After it became public knowledge that there was a copy of the Bitcoin (BTC) white paper deep inside the system files on all Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) devices running macOS Catalina or later, the technology giant is now reportedly removing the document in question.

Indeed, the macOS Ventura 13.4 beta 3, which the Apple engineers released to developers on April 25, does not contain the Bitcoin white paper in its internal files, or more specifically, in a folder within the Image Capture application, according to a report by 9to5Mac.

The file’s discovery

As Finbold reported on April 6, an independent blogger Andy Baio discovered the file, named ‘simpledoc.pdf,’ sharing the discovery on his Waxy blog on April 5, and revealing that the document was visible by opening the Terminal and entering the following command:

As this command demonstrates, the assets among which the Bitcoin white paper was found were part of an internal tool called ‘VirtualScanner.app’ that allowed Apple engineers to simulate document scanning and exporting without an actual scanner. Now, the engineers have completely removed the tool from the new beta release.

Despite the white paper for the flagship cryptocurrency no longer being present, the company has not yet commented on the reason why it was in the macOS system files in the first place. Considering the difficulty with which a non-expert user could access the file, it might’ve been a simple internal joke among Apple’s engineers.

It is also worth noting that Apple has had a complicated history with blockchain and the crypto industry, having allowed trading of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) via apps on the App Store in the second half of 2022, taking a 30% commission from developers earning over $1 million through its store, and 15% from those making less.

#apple #macOS #bitcoin #BTC #askbinancesensei

Google is preparing to step into blockchain technology by allowing users to purchase, sell, and earn NFTs (non-fungible tokens) through supported applications and games. The company announced that it would expand the number and scale of blockchain-based offerings in apps downloaded from the Google Play Store by Android smartphone users. #nfts

Joseph Mills, the product manager for the Google Play group, expressed excitement for this move, stating that it would foster the development of creative in-app experiences and enable developers to expand their businesses. Mills also highlighted the potential to enhance user loyalty through unique NFT rewards, as well as redesigning traditional games with user-owned content.

Google vs. Apple Approach:

Google's support for NFTs stands out in comparison to Apple's more cautious approach in this area. Apple is more conservative when it comes to allowing the earning and trading of digital assets within apps. However, Google assures that it will take necessary precautions to protect users. Mills emphasizes the need for mobile apps to be transparent about tokenized digital assets, considering the prevalence of fraud and scams in the digital asset space.

Responsibilities Given to Developers:

Google stresses the importance of developers being transparent and open about selling tokenized digital assets or enabling users to earn them. Tokenized assets can be used to provide richer and more interactive experiences in games. However, developers are not allowed to incentivize or make trading activities or potential earnings from playing games more enticing to users.

In Summary:

Google's decision to support NFTs opens up new opportunities for developers creating blockchain-based apps and games. Android users will be able to buy, sell, and earn NFTs through apps downloaded from the Google Play Store. However, transparency and clarity will be crucial in this process, with a focus on user safety and combating fraud. Google aims to support developers and enrich the user experience with these steps. #google #apple

Apple has always been known for its attention to detail and the little surprises it leaves for its users. From the famous "1984" ad to the "Think Different" campaign, Apple has always been at the forefront of innovation and creativity. Recently, the tech giant has added another hidden surprise to its long list of Easter eggs - the concealed Bitcoin white paper.

For those unfamiliar with the term, an Easter egg is a hidden message or feature in a software program, game, or website that is intended to be discovered by the user. These Easter eggs are often a fun and playful way for developers to leave their mark on a project and show off their skills.

In the case of Apple, the company has a long history of hiding Easter eggs in its products. For example, in the early days of the Macintosh operating system, users could type a specific command to see the credits for the team that developed the software. More recently, Apple has hidden several Easter eggs in its operating systems, including a hidden basketball game in iMessage and a hidden space-themed screensaver in the Apple TV app.

The latest addition to this long list of Easter eggs is the concealed Bitcoin white paper. The Bitcoin white paper is a document written by the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, in 2008. The white paper outlines the principles and mechanics of the cryptocurrency, and it is considered to be the foundational text for the Bitcoin network.

The Bitcoin white paper has been available online for years, but it was recently discovered that Apple had hidden a copy of the white paper in the metadata of the "Currency Converter" app on the Mac operating system. The white paper can be accessed by right-clicking on the app and selecting "Show Package Contents." From there, users can navigate to the "Contents" folder and then to the "Resources" folder, where they will find a copy of the white paper in PDF format.

The discovery of the concealed Bitcoin white paper has caused a stir in the cryptocurrency community, with many speculating about the reasons behind Apple's decision to include the document in its app. Some have suggested that the move is a sign that Apple is considering adding Bitcoin support to its payment systems, while others have argued that it is simply a fun Easter egg for tech-savvy users to discover.

