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Futureverse Expands Footprint with Candy Digital Acquisition | NFT News Today

Futureverse Expands Footprint with Candy Digital Acquisition | NFT News Today


Futureverse has acquired Candy Digital in a strategic move that creates a new powerhouse in the Web3 landscape. The April 16, 2025 deal brings together Futureverse’s blockchain platform with Candy Digital’s extensive collection of over 4 million digital collectibles and partnerships with major brands including MLB, Netflix, and DC Comics.

The acquisition increases Futureverse’s workforce to 200 employees, positioning it competitively against Decentraland (150) and The Sandbox (230)

Candy Digital’s co-founder Matt Novogratz joins Futureverse as Chief Commercial Officer

The merger adds 4+ million digital collectibles and 1.5 million customer accounts to Futureverse’s ecosystem

Premium partnerships with MLB, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, DC Comics, and Getty Images significantly expand Futureverse’s market reach

Integration with The Root Network addresses AI-related brand concerns regarding creative rights and ownership

Creating a Web3 Powerhouse

The acquisition, finalized on April 16, 2025, marks a significant consolidation in the Web3 space. Candy Digital, founded in 2021 by Michael Rubin, Mike Novogratz, and Gary Vaynerchuk, brings valuable assets to Futureverse’s growing digital empire. The combined entity now employs 200 people, placing it in the same league as established metaverse platforms like The Sandbox.

Beyond the workforce expansion, this strategic move integrates Candy Digital’s extensive partnerships into Futureverse’s technology framework. These partnerships include major players across sports, entertainment, and cultural institutions—creating one of the most comprehensive IP libraries in the NFT and metaverse space.

Addressing Brand Challenges in AI and Web3

A key strategic element of the acquisition involves integrating Candy Digital’s assets with Futureverse’s blockchain platform, The Root Network. This integration specifically targets one of the most pressing concerns for brands entering the AI and Web3 space: establishing clear ownership and creative rights.

The Root Network’s layer-1 blockchain infrastructure provides transparent verification of digital assets, making it easier for brands to maintain control of their intellectual property. This capability has already shown success in practical applications, such as Reebok’s 2024 shoe campaign that leveraged Futureverse’s generative design capabilities while maintaining brand consistency and ownership.

Premium Partnerships Enhance Market Position

The acquisition brings several high-value partnerships that immediately strengthen Futureverse’s market position. These include:

MLB – offering digital collectibles and virtual ticketing experiences

Netflix – providing streaming-integrated NFTs

Warner Bros. Discovery – featuring character-based digital assets

DC Comics – delivering superhero-themed collectibles

Getty Images – presenting historical photography as digital collectibles

Each partnership opens unique opportunities for immersive experiences. For example, MLB collectibles could unlock virtual stadium tours for fans, while DC Comics assets might grant access to themed metaverse events. These partnerships create direct pathways to engage with established fan communities across sports and entertainment.

Technology Fusion Drives Innovation

Futureverse plans to use Candy Digital’s extensive data to train AI models that can deliver more personalized experiences to users. The addition of 4 million collectibles to The Root Network ecosystem provides an expansive dataset that can fuel AI development while maintaining transparent ownership records.

This approach distinguishes Futureverse from speculation-driven platforms like OpenSea by focusing on utility and practical applications. Rather than positioning NFTs as primarily investment vehicles, the merged entity emphasizes their role in gamified engagement, brand loyalty programs, and interactive experiences.

Financial and Growth Outlook

The acquisition strengthens Futureverse’s revenue streams by integrating digital collectibles with practical applications. The combined entity is expected to capture a larger share of the $7.5 billion NFT market through revenue diversification and increased market penetration.

This growth strategy aligns with the broader industry shift from speculative NFT investments toward utility-based applications. As the market matures, platforms offering genuine utility and engagement are positioning themselves for more sustainable growth compared to those focusing primarily on trading and speculation.

Strategic Implementation Timeline

Futureverse has outlined a phased integration approach beginning in Q3 2025. The initial focus will be on integrating MLB and DC Comics properties into The Root Network, with other partnerships following in subsequent phases.

This gradual rollout allows for careful implementation of interoperability features—one of the most anticipated aspects of the merger. The vision includes creating digital twins and cross-platform NFTs that can function across different environments, such as using an MLB collectible to unlock exclusive content in Warner Bros. games.

Market Risks and Opportunities

While the acquisition presents significant opportunities, it also comes with integration challenges that must be balanced against the first-mover advantage Futureverse now enjoys. Regulatory uncertainties in the NFT space and potential IP conflicts with AI-generated content represent ongoing concerns.

