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Russian Sberbank integrates blockchain with MetaMask
Russia’s largest bank Sberbank has given its blockchain platform access to the Ethereum blockchain through an integration with software wallet MetaMask.
The bank’s proprietary blockchain platform is now compatible with Ethereum applications and smart contracts, meaning developers can work interchangeably between either network.
Sber Blockchain Lab, the bank’s web3 arm, has also announced a MetaMask integration to further support interoperability between the Sberbank blockchain and other public blockchains.
MetaMask users, who use the wallet to interact with the Ethereum network, will now be able to take advantage of smart contracts and use tokens on the Sberbank blockchain.
Alexander Nam, head of Sber Blockchain Lab, said: “Sber Blockchain Lab works closely with external developers and partner companies, and I am glad that our community will be able to run DeFi applications on Sber’s infrastructure.”
Nam added that the new integrations will help developers and financial institutions to explore business applications of DeFi and web3. Read More
How can UK-based businesses accept Bitcoin?
No specific regulations govern trading and investment in Bitcoin. However, United Kingdom residents can transact using Bitcoin.
Unlike El Salvador, which considers Bitcoin (BTC) to be a legal tender, cryptocurrencies are not treated as currency in the United Kingdom. Instead, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) categorized cryptocurrencies as digital or crypto assets, which may be liable to capital gains tax or income tax, depending on the circumstances.
One can trade BTC via cryptocurrency exchanges such as U.K.-based CEX.io or globally based Coinbase or Binance or through brokers like eToro. However, to register a cryptocurrency exchange in the U.K., the financial conduct authority (FCA) requires the business to establish a legal entity, get a registered office address, open a business bank account and register for taxation. After this, they will need to obtain a crypto exchange license by filling out an application form accessible on the FCA’s website and paying a registration fee.
So, can U.K.-based businesses accept Bitcoin? Yes, businesses can accept Bitcoin payments in the U.K. directly or indirectly via gift cards. However, it depends upon the customer base if they want to pay in crypto or fiat currencies. Read More
GEC incorporates Chainlink Data to support Meta Oracles with IoT
Geometric Energy Corporation (GEC) has been able to successfully incorporate the weather-based data and pricing of cryptocurrency of Chainlink Data Feeds, with the aim and intention of being able to stand by the features of Metaoracles, with that of the sensor data networks of Internet of Things (IoT), which XI Protocol duly and adequately boosts.
All of this, in turn, will be instrumental in correctly covering all devices which happen to be ground-based. In this scenario, the level would be slanting downwards to Low Earth Orbit LEO), Lunar Orbit, and much further.
On its part, the XI Protocol is a Distributed ledger-based technology (DLT) solution provider. This protocol, however, makes the utilization of ground, as well as space-oriented framework, in the form of a physical platform to aid and assist the multiples of data-based applications incorporating the XI utility token. In the present scenario, the XI Protocol and the XI utility token commence with the deliverance and effectively utilize Web3 enabled space framework. Read More
Warner Music, Polygon and LGND partner to launch Web3 music platform
The platform LGND Music is set to officially launch in January 2023, and will also include dance record label Spinnin’ Records.
E-commerce and interactive platform builder LGND has announced a multiyear partnership with blockchain network developer Polygon and global entertainment company Warner Music Group to create a Web3 music platform called LGND Music.
LGND Music, scheduled to launch in January 2023, is designed to be a music and collectables platform that supports “digital collectables from any blockchain in a proprietary player,” thereby making it possible for users to play their digital collectables on the go.
The partnership will allow select Warner Music Group artists to launch digital collectables on both the app and desktop platforms. Creators will also be able to interact with their fanbase via special content and curated experiences. The platform will be built on Polygon and offer lower gas fees and faster transactions.
LGND Music plans to offer a variety of features, making it possible for music collectors to participate in a decentralized ecosystem based on full ownership of digital assets. According to the company, “users of the platform will also be able to buy and fully own music tokens and easily get started with digital collectables by building a collection,” and it will be easy to use even for users who are unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies or digital collectables. Read More
We have a lot to be grateful for within Markethive. It’s like stepping out of the rat race into an oasis of humanity at its best. As an inbound marketing, business-based blockchain platform with an inherent entrepreneurial spirit, we have all the tools to get our message out to the whole world. We have a social media interface with a collaborative ethos rarely experienced on legacy social media.
We are starting to see new integrations in the blogging section in preparation for the customized, more intuitive interface and dashboard of Markethive and, of course, the Markethive Wallet that will facilitate the Merchant accounts for members as well as personal transactions, the Vault, etc.
The new-look Blogcasting Hub is located at the top of all blogs in the system. Blogcasting is a term introduced by Markethive and is an enhanced broadcasting system. In the traditional broadcasting sense, only the people who physically subscribe to your blog or newsletter are usually notified of your updates via email.