Whatever the reason behind the inclusion of the Bitcoin white paper in the Currency Converter app, it is clear that Apple's commitment to innovation and creativity remains as strong as ever. The company's long history of hiding Easter eggs in its products is a testament to its dedication to delighting its users and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of technology.

In conclusion, the discovery of the concealed Bitcoin white paper is yet another example of Apple's commitment to innovation and creativity. The Easter egg is a fun and playful way for Apple to show off its technical prowess and delight its users. As the world of technology continues to evolve, we can expect Apple to remain at the forefront of innovation and surprise, leaving more Easter eggs for us to discover along the way.

#bitcoin #whitepaper #satoshinakamoto #BTC #apple

Apple’s recent reveal of iOS 17 has, once again, put crypto marketers and advertisers on high alert. Beneath the allure of innovative features lies the tech giant’s growing emphasis on user privacy.

So, how exactly will this iOS update reshape Web3 advertising?

Apple iOS 17’s Privacy Features

The heart of iOS 17’s privacy features lies in Apple’s decision to strip away URL tracking parameters from links accessed in a wide range of apps. These include Mail, Message, and even Safari Private Browsing.

“We are focused on keeping our users in the driver’s seat when it comes to their data by continuing to provide industry-leading privacy features and the best data security in the world. This approach is evident in a number of features on our platforms, like the major updates to Safari Private Browsing, as well as the expansion of Lockdown Mode,” said Craig Federighi, senior vice president of Software Engineering at Apple.

Historically, Web3 advertisers utilized URL tracking parameters to follow consumer behavior across various websites after clicking a link. This provides them invaluable data for crafting effective targeting strategies.

With iOS 17’s Link Tracking Protection, user-identifiable information in these URLs will vanish. Yet, the links will remain fully functional for consumers. This feature may fundamentally alter how crypto advertisers track user engagement and assess marketing campaign outcomes.

Consumers’ Concerned with Data Privacy. Source: Statista

Rae Guimond, director of strategy at PriceSpider, believes that consumers’ sentiment is increasingly leaning toward data privacy. For this reason, companies worldwide are adapting to data protection frameworks that gives more power to the user.

“Companies are understanding now that consumers want their privacy; they want to take back their data,” said Guimond.

However, the growing sentiment around data privacy presents undeniable challenges for crypto and Web3 marketers accustomed to rich data sources for strategizing.

Implications for Web3 Advertising

A few comparisons can be made between Apple’s iOS 17 and its previous iterations. For instance, iOS 14.5 introduced App Tracking Transparency, significantly affecting the tracking capabilities for Web3 advertisers, especially in email marketing.

With iOS 17, the Web3 advertising sector might again be bracing for considerable shifts. Especially those crypto marketers relying heavily on URL tracking parameters.

“A lot of companies pass information across their sites, meaning this could cause a fair amount of havoc,” said Charles Manning, chief executive officer at Kochava.

However, Brian McKenna, vice president at DMi Partners, offers a shimmer of hope. His initial analysis suggests that the impact on email marketing might not be as profound as feared. The key will be understanding which specific URL parameters iOS 17 targets and devising strategies to circumvent potential data losses.

Share of Internet Users Who Care About Data Privacy. Source: Statista

Another tactic in Apple’s initiatives against secretly user tracking, termed “fingerprinting,” is seeing renewed attention. Fingerprinting has allowed companies to detect user identity through device signals.

To combat this, Apple will mandate app developers to justify their application programming interfaces (APIs) usage. Those failing to provide adequate reasoning risk exclusion from the App Store. This will further inhibit marketers from covertly tracking users, amplifying the challenges introduced by iOS 17.

“Between cookies being deprecated and privacy solutions accelerating, the measurement and analytics provided by Apple and Google are not yet comprehensive enough to provide an understanding on the return of our marketing efforts without additional measures. For advertisers that continue to rely on user-centric measurement, this is just one of a thousand cuts already deployed that will make measurement difficult,” said Michael Monaco, senior vice president at Kepler.

Navigating the New Norm

Despite these shifts, Apple is not leaving advertisers entirely in the dark. The company is expanding its Private Click Measurement solution, a privacy-conscious alternative for ad attribution.

This feature, available for Safari Private Browsing, may provide some respite for crypto and Web3 advertisers seeking to bridge the data gap.

Guimond believes that as consumer privacy tightens, marketers must be proactive. She recommends gathering first-party data by obtaining user consent and evaluating how frequently third-party data is employed. Guimond suggests a comprehensive SWOT analysis to navigate these challenges.

In the end, agility and adaptability will be paramount, emphasizing a sentiment that might become the cornerstone for Web3 advertising.

#apple