Chromia, a Layer-1 blockchain platform, is set to launch its MVP Mainnet on July 16th, 2024. This launch introduces innovative relational blockchain technology, a unique feature that changes the way data is structured on-chain, allowing for easier searches and on-chain calculations without the need for third-party solutions. The MVP Mainnet will serve as the foundational framework for all future developments within the Chromia ecosystem, including the introduction of the native CHR token.

However, the market outlook remains pessimistic. Despite the innovative features, the growth of the Chromia ecosystem is expected to be gradual. The 'MVP' label indicates that this release includes the necessary features for the network to begin expanding, but the actual impact on the market remains to be seen. The launch will also include staking and delegation process, payment of network hosting fees, and provider payouts, which will only be available by the end of Q3, 2024.

Chromia differentiates itself from other blockchains by allowing developers to lease resource containers and create their own revenue streams, while users can interact with dapps even if they don't own any cryptocurrency. However, the next step of Chromia's evolution involves a gradual increase in network activity which may not significantly impact the Total Value Locked (TVL).

In conclusion, while Chromia's MVP Mainnet launch represents a significant advancement for the platform, the long-term impact on the market remains uncertain. The introduction of innovative relational blockchain technology and the potential for future development could streamline user experiences and foster the growth of the Web3 ecosystem. However, the gradual growth and uncertain market impact call for cautious optimism.

Blockchain platform OpenLedger, which aims to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) through verifiable data, has raised $8 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Polychain Capital and Borderless Capital, with additional participation from a host of other investors. OpenLedger's platform provides a permissionless infrastructure that ensures data integrity, verifiability, and security, aiming to help developers create smarter and better performing AI models.

The company's approach is built on three pillars: data, computing, and algorithms. OpenLedger addresses the issue of data quality, a critical bottleneck in AI development, by offering a completely decentralized and verifiable data infrastructure. The company has already demonstrated its expertise in the decentralization space by collaborating with well-known brands such as Sony, Walmart, Polygon, Hedera, and Flow (Dapper Labs).

Despite the AI market's rapid growth, high valuations of centralized data infrastructure companies are challenged by data quality issues. OpenLedger's permissionless data infrastructure aims to overcome these challenges. The company plans to launch its testnet at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2024. OpenLedger's successful seed funding round marks a significant step towards addressing the data quality bottleneck in AI development, potentially revolutionizing the AI industry.

SubWallet has announced the integration of key features to enhance the functionality and accessibility of the Polkadot ecosystem. The updates include support for Polkadot <> Kusama and Polkadot <> Ethereum bridges within its browser extension, and the integration of the Asset Conversion pallet on its web dashboard.

The new Asset Conversion pallet allows users to swap between DOT, USDT, and USDC on the Polkadot Asset Hub network. This integration is a major milestone for SubWallet, having been in development for several years. These bridges enable the transfer of assets between the Polkadot network and other significant blockchain ecosystems like Kusama and Ethereum.

The Polkadot <> Kusama bridge allows users to move assets between Polkadot and its experimental network, Kusama. The Polkadot <> Ethereum bridge connects Polkadot with the extensive Ethereum network, aiming to improve the liquidity and functionality of Polkadot users.

Despite these advancements, the overall market sentiment remains pessimistic. The integration of these features, while significant, may not be enough to counteract the broader challenges facing the blockchain industry. Regulatory scrutiny and market volatility continue to cast a shadow over the sector.

Blockchain technology's potential to tokenize real-world assets, increasing liquidity and offering alternative funding sources, is being explored by more organizations. However, the process is complex and many businesses lack the knowledge to implement it. Tokenization involves creating blockchain-based digital tokens representing ownership of a physical asset, enabling businesses to manage and monetize high-value assets in low liquidity markets. Fractional ownership is a key benefit, allowing assets like hotels to be split into numerous tokens, each representing a share of the property. This makes investment more accessible and affordable, introducing more liquidity into asset markets.

