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Velar Sparks Bitcoin DeFi Revolution with $3.5M Boost

In a groundbreaking move, crypto trading startup Velar has secured a robust $3.5 million in funding, setting the stage for an innovative overhaul of Bitcoin’s burgeoning DeFi sector. CEO Mithil Thakore revealed Velar’s audacious blueprint to CoinDesk: the launch of the premier perpetual swaps exchange powered by Bitcoin’s robust network, a daring venture given Bitcoin’s traditional limitations compared to its counterpart, Ethereum.

Navigating Bitcoin’s DeFi Terrain with Stacks’ Nakamoto Release

Bitcoin’s DeFi landscape is witnessing a transformation, courtesy of side chains and Layer-2 solutions, drawing their integrity from Bitcoin itself. Thakore’s strategic wager is on Stacks’ impending Nakamoto Release. This pivotal update promises the debut of sBTC, a synthetic bitcoin asset mirroring the value of BTC. The introduction of sBTC paves the way for Bitcoin enthusiasts to tap into the DeFi realm without relinquishing control of their assets, a game-changer in unlocking the latent potential of Bitcoin holdings.

Artha: The Future of Leveraged Trading on Bitcoin

Velar’s Artha, the v3 platform set for a Q2 2024 release, envisions a dynamic trading ecosystem where sBTC serves as the collateral backbone, enabling leveraged trading. However, Thakore acknowledges the nascent state of Bitcoin DeFi, attributing the slow progress to Bitcoin’s inherent 10-minute block times – an Achilles’ heel for trading settlements. The Nakamoto Release is set to dramatically slash this to a mere five seconds, potentially revolutionizing the pace of Bitcoin DeFi transactions.

Despite the theoretical appeal of Bitcoin DeFi, Thakore notes a cautious stance among Bitcoin holders towards leveraging their assets in novel ways. Yet, he remains optimistic, recognizing the transformative potential if even a fraction of Bitcoin owners embrace these new DeFi solutions. With Bitcoin’s widespread prevalence, even minimal shifts in holder behavior could trigger seismic market impacts, marking a new era in the world of decentralized finance.

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SOURCE: Crypto Startup Velar Plans Perpetual Swaps Exchange for Bitcoin DeFi After Raising $3.5M (coindesk.com)

U.S. Department of Energy Eyes Crypto Miners’ Power Use

Amid the skyrocketing prices of Bitcoin, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is gearing up to launch a comprehensive survey aimed at shedding light on the energy consumption patterns of cryptocurrency mining operations across the nation. This initiative, steered by the department’s statistical wing, the Energy Information Administration (EIA), seeks to decode the cryptic energy demands of this burgeoning industry, particularly as crypto mining activities intensify in response to the currency’s recent value surge.

Pinpointing Power Patterns in Crypto Mining

Starting next week, the EIA will roll out a preliminary six-month survey, compelling local crypto miners to disclose their energy usage. This endeavor, greenlit by the Office of Management and Budget under an emergency directive, is keen on capturing intricate details pertaining to the power consumption of domestic crypto mining hubs. EIA Administrator Joe DeCarolis underlined the survey’s pivotal objectives: mapping the evolving energy demands of cryptocurrency mining, pinpointing high-growth geographic hotspots, and quantifying the electricity sources fueling this digital gold rush.

Tackling Environmental and Energy Challenges

This proactive move by the U.S. DOE is rooted in a growing unease over the energy-intensive nature of crypto mining. The U.S., having emerged as a prime sanctuary for miners post-China’s crackdown, is now grappling with the environmental and energy ramifications of this shift. Spiraling energy usage by crypto miners, coupled with concerns over fossil fuel emissions, prompted U.S. lawmakers to scrutinize the industry in 2022, followed by a call for an Environmental Protection Agency probe in early 2023.

Addressing these pressing issues, President Joe Biden put forth a proposal in 2023 to impose a 30% incremental tax on the electricity expenses of crypto miners, aiming to curb the industry’s energy appetite. This proposition aligns with staggering statistics, such as Bitcoin’s global electricity consumption hitting a record 121.13 terawatt-hours in 2023 – overshadowing the energy needs of countries like Belgium.

Inviting Public Discourse on Crypto’s Energy Footprint

In a bid to foster a holistic understanding of the crypto mining sector’s energy profile, the U.S. government is not just stopping at data collection from miners. It’s also opening the floor for public discourse, encouraging citizens to voice their observations and apprehensions about the industry’s power consumption patterns. This inclusive approach underscores the government’s commitment to engaging all stakeholders in navigating the complex energy landscape of cryptocurrency mining.