Similar mergers in the space have typically shown 8-12 month integration timelines with varied success rates. However, Futureverse’s experience with The Root Network provides a technological foundation that may help streamline the process compared to competitors.

Industry Transformation Through Consolidation

With this acquisition, Futureverse now controls one of the largest NFT libraries in gaming and sports. This positions the company as a significant player in the evolving Web3 landscape, competing with established platforms like Sorare and NBA Top Shot.

Data indicates an increase in utility-focused NFT projects since 2024, showing that the industry is moving in the direction Futureverse has been pursuing. As regulatory standards continue to develop around NFT utility and AI-generated content, Futureverse’s integrated approach may serve as a model for sustainable growth in the space.



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Katy Perry Wore This $14 Makeup Setting Spray on Her Quick Trip to Space

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    Katy Perry Wore This  Makeup Setting Spray on Her Quick Trip to Space


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    History was made earlier this week when Blue Origin’s first female flight crew blasted off into space. I watched in amazement as the members made a quick trip to the stratosphere, and through it all I couldn’t take my eyes off Katy Perry’s makeup. The 40-year-old singer-songwriter’s complexion remained flawless through zero gravity, and it’s all thanks to the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist.

    No glam has ever reached space, so there was no telling how a full beat would hold up. This is why Perry’s makeup artist Alexandra French layered this makeup-locking setting spray over the finished look. “Knowing the emotion of the day, we double set the makeup with the Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist — and it truly held, from liftoff to landing,” French said.

    Related: Worth It: This Beyonce-Loved Setting Spray Preserves my Makeup

    As a makeup enthusiast, preserving my glam is top priority. I’ve tested everything from primers to setting sprays, and I’ve been let down by sticky and chalky formulas more times than I can count. One product has made its way to the top of my list — and it’s a viral setting spray that has […]

    This setting spray actually has some anti-gravity-esque features. Namely, the micro fine mist floats onto your skin for a weightless effect, cementing makeup into place for up to 36 hours. Makeup artists swear by the formula because it makes your final look impermeable to sweat and water.

    Ever since the 3-Second Setting Mist launched last year, it has become a favorite among celebrities and athletes alike. Suni Lee swore by it before taking the Olympic stage, and it kept her makeup pristine through all of her impressive backflips, too. Everyday people have also ditched more expensive formulas for this affordable and effective pick.

    “I am so oily and this holds my makeup together for hours,” one Amazon shopper writes. “I slathered my face in it for my wedding and it survived through tears, sweating, and even jumping in a pool. For events like that, where you need your makeup to LAST, I highly recommended using it. For the price, you cannot beat the results you will get with this!”

    ‘One small step for women, one giant leap for long-lasting makeup.’ That’s the correct quote, right? Regardless, if the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist can help makeup survive space missions, it’s guaranteed to make it look flawless through anything life throws at you.

    Get the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist for $11 (was $14) at Amazon!

    Related: Katy Perry Achieved Her ‘Youthful Space Glow’ With This $14 Tinted Moisturizer

    Katy Perry’s latest glam just reached new stratospheric levels! In preparation for Blue Origin’s all-female flight this past Monday, the 40-year-old singer-songwriter told Elle that she’d be wearing full glam. According to makeup artist Alexandra French, Perry depended on L’Oreal makeup products, which lasted from blast off to landing. A source tells Us that the […]



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    Michelle Trachtenberg Dies: Beloved ‘BTVS’ Star Was 39

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      Michelle Trachtenberg Dies: Beloved ‘BTVS’ Star Was 39


      Reading Time: 3 minutes

      Back in February, we reported on the tragic news that Michelle Trachtenberg had died.

      The beloved actress rose to fame as a child as the iconic titular character in Harriet The Spy.

      She later starred as Dawn Summers on Buffy The Vampire Slayer and portrayed the devilish recurring antagonist Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl.

      The actress who helped define an entire generation passed away unexpectedly at the age of 39.

      Michelle Trachtenberg on October 23, 2017.
      Michelle Trachtenberg attends the Third Annual “InStyle Awards” presented by InStyle at The Getty Center on October 23, 2017. (Photo Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for InStyle)

      Michelle Trachtenberg has died at 39

      At around 8 AM on Wednesday, February 26, Trachtenberg’s mother found her daughter, reports The New York Post.

      Trachtenberg was at One Columbus Place, a Park Slope luxury apartment complex.

      Authorities did not regard the death as suspicious.

      Trachtenberg helped to define the Millennial generation, appearing on television and film across the course of her own childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. A

      nd thus keeping pace with others of her generation.