The process of tokenizing a real-world asset involves several steps. Firstly, the asset must be identified and evaluated by third-party auditors. A suitable token type must then be chosen, with most real-world assets tokenized as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) due to their flexibility and programmable nature. Legal requirements and regulations must be explored, and a tokenization platform that aligns with these rules selected. Businesses may also choose to create their own marketplace for tokenized assets, maintaining control over the process. The tokens are then minted, with the number created informed by the asset's real-world value. Smart contracts are programmed to ensure token holders receive regular dividends or payouts, and finally, the asset is tokenized and the tokens distributed on a decentralized marketplace.

Despite the potential benefits, the future of tokenization remains uncertain. As blockchain technology matures, tokenization may become more commonplace, increasing market transparency and liquidity. However, the complexity of the process and the lack of clear global regulations pose significant challenges.

Scalp trading, a fast-paced trading strategy focusing on short-term trades, is gaining popularity in the cryptocurrency sector. This method relies on technical analysis and is best suited for experienced traders who can navigate the volatile crypto market. However, the strategy is not without its risks. Scalp trading involves executing multiple trades throughout the day, aiming to profit from minor price fluctuations. While each trade yields a small profit, these gains can accumulate over time.

Scalp traders seek to swiftly enter and exit positions, taking advantage of even smaller volume surges or brief price imbalances. The average profit per trade of experienced scalpers ranges from just 0.1% and practically never exceeds 2%. To mitigate risk, every order should be equipped with a relatively tight stop loss. Automated trading systems or trading bots are often used due to the swift nature of scalping.

Despite its advantages, scalp trading is not a path to immediate riches and requires a particular mindset and a lot of perseverance. Trading fees can also eat away a large chunk of profits, making it crucial to pick a reliable but inexpensive cryptocurrency exchange. Successful scalp trading requires a clear strategy and disciplined execution to avoid impulsive decisions and emotional pitfalls.

The EOS Network Foundation (ENF) has approved a proposal to cap the EOS token supply at 2.1 billion, marking a significant shift in the platform's tokenomics. The decision will see EOS burn 80% of its future token supply, transitioning from an inflationary token capped at 10 billion to a fixed supply of 2.1 billion. The move is intended to enhance the economic potential of the EOS ecosystem and combat the declining market value of EOS.

The proposal, put forward by ENF boss Yves La Rose, also includes the implementation of quadrennial halvings similar to Bitcoin. The ENF aims to eliminate inflation and enhance long-term value for the EOS community through these measures.

The proposal also includes provisions for staking rewards, with 250 million EOS tokens allocated towards staking rewards for EOS and RAM. These rewards are expected to begin by the end of June with the implementation of REX 2.0.

The proposal also stipulates that 350 million EOS tokens are to be locked in a dedicated account managed by ENF and Labs, allocated towards nurturing the chain’s RAM market cap, which already stands at $300 million.

However, despite these optimistic measures, the overall market sentiment remains pessimistic. The effectiveness of these strategies in revitalizing the EOS ecosystem and unlocking value for token-holders remains to be seen.

The online gambling industry is witnessing a shift towards cryptocurrency, with Cardano being one of the major players. However, the market outlook remains pessimistic due to regulatory uncertainties and potential risks associated with crypto transactions.

Five leading Cardano casinos have been identified for 2024, including BC.Game, Winz.io, Cloudbet, JustBit, and Bitcasino. Each platform offers a unique gaming experience, with BC.Game boasting an extensive library of over 9000 slots and table games, and Winz.io offering fast withdrawals and innovative games. Cloudbet stands out for its eSports betting, while JustBit is known for its fast payments and new player bonuses. Bitcasino, on the other hand, offers a massive selection of games and great rewards.

Despite their strengths, these platforms also have their drawbacks. BC.Game, for instance, has a high playthrough requirement on bonuses and only accepts cryptocurrencies for payments. Winz.io lacks a mobile app and has a high wagering requirement on bonuses. Cloudbet's interface is more complex compared to its competitors, and its bonuses are not as attractive. JustBit has a smaller game selection and high bonus playthrough requirement. Bitcasino, while offering a large game library, only accepts cryptocurrencies and has a smaller welcome package compared to newer sites.