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SOURCE: U.S. department of energy initiates survey on crypto miners’ energy consumption (cryptopolitan.com)

MicroStrategy’s Monumental Bitcoin Achievement

Securing the Top Spot in Corporate Bitcoin Holdings
In a bold stride within the cryptocurrency realm, MicroStrategy has emerged as the world’s largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, amassing an impressive stash valued at $8.55 billion. This colossal accumulation underlines the company’s unwavering confidence in Bitcoin and its potential as a lucrative asset.

The Journey to Bitcoin Supremacy
MicroStrategy’s journey to the top began with a strategic decision to invest heavily in Bitcoin, viewing it as a superior asset compared to traditional investments. The company’s aggressive acquisition strategy paid off, leading to a portfolio that outshines other corporate entities in the Bitcoin space. This move not only reflects MicroStrategy’s belief in the long-term value of Bitcoin but also highlights the growing interest of corporations in cryptocurrency as a viable investment option.

Impact on the Cryptocurrency Market
MicroStrategy’s substantial investment in Bitcoin has had a ripple effect on the broader cryptocurrency market. By holding such a significant amount of Bitcoin, the company has not only solidified its position as a major player in the market but has also contributed to the overall stability and legitimacy of Bitcoin as an investment. This is particularly noteworthy in a landscape often characterized by volatility and uncertainty.

Looking Ahead: MicroStrategy’s Crypto-Driven Future
As MicroStrategy cements its status as the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder, the company is poised to influence the future trajectory of cryptocurrency. Its massive Bitcoin cache represents a substantial bet on the digital asset’s future, potentially paving the way for other corporations to follow suit. With this strategic move, MicroStrategy has not only secured a dominant position in the Bitcoin market but has also set a precedent for corporate investment in digital currencies, signaling a possible shift in how businesses view and utilize cryptocurrency.

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SOURCE: MicroStrategy becomes world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder with $8.55 billion stash (cryptopolitan.com)

SEC’s Approval of Bitcoin ETFs: A Long-Overdue Decision

Decade of Delays and Discrepancies
SEC Commissioner Hester Pierce, affectionately known as “Crypto Mom,” has been vocal about her discontent with the SEC’s prolonged hesitation to approve spot Bitcoin ETFs. The first application for a Bitcoin ETF was submitted over ten years ago, and since then, the SEC has repeatedly rejected similar proposals. Pierce criticized the SEC’s inconsistent review process, which she believes differed markedly from other exchange-traded products (ETPs). She lamented the shifting goalposts and the missed opportunities due to these delays.

SEC’s Change in Stance and Lingering Criticism
The SEC’s long-awaited approval came after a court ruling in August, which called for the review of an application by Grayscale to convert its Bitcoin Trust into a true ETF. The court questioned the SEC’s rationale for earlier denials, hinting at potential unlawfulness. While SEC Chair Gary Gensler acknowledged the change in circumstances justifying the approval, Pierce pointed out that this decision didn’t rectify the harms caused by the SEC’s earlier inconsistent treatment of Bitcoin products.

Consequences of the SEC’s Approach and Future Outlook
Pierce expressed concerns about the SEC’s approach damaging public trust, which could impede its ability to regulate markets effectively. She also criticized the wastage of resources spent in resisting these applications and the misleading impression created about the SEC’s role. Pierce bemoaned the fact that the SEC’s actions had alienated innovators in the crypto space and led to a costly legal battle.

In her reflection, Pierce emphasized the importance of celebrating the right of American investors to trade spot Bitcoin ETPs, rather than Bitcoin itself. She praised the perseverance of market participants who, despite the SEC’s obstruction, remained committed to bringing a product they believed investors wanted. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC, after a long and complex journey, marks a significant milestone in the integration of cryptocurrency into traditional financial markets. Commissioner Pierce’s critique highlights the need for regulatory clarity and consistency in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.

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SOURCE: SEC Commissioner rues decades of Bitcoin ETF rejection 1 (cryptopolitan.com)

Bitcoin’s Growing Influence in Institutional Investment and Technology

A New Era for Institutional Investors
Rob Nelson’s insights during a recent discussion with Natalie Brunell, host of the “Coin Stories” podcast, highlighted a pivotal shift in institutional investment strategies towards bitcoin. Instead of making hefty direct investments, various funds, including pension and sovereign wealth funds, are now tactically incorporating bitcoin into their portfolios. This gradual yet significant move reflects an increasing institutional trust in bitcoin, marking a paradigm shift in the perception of cryptocurrency as a viable investment.