With this blogcasting system, your social networks are informed of your blog as and when you publish them. What this means is the potential reach is into the millions. Read More
Chainlink launches staking to increase the security of oracle services
Stakers will earn LINK tokens as they participate in a decentralized alerting system that flags the network when feeds are not meeting performing requirements.
Blockchain oracle network Chainlink has launched its staking feature to help increase the economic security of the platform’s oracle services.
In an announcement sent to Cointelegraph, Chainlink said that the new staking feature is an integral part of its “Chainlink Economics 2.0” efforts that focuses on security and sustainable growth.
Previously, Chainlink users who wanted to receive Chainlink token rewards needed to launch their own nodes. With the newly launched staking mechanism, Chainlink tokenholders have an additional way to earn while helping increase the oracle platform’s security.
Chainlink Staking has initially been launched as a v0.1 beta, including a staking pool that aims to secure the ETH/USD data feed within the Ethereum mainnet. This allows stakers to earn rewards for supporting the feed’s performance by participating in a decentralized alerting system. The system flags the network when the data feed is not meeting performance requirements. Read More
Animoca Brands secures majority stake in music metaverse gaming platform
Animoca hopes to advance the music industry within Web3 and gaming through its latest partnership with Pixelynx.
Digital entertainment, blockchain and gamification company Animoca Brands has secured a majority stake in the Los Angeles-based music metaverse gaming platform Pixelynx.
According to its Dec. 6 announcement, Animoca Brands expects its acquisition will expand on the integration between gaming and Web3 technologies and communities. The financing terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Animoca implied that it would continue to invest in and acquire digital studios that aid in its effort to integrate the music industry with Web3 — a broad umbrella term that refers to some future iteration of the internet powered by blockchain technology.
Pixelynx already operates in five countries and is currently building an ecosystem that blurs the lines between music, gaming and Web3, in both the physical and digital worlds. Ultimately, Pixelynx’s ecosystem seeks to provide artists control over how they build experiences with fans, partners and platforms, as well as create innovative ways for music lovers to develop, share and monetize music.
The integration of music and technology appears to have a promising and profitable future. Read More
O.G. Audio App Winamp Adds Ethereum and Polygon Music NFT Support
The MP3 player from the ‘90s is marking its return with a push into the blockchain music scene.
In its latest update, the classic Windows media player Winamp has integrated music NFTs into its platform. Winamp’s new feature will allow users to play audio files embedded in their non-fungible tokens, calling it a Web3 desktop upgrade.
Launched in 1997, Winamp’s latest version lets music fans link their Metamask wallet via Brave, Chrome, or Firefox browsers to Winamp. Winamp supports ERC-721 and ERC-1155 audio and video files and is compatible with Ethereum and Polygon.
NFTs prove digital ownership and provide a tamperproof record of transactions involving a digital asset. In recent years, NFT enthusiasts have also begun exploring applications linking NFTs to other digital media like movies, music, tv shows, and real-world assets.
“The genesis of Winamp has always been about accessibility and innovation, and today we are proud to launch the very first standalone player reading audio NFTs, as well as any other existing formats,” said Winamp CEO Alexandre Saboundjian in a statement. “This new version of Winamp allows people to listen to any file they want, using a player they already love.”
Winamp says its NFT support will be coupled with other updates to make Winamp a universal and advanced listening platform that will include a cross-platform creator service that will launch in early 2023. Read More
Ledger Unveils New Hardware Wallet
The new hardware wallet, Ledger Stax, comes at a time when trust in centralized exchanges is at an all-time low in the aftermath of the FTX crash.
French crypto security firm Ledger unveiled its latest hardware wallet, the Ledger Stax, at the company’s annual Ledger Op3n event on Tuesday. The gadget resembles a smartphone but is much smaller and lighter. It is roughly the size of a credit card and weighs lighter than a regular iPhone.
Ledger CEO Pascal Gauthier spoke about the company’s previous crypto security devices, saying,
“With the Ledger Nano™ series, we created the most successful digital asset security hardware of all time—with over 5 million sold and none ever hacked. Digital assets are increasingly about identity and digital ownership, not just crypto like Bitcoin. The time is now for a device for more mainstream users. We must not compromise on security.”
The crash of the FTX exchange and the attacks on multiple crypto firms during October have disillusioned investors about centralized platforms. As a result, there has been an increase in demand for hardware wallets where funds can be stored safely away from external threats.
In order to design the new device, the Ledger team partnered with Tony Fadell, the original creator of the iPod. This is another reason why the Ledger Stax is being dubbed the iPod of crypto. Read More
Disclaimer: These articles are provided for informational purposes only. They are not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other advice.