In conclusion, while these platforms offer promising opportunities for Cardano gambling, potential players should exercise caution due to the inherent risks associated with cryptocurrency transactions.

Crypto game Hamster Kombat has amassed 200 million users within months of its launch. Players can claim up to 6 million coins daily through daily ciphers and card combinations. The game's upcoming token generation event will airdrop tokens to players based on their in-game currency, with potential for increased allocation by completing tasks. However, the game's rapid growth and the upcoming token event raise concerns about market saturation and potential regulatory scrutiny.

The Hamster Kombat team plans to list their HMSTR token on major cryptocurrency exchanges, but currently, only IOUs are available for trade on XT.com. The game's parallels with Notcoin, another Toncoin-based game that recently launched its token, suggest a similar trajectory for Hamster Kombat. However, the lack of official announcements about HMSTR's exchange listing and the potential for regulatory scrutiny inject uncertainty into the game's future prospects.

In conclusion, while Hamster Kombat's growth and upcoming token event are noteworthy, the potential for market saturation and regulatory challenges cast a shadow over the game's future.

Bitcoin Runes, a protocol that enables the creation and transfer of fungible tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain, was launched by developer Casey Rodarmor on April 20, 2024. Unlike Ethereum and Solana, Bitcoin's scripting capabilities are limited, but Bitcoin Runes leverages these limitations to introduce features previously thought unfeasible.

The protocol employs Bitcoin's UTXO architecture and the OP_RETURN opcode, minimizing the data load on the Bitcoin blockchain. Each UTXO can contain varying amounts or types of Runes, streamlining token management. The OP_RETURN opcode allows extra information to be attached to Bitcoin transactions, storing key token data such as the token's name and ID.

Creating a Bitcoin Rune, or "etching," sets its properties immutably on the Bitcoin blockchain. These properties cannot be altered once set, even by the token's creator. Users can then "mint" the rune according to the parameters specified in the rune, similar to participating in a token sale.

However, the Bitcoin Runes protocol is not without its limitations. The naming system, which only allows letters from A-Z and uses the • symbol for spacing, has resulted in seemingly strange names. Furthermore, while the protocol adds new functionality to the Bitcoin blockchain, its primary use so far has been to mint meme tokens. This limited application, coupled with the protocol's complex nature, may hinder its widespread adoption.

The integration of the Optimism network with MetaMask, a software wallet, is now possible in a few simple steps. This allows users to maintain full control over their Optimism-based tokens and interact seamlessly with decentralized applications (dApps) in the ecosystem. However, despite its convenience, MetaMask is not the most secure method for on-chain transactions. It is recommended that users pair MetaMask with a hardware wallet such as Ledger for enhanced security. Ledger devices store cryptocurrency offline, providing an additional layer of security for digital assets.

Adding Optimism to MetaMask is straightforward, with the process being the same as adding any EVM-compatible network. For those who need to add the network manually, it's essential to copy the exact network details into the relevant fields. While software wallets like MetaMask are highly convenient for using on-chain applications, hardware wallets are the most secure option for holding crypto assets long-term.

In a market that continues to face regulatory scrutiny and security concerns, the integration of Optimism with MetaMask is a step forward but does not eliminate the need for caution. Users should continue to prioritize security and consider using hardware wallets for long-term storage of digital assets.

Cryptocurrency exchange TOKERO is aiming to onboard 100 million new users into Web3 within the next five years. The platform has developed initiatives aimed at promoting mainstream adoption of digital assets and decentralized technologies through education and community incentives. TOKERO offers a user-friendly interface, a robust learning academy, affiliate and referral programs, and corporate accounts for businesses. The platform's simplicity does not compromise its advanced functionality or security, with features such as two-factor authentication and 24/7 multilingual support. TOKERO also offers various user reward programs, including a new user bonus and an affiliate bonus.