      Harriet The Spy is a ’90s classic. She starred on about half of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. And she was one of Gossip Girl‘s best antagonists. (Trachtenberg even reprised her role for the reboot!)

      In fact, she has a sprawling filmography. One notable role was in the coming-of-age film, Mysterious Skin. Not a happy story, but it’s an excellent movie.

      Michelle Trachtenberg on April 25, 2015.Michelle Trachtenberg on April 25, 2015.
      Michelle Trachtenberg attends the 101st Annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 25, 2015. (Photo Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

      What was Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death?

      We now know that Trachtenberg’s death was the result of complications from diabetes. It seems that Michelle made an effort to keep her health struggles a secret in her final years.

      However, the 39-year-old actress had alarmed some of her own fans in recent months. Over the past year, really.

      Some of her selfies had shown Trachtenberg appearing both gaunt and frail.

      It happened enough that many fans no longer believed that it was merely lighting or a weird angle.

      When fans left concerned comments under her photos, Trachtenberg clapped back at people she perceived to be “haters” and trolls.

      “Explain to me how I look sick,” she challenged her followers.

      She also clapped back at plastic surgery rumors.

      “Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38,” Trachtenberg wrote at the time. “How sad for you to leave such a comment.”

      Michelle Trachtenberg on November 30, 2017.Michelle Trachtenberg on November 30, 2017.
      Actress Michelle Trachtenberg attends the Land of distraction Launch event at Chateau Marmont on November 30, 2017. (Photo Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

      There was one other health detail

      Though we do not know the reason for it or the precise timeline, Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant.

      We would be irresponsible in claiming that this was a factor in her death. But many are assuming that it could have some connection to her tragic death, given that it is the only known health factor in recent years.

      Several doctors who have commented on the situation have noted that diabetes can increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

      Our hearts go out to her loved ones who are grieving her at this time. We hope they know that millions are mourning in their own way as they continue to pay tribute to this beloved star whose life was tragically cut short.





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      Celebrity Big Brother fans ‘figure out’ why Ella Rae Wise ‘dislikes’ Chris Hughes: ‘Grow up!’

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        Celebrity Big Brother fans ‘figure out’ why Ella Rae Wise ‘dislikes’ Chris Hughes: ‘Grow up!’


        During tonight’s episode of Celebrity Big Brother, fans believe they figured out the reason why Ella Rae Wise is clashing with Chris Hughes.

        On Wednesday night (April 16), the house waved goodbye to iconic chat show host Trisha Goddard. She became the second housemate evicted.

        However, viewers were quickly distracted when they realised why Ella might have a dislike for Chris.

        Fans believe they’ve figured out why Ella doesn’t like Chris (Credit: ITV)

        Celebrity Big Brother star Ella Rae Wise calls out Chris Hughes

        During the second half of the episode, many of the housemates were sitting on the sofas having a chat.

        While sitting next to Ella, Drag Race star Danny Beard asked Chris: “Did you [bleep] on Love Island?” Before he could even answer for himself, Ella immediately chimed in and said: “Yeah, he did!”

        Donna was immediately shocked and looked at her open-mouthed. During his time on the show, Chris had a romance with Olivia Attwood, who is now a panelist on Loose Women.

        Chris admitted he was unaware there were cameras in the bedrooms on the show and wasn’t aware that having sexual intercourse would be filmed.

        Ella explained to Danny that she is friends with Olivia outside of the house, implying she’s heard stories about him from his ex.

        ‘Ella was quick to answer that question’

        Over the past few episodes, viewers have noticed Ella’s frustration towards Chris and have accused the TOWIE star of having a ‘one-sided beef’ with him.

        However, since confessing her friendship with Olivia, fans believe they’ve sussed why she appears to have an issue with him.

        Chris Hughes on Celebrity Big Brother

        Chris had a romance with Olivia Attwood during Love Island (Credit: ITV)

        “So Ella’s new excuse as to why she doesn’t like Chris is because she knows Olivia… Lol as if she wasn’t pining after him for a showmance,” one user wrote on X.

        “God ella was quick to answer that question about chris wasn’t she,” another person shared.

        “Why is Ella even discussing what Chris did on a reality dating show 8 years ago when he was 24?” a third remarked.

        “So Ella and Danny have a problem with Chris because of things his bitter ex said?! Seriously?! They need to grow up and actually get to know him for real,” a fourth viewer said.

        “Ella obsession with Chris is so weird. Goodness he was on that show 8 years ago. Get over it,” a fifth shared.

