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NVIDIA, Red Hat, Cloudflare, The Linux Foundation and more launch the “Open Secure AI Alliance”

NVIDIA, Red Hat, Cloudflare, The Linux Foundation and more launch the “Open Secure AI Alliance”


Some big names are coming together to form the “Open Secure AI Alliance”, with a plan to “share open tools that promote responsible use of and trust in AI”. As a reminder – only recently The Linux Foundation launched their own mission with Akrites – which NVIDIA say in the blog post that this builds upon.

If you missed it – there was quite a big recent security snafu with AI being used to attack Hugging Face. Which OpenAI then directly took responsibility for. It’s all a bit messy and this certainly won’t be the last. Really, this is just the beginning as these models get bigger.

The unfortunate reality of all these AI bots and the continued expansion of AI is not just that hardware has become more expensive, but companies and websites need to also deal with an increasing threat from people pushing AI bots to do nefarious things. So, organisations like this are going to be needed.

The companies involved in this include: NVIDIA, Adobe, Cadence, Capital One, Cisco, Cloudera, Cloudflare, Cognition, CrowdStrike, Databricks, Dell Technologies, DoorDash, Elastic, HPE, Hugging Face, IBM, LangChain, the Linux Foundation, Microsoft, NAVER, NetApp, Nous Research, OpenClaw, Palantir, Palo Alto Networks, Red Hat, Reflection AI, Salesforce, SAP, SK Telecom, ServiceNow, Siemens, Snowflake, SpacexAI, Synopsys, Thinking Machines Lab and TrendAI.

This writer’s opinion is that no matter what guard rails they put in – someone will always find a way around them, to use them for terrible things. It’s inevitable. I don’t really believe that there is such a thing as a “safe” AI, otherwise they’ll end up dumber – which will likely happen regardless, as more AI slop is pushed out onto the net, all these bots will end up training on said slop and…yeah. The AI future is going to be a mess no matter what.

🌐 External Sources: blogs.nvidia.com, huggingface.co, openai.com
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.



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Circle Buys IBM Blockchain Patent Portfolio to Build IP Moat Over Rivals

Circle Buys IBM Blockchain Patent Portfolio to Build IP Moat Over Rivals


Circle Internet Group (NYSE: CRCL) has acquired a significant portion of IBM’s blockchain patent portfolio, a deal that makes the USDC issuer the largest holder of blockchain patents in the United States. The portfolio spans over 680 patent families and nearly 1,000 issued patents covering blockchain infrastructure, banking, payments, insurance and secure cloud operations. Terms were not disclosed. CRCL shares rose as much as 3.7% on Monday; IBM gained about 1.6%.

Read as a press release, it is a routine IP transaction. Read against the state of the stablecoin market, it is something sharper: Circle buying a moat at the exact moment its old ones are eroding.

Circle’s acquisition of IBM’s blockchain patent portfolio bolsters its position in the US stablecoin market, amid increasing competition from Tether, PayPal, and others, by securing a unique advantage

The deal underscores the shifting landscape of the stablecoin industry, where regulatory compliance is becoming a standard, and issuers must find new ways to differentiate themselves and maintain market share

By acquiring nearly 1,000 patents, Circle gains a valuable asset that can constrain competitors and raise the cost of imitation, but must balance this with the open-source nature of the crypto industry and potential reputational risks

USDC’s original advantages are becoming table stakes

For years, Circle’s pitch rested on two pillars: regulatory compliance and first-mover scale. Both are commoditizing. Since the GENIUS Act established a federal framework, compliance is no longer a differentiator Circle owns alone; it is the baseline every serious issuer must now meet. Transparent reserves and audits, once Circle’s calling card against Tether, are becoming the industry standard rather than a selling point.

The scale advantage is under pressure too. USDC sits around $75 billion in circulation with roughly a quarter of the market, second to Tether’s far larger USDT. But the challenge is no longer just Tether. Tether has launched USAT to compete directly in the regulated US market, PayPal’s PYUSD keeps growing, and Paxos now white-labels compliant stablecoins for banks and fintechs that want their own branded dollar without building the rails.

The OUSD threat Circle can’t out-comply

The starkest warning came in June, when a consortium of more than 140 firms including Stripe and Visa unveiled OpenUSD. Circle’s stock fell around 13% on that announcement — a market verdict that a distribution-rich rival could threaten USDC’s position in a way regulatory pedigree alone would not defend against. Bank alliances are circling the same territory, with major US lenders building token-settlement networks over their own deposit base.

Against opponents like these, Circle cannot win on compliance, because they are equally compliant, and it cannot win on distribution, because a Visa-Stripe consortium or a bank cartel starts with more of it. What it can do is own the underlying technology. That is what the IBM deal is really about.

Why patents are a different kind of weapon

A consortium can pool balance sheets and merchant reach almost overnight. What it cannot do is instantly originate a decade of foundational research into consensus mechanisms, transaction verification and secure settlement, the areas IBM spent years patenting. IBM is among the most prolific patent filers in all of technology, and its blockchain work reaches well beyond crypto into supply chains and enterprise security.