However, the crypto market's volatile nature and regulatory uncertainties may hinder TOKERO's ambitious plans. The platform's reliance on incentives to drive user growth could also be unsustainable in the long run. Despite these challenges, TOKERO remains committed to its mission of accelerating global crypto adoption. Its continuous product development and user-first ethos may help it achieve its goals, but the path to mass adoption remains fraught with obstacles.

SSV Network, a decentralized staking infrastructure for Ethereum 2.0, has announced revisions to its incentivized mainnet program (IMP) following a successful decentralized governance vote. The updates aim to boost APR rewards and improve the program's structure to encourage more participation.

The IMP, an initiative by the SSV DAO, has been extended to December 2024, and APR rewards have been significantly increased for early validators. However, SAFE multisig wallets are now excluded from eligibility.

The DIP 18 proposal, introduced by SSV user ‘BenAffleck’, received over 99% of votes in favor. The proposal extends the IMP to December 2024, restructures the reward tiers, and boosts APR rewards to incentivize participation.

Despite these changes, the market outlook remains pessimistic. The exclusion of SAFE multisig wallets from eligibility may discourage some potential validators, and the increased APR rewards may not be sufficient to attract new participants in a bearish market. The success of these changes remains to be seen.

SSV Network's revised IMP is a clear attempt to increase engagement by existing and potential validators. However, the overall market conditions and the exclusion of certain participants may hinder the effectiveness of these changes.

In the face of increasing Bitcoin network congestion, Bitcoin transaction accelerators are gaining prominence. These tools expedite transactions on the BTC network, particularly useful for "unstuck" transactions that are low in the waiting queue due to a low transaction fee paid by the user. However, the market is riddled with numerous options, making the choice of a suitable platform a daunting task.

Among the top contenders are BTC.com, ViaBTC, BitAccelerate, and F2Pool. BTC.com offers batch transaction acceleration with the lowest fees, while ViaBTC, despite being reputable, is more expensive. BitAccelerate, a platform specifically designed for transaction acceleration, charges around $59 per transaction. F2Pool, a major mining pool, charges around $69 per transaction.

While these accelerators offer a solution to the network congestion problem, they come at a cost. Users must pay a fee for the service, which can be hefty depending on the platform. This is a stark reminder of the underlying issues plaguing the Bitcoin network, including scalability and high transaction costs. As such, users seeking to save on transaction costs might want to consider other cryptocurrencies for transferring value.

Bitcoin Ordinals and the Runes Protocol, despite initial success, are showing signs of decline. Ordinals, a Bitcoin-based NFT protocol, debuted in 2023 and saw daily trading volumes above $20 million for most of the year. However, the number of Ordinal inscriptions has significantly dropped in 2024. Similarly, the Runes Protocol, which generated a record $135 million in fees in its first week, now accounts for only 4.1% of total transactions on Bitcoin.

These Bitcoin-native innovations have not lived up to the hype, with some viewing them as opportunistic crypto innovations. Ordinals were notorious for causing a surge in Bitcoin’s fees, with the average transaction fee rising by 560% in May 2023. The Runes Protocol also pushed Bitcoin’s 7-day average transaction fee from $4.11 to $12.17.

While both Ordinals and Runes have potential to bounce back, there are more fundamental innovations defining Bitcoin’s use case. Bridging solutions such as Wrapped Bitcoin, which integrates BTC with Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem, and Bitcoin Layer 2 chains, are improving the Bitcoin blockchain. The market cap of Bitcoin Layer 2 coins is currently over $2.7 billion, indicating that there’s more to the Bitcoin blockchain than the recently hyped Ordinals and Runes.

The artificial intelligence (AI) industry is facing significant challenges regarding intellectual property (IP) infringement, with numerous cases pending worldwide. The issue lies in AI models using data scraped from the web without proper attribution or licensing, leading to potential legal consequences. This situation threatens the progress of AI and machine learning (ML) systems, as the current training model could become untenable.