        Celebrity Big Brother continues tomorrow (April 17) at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

        Read more: Celebrity Big Brother fans turn on Ella Rae Wise and demand ‘nasty’ star is evicted next

        Meet Ella Rae Wise | Celebrity Big Brother 2025

        What do you think of Ella? Let us know with a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.





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        Star Atlas and Shaga to Launch $100,000 Creator Campaign

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          Star Atlas and Shaga to Launch 0,000 Creator Campaign


          Web3 grand strategy MMO Star Atlas has partnered with Twitch add-on layer Shaga to launch a $100,000 USD Creator Campaign, with rewards in $ATLAS tokens, Star Atlas Ship NFTs, and Shaga’s GLOB points.

          To qualify for the campaign, creators must use Shaga during a Twitch livestream of Star Atlas to allow a viewer to take over their gameplay. By sharing these “Shaga in Action” clips, creators can qualify for the upcoming Creator Campaign – and a share of the $100,000 prize pool on offer.

          Qualification is open until 23:59 PST on April 22, with the $100,000 Creator Campaign to be held from April 23 to May 7.

          Key Insights

          Star Atlas has partnered with Shaga for a $100,000 USD Creator CampaignShaga lets creators allow their viewers to take over their gameplay live on streamTo qualify, creators must share clips of Shaga in action before 23:59 PST on April 22Successful creators can take part in the Creator Campaign from April 23 to May 7The $100,000 prize pool consists of $ATLAS tokens, Ship NFTs, and Shaga’s GLOB points

          Star Atlas Shaga - Gameplay Screenshot Source: Star Atlas

          What is Star Atlas?

          Star Atlas is a space-themed grand strategy MMO Web3 game, built in Unreal Engine 5, powered by Solana, and now available on PC via the Epic Games Store for those with a game key.

          Players build powerful fleets and assemble a crew to embark on an interstellar journey – exploring distant planets, mining valuable resources and crafting powerful parts and structures – with the ultimate goal of conquering the galaxy.

          Taking inspiration from titles such as EVE Online and Star Citizen, the game features a dynamic, community-driven economy. Star Atlas goes a step further by utilising the Solana blockchain as the backbone of an economy that has been meticulously designed by economists, ensuring that players truly own their key assets, and opening up all-new opportunities for players.

          Star Atlas is driven by the $ATLAS token – the native currency of the Star Atlas economy. As of writing, $ATLAS has a market cap of over $22.6 million, with a fully-diluted value of more than $43.3 million.

          Star Atlas Shaga - Shaga App
          Star Atlas Shaga - Shaga App Source: Shaga

          What is Shaga?

          Shaga is a co-operative cloud gaming platform and Twitch add-on layer. Owners of powerful gaming PCs can utilise their rigs to livestream video games and host lobbies, earning rewards for allowing viewers to play remotely via their iOS or Android device.

          Utilising the latest ultra-low latency technology, Shaga opens access to the latest gaming titles to anyone with a smartphone. This allows creators to leverage their rigs and their community for new revenue opportunities, whilst also opening all-new possibilities for fan interactions and livestream entertainment.

          As part of the $100,000 Creator Campaign with Star Atlas, participants will earn $ATLAS tokens, exclusive Ship NFTs, and GLOB points. GLOB is the ecosystem currency of Shaga, earned by completing quests and playing a part in the Shaga Network, and spent on a variety of rewards.

          Star Atlas Shaga - Space Adventure
          Star Atlas Shaga - Space Adventure Source: Star Atlas

          What’s next for Star Atlas?

          This partnership with Shaga is the latest development in what has been a buoyant 2025 for Star Atlas so far.

          On March 26, Star Atlas announced a partnership with decentralized AI network SingularityNET to integrate AI agents into the game. Powered by two systems named AIRIS (Autonomous Intelligent Reinforcement Interpreted Symbolism) and OpenCon Hyperon, these AI agents will explore, learn and adapt to the environments around them utilising complex decision-making processes.

          This will allow for more natural and flexible NPC interactions, as well as opportunities for use in tutorials, contextual mission guidance, and economy management.

          The team has also made substantial progress against its public roadmap, with new features, vehicles and updates both added and completed on a regular basis. The community continues to build in anticipation towards the Season 0 release – the first major step in the Star Atlas team fulfilling their vision to create “an immersive, decentralized gaming cybernation… a living galaxy where players don’t just play, but thrive.”



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          General Hospital Early Spoilers April 21-25: Joss Sabotage, Dante Floored & Carly Flexes

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            General Hospital Early Spoilers April 21-25: Joss Sabotage, Dante Floored & Carly Flexes


            General Hospital spoilers for April 21-25, 2025 see Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is sabotaging Dante Falconeri’s (Dominic Zamprogna) floor, and Carly Corinthos Spencer (Laura Wright) is flexing.