By absorbing that library, Circle gains an asset that is expensive to build, hard to design around, and, crucially, exclusionary in a way reserves and audits are not. A patent doesn’t just strengthen Circle’s own products; it can constrain what competitors are free to build. In a market where every rival now clears the same regulatory bar, IP becomes one of the few remaining places to open a durable gap.

It also fits Circle’s shift from stablecoin issuer to full-stack infrastructure. The company has tied the patents directly to USDC, the Circle Payments Network, its institutional Arc blockchain that raised $222 million at a $3 billion valuation, and its emerging agentic payment tools built for machine-to-machine transfers. Each is a surface where patented methods could raise the cost of imitation.

The catch: Patents in an open-source industry

The strategy has a real limit. Crypto is built on open-source software and a culture that treats permissionless building as a virtue, and aggressive patent enforcement against other builders would sit uneasily with that ethos, potentially a reputational cost for a company that markets itself as the industry’s trusted institution. Most large tech patent hoards function defensively, deterring lawsuits rather than launching them, and the value here may be leverage and protection more than litigation.

Circle framed the deal in those terms, with General Counsel Sarah Wilson calling intellectual property “critical to advancing our mission and expanding adoption of onchain infrastructure,” and the company noting it will explore further commercial work with IBM. Whether the portfolio becomes a shield or a sword, its acquisition answers the question every stablecoin issuer now faces: once compliance is universal, what is left to compete on? Circle’s answer is the one thing its rivals can’t quickly replicate.

Also Read: Coinbase Unveils ‘AiFi’ Bet as Armstrong Rejects Crypto to AI Pivot


Disclaimer: The information researched and reported by The Crypto Times is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Investing in crypto assets involves significant risk due to market volatility. Always Do Your Own Research (DYOR) and consult with a qualified Financial Advisor before making any investment decisions.




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What Fits in Popular Designer Bag Sizes? Practical Shopping Notes

What Fits in Popular Designer Bag Sizes? Practical Shopping Notes


Bag size labels are only useful when they connect to what you actually carry: phone, wallet, keys, glasses, makeup, tablet, or travel extras. When comparing authenticated pre-owned pieces on Couture USA, the practical question is not just whether a bag is beautiful, but whether it fits your routine, care tolerance, and budget. Start with a clear checklist so the photos, dimensions, return window, and condition notes have a job before a tempting listing takes over.

Louis Vuitton Koala Wallet from Couture USA. Product photos can help you check shape, scale, material, and visible wear before comparing current listings.

Quick buyer takeaway

Bag size labels are only useful when they connect to what you actually carry: phone, wallet, keys, glasses, makeup, tablet, or travel extras. The right shortlist should make the piece easier to use, not just easier to admire.

Couture USA offers authenticated pre-owned luxury, free shipping, and a 14-day return policy. Those details matter because a pre-owned bag decision depends on trust, condition clarity, and whether the item can be evaluated calmly once it arrives.

What to check before you shortlist

Before comparing prices, make sure the listing answers the practical questions a careful buyer would ask in person. Strong listings make condition visible rather than asking you to infer it from a polished first photo.

Listed width, height, and depth.
Opening style and interior compartments.
Phone and wallet fit.
Whether rigid structure limits usable space.

How to compare the options

Use the same comparison frame for every candidate. That keeps a rare color, famous logo, or tempting markdown from overpowering the details that determine whether you will actually carry the piece.

Shopping situation
What usually matters most
How to confirm it

Mini or small bag
best for essentials and evening wear
Compare photos, dimensions, condition notes, and policy details before checkout.

Medium bag
best for daily carry when shape still matters
Compare photos, dimensions, condition notes, and policy details before checkout.

Large tote or travel piece
best for work, flights, and larger accessories
Compare photos, dimensions, condition notes, and policy details before checkout.

Photo and condition details that deserve extra attention

Zoom in on contact points: corners, strap edges, handles, bases, closures, zipper pulls, and interiors. These areas show how a piece was used and whether the written condition notes match the visual evidence.

For general designer bag browsing, compare the whole category first, then narrow by designer once the daily job is clear. Couture USA’s collection pages make it easier to move between Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, and the broader designer bag collection.

Before checkout: score the piece like a buyer

Give the listing a simple pass-fail review before you let scarcity or a markdown decide for you. A strong candidate should satisfy the practical job, show the wear clearly, and leave you with no major unanswered questions about authenticity, returns, fit, or care.

Use case: the piece solves the main reason you started shopping, whether that is daily carry, work, travel, gifting, or a polished evening option.

Condition: the visible wear matches the written notes and falls within what you will still enjoy using.

Fit: dimensions, strap drop, closure, and capacity work with your body, wardrobe, and essentials.

Confidence: authentication language, return policy, and seller detail are clear enough for the price level.

Common mistakes to avoid

Judging capacity from width alone.
Forgetting a sunglasses case or key pouch.
Choosing a narrow opening that makes daily access frustrating.

A pre-owned piece can still be an excellent buy with visible wear, but the wear should be understood before checkout. The goal is not perfection; it is alignment between price, condition, use case, and expectations.

Where to browse next on Couture USA

Use these checks before moving into the live inventory pages that match your intent. Start broad if you are comparing designers; go directly to the brand collection if you already know the house you want.

FAQs

Should I measure my essentials before shopping?

