WEB3
Web3 (WEB3 or Web 3.0) refers to the next generation of the internet, characterized by decentralized and peer-to-peer networks that aim to give users more control over their data and digital interactions. It is a vision of the internet that incorporates blockchain technology and smart contracts, enabling trustless and transparent transactions, decentralized applications (dApps), and the secure storage and sharing of data. Web3 seeks to empower individuals, promote privacy, and foster a more open and collaborative digital ecosystem.
Mastercard Launches Web3 Crypto Solution
Mastercard has launched a Web3 solution called the "Mastercard Crypto Credential" aimed at improving user verification standards in the digital asset space. The solution offers users a unique identifier, helping them to verify that an address has been vetted by Mastercard and operating in compliance with the firm's standards. Partnerships with crypto wallet providers and blockchains were also announced.
Google, UK, FTX and Binance in Crypto News
Google expands its Web3 program with 11 blockchain partners, while the UK government commits $125 million to accelerate its AI readiness. FTX is set to sell LedgerX for $50 million, and Binance.US backs out of a $1 billion Voyager asset purchase, citing regulatory concerns.
Mastercard Launches Web3 Solution for Crypto Verification
Mastercard has launched a new Web3 solution called "Mastercard Crypto Credential" aimed at enhancing user verification standards in the digital asset space. The solution is designed to provide a unique identifier to users, enabling them to instantly verify that an address they want to send funds to has been vetted by Mastercard and has been operating in compliance with the firm's standards. The solution will support compliance through the exchange of metadata and help reduce the opportunities for bad actors.
Polygon and Google Cloud Partner for Ethereum Scaling Tools
Polygon Labs and Google Cloud have partnered to enhance the development of Ethereum scaling protocol's infrastructure and tools. Google Cloud's framework and developer tools will benefit Polygon's core protocols and simplify developer integration to build, launch and grow Web3 products and decentralized applications (DApps) on Polygon. The partnership is expected to advance Polygon's zero-knowledge development, resulting in faster and cheaper transactions. Polygon will use Google Cloud's Blockchain Node Engine to remove the need for Polygon developers to configure and run Polygon PoS nodes.
Opera Browser Launches AI Prompt Feature
Opera One, the latest version of the Opera browser, now includes an AI integration known as AI Prompt, providing contextual prompts for web pages and highlighted text. The new version also includes access to other AI tools like ChatGPT and ChatSonic. The generative AI feature will enable shortened texts for accessible reads, explanations of complex ideas, and content creation. The updated browser is a Web3, "future proof" platform.
Binance Integrates AI Chatbot ChatGPT into Its Education Platform
Binance, the cryptocurrency exchange and blockchain developer, has integrated the AI chatbot ChatGPT into its education platform, Binance Academy. The new AI-driven tool, known as Binance Sensei, sources answers from Binance Academy's education platform using machine learning to help users answer questions related to Web3. However, the integration of AI in education has sparked concerns about the potential misuse of the technology.
Firstblock Introduces Firstblock Labs To Support The Next Generation Of Web3 Innovators
FirstBlock, a leading blockchain solutions provider, announces the launch of FirstBlock Labs, a virtual laboratory designed to support and help Web3 startups thrive in the rapidly growing blockchain industry.
Bored Ape Yacht Club wins legal battle
Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) creator Yuga Labs has won a legal battle against copycat non-fungible token (NFT) project RR/BAYC. The United States District Court found that the co-creators of RR/BAYC had infringed Yuga Labs’ trademarks, and Yuga Labs is entitled to an injunction and damages. In other news, Mandala Metaverse has chosen Polkadot to host its first major NFT drop, Final Fantasy developer Square Enix has partnered with Elixir Games for blockchain gaming, and a free-to-play multiplayer NFT cricket strategy game called Cricket Stars has launched on the Tezos blockchain.
Web3 Startup Funding Drops 82 percents YoY
VC funding for Web3 start-ups decreased by 82% YoY in Q1 2023, dropping to $1.7 billion. The number of big funding rounds hitting nine figures almost completely dried up over the past year. The decline in Web3 funding is attributed to investors opting for a risk-off approach and seeking opportunities in industries they know best.
Web3 users can now register .eth domains with fiat options
ENS has launched a fiat on-ramp for .eth domain registrations through MoonPay, allowing Web3 users to pay with fiat options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay instead of only Ether. ENS has also upgraded its platform to streamline sign-ups and expand its usability for hosting censorship-resistant websites.
Fonbnk and Tanda Partner to Launch Airtime Trading Marketplace in East Africa
Fonbnk and Tanda have partnered to launch an airtime trading marketplace in East Africa, allowing micro-entrepreneurs to earn revenue and store their profits in dollarized stablecoins. The partnership increases liquidity in the marketplace through the buying and selling of prepaid airtime for profit, providing more earning opportunities and creating a growth flywheel effect through improved liquidity and marketplace efficiency.
Mastercard Launches NFT-Gated Artist Accelerator Program
Mastercard announced a new artist accelerator program, which is NFT-gated and only accessible to holders of its Mastercard Music Pass NFT. The program is a collaboration with Polygon and offers free access to educational materials, unique AI tools, and other experiences.
NFTs Get Security Boost with New Warranty Service
Wert and Avata have launched a new nonfungible token (NFT) warranty service, providing coverage for up to 90% of the value of compromised digital assets in a smart contract hack. The service will be available on 80 digital asset marketplaces and will be charged at 6% of the asset cost at checkout. The offering aims to encourage mass adoption of NFTs by reducing risk for both active and prospective collectors.
Keiji Inafune and Seiichi Ishii with Minnapad for New Web3 Projects
Famed Developers of Iconic Game Franchises, Mega Man and Tekken to Serve as Inaugural Legends DAO Partners with Their Original IPs, BEASTROID and BRAIN FIGHTER, on a New Platform
OKX Survey: 83% of Community Expects More ETH Staking Around Shanghai-Capella Upgrade, 63% See New Record High by End of 2023
OKX, the world’s second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume and a leading Web3 technology company, today released the findings of a survey on the perceived market impact of the two-part Shanghai-Capella (a.k.a. Shapella) upgrade, which is slated for April 12 and will enable withdrawals of staked ether (ETH).