In response, some AI developers are creating solutions that respect IP rights using blockchain technology. Blockchain-powered AI marketplaces offer models, datasets, and computation on decentralized networks. For instance, blockchain technology company droppGroup developed droppLink, a solution that uses tokenization to track model activity and allows IP owners to offer their IP under specific commercial terms via smart contracts.

However, the AI industry is at risk of slowing innovation and getting entangled in multi-year lawsuits until the IP infringement debate is resolved. If the AI ethics debate leans towards plaintiffs claiming copyright infringement, it could be a blessing in disguise for the AI industry. Using high-quality, curated datasets with proper attribution can ensure greater reliability of AI systems.

While blockchain can't fix everything, tokenization has clear utility in automating payment streams and providing full attribution. If adopted at scale, this framework could ensure fair remuneration for IP owners and allow AI innovation to flourish. However, the current market scenario remains pessimistic, with the potential for prolonged legal battles and slowed progress.

Blockchain platform Fuse has partnered with NexusPay, a leading stablecoin account solution, to simplify crypto payments for unbanked users in Africa. The partnership aims to lower transaction costs, reduce friction, and offer seamless conversion between local currencies and Digital Dollars.

However, the initiative raises concerns about the volatility and regulatory challenges associated with cryptocurrencies. While the partnership promises to address the limitations of traditional financial systems, it also exposes users to the risks inherent in the crypto market.

NexusPay, built with the FuseBox Web SDK, simplifies contract-level operations and reduces gas fees, making transactions smoother. However, the reliance on blockchain technology, while innovative, may present challenges in regions where internet access is limited or unreliable.

The partnership focuses on Africa, where traditional banking methods are often restrictive and expensive. Yet, the introduction of blockchain technology as a solution may not be as straightforward as it seems, given the continent's diverse economic and regulatory landscape.

In conclusion, while the Fuse and NexusPay partnership may offer a new avenue for financial inclusion in Africa, it is not without its challenges. The success of this initiative will largely depend on how well it navigates the complex terrain of crypto regulations, market volatility, and infrastructural limitations.

Telegram, with over 800 million users, is subtly shifting towards a Web3 pivot, potentially transforming it into a super-app for everything and advancing crypto in the process. The messaging platform's Mini Apps, which allow developers to create their own Web3 apps accessible by Telegram users, could make it a new hub for Web3 activity.

These Mini Apps are linked with the TON blockchain, developed by Telegram for high-speed transactions. Despite legal disputes with the SEC in 2018 slowing down the chain's rollout, the TON blockchain's native currency, Toncoin, is now a top-10 crypto asset by market capitalization.

However, the future of crypto is unlikely to be solely the TON blockchain, given the popularity of Solana and Ethereum Layer-2 networks. Telegram Mini Apps can also access other chains, such as Vara Network. But not all blockchains are well-suited for this usage due to the seamless nature of a Mini App and limited support for external wallets.

Despite challenges, Telegram's integration of Mini Apps and advanced Web3 support could make it a trusted global Super App. However, its radical stance may not be appreciated by major governments, necessitating a fully decentralized approach. This could benefit the entire Web3 ecosystem, but the challenge lies in determining what users will enjoy.

In Canada, cryptocurrency-related income is classified as either a capital gain or business income. 50% of the capital gain from cryptocurrency investing is taxable. For instance, if you bought Bitcoin for $10,000 and sold it for $15,000, taxes would apply on $2,500 of your profit. However, 100% of the business income from cryptocurrency is taxable. The more active you are as a trader and the higher your profits, the more likely your crypto profits will be considered business income.

Capital gains from cryptocurrency investing are subject to the same tax rates as the federal income tax and the provincial income tax. Taxable events for crypto investors include selling cryptocurrency for fiat currency, trading a cryptocurrency for another, using cryptocurrency to purchase goods and services, gifting cryptocurrency, and receiving rewards through cryptocurrency mining or staking. Non-taxable events include buying cryptocurrency with fiat currency and holding it, receiving a gift in the form of cryptocurrency, transferring cryptocurrency between two of your own crypto wallets, and creating a DAO.