Yes. Measure or stack the items you carry most often, then compare those items to the listing dimensions and opening style.

Why can two bags with similar dimensions fit differently?

Structure, lining, pockets, flap depth, and opening width all affect usable capacity.



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Thailand’s SEC Files Criminal Complaint Against Bitkub Over Undisclosed $47M Hack – Decrypt

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Thailand’s SEC Files Criminal Complaint Against Bitkub Over Undisclosed M Hack – Decrypt



In brief

Thailand’s SEC has filed a criminal complaint against crypto exchange Bitkub and two former directors over allegedly false reports submitted after a 2021 hack.
The regulator says Bitkub’s daily capital filings from May to October 2021 failed to reflect the theft of around $47 million in digital assets.
Bitkub says all customer assets are safe, and that its co-founders covered the stolen funds at the time.

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a criminal complaint against crypto exchange Bitkub and two of its former directors, alleging they submitted false reports to the regulator after a 2021 hack.

According to reports in local media, the complaint, lodged with Thailand’s Economic Crime Suppression Division, stems from a May 2021 cyberattack in which 16 types of digital assets worth 1.7 billion baht ($47 million) were drained from the exchange. From May to October 2021, the SEC alleges, Bitkub’s daily net-capital filings showed no significant change in its assets, hiding the loss, in breach of the country’s Digital Asset Business Decree.



The two former directors, Sakolkorn Sakavee and Thaweesap Rawan, are accused of making false entries to mislead the regulator into believing customer assets were intact. The case now passes to police and prosecutors, who will decide whether to bring it to court.

Bitkub said the matter concerns a five-year-old reporting decision and that customer funds are safe. Those responsible chose not to disclose the wallet theft to avoid triggering a bank run, the company said, and its co-founders bought replacement assets in the same amounts, leaving neither Bitkub nor its customers out of pocket. The SEC had confirmed its holdings were intact as of September 2025, it added.

In a video statement posted to Facebook, Sakolkorn took sole responsibility, according to a translation by the Bangkok Post. The former director reportedly said he altered the filings himself without telling other directors or staff and withheld news of the hack, fearing panic withdrawals and a “bank run” that could have destroyed the exchange. Sakolkorn added that Bitkub’s founders used their own money to buy back the stolen assets until every customer was repaid. He apologized, resigned from the company’s boards, and pledged to cooperate with regulators.

The case comes as Bitkub, once Thailand’s dominant crypto exchange, works toward a public listing. It has since been overtaken by Binance’s local arm, Binance TH, which ranks 31st among global exchanges to Bitkub’s 68th, per CoinMarketCap. Bitkub shelved a planned Stock Exchange of Thailand IPO in November 2025 as the local market slumped, and was weighing a $200 million offering in Hong Kong instead.

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Death Saves is the new official D&D dark fantasy setting that we badly needed

Death Saves is the new official D&D dark fantasy setting that we badly needed



For the last month, Dungeons & Dragons fans have been wondering about a mysterious new setting created by actor and D&D superfan Joe Manganiello for the tabletop role-playing game. First spotted in the description of an event taking place at GenCon later this week, “Death Saves” is a world inspired by Manganiello’s clothing line of the same name. Now, the actor has shared more details in a post on X ahead of the setting’s debut.

Details are still scarce at the time of writing, but it appears that Death Saves will be an official mainline setting for Dungeons & Dragons, part of a new “Black Label” line. Death Saves is described as a dark fantasy setting, which ties in perfectly with the aesthetics of Manganiello’s clothing line. It was developed by Manganiello and Mike Mearls, who was the co-lead designer for Dungeons & Dragons’ 5th edition and the former franchise creative director. This marks Mearls’ first direct involvement with a mainline D&D product since he was laid off by Wizards of the Coast in 2023.

The Black Label moniker evokes the idea of a grittier, more mature line of products: for example, DC Comics has an imprint of the same name, which publishes stories with an adult target audience. The description of Death Saves: The Blood War surely fits that mold. In this world, the Blood War (the endless conflict between the devils of Baator and the demons of the Abyss) has ended, the gods are dead, and “the world hangs on by a thread.” The official description of the GenCon event originally mentioned “the Great War,” but that name has now been changed to the Blood War in Manganiello’s post, perhaps to tie in more directly with the official D&D cosmology.

Manganiello’s Death Saves clothing line was thought to be long discontinued, as stock hadn’t been renewed in years. Now, he’s bringing back the dark fantasy, heavy metal vibes that so many D&D players love with a full world to play in. The fact that this is an official Wizards of the Coast event and Manganiello’s ongoing collaboration with the publisher are all signs that Death Saves is primed to become an official D&D setting. Details are still scarce at the moment, but Polygon has reached out to a Wizards of the Coast representative for information, and we will update this story accordingly.

Fans of the game have no shortage of fantastic worlds to play in, from the Forgotten Realms to Greyhawk. However, Manganiello’s Death Saves has a very distinct grimdark vibe, one that reminds me of indie TTRPG sensation Mörk Borg. As the actor wrote in his post, he’s “drawing from D&D’s past to chart its future,” and the first glimpse of that new chapter will be the live play taking place at GenCon this weekend. The lucky fans in attendance can catch it on Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET in the Janet Allen Stage.