            General Hospital Spoilers: Sidwell Intrigues Tracy

            On Wednesday, April 16th, Sidwell (Carlo Rota) intrigues Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot), and that’s not an easy thing to do. Sidwell (Carlo Rota) tells Tracy (Jane Elliot) that they have a lot in common. I mean, if you think about it, they’re both kind of mercenary, they play for keeps, they can be ruthless, so maybe he is right about that. I can’t wait to see that conversation.

            Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) interrupts what looks to be a tense encounter. Maybe he sees his new guy, Marco, with somebody. I’m really hoping to see blackmailing Brad Cooper (Parry Shen) having to deal with Portia Robinson (Brook Kerr), and that’s what Lucas sees. I am honestly enjoying Portia having leverage over Brad now and flipping the script on him and him having to bow and scrape to keep his job. It’s kind of fun. I like their dynamic.

            General Hospital Spoilers: Sonny’s Big Idea

            Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy) tells Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) that she is going to fire Marco after he reveals, after Sonny reveals that her new hire is Sidwell’s son, but Sonny has a better idea.

            So I wonder if he’s going to suggest they try and leverage him against his dad or use him to get some information on his father and his business because Marco said he was bringing JS, I think, investments in, which is obviously Jenz Sidwell so that would give them a peek at some of Sidwell’s assets and legal issues.

            Meanwhile, Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) is suspicious of Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper), who tells Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) that she isn’t going to look the other way, that doesn’t work for her anymore about Sonny and his criminal activities. And of course, this is all part of the setup, but it is an actual issue that Jordan as, and we have that volatile scene still coming this week where Laura Spencer (Genie Francis) and Jordan stage their clash in public over Sonny and Laura uses that to fire her Deputy Mayor.

            Spoilers for General Hospital: Lucky Steps Up

            Plus, Lucky Spencer (Jonathan Jackson) makes a commitment to someone, and it’s got to be Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst). Looks like he is stepping up to take care of her because nurse Amy Driscoll (Risa Dorken) is driving everybody nuts. And Lucky teases Elizabeth and says that everything that happened was part of his master plan, so I think he’s joking around about that.

            Drew Cain Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison) has a new scheme he’s hatching. He and Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) just sign those papers each giving custody of their kids to the other should something happen to them, but she didn’t really read the papers Drew hands her that closely, and she, you know, is happy to sign them.

            This may come back to bite one or the other or both of them because Carly has some new fight in her thanks to Jack Brennan’s (Chris McKenna) encouragement, and Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) has some questions for someone, maybe for Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattsson), we’ll see.

            General Hospital Spoilers: Brooklyn and Chase’s Future Plans and Marco’s Impact on Alexis

            Thursday, April 17th, Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) are making plans for the future. Could be about the nurse’s ball that’s coming up, and it might be them looking at new ways to start the family that they both want so much.

            Marco says something to Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that resonates for her. You know, they’ve both got dangerous people in the family. Hers is killer Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi), and his, of course, is his psychotic dad, Sidwell and I’m sure Alexis is going to find out about that very, very soon because I doubt Diane would sit on that big news about their new employee.

            General Hospital Spoilers: Dante’s Birthday Bash

            Plus, Sonny is hosting a birthday bash for Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) as this week closes down on General Hospital. And I do expect some big drama at the party. We’ll see if Kristina acts out or anything comes out. And Cody Bell (Josh Kelly) is there for Molly Lansing-Davis (Kristen Vaganos), and I really like their dynamic.

            Cody is proving to Molly that he is someone she can count on, and obviously, she’s going to be leaning on him heavily once the truth about Kristina comes out. Plus, Felicia Scorpio (Kristina Wagner) needs something from Carly and I wonder if this is more stuff about Brennan.

            Sonny’s Confession to Carly and Jordan’s Enticing Offer: GH Weekly Spoilers

            We’re going to close out this week on Friday, April 18th, with Sonny filling in the gaps for Carly. Now that Kristina got him to tell about his heart issue, it’s obviously time to tell his ex, Carly because he’s got surgery planned during May sweeps, which begins at the end of next week.

            Obviously, none of that’s going to go smoothly leading up to it, perhaps in the surgery itself. Anna brings Felicia up to speed. She may be telling her about Emma or what said to her. And speaking of Jordan she’s considering an enticing offer now that Laura has publicly fired her.

