested in launching their own collections during this period, here are the essential requirements:

Wallet Setup

Start by establishing a secure crypto wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet. These remain essential tools for both creation and transactions in the NFT space.

Minting Platforms

Popular platforms for NFT creation include:

OpenSea: The largest marketplace with the most visibility

Rarible: Known for creator-friendly features

Zora: Gaining popularity for its creator-centric approach

Cost Considerations

Be prepared for Ethereum gas fees, which remain a significant factor in minting costs. Despite the market downturn, the NFT creation sector is projected to generate $627.6 million in revenue, indicating sustained creator interest.

Strategic Guide for NFT Collectors

For those looking to capitalize on upcoming NFT projects during this market phase, consider these strategic approaches:

Track NFT Calendars

Regularly monitor specialized NFT calendars to stay informed about upcoming releases. These resources help identify promising projects before they gain mainstream attention.

Prioritize Utility

In the current market, collections with tangible utility are outperforming purely speculative assets. Look for projects offering:

Staking opportunities with passive income

Physical merchandise redemption

Access to exclusive communities or events

Integration with established brands or ecosystems

Analyze Historical Performance

Study collections like Pudgy Penguins that have maintained growth despite market downturns. Their success factors often include strong community engagement, consistent development, and strategic partnerships.

Lessons from Previous Successful Drops

Several key patterns emerge when analyzing successful NFT collections that have maintained value through market cycles:

Strategic Airdrop Models

Bored Ape Yacht Club’s airdrop strategy created long-term value by rewarding early adopters while expanding their ecosystem. Their distribution of 10,000 mutant serums created a natural expansion path that maintained exclusivity while growing the community.

Brand Partnership Impact

Doodles’ partnership with McDonald’s directly contributed to their performance boost, with Q1 sales reaching $32 million (up from $22.6 million in 2024). This demonstrates how strategic collaborations with established brands can create resilience during market downturns.

Community-Focused Development

Collections like Milady Maker achieved a 58% sales increase year-over-year largely through maintaining an engaged community and carefully managing token supply and utility.

Future Outlook: Where NFTs Are Heading

Looking beyond April 2025 NFT launches, several trends are shaping the future of the space:

AI Integration

Artificial intelligence is transforming both NFT creation and curation, with algorithms now able to generate personalized collections based on collector preferences and behavior patterns.

Utility-Driven Value

The market is increasingly rewarding projects that deliver tangible utility beyond speculation. This shift favors collections with clear use cases, integration with physical assets, or connections to established brands and experiences.

Sustainable Ecosystems

The trend of major collections building dedicated blockchains indicates a move toward more sustainable, interconnected ecosystems rather than isolated projects. This infrastructure development suggests confidence in long-term viability despite current market conditions.

While the current NFT market contraction presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for strategic collectors to position themselves ahead of the projected market growth to $84.13 billion by 2029. By focusing on quality projects with strong fundamentals during this period, collectors can potentially capitalize when market sentiment inevitably shifts.

Sources

[dwf-labs.com – The NFT Revival: Top 2025 NFT Trends and Projects Summary]https://www.dwf-labs.com/research/500-the-nft-revival-top-2025-nft-trends-and-projects-summary

[cointribune.com – The NFT Market Collapsed by 63% in the First Quarter of 2025]https://www.cointribune.com/en/the-nft-market-collapsed-by-63-in-the-first-quarter-of-2025/

[insidebitcoins.com – NFT Sales Plunge in March Down 43% From February 2025]https://insidebitcoins.com/news/nft-sales-plunge-in-march-down-43-from-february-2025



Source link

Shuffle Promo Code 2025 – Claim Your $1,000 Casino Bonus | NFT News Today

Shuffle Promo Code 2025 – Claim Your ,000 Casino Bonus | NFT News Today


Boost your gaming adventure with our exclusive Shuffle promo code crafted for new players! Use HELLAGOOD during registration to claim a 100% bonus up to $1,000 on your initial deposit.

That’s just the start — new players can also enjoy casino challenges, weekly competitions, and lotteries without needing extra deposits.

This guide covers everything about the Shuffle Casino promo code for 2025 and how to maximize your rewards.

What is the Shuffle Promo Code?

For February 2025, the top Shuffle casino promo code is HELLAGOOD, unlocking an outstanding bonus at a leading crypto casino.

Applying this code grants a 100% deposit match up to $1,000, enhancing your gameplay. Plus, enjoy instant rakeback, no deposit bonuses, and VIP rewards.

How to Claim Your Shuffle Bonus

Follow these simple steps:

Register: Visit Shuffle Casino’s website and click “Register.”

Apply Promo Code: Enter HELLAGOOD during sign-up.

Make a Deposit: Deposit at least $20 to activate the bonus.

Choose Payment Method: Select from 17 cryptocurrencies, including SHLF tokens. No crypto? Buy it directly via MoonPay or Swapped.

After depositing, accept the bonus terms to receive your 100% bonus up to $1,000.

Wagering Requirements: Both deposit and bonus must be wagered 35 times before withdrawals. Maximum bet allowed is $10 per spin. Bets on Accumulator Games, Challenges, and SHFL Lottery don’t count towards wagering.

How to Redeem the Promo Code

Visit Shuffle Casino’s site and click “Register.”

Complete the form, including the code HELLAGOOD.

Verify your account via the Wallet section.

Deposit funds using your chosen crypto.

You’re now set to explore Shuffle’s diverse games and bonuses.

Benefits of Using the Promo Code

When you sign up with HELLAGOOD:

Enjoy a 100% first deposit bonus up to $1,000.

Access exclusive rewards not available through standard registration.

Benefit from instant rakeback starting from the Bronze VIP level.

Ensure you apply HELLAGOOD during sign-up to unlock these benefits.

Other Bonuses & Promotions

Casino Challenges: Complete daily tasks to win fixed crypto prizes.

$100,000 Weekly Race: Compete for a share of $100,000 based on wager volume.

Telegram Bonus Drops: Join Shuffle’s Telegram for daily bonus codes.

SHFL Lottery: Stake SHFL tokens for weekly prize draws.

VIP Program: Earn XP with each bet to unlock perks like rakeback and exclusive events.

About the SHFL Token

The SHFL Token enhances your gaming experience with:

Exclusive bonuses for SHFL bets.

Token burn mechanisms supporting long-term value.

VIP rewards and multipliers for increased benefits.

Why Choose Shuffle Casino?

Founded in 2023, Shuffle Casino stands out as a premier crypto platform, offering:

Secure, crypto-based transactions.

A wide variety of casino and sports betting options.

Exciting promos like the $100,000 Weekly Race and an elite VIP Program.

Use HELLAGOOD today to claim a 100% bonus up to $1,000 and start your Shuffle journey with extra funds!



Source link

Popular Posts

My Favorites