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Nvidia GPUs Are Heading to the Moon: A Historic First for Edge Computing | Metaverse Planet

Nvidia GPUs Are Heading to the Moon: A Historic First for Edge Computing | Metaverse Planet


Whenever I think I have a solid grasp on just how fast technology is moving, something completely wild crosses my desk and forces me to reset my expectations. For the past few years, we’ve watched Nvidia absolutely dominate the terrestrial tech landscape. From powering massive data centers to fueling the generative AI boom right here on Earth, their silicon is everywhere.

But I was genuinely surprised when I dug into the latest developments coming out of the aerospace sector. Nvidia isn’t just looking at the next server rack anymore; they are looking up. Way up.

Nvidia’s highly efficient Jetson platform is officially prepping for a lunar mission. Working closely with Lunar Outpost, a US-based company specializing in robotic space infrastructure, Nvidia chips are going to be integrated into the next-generation lunar exploration rovers. If everything goes according to plan, we are about to witness the very first GPU operating directly on the surface of the Moon.

Let’s break down exactly why this matters, the massive engineering hurdles involved, and why I believe this is a total game-changer for off-world exploration.

We are far past the days of the Apollo missions where everything was rigidly controlled by massive teams sitting at consoles in Houston. NASA’s current strategy for returning to the Moon relies heavily on commercial partnerships, taking a page right out of the SpaceX playbook.

Instead of doing everything in-house, NASA is empowering private companies to build the tools, sensors, and delivery systems needed for comprehensive lunar exploration. The goal isn’t just to plant a flag; it’s to deeply analyze the Moon’s geological structure and hunt for usable resources like water ice.

This is where Nvidia’s recent moves become incredibly fascinating to me:

Orbital Mapping: Nvidia has already partnered with Firefly Aerospace—a company that recently secured a successful lunar landing. In this specific mission, the Jetson platform will operate from a satellite in lunar orbit. It will handle intense image processing to create highly detailed lunar maps and track the exact movements of rovers down on the surface.Boots on the Ground (or Wheels in the Dust): The Lunar Outpost rover, hitched to an Intuitive Machines lander, is going straight for the hardest-to-reach spots on the Moon. We are talking about deep craters and rugged terrain that are incredibly difficult to analyze from orbit.

Plunging into the Unknown: The Reiner Gamma Anomaly

One of the most exciting aspects of this mission is the destination. After the initial crater explorations, the follow-up mission will target something that has baffled scientists for decades: the Reiner Gamma magnetic anomaly.

If you aren’t familiar with it, Reiner Gamma is a totally flat, swirling, bright feature on the Moon’s surface that has its own localized magnetic field. Since the Moon doesn’t have a global magnetic field like Earth does, anomalies like this are massive scientific mysteries. I find it absolutely mind-blowing that we are sending AI-powered rovers to finally decode this lunar puzzle.

Both of these critical missions are slated to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket before the end of the year.

Why Jetson? The Crucial Role of Edge Computing

You might be asking yourself, “Why Jetson?” When we think of Nvidia AI, we usually think of their massive, power-hungry Blackwell or Vera Rubin accelerators. But you can’t exactly plug a server rack into the lunar dirt.

Space exploration requires a completely different approach. It requires Edge Computing.

The Jetson platform is small, lightweight, and specifically designed for extreme energy efficiency. In the context of a lunar rover, it acts as the robotic brain on site. Here is why that is so critical:

Zero Latency Decision Making: It takes about 1.28 seconds for a signal to travel from the Earth to the Moon, and another 1.28 seconds to get back. If a rover is driving toward a sudden drop-off, waiting three seconds for Earth to tell it to hit the brakes is a recipe for disaster.Local Sensor Fusion: Jetson allows the rover to take heavy data from LiDAR, cameras, and scientific sensors, and process it locally. The rover can instantly understand its environment, map obstacles, and make autonomous driving decisions in real-time.

The Brutal Reality of Lunar Engineering

While the concept of an AI-powered rover sounds amazing, I cannot overstate how terrifying the engineering challenges are. Taking a GPU to space is a totally different ballgame than putting one in a self-driving car on Earth.

Most GPUs currently in space are safely tucked away in low-Earth orbit, protected by Earth’s magnetic field. The lunar surface offers no such luxury.

Cosmic Radiation: Without an atmosphere, the rover will be bombarded by direct cosmic radiation, which is notorious for flipping bits in computer memory and completely frying microchips.Insane Temperature Swings: This is the part that fascinates me the most. A single “lunar day” lasts about 14 Earth days, and temperatures can soar to boiling levels. But then comes the Lunar Night—another 14 days of absolute darkness where temperatures plummet to around -130°C (-202°F).Power Survival: Designing a Jetson-based system that can sip tiny amounts of battery power just to keep its core components from freezing and cracking during the two-week lunar night is a monumental engineering feat.

A New Era of Autonomous Exploration

If Lunar Outpost and Nvidia can actually pull this off and prove that edge AI can survive the harsh lunar environment, the implications are staggering. It means we won’t just be sending remote-controlled RC cars to other planets anymore. We will be sending intelligent, autonomous explorers that can adapt, learn, and make complex scientific decisions entirely on their own.