Bitcoin’s Missed Opportunities and Future Potential
Brunell emphasized the substantial gains that pension funds missed by not investing in bitcoin earlier. She presented a scenario where even a modest allocation in bitcoin could have led to billion-dollar profits. This demonstrates bitcoin’s potential for high returns compared to traditional investment avenues, prompting a reconsideration of its role in diversified investment strategies.

Bitcoin and the Advancement of AI
The discussion also explored bitcoin’s potential role in moderating the advancement of AI. Nelson proposed that bitcoin and blockchain technology could act as critical checks against the unchecked progression of advanced AI. This perspective positions bitcoin not only as a financial asset but also as a key player in future digital identity verification and control.

Combatting Online Bots and Enabling AI Micropayments
Brunell brought up Michael Saylor’s ideas on using bitcoin to fight online bots and scams. Furthermore, an AI expert’s view on bitcoin’s future role in facilitating micropayments between AI systems was discussed. These concepts suggest a growing belief in bitcoin’s capacity to influence not just finance but also the governance and direction of emerging technologies like AI.

Conclusion: Bitcoin’s Expanding Role
The conversation between Nelson and Brunell illuminated bitcoin’s evolving role in reshaping not only the investment landscape but also technological advancements. As institutional investors increasingly incorporate bitcoin into their strategies and experts consider its utility in AI regulation, bitcoin’s impact is set to transcend its current financial confines, potentially driving significant changes in both technology and finance sectors.

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SOURCE: Bitcoin Is Reshaping Institutional Investment – TheStreet Crypto: Bitcoin and cryptocurrency news, advice, analysis and more

Artificial Intelligence Legal Issues – 2023 Year in Review and Areas to Watch in 2024

Rapid Growth and Legal Challenges
2023 has been a landmark year for AI, especially with the explosive growth of ChatGPT 3.5, reaching an unprecedented 100 million users in just two months. This rapid adoption has also brought to light various legal and regulatory issues. Numerous lawsuits and regulatory actions are on the rise, with governments worldwide, including the White House, taking significant steps to ensure safe and responsible AI development and usage.

Sheppard Mullin’s AI Legal Team
In response to these evolving legal challenges, Sheppard Mullin launched a specialized Artificial Intelligence Team. Comprising over 100 lawyers, this team addresses a spectrum of AI legal issues, offering advice on internal legal training, employee use of AI, and compliance in AI model training.

Key Legal Developments in AI

  1. AI Litigation: The year saw a surge in lawsuits, particularly focusing on generative AI. Key legal questions emerged around copyright infringement and open-source software usage in AI models.
  2. Patent and Copyright Offices’ Initiatives: These offices have solicited public feedback on AI-related issues, particularly regarding copyrights in AI-generated content.
  3. FTC Guidance and Enforcement: The FTC has increased its oversight on AI, focusing on issues like biometric information use, discrimination, and consumer protection.
  4. Executive Order On AI: The White House issued an Executive Order to promote safe AI development, covering aspects like safety testing, content authentication, and privacy.
  5. State and Federal AI Legislation: Various states have proposed AI legislation, focusing on consumer protection and industry impacts, while the federal government is contemplating the American Data Protection and Privacy Act (ADPPA).

International Developments
The EU AI Act and the G7’s code of conduct for AI management are significant steps towards creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI technologies. Moreover, the Bletchley Declaration, signed by 29 countries, emphasizes global cooperation in AI safety and policy development.

Looking Ahead to 2024
As AI technology continues to advance, 2024 is expected to bring greater legal clarity on these emerging issues. The legal landscape is rapidly adapting to address the challenges posed by AI, striving to balance innovation with ethical and responsible use.

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SOURCE: Artificial Intelligence Legal Issues – 2023 Year in Review and Areas to Watch in 2024 | Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP – JDSupra

Luma’s Leap into AI-Driven 3D Modeling

Revolutionizing 3D Capture with Smartphone Technology
A few years back, Alex Yu, an AI researcher at UC Berkeley, and Amit Jain, an Apple multimedia specialist, embarked on an ambitious journey with Luma. Their goal was simple yet groundbreaking: enable people to capture 3D objects using just their smartphones. Fast forward to today, and their app has amassed over two million users, signaling a successful first chapter in their innovative venture.