            We’re going to see Sidwell renew his offer to be his PR rep and make it financially lucrative, and it’s interesting. I like her plot. Jordan still has that undercover cop mentality going for her. Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms) is stunned on Friday. Maybe Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins Bruening) is going to tell her something about Dante’s son, and Jason challenges Sasha and I’m still wondering when and if he’s going to find out about her little side deal with Sidwell.

            General Hospital Spoilers: Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy)- Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) - Carly Corinthos Spencer (Laura Wright)
            General Hospital Spoilers: Josslyn Jacks – Dante Falconeri – Carly Corinthos Spencer

            General Hospital Early Spoilers: New Characters, Relationships, and May Sweeps Drama

            Going into next week, the early spoilers for April 21st through the 25th, we have that new suspicious hunk in town, Professor Henry Dalton. He’s shaking things up, and already I’ve seen GH fans out on soap social media talking about him giving off sketchy vibes, but he’s hot, right? You have to admit that.

            Josslyn has to find a way to kick Emma and any other student candidates out of the way to land that gig as Dalton’s assistant. That’s her WSB assignment, and Emma already seems like the front runner, so I wonder if Josslyn will discredit her by revealing some of her past crimes to Dalton because surely the WSB can find that dirt since Anna found it even though the files are sealed.

            Carly is reeling from Sonny’s confession about his health next week. Carly’s still going to be processing what Sonny has told her, and that combined with the Willow and Drew drama really has Carly on edge but determined more than ever to protect her family. Jordan should be starting her new job with Sidwell soon. I do wonder if Jordan going to play a little hard to get to try and sell the fact that she is reluctant to work for Sidwell.

            General Hospital Spoilers: Molly Gets Details

            Molly should find out in April Sweeps about Kristina causing Ric Lansing’s (Rick Hearst) car crash, and May Sweeps kicks off this week that we’re talking about, the 21st to the 25th, and I do wonder if Ava Jerome (Maura West) is going to bring Ric home with her to take care of him after he’s released from the hospital. That would be the nice thing to do because him almost dying is the reason she’s getting her divorce settlement back and possibly more.

            Things are going to heat up with Kai Taylor (Jens Austin Astrup) and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali), and they take next steps in their relationship, possibly towards intimacy. Lulu is going to come clean to Dante about still being in love with him, and I wonder if Lulu is going to do it at Dante’s party. Also, look for scenes with Yuri (Cyrus Hobbi) and Donna Corinthos (Scarlett Spears).

            Also, May Sweeps, by the way, kicks off Thursday, April 24th, so watch for the drama to kick into high gear and carry on in high gear for the next four weeks.



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            Bybit to end multiple Web3 services in strategic pivot

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            Bybit to end multiple Web3 services in strategic pivot



            Crypto exchange Bybit announced that it will discontinue a wide range of its Wweb3 products and services by the end of May, according to an April 16 notice.

            The exchange said the decision is part of a shift in its operational focus as it enters a new phase of growth and innovation.

            Discontinued services

            Among the services being phased out are Bybit’s Cloud Wallet and Keyless Wallet, both of which will become unavailable after May 31, 2025.

            Users have been urged to transfer all assets, including tokens, NFTs, and inscription assets, from these wallets to either their Bybit Funding Account or Seed Phrase Wallet before the deadline. Failure to do so may result in delayed access and require additional identity verification.

            Several Web3 trading features will also be shut down at the end of May, including Bybit’s DEX Pro platform, Swap & Bridge service, and the broader NFT Marketplace will be discontinued.

            Marketplace users who fail to withdraw NFTs in time may permanently lose access to their assets, as the platform will be taken offline and remaining assets will no longer be retrievable.

            In addition to these changes, Bybit has already ended support for several other offerings, including Inscriptions, NFT Pro, ApeX, Buy Crypto, and its Initial DEX Offering (IDO) platform as of April 8.

            The company’s Web3 Points program will also be discontinued on April 28.

            Streamlining its focus

            Despite the scale of the shutdown, some services remain unaffected. Users will still have access to the Airdrop Arcade, staking products, and decentralized applications (DApps). Seed Phrase Wallets also remain fully operational.

            Bybit framed the decision as a proactive move to streamline its Web3 offerings and concentrate on delivering a more efficient and user-centric experience. The company said that discontinuing multiple services would allow it to refocus resources and support long-term development within the onchain ecosystem.

            For users of the Keyless Wallet, a private key export feature is expected to launch soon, enabling continued access to wallets through third-party platforms. Bybit reiterated that it does not store users’ private keys, and once exported, the Keyless Wallet will be permanently deleted.

            The company encouraged all users to begin asset transfers immediately and ensure their wallets contain sufficient gas tokens to complete transactions.