When I look at this mission, I don’t just see a rover; I see the foundational technology that will eventually help us build sustainable lunar bases and, ultimately, navigate the surface of Mars.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one. With AI now handling autonomous driving on the Moon, do you think we are moving too fast with trusting artificial intelligence in multi-million dollar space missions, or is this exactly the leap we need to conquer the stars? Let me know in the comments below!

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Spain Takes Solar Power to the Open Sea: 500 kW Floating Platform Arrives in Valencia | Metaverse Planet

Spain Takes Solar Power to the Open Sea: 500 kW Floating Platform Arrives in Valencia | Metaverse Planet


I was looking through some recent renewable energy infrastructure updates, and I stumbled across a development that genuinely surprised me. When I think of solar energy, my mind immediately goes to massive, sprawling fields of panels taking up huge chunks of land, or maybe a few panels on suburban rooftops. But Spain is pushing the boundaries in a way that feels straight out of a near-future sci-fi novel: they are moving solar farms directly into the open ocean.

Spain’s very first floating offshore solar platform just arrived at the Port of Valencia for rigorous field testing, and it completely shifts how I look at the future of clean energy.

Why the Shift to the Ocean?

Land is becoming a premium commodity. Companies trying to scale up solar energy are constantly hitting a massive roadblock: finding enough empty, usable space without disrupting agriculture or natural habitats. That’s why I think the pivot to floating offshore solar platforms is one of the smartest, most critical technologies the renewable sector is working on right now.

The Valencia Milestone: 500 kW of Power on the Waves

Developed by the Spanish engineering firm BlueNewables, this 500 kW platform isn’t just a concept—it’s actual hardware sitting in the water right now. They are running this as a pilot project in partnership with the Spanish energy company Naturgy. They’ve anchored it off the southern breakwater of the Valencia port to put it through its paces in real, unpredictable ocean conditions.

Here is what makes this engineering feat so impressive to me:

Catamaran-Inspired Design: The deck is massive, measuring 64 meters long and 41 meters wide.High Capacity: The structure houses exactly 600 solar panels.Extreme Durability: Mixing high-voltage electricity with corrosive saltwater and violent wave action sounds like an engineering nightmare. Yet, this system is specifically designed to withstand intense wave movements, heavy wind loads, and severe saltwater corrosion.

A 1 MW Vision and Global Scalability

The platform currently in Valencia is just the opening act. The full project, which kicked off recently, involves installing two identical floating platforms side-by-side.

Once fully operational, they will hit a combined installed capacity of 1 MW, generating around 1,500 MWh of electricity annually. To put that into perspective, that is enough juice to power hundreds of homes year-round, completely off the grid, floating right on the ocean surface.

But what I find most promising is BlueNewables’ broader vision. They aren’t just building a one-off science experiment. By utilizing industrial and modular manufacturing processes, they want to slash production times, lower maintenance costs, and mass-produce these platforms for a global market.

The Ultimate Energy Combo?

While researching this, a brilliant thought hit me. Imagine the massive offshore wind farms we already have along coastal regions. What if we drop these floating solar platforms right in the empty spaces between the wind turbines? Generating wind and solar power simultaneously from the exact same ocean footprint would be a game-changer for grid efficiency.

I am incredibly excited to see the data that comes out of these Valencia tests.

But I want to know what you guys think. Does turning our coastal waters into floating power plants sound like the perfect solution to our energy needs, or do you have concerns about maintaining heavy electrical equipment in the open sea? Let’s discuss it in the comments below!

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Cotton suit from Luca Museo: Review

Cotton suit from Luca Museo: Review


Cotton suit from Luca Museo: Review

Monday, July 27th 2026
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This cotton suit from Luca Museo has been through a few ups and downs, and even now I don’t think it’s quite right. 

The first suit the Korean tailors made me, covered here, was a great fit and an interesting style, larger on the body than anything I’d had before. I’ve come to like it, while also feeling it’s not quite my core style. 

The guys said they could make something slimmer and less roomy, so we decided to try that last year. They certainly reduced the drape and fullness through the body, but took it a little too far. The shoulders remained fairly wide – as wide as any other tailor I’ve used – but the body was surprisingly close.

We had had one fitting as well, so I was going to cover the suit at that point, particularly as it was the tail end of summer. This was August 2025, and we shot it in Zurich at the beginning of September (below), when we were in the city for a reader event with Trunk. 

The suit when first received, tight in the armpit and waist
Nice shape to it in the back though

Most of the fit was not bad at all – the hard things like the balance and the collar fit were solid. Throughout, the Luca Museo team have been good at this, in common with other Korean tailors such as Assisi and B&Tailor. 

But style wise the suit was an odd combination, and the trousers were also a little too slim to be comfortable. 

We arranged another fitting in January this year, at Pitti, and I received the suit a couple of months later. While the jacket had been improved, the trousers were strange – let out a lot in the hem, but still tight in the fork and seat. I had to have them adjusted locally before they were wearable. 

My old Caliendo cotton in the same material
The cotton aged very well

My idea for the suit had been that it would be an update to the Elia Caliendo one I had made 10 years ago, and sadly no longer fits (above). Those lightweight cottons make for wonderful summer suits, particularly in earthy colours, and are a nice alternative to classic linen. 