Cryptocurrency tax reporting can be simplified by using dedicated cryptocurrency tax software. Losses from crypto can be offset in Canada, with half of your capital losses from crypto deductible against your taxable capital gain. However, capital losses cannot be deducted against other forms of income. If your capital losses exceed your capital gains in a year, the difference can be applied against your capital gains for other years. You can carry net capital losses forward indefinitely or carry them back for a period of three years.

Cryptocurrency exchanges in Canada are required to report all transactions above $10,000 to the CRA. Exchanges are also required to keep information about transactions under $10,000, and disclose the information to authorities if requested to do so. Therefore, it is advisable to assume that the CRA is aware of all your cryptocurrency activity and report your crypto transactions accordingly.

The world of crypto gambling is witnessing a surge in online casinos accepting digital currencies, with baccarat being a popular choice among players. However, the market outlook is pessimistic due to the lack of regulation and potential risks involved.

7BitCasino, a leading crypto casino, is offering new users 75 free spins with no deposit required, using the promo code "75BIT". Other top Bitcoin baccarat sites in 2024 include BC.Game, BitStarz, JackBit, Flush, Winz.io, and Wall Street Memes Casino. Each site has unique features and offers, from impressive live games selection to fast payouts and daily rewards.

BC.Game, a crypto-friendly casino, offers a 210% deposit bonus up to 2 BTC plus an additional 180 free spins. However, it has been criticized for slow withdrawal processing. BitStarz, a long-standing player in the industry, offers a 5 BTC + 30 free spins package but supports only 7 cryptos.

7BitCasino, known for its generous bonuses, offers 75 free spins on the exclusive slot Starburst with no deposit required. JackBit, a new player, offers a 100% first deposit match up to 1 BTC plus 100 free spins. Flush.com, a crypto casino focused on anonymity, rewards new players 100% up to 1 BTC plus 100 free spins.

Winz.io, another new crypto casino, offers 25 free spins on the featured slot Starburst with no deposit necessary. WSM Casino, a meme-inspired gambling platform, offers a 200% bonus up to 1 BTC plus 50 bonus spins but has limited banking options.

While the crypto gambling industry offers exciting opportunities, it also carries significant financial risks and can lead to addiction. Therefore, players are advised to gamble responsibly and comply with local laws regarding gambling.

The blockchain industry faces significant challenges in achieving the simplicity of everyday transactions found in traditional finance. Despite the security and immutability of blockchain, user-friendly interactions with everyday payments pose substantial hurdles. To overcome these, a new standard must be set to ensure liquidity-free movement without compromising decentralization. However, the current state of blockchain composability, the ability for different protocols and systems to cooperate and build harmoniously, is fragmented and disconnected.

Each blockchain, bridge, or decentralized application (dApp) often creates its own custom solutions, further disconnecting the space and reducing any chance of composability between chains. This divide creates barriers to the movement of assets and liquidity access between blockchains, applications, and platforms. A significant new universal standard must be created to enable value retention of assets without sacrificing functionality or requiring repeated reconfiguration to facilitate movement across different chain or dApp infrastructure.

Sumer.money is an example of a protocol addressing these composability challenges, working to become the asset abstraction layer for Web3 through its omni-chain synthetic assets and money market protocol. Synthetic assets can digitally represent real-world assets and other digital assets, without losing peg to their actual value. This enables protocols like Sumer.money to empower users with the ability to leverage their assets throughout the blockchain ecosystem.

However, the path to creating a universal standard is fraught with hurdles. Despite the potential of synthetic solutions and protocols like Sumer.money, the transition to a user-friendly Web3 environment free of technical complexities remains a significant challenge. The industry's outlook remains pessimistic, with a long road ahead to achieve the desired level of composability and interconnectedness.