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            The Last Bullet – A Cowboy shooter for the ZX Spectrum by Mananuk

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            The Last Bullet – A Cowboy shooter for the ZX Spectrum by Mananuk


            Bubble in Trouble and Driar wasn’t the only games released this week for the speccy, as thanks to the developer letting us know through our emails, we’ve been told you can check out his latest ZX Spectrum game of ‘The Last Bullet’. A new game which was developed using the MojonTwins MK engine. To coincide with this news, we’ve got the full story of the game, as well as some gameplay footage from Saberman.

            And here’s the story and full details! “Paleto Jones returns home after several adventures, Bartolo’s flute ended up in the hands of a sailor and his uncle Ramón resting in the shade of a cypress. But when he arrives at his village he finds it deserted, its inhabitants have disappeared, and with them his beloved Maribel. To add insult to injury, giant spiders and the undead roam freely. Your inquiries lead you to Billy Joe’s mine…”

            The game consists of 3 phases:

            -Ghost Town: You will have to go around the city in search of gold to buy dynamite and blow up the entrance to the mine.-Billy Joe’s Mine: There are rumors that the inhabitants of the town and your beloved Maribel are kidnapped in an Indian village located in the desert, to get there you have to cross the mine, but Billy Joe will not give you the key to the exit if you do not get all the precious stones.-Hill Valley Desert: We arrive at the Indian village and our mission will be to rescue the inhabitants of the town and Maribel, fleeing afterwards on our steed.Note: during the game you will be able to find ammo (scarce) and health recharges (even scarce).

            GOOD LUCK ADVENTURER !!

            Links :1) Source 



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            Futureverse Accelerates Metaverse Strategy with the Acquisition of Candy Digital – NFTgators

            Futureverse Accelerates Metaverse Strategy with the Acquisition of Candy Digital – NFTgators



            Quick take:

            The acquisition is part of Futureverse’s strategy to bring AI to the forefront in the next chapter of immersive experiences for brands and sports entertainment.

            Digital Candy boasts a high-profile IP of over 4M digital collectibles and a massive customer base of over 1.5M accounts.

            It will be integrated into the Root Network, Futurverse’s layer-1 blockchain, which helps address AI-related brand issues like creative rights and ownership.

            AI and immersive gaming technology provider Futureverse has announced the acquisition of the non-fungible token (NFT) platform Candy Digital.

            The acquisition represents a major step in Futureverse’s strategy as it aims to advance its metaverse strategy by bringing AI to the forefront in the next chapter of immersive experiences for brands and sports entertainment.

            Digital Candy boasts a high-profile IP of over 4M digital collectibles and a massive customer base of over 1.5M accounts, which will all be integrated into Futureverse’s layer-1 blockchain Root Network.

            Root Network is designed to address the brand challenges that arise when deploying AI, including creative rights and ownership.

            This acquisition allows Futureverse to leverage IP of some of the leading brands in the world, including Major League Baseball (MLB), Netflix, Getty Images, Warner Bros. Discovery, and DC Comics.

            “Brands like MLB and DC Comics already sit at the intersection of digital and real-world fandom,” said Aaron McDonald, Co-Founder and CEO, Futureverse. “By bringing them into Futureverse’s ecosystem, we can leverage our technology to build the kind of immersive experiences that enhance brand loyalty and create a new format for great brands, beloved characters and world-class stories to deepen their user engagement.”

            Futureverse’s approach to brand rights does not rely on the traditional legal frameworks, with the company opting for its trusted technology. By embedding IP protection into its technology, it gives the brands the power to unlock new revenue and allow their protected assets to be safely used across gaming and new digital experiences, the company shared via a press release seen by NFTgators.

            On the other hand, Candy Digital has established itself as one of the leading digital collectibles, platforms, at one point raising funds at a valuation of $1.5 billion. Its platform combines emerging technology with purpose-driven design to create loyalty programs, digital ticketing, on-chain gaming, and fan marketplaces that reward participation while strengthening fan communities.

            Matt Novogratz, Co-Founder and SVP of Candy Digital, commented: “It’s a natural move for us to join forces with Futureverse who are true industry leaders with patented technology that is defining how brands will engage in this ever-evolving digital world where most interactions take place.”

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            AI Narrative Might Face Significant Threat from Trump

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            AI Narrative Might Face Significant Threat from Trump


            President Donald Trump’s escalating trade policies and the recent U.S. ban on NVIDIA selling advanced AI chips to China are causing significant disruptions in the global semiconductor industry. This action could significantly disrupt the AI and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) ecosystems. 