While the style of Luca Museo would be rather different to the soft, rounded cut of Neapolitan Caliendo, I was hoping that the extended shoulder would add some elegance without sacrificing the lightweight feel. A little like a Roman suit, perhaps, with lightness suited to the heat but a little more classicism in the silhouette.

I think I was right in that this would have been a nice style, but the Luca Museo suit still feels like a slightly odd combination of cuts, and while I will wear it, I think it was a mistake to try and get the tailor to change their normal style. 

The Museo suit straight on, quite slim in the waist and a little short
Side profile of my suit, with a fairly wide leg

Of course this is a mistake I’ve made in the past and even written about to try and hammer home to myself – ‘Let the tailor cut his style’ – but here I wasn’t asking for anything radical, just a slightly slimmer fit than the distinctly large one of the first suit. 

Like many things with commissioning bespoke, the problem probably comes down to communication, and having a suit made that is the style you can see around you – hanging up, on the tailors themselves – is one form of communication: you see a style of suit, you get it made to your shape in a material you pick. 

Verbal communication becomes more important when you want to diverge from this, and here it was lacking. The language skills of the Luca Museo team aren’t bad, but they aren’t perfect, and communication is also not just about language but the willingness to ask questions, to make a situation awkward by double-checking things. 

General communication isn’t something the team have been great at either, for example in letting me know when a suit will be ready, or when they will be visiting. This isn’t helped by the fact that they are represented by Hong Kong shop Coller, and it’s not always clear who is in charge. (I asked for clarification on this and it’s detailed at the end.)

Manish’s tweed suit from Luca Museo

If the style of Luca Museo works for you, and you can get ready, consistent access, then they remain a great option. They’re reasonably priced and as I said, are great technically. 

Our colleague Manish had a great suit made for him (above), which certainly suits him, and he’s having another made currently. He covered his first suit (and compared it to mine) here. 

But otherwise I would proceed with caution. I have told all this to the Coller team, of course, as we always do – there is no desire to gazump anyone – and they seem to have understood. 

More than anything else, I hope we can help emerging tailors find the most effective way to become successful in the long term, because that’s how bespoke businesses are built. When bespoke is running well, it really is the most rewarding and beautiful way of buying clothing. But it’s not an easy business to establish.

The material is still lovely in the heat, and natural without a tie
The PS boat shoes and Trunk tote

Bespoke cotton suit from Korean tailors Luca Museo, via Hong Kong store Coller. Cloth: Holland & Sherry 9oz cotton, 276009. Price $3800.

Coller’s founder Jaden Chan is also the overseas director for Luca Museo, which can cause confusion. Coller is based in Hong Kong and also has its own tailoring lines, with production in Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. Luca Museo contributes the Korean part of that production. Coller tailoring is divided into Red and Black lines, with the red being more in-house and the black done directly by the artisans in those countries. 

Other clothes in the main outfit:

White linen shirt by D’Avino
Vintage tan leather belt
PS boat shoes
Ichizawa Hanpu tote, via Trunk
EB Meyrowitz sunglasses

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Harry Styles’ Girlfriends and Life: Inside His Age, Relationships, Songs, and Family | MarkMeets Media

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    Harry Styles’ Girlfriends and Life: Inside His Age, Relationships, Songs, and Family | MarkMeets Media


    Harry Styles has become one of pop culture’s most talked-about figures, famous for his dynamic musical career, acting endeavors, and high-profile relationships. From his beginnings with One Direction to his solo journey, Styles’ influence spans music, fashion, and even Hollywood. Dive into the fascinating life of Harry Styles, from his age to his most notable girlfriends and the unforgettable songs that define his solo career.

    Who is Harry Styles?

    Harry Styles, born on February 1, 1994, in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, is a true multi-hyphenate talent who has evolved from a young heartthrob into a respected pop and rock artist. He grew up in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, and by age 16, he was already performing with a local band, White Eskimo. Styles quickly gained worldwide fame as a member of One Direction after competing on The X Factor UK in 2010.

    Early Life and Family Background

    Styles’ family background is as interesting as his career. His parents, Anne Twist and Desmond Styles, divorced when he was young, but his mother later remarried Robin Twist, who was a significant figure in Harry’s life until his passing in 2017. Harry also has an older sister, Gemma Styles, a journalist and social media influencer, as well as two step-siblings, Mike and Amy, from his stepfather’s side.

    Breaking Into the Spotlight: The One Direction Era

    Harry Styles’ music journey took a huge leap when he auditioned solo for The X Factor UK in 2010. Though he didn’t make it as a solo artist, Simon Cowell saw potential and suggested pairing him with Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. Together, they formed One Direction, which quickly became one of the biggest boy bands in the world. Despite placing third on The X Factor, the band went on to sell millions of records, with hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life” skyrocketing to fame.

    Harry Styles’ Girlfriends: A Look at His Most Talked-About Relationships

    Styles’ dating history is filled with famous faces. Known for his high-profile romances, the list of Harry Styles’ girlfriends is impressive and often keeps fans guessing about his current relationship status.

