Original title: Year in review: Top pieces and themes of 2024 Original author: web3 letter from a16zcrypto Original translation: zhouzhou, BlockBeats
Editor's note: This article focuses on the revolutionary impact of stablecoins, interpreting the rise of this disruptive force from the pain points of the payment industry to technological solutions. It also comes with popular book recommendations and practical gift lists to provide more choices for the holidays. If you want to dive deeper into the potential of web3, Professor Tim Roughgarden's video explanation is a must-watch.
The following is the original content (for readability, the original content has been reorganized):
2024 is a significant year in the crypto space - from stablecoins to artificial intelligence, we cover all the hot topics. Here is a summary of our most popular articles, podcasts, videos, and themed selections of the year, along with a few special recommendations from the a16z crypto team editorial department. The end of the year is a great time to catch up; see what you might have missed and what everyone is most interested in.
View the complete list
Winter reading
The a16z crypto team loves reading, and this winter we bring you a rich reading list - from spherical geometry to celebrity autobiographies, from supervolcanoes to new interpretations of Greek mythology, here is our selection of must-read books for winter:
(Steel Caves) - Isaac Asimov Asimov depicts the process of humanity's transition to a robotic world, revealing the anxieties and new economic orders that follow, which are similar to today's concerns about the rapid development of AI. - Noah Citron, engineering team
(Biohacking Like a Woman) - Aggie Lal I've always been interested in biohacking, but most articles and books on the market overlook the uniqueness of women's bodies and hormones. This book completely changed my perspective, providing comprehensive biohacking tips specially tailored to women's physiological characteristics. - Anna Semenova, marketing team
(Prosperity: The End of Bubbles and Stagnation) - Byrne Hobart and Tobias Huber This book provides a blueprint for how society can accelerate technological and scientific progress. It emphasizes the importance of risk-taking (a point I am very passionate about) and explains that while 'bubbles' are often seen as harmful to society, they may actually be key to unleashing innovation and global prosperity. Anyone interested in emerging technologies should read this! - Daren Matsuoka, trading team
Holiday gift inspiration
Still worried about holiday gifts? Don't worry; last-minute inspiration can help you find the ideal choice!
We have gathered over 80 gift recommendations covering multiple categories - from computer accessories and smart AI devices to beauty, health, and wellness products. Here are the selected gifts recommended by our tech team members:
AI toolkit: Mac mini (link) + Exo Labs The Mac mini offers great value. When paired with Exo Labs, you can use multiple devices for AI inference over a home network. This approach is simple and fun, making it perfect for those looking to easily start an AI home lab. - Eddy Lazzarin, CTO
Focus Timer adjustable hourglass (link) An elegant, sand-free adjustable hourglass, perfect for allocating project time, writing focused periods, or even morning meditation. - Scott Duke Kominers, research team
Dappnode (link) Perfect for crypto enthusiasts interested in becoming independent stakers and running validation nodes at home. I set up a node last holiday season and have since recouped my investment through staking rewards. - Robert Hackett, editorial team
View the complete gear guide
The winning path of stablecoins
Author: Sam Broner
Stablecoins have become the cheapest way to transmit dollars - and are poised to quickly and thoroughly replace existing payment solutions. By reducing transaction costs to near zero, stablecoins can eliminate the friction created by current payment options. This will disrupt the payment industry and benefit the businesses most harmed by existing payment methods, including restaurants, retailers, enterprises, payment processors, and more.
This article delves into how payment fees affect the costs for small businesses like coffee shops or international transfers and shows the significant increase in profit margins for companies like Walmart, Chipotle, and Kroger after adopting stablecoins.
This data will drive the widespread adoption of stablecoins. As stablecoins become more popular, more users, businesses, and products will enter the on-chain ecosystem.
Understand how stablecoins will erode payments
How to talk about cryptocurrency during the holidays
Cryptocurrency has been an important political issue over the past year, even playing a role in the recent US elections. (For more details, see our 2024 Cryptocurrency Status Report.) Unexpectedly, there is growing bipartisan consensus on the importance of blockchain networks and the regulatory framework needed for industry development. This helps to drive innovation while also protecting consumers.
To help you navigate the inevitable hot topics at holiday parties, we’ve compiled five main areas of crypto policy where there is bipartisan consensus.
Read our policy guide
Explain cryptocurrency in 30 seconds
Tim Roughgarden, Professor of Computer Science at Columbia University and head of a16z crypto research, recently released a series of short videos explaining the thinking models of blockchain protocols and web3. The full lecture video (53:55) explores how blockchain combines 'the universal functionality of computers with the decentralized nature of the internet - effectively becoming a globally shared computer with the internet as its hardware.' Now, he offers shorter video segments to help everyone quickly understand the potential of web3:
How to explain that cryptocurrency is more than just digital currency
How cryptocurrency executes property rights online
Cryptocurrency as decentralized virtual
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