            A Blow to the Semiconductor Supply Chain

            According to BBC, semiconductors, the backbone of modern technology, power everything from iPhones to military jets. These chips, while invented in the U.S., rely on a complex global supply chain. Chips are often designed in the U.S., manufactured in Taiwan, Japan, or South Korea using rare earths mined in China, packaged in Vietnam, and assembled in China before being shipped globally. Donald Trump’s decision to block NVIDIA’s AI chip sales to China, particularly the H20 GPU, tailored for the Chinese market, disrupts this delicate ecosystem. 

            Additionally, President Trump has imposed tariffs of 32% on Taiwanese GPUs and servers and 46% on Vietnamese-assembled components. These measures increase costs across the supply chain as part of a broader strategy to counter China’s technological rise and incentivize U.S. manufacturing. However, China has retaliated with a substantially high tariff on U.S. chipmakers, and restrictions on rare earth exports further exacerbate shortages, as the U.S. relies on China for 90% of these critical materials.

            This trade war and barriers would lead to higher costs of semiconductor chips, directly affecting the related industries.

            Immediate Impact on the Traditional AI Industry

            The traditional AI industry, encompassing chipmakers and cloud providers, has been hit hard by the NVIDIA ban and associated tariffs, with significant stock market declines reflecting investor fears.

            NVIDIA’s Stock Plunge

            NVIDIA, according to CNBC, announced on April 15, 2025, that it would record a $5.5 billion charge in its fiscal first quarter ending April 27, 2025, due to U.S. restrictions on exporting H20 graphics processing units to China and other destinations. The charge covers inventory, purchase commitments, and related reserves for H20 chips, which generated an estimated $12 billion to $15 billion in revenue in 2024.

            Following the announcement, NVIDIA’s stock slid more than 6% in extended trading, reflecting investor concerns over lost revenue from China, where companies like ByteDance ordered $16 billion in H20 chips in Q1 2025.

            NVIDIA’s Stock Plunge

            Source: Yahoo Finance

            AMD’s Sharp Decline

            Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a competitor developing AI chips like the MI309 Instinct, saw its stock fall 8% in after-hours trading on April 15, 2025, as posted on X by The Kobeissi Letter. Investors fear AMD could face similar restrictions, which would lead to a significant drop in its revenue due to its reliance on the Chinese market and TSMC’s manufacturing.

            Challenges for AI DePIN Systems

            DePIN platforms like io.net and Render, which aggregate GPUs for AI training, rendering, and data processing, face unique vulnerabilities due to the challenges from the traditional AI supply chain:

            Rising Operational Costs: Higher GPU prices due to tariffs directly increase costs for DePIN networks. For example, Render RENDER, backed by NVIDIA, may see squeezed margins as hardware expenses climb, potentially reducing payouts to node operators.Supply Constraints: Limited GPU availability could prevent individuals from joining DePIN networks, shrinking computational capacity. Projects like Io.net IO, aiming to source over a million GPUs, may struggle to scale if supply tightens.Revenue Pressure: DePIN platforms may need to raise fees for AI developers or cut rewards for node contributors, risking user growth. Recent market corrections in AI and DePIN tokens, as they continue, suggest declining sentiment, potentially linked to NVIDIA’s woes.

            Responding to these negative changes, the DePIN market has experienced significant declines today, mirroring the downturn in traditional AI stocks like NVIDIA and AMD.

            ProjectTokenPrice (USD)24h ChangeBittensorTAO$231.21-2.80%RenderRNDR$3.64-8.70%io.netIO$0.57-7.50%AIOZ NetworkAIOZ$0.25-9.31%Akash NetworkAKT$1.04-6.22%

            These declines reflect broader market sentiment, as investors react to the NVIDIA ban’s implications for GPU supply and costs, which are critical for DePIN operations. The parallel downturn in DePIN tokens and traditional stocks underscores the interconnected risks across AI infrastructure markets.

            Learn more: Binance Low Performance Impacts Severely on Investors’ Belief

            A Silver Lining? Trump’s Push for U.S. Chip Production

            On the sidelines, Trump has vowed to fast-track permits for domestic chip manufacturing following NVIDIA’s announcement of a $500 billion plan to build AI supercomputers and chips in the U.S. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on Asian supply chains and bolster U.S. technological leadership. While promising for long-term domestic production, the plan faces significant hurdles, including high costs and a shortage of skilled labor. 

            Therefore, in the short term, it does little to alleviate the immediate supply chain disruptions impacting AI and DePIN projects. AI DePIN projects must navigate a turbulent landscape to maintain their edge, while the broader AI industry grapples with the fallout of geopolitical trade wars.



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