    Caroline Flack (2011)

    One of Harry Styles’ first public relationships was with Caroline Flack, a British TV presenter. The couple faced scrutiny due to their 14-year age gap, but they both maintained that they shared a close bond. Sadly, Caroline passed away in 2020, but the brief relationship remains a memorable part of Harry’s romantic history.

    Taylor Swift (2012-2013)

    Possibly one of the most talked-about of Harry Styles’ girlfriends, Taylor Swift and Styles’ romance was brief but intense. The couple sparked endless media attention and even inspired a few of their hit songs. Fans speculate that Taylor’s songs “Style” and “Out of the Woods” were inspired by her relationship with Harry, while Harry’s “Two Ghosts” is rumored to reference Taylor.

    Kendall Jenner (2013 and 2015)

    Harry Styles’ on-and-off relationship with Kendall Jenner has always intrigued fans. The two were first linked in 2013, and again in 2015, sparking countless rumors whenever they were seen together. Although neither ever confirmed the relationship publicly, Kendall remains one of the most frequently mentioned among Harry Styles’ girlfriends.

    Camille Rowe (2017-2018)

    Another of Harry Styles’ girlfriends who influenced his music was Camille Rowe, a French model. Their relationship is said to have inspired a significant part of his Fine Line album. Songs like “Falling” and “Cherry” are believed to reflect his feelings about Camille and their time together.

    Olivia Wilde (2021-2022)

    Styles’ most recent confirmed relationship was with actress and director Olivia Wilde. The two met on the set of Don’t Worry Darling, where Olivia was directing and Harry was starring. Their relationship was heavily covered by the media, and they were together for nearly two years before reportedly parting ways in late 2022.

    Taylor Russell (2024)

    As of October 2024, Harry Styles is rumored to be dating actress Taylor Russell, though the two have kept their relationship relatively private. Fans speculate on social media whenever they are seen together, but neither has confirmed the romance, making it the latest mystery in the timeline of Harry Styles’ girlfriends.

    Harry Styles’ Most Memorable Solo Songs

    Styles’ solo career is marked by songs that reflect his evolution as an artist, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. Here are some of his biggest solo hits:

    “Sign of the Times” (2017)

    Harry’s debut solo single, “Sign of the Times,” is a rock ballad that showcased his departure from the pop sound of One Direction. The song is an emotional, powerful anthem about resilience and was a huge success worldwide.

    “Watermelon Sugar” (2019)

    Known for its bright, summery vibe, “Watermelon Sugar” became an instant hit, earning Harry his first Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance. This catchy track quickly became a fan favorite and defined the summer of 2019.

    “Adore You” (2019)

    “Adore You,” from his Fine Line album, is a soulful and catchy tune that showcases Harry’s softer side. The music video for “Adore You” is as memorable as the song, featuring a whimsical tale of Harry befriending a fish.

    “As It Was” (2022)

    This upbeat track from Harry’s House became a global phenomenon, topping charts around the world. “As It Was” is a reflective yet danceable tune that resonates with fans, keeping it at the top of streaming charts for weeks.

    “Late Night Talking” (2022)

    Another track from Harry’s House, “Late Night Talking,” further explores Harry’s journey in pop, blending smooth sounds with his distinctive style. It’s another example of his ability to produce music that’s both relatable and artistically bold.

    “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” (2022)

    With its fun and quirky vibe, “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” highlights Harry’s playful side and willingness to experiment. This track is a perfect example of his growth as an artist who’s unafraid to push boundaries.

    Acting Ventures: From Dunkirk to Don’t Worry Darling

    In addition to his music career, Harry Styles has made significant strides in acting. His film debut in Dunkirk (2017) earned him praise for his performance in a dramatic, war setting. He later starred in Don’t Worry Darling (2022), directed by Olivia Wilde, and My Policeman (2022), where he played complex, emotionally intense roles that allowed him to demonstrate his range as an actor.

    Fashion Icon: Defying Gender Norms and Inspiring Millions

    Another layer of Harry Styles’ influence is his bold approach to fashion. Known for breaking gender norms, he often sports androgynous styles, mixing traditionally feminine pieces with masculine looks. His 2020 Vogue cover, where he wore a dress, made waves and sparked discussions about gender expression. Harry’s unique style has inspired fans worldwide, making him a trailblazer in both music and fashion.

    How Harry Styles’ Personal Style and Music Connect with His Relationships

    Harry Styles’ girlfriends, songs, and fashion choices often intertwine to create the artist’s unique persona. His openness about love and life, reflected in both his lyrics and his willingness to embrace unconventional styles, resonates deeply with fans. Each relationship and song has left a lasting mark on his journey, capturing both his vulnerability and his charisma.

    Conclusion: The Ongoing Evolution of Harry Styles

    Harry Styles has had an extraordinary journey filled with unforgettable music, iconic fashion moments, and meaningful relationships. From his days with One Direction to his eclectic solo career, his artistic expression continues to push boundaries. Fans will eagerly watch to see where his personal life and career take him next, while Styles’ music and fashion continue to leave a lasting legacy on pop culture.

    This article provides an in-depth look at Harry Styles’ girlfriends, music, and ever-evolving influence. From Caroline Flack to Olivia Wilde, each relationship has shaped the artist we know today. With Harry Styles’ girlfriends often inspiring his music, fans can anticipate his future work with excitement and curiosity, wondering what stories his songs will tell next.