Evolving with Generative AI
As generative AI technology makes waves, Luma is not resting on its laurels. The company recently announced a bold new direction, utilizing a massive compute cluster of around 3,000 Nvidia A100 GPUs. This upgrade aims to train cutting-edge AI models that can interpret, illustrate, and eventually interact with the world in unprecedented ways. Luma’s initial focus is crafting 3D models from textual descriptions, as demonstrated by their model ‘Genie’ on Discord.

Addressing the Uncanny Valley
Yu and Jain recognize the challenges in current-gen generative AI, notably the ‘uncanny valley’ issue, where AI-generated models often lack realism. To combat this, Luma is developing next-generation AI models to enhance multimodal intelligence, combining vision with other senses to create more life-like, realistic 3D models.

Securing Funding for Future Innovation
To fuel these ambitious plans, Luma has successfully raised $43 million in a Series B funding round. With this boost, Luma’s valuation soars between $200 and $300 million, with a total war chest now exceeding $70 million. This financial injection will accelerate Luma’s roadmap towards developing advanced photorealistic technologies in an intuitive app.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape
Luma is not alone in this race. The field is bustling with competitors like 3DFY, Scenario, and Hypothetic, each vying for dominance in 3D model generation. But Luma’s unique selling point lies in its focus on fidelity. Yu believes that their approach to generating coherent and usable models in fewer attempts sets them apart.

The Road Ahead
While an improved version of Genie is already out, more sophisticated AI models are on the horizon. Luma is gearing up for this challenge, planning to double its workforce and assembling a formidable server cluster. In the dynamic world of AI and 3D modeling, Luma is poised to make significant strides, potentially revolutionizing how we perceive and interact with digital 3D objects.

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SOURCE: Luma raises $43M to build AI that crafts 3D models | TechCrunch

Bitcoin’s Mystery Transfer: A Cryptic Anniversary Gift to Satoshi Nakamoto

Unprecedented Transaction to Bitcoin’s Genesis Wallet
In a move that has intrigued the cryptocurrency community, an anonymous wallet sent a staggering $1.19 million worth of Bitcoin (26.917 BTC) to Satoshi Nakamoto’s original Genesis wallet. This transaction occurred just two days after Bitcoin celebrated its 15th anniversary, adding to the enigma. The Genesis wallet, known for its nominal dust transactions, saw its total value rise to $4.35 million, with this latest deposit being the largest since Bitcoin’s inception.

The Enigma of the Genesis Wallet and Non-Spendable Funds
The Genesis wallet, bearing the address “1A1zP,” holds a special place in Bitcoin history as the first block of the blockchain. Interestingly, the 50 BTC mined in the genesis block remains frozen, an unintended consequence of the original coding structure. These funds are not part of the unspent transaction outputs (UTXOs) set, rendering them non-spendable.

Despite this, the wallet has continued to attract Bitcoin deposits over the years, though none as substantial as the recent 26.917 BTC. The sender employed the “send everything” option from the “bc1q9” address, transferring all funds in one swoop. This action raises questions about the sender’s motives, especially considering the non-spendable nature of the funds.

Speculations and Market Sentiments
This mysterious transfer has sparked various theories, ranging from attempts to influence market sentiment during a bullish phase to a simple, albeit costly, cry for attention. Some speculate that the transfer, occurring around the time of discussions regarding a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), might have been a strategic move to sway market dynamics.

Intriguing Insights from Bitcoin Analysts
The founder of btcparser.com, who noticed the transfer, emphasized a unique aspect of Bitcoin transactions: “Incoming transactions are not proof, but outgoing transactions are.” This statement underlines the peculiar nature of the “1A1zP” address, which, by Bitcoin’s foundational rules, cannot initiate outbound transfers. This aspect adds another layer of intrigue to an already baffling event, leaving the community to wonder about the true intent behind this enigmatic transaction.

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SOURCE: Mystery Transfer — Unidentified Wallet Sends $1.19 Million in Bitcoin to Satoshi Nakamoto’s Genesis Address – Bitcoin News

The Quest for the Perfect Guitar: AI Meets Craftsmanship

Guitar Building: A Blend of Art and Science
The pursuit of creating the “perfect guitar” has always been a blend of art and science, a dream chased by many guitar builders. In an industry where tastes vary wildly, the idea of a universally loved guitar seems almost mythical. While some strive to create a Swiss Army knife of guitars, others prefer to tread their own unique paths, crafting instruments that resonate with a specific group of musicians.