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    Samsung Confirms Stablecoin Support Is Coming to Samsung Wallet – NFT Plazas Samsung Confirms Stablecoin Support Is Coming to Samsung Wallet

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    Samsung Confirms Stablecoin Support Is Coming to Samsung Wallet – NFT Plazas Samsung Confirms Stablecoin Support Is Coming to Samsung Wallet


    Samsung confirmed that it will bring stablecoin support to Samsung Wallet, opening up another use case for digital assets directly within the default wallet on Galaxy devices. The news was shared by Samsung at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22, 2026, amid broader testing of stablecoins by payment companies, crypto exchanges, and digital asset issuers for remittances and settlement. Samsung has not yet announced specific stablecoins, implementation partners, or a release timeline for the feature.

    The move is notable because Samsung Wallet already occupies a central position in the Galaxy ecosystem, where users manage payments, identity, and selected digital financial services. If implemented at the wallet level, stablecoins could move closer to mainstream users, rather than remaining confined to exchange apps or specialized crypto wallets.

    Samsung Brings Stablecoins to Wallet

    Samsung is preparing to introduce stablecoins into Samsung Wallet, bringing a portion of digital value transfer into the default wallet on Galaxy devices. While the company has not disclosed how the feature will work, the messaging at Galaxy Unpacked signals Samsung’s intention to support faster, more familiar forms of digital value transfer for mobile users.

    Stablecoins, typically pegged to the US dollar, are currently widely used in crypto trading, cross-border remittances, and settlement. By integrating stablecoins into Wallet, Samsung is attempting to bring digital money movement into the same space where users are already accustomed to making everyday payments, authenticating, and managing credentials.

    If implemented seamlessly enough, Samsung Wallet could become one of the major consumer touchpoints taking stablecoins beyond specialized crypto apps.

    A Bigger Fintech Push

    In July 2025, Samsung Pay began to be supported as a payment and top-up method on Coinbase in the US and Canada. Three months later, Samsung expanded its partnership with Coinbase, allowing Samsung Wallet users in the US to access Coinbase One perks and view crypto assets directly within Wallet. According to Samsung and Coinbase, the program launched with over 75 million Galaxy users in the US.

    With that scale, bringing stablecoins into Wallet is more than just adding another crypto feature. Stablecoins already boast substantial trading infrastructure and liquidity, but they still require familiar consumer touchpoints to break out of specialized apps. A default smartphone wallet could narrow that gap, especially when stablecoins are placed alongside existing payment cards, IDs, and financial services in Wallet.

    Samsung continued its push by launching Galaxy Card in the US in July 2026, issued by Barclays on the Visa network and integrated with Samsung Wallet. When positioning stablecoins alongside credit cards, mobile payments, digital IDs, and crypto access, Samsung’s direction becomes clearer: Wallet is evolving into a financial services and identity layer within the Galaxy ecosystem, rather than just a place to “store cards.”

    Stablecoins Move Closer to Mainstream Users

    The scale of the stablecoin market provides further reason for consumer platforms to keep an eye on the sector. According to DeFiLlama, total stablecoin market capitalization currently stands at around $310.4 billion, with USDT leading at roughly $184.1 billion and USDC in second place at approximately $73.3 billion. This scale makes stablecoins one of the clearest utility-driven segments of the digital asset market.

    Total Stablecoins Market Cap

    Total Stablecoins Market Cap. Source: DeFiLlama

    Major payment networks are also experimenting with stablecoins beyond crypto trading. Visa reported that its stablecoin settlement pilot reached a $7 billion annualized run rate in April 2026, up 50% quarter-over-quarter, following expansion to 9 blockchains. For Samsung, these signals suggest that stablecoins are moving closer to real-world payment infrastructure, where a mobile wallet like Samsung Wallet could play a distribution role.

    The regulatory framework in the US is also clearer than it was a few years ago. In the US, the GENIUS Act was signed into law on July 18, 2025, establishing a federal framework for payment stablecoins. While this does not automatically turn stablecoins into a mainstream feature, it gives major consumer companies a firmer basis to test, partner with licensed entities, and roll out features market by market.

    Tokens, Partners and Timing Remain Unknown

    Despite confirming stablecoin support, Samsung has yet to reveal the most critical details: which stablecoins will be supported, who the implementation partners are, which blockchains will be used, which markets will see the rollout, and when the feature will launch. The company has also not clarified whether Samsung Wallet will merely allow users to view/buy stablecoins through partners, or directly support sending, receiving, and payments.

    This distinction will determine the significance of the feature. If it serves merely as a crypto access layer within Wallet, the impact will be relatively limited. However, if Samsung enables users to send, receive, or pay with stablecoins directly, it would represent a larger step toward embedding digital assets into daily mobile experiences.

    Stablecoins also entail KYC, anti-money laundering (AML), user protection, and asset custody requirements, meaning Samsung is likely to execute a market-by-market rollout alongside licensed partners. The US is a prominent candidate due to the existing Coinbase relationship and large Galaxy user base, but Samsung has not confirmed the scope of the rollout.



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