AI Collaboration: A New Frontier in Guitar Design
In a bold move, one guitar maker turned to AI for inspiration, employing the generative capabilities of ChatGPT. The aim was to glean insights into designing an electric guitar that could potentially appeal to every musician. The initial results, however, mirrored the typical jargon of boutique guitar ads: classic designs with modern tweaks, high-quality materials, and versatile pickups.

Innovative AI Suggestions: From Smart Connectivity to Augmented Reality
Not deterred, the quest for uniqueness continued, prompting ChatGPT for a fresh twist. The AI suggested innovative features like smart connectivity for seamless integration with digital devices, LED lighting for stage presence, and even augmented reality for an enhanced learning experience. These ideas, while sci-fi in nature, hinted at the potential of AI in reimagining guitar design.

Seeking the Unique in a Sea of Familiarity
The quest took a humorous turn with a query about making guitarists look “sexy.” The AI’s response was a reminder of the timeless truth: the allure of a guitar lies in its resonance with the musician’s personal style and musical identity.

Reflecting on the AI-Guitar Collaboration
The experiment ended without groundbreaking revelations but left the guitar maker with a sense of hope. It highlighted how human creativity often springs from the foundations laid by predecessors. Today’s AI, while recycling past ideas, may not yet predict the future of guitar making. But it holds the promise of future breakthroughs, blending human ingenuity with technological advancement.

As the journey concluded, a return to the roots with Neil Young’s “Harvest” and a double espresso seemed fitting – a reminder that while technology marches forward, the heart of music remains in the passion and uniqueness of the individual artist.

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SOURCE: Can AI Build the Perfect Electric Guitar? – Premier Guitar

ElliQ: The AI Companion Revolutionizing Senior Care

Combating Loneliness with Technology
In the sunny communities of Florida, retirees like Joyce Loaiza are finding solace in the company of ElliQ, an AI-powered robot. Crafted by Intuition Robotics, ElliQ is more than just a machine; it’s a friendly presence, engaging older adults in conversations, offering music, games, and even jokes. Joyce, fondly called “Jellybean” by ElliQ, enjoys the quirky interactions, finding comfort in the AI’s companionship.

In different parts of the United States, this innovative technology is making a significant impact. In New York, ElliQ entertains 92-year-old Marie Broadbent with games and music. In Washington, Jan Worrell, aged 83, uses it to forge new friendships. The AI’s versatility and adaptability are key in addressing the diverse needs of the senior community.

ElliQ: A Beacon of Light in Senior Lives
Shaped like a small table lamp, ElliQ is equipped with a simplistic design featuring a head that lights up and rotates. It’s personalized, remembering each user’s interests and previous conversations, making each interaction unique. From profound discussions about life to light-hearted banter, ElliQ is there for it all. It also plays music, shares creative thoughts, and displays interesting places on its screen.

Significantly, ElliQ isn’t just about conversation. It’s a wellness assistant, too, reminding users to take their medications, stay hydrated, and even facilitating video calls with family or doctors in emergencies. The device ensures privacy, with conversations not being monitored by the company, ensuring a safe and secure experience.

A Delicate Balance: Technology and Human Connection
ElliQ’s creation was inspired by the founder’s grandfather’s need for companionship, blending a love for music and humor into an AI friend. The result is a robot that adapts to each person’s interests and needs. With an average of 30 interactions per day, users report a significant decrease in loneliness.

However, there’s a concern from experts like Brigham Young University’s Julianne Holt-Lunstad. While acknowledging ElliQ’s short-term benefits, she cautions against substituting human contact with AI interactions. State officials and Intuition Robotics affirm that ElliQ is not a replacement for human interaction, but a supplement, especially for those who are homebound or lack social connections.

ElliQ’s Expanding Reach
The robot is becoming increasingly available through state agencies in New York, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington, and can be purchased individually. The goal is ambitious: to deploy over 100,000 units within five years. Agencies like the Broward County, Florida, Area Agency on Aging have observed positive impacts from ElliQ, noting its ability to bring joy and smiles to seniors

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SOURCE: Talking Robot Helps Seniors Fight Loneliness (voanews.com)