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Showing posts from April, 2023

Nexo: A Reliable and Convenient Crypto Lending Platform

The rise of cryptocurrencies has led to the emergence of various financial services that cater to individuals and institutions who own these digital assets. One such platform is Nexo, a blockchain-based platform that offers instant cryptocurrency-backed loans and other financial services to its users. One of the main features of Nexo is its ability to allow users to borrow against their cryptocurrency assets without the need to sell them. This means that users can access cash without having to part ways with their crypto holdings, providing a more convenient option for those who need quick access to funds. With Nexo, users can receive their loans instantly, making it an attractive option for those who need cash in a hurry. Another service offered by Nexo is interest-earning accounts, which allow users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency deposits. This is a great option for those who want to earn passive income on their crypto holdings, as Nexo offers competitive intere...

What it Means for the Future Cardano's Decentralization Progress

Cardano (ADA) has been making significant strides in decentralization as the percentage of ADA supply controlled by whales has decreased to around 8% of the total supply. This is a significant achievement for the digital asset, making it one of the most decentralized cryptocurrencies in the top 10 market. As the distribution of ADA becomes more dispersed, the cryptocurrency is likely to become more resistant to manipulation and maintain a healthy, diverse ecosystem of stakeholders. Despite these positive developments, Cardano has faced market challenges and has been struggling to regain its recent uptrend. The downtrend in the volume profile could indicate a potential reversal, which may be attributed to the broader cryptocurrency market's recent volatility. Additionally, some investors may still be skeptical about Cardano's long-term viability, mainly due to the project's academic approach to implementing newly emerged solutions. However, it is essential to not...

Trust Wallet Discloses Vulnerability in Open-Source Library

Trust Wallet, a cryptocurrency wallet owned by Binance, recently disclosed a WebAssembly vulnerability in an open-source library that affected new wallet addresses generated between November 14 and 23, 2022, by its Browser Extension. The company fixed the vulnerability within one day of verifying the bug bounty report.  According to Trust Wallet, the vulnerability was due to a bug in the WebAssembly module that generated public keys for new wallet addresses. The vulnerability could have allowed an attacker to generate a private key for a wallet address that did not belong to them. This means that attackers could potentially gain access to wallets and steal funds. Trust Wallet stated that it was not aware of any instances where attackers exploited the vulnerability. However, as a precautionary measure, Trust Wallet urged all users who generated new wallet addresses using the Browser Extension during the affected period to transfer their funds to a new wallet address. In ...

Win Extra Duit Raya with AcerPure Malaysia's Social Media Contest!

Are you looking for an opportunity to earn some extra cash this Raya season? Look no further than AcerPure Malaysia's social media pages, where lucky winners stand a chance to receive an additional RM20 straight in their TnG wallet!  To participate in the contest, all you need to do is follow three simple steps listed on their social media pages. And don't worry if you don't know the answer to the contest question, because AcerPure has provided a hint on their website. The contest ends on Monday, 24th April, so hurry up and follow their super easy contest rules before time runs out! Don't forget to set a reminder for Tuesday, 25th April, at 11 am on the official AcerPure Malaysia social media pages to see if you're one of the lucky seven winners. By participating in this contest, you not only stand a chance to win some extra duit Raya but also get to know more about AcerPure's products and services. So what are you waiting for? Head over to their soc...

Singapore's First Execution in Six Months: Controversy over the Death Penalty Continues

In a world where many countries have abolished the death penalty, Singapore remains one of the few that still uses it, with some of the world's toughest anti-narcotics laws. The recent case of Tangaraju Suppiah, a Singaporean man scheduled to be hanged next week for conspiring to smuggle a kilogram of cannabis, has once again brought this controversial issue to the forefront. While Singapore argues that the death penalty is an effective deterrent against drug trafficking, rights groups such as Amnesty International strongly oppose it, calling it "extremely cruel" and a violation of international law. In fact, in many parts of the world, including neighboring Thailand, cannabis has been decriminalized, with authorities abandoning prison sentences. What is particularly troubling about Tangaraju's case is that he was convicted of "abetting by engaging in a conspiracy to traffic" cannabis, even though he never actually handled the drugs. Moreover, he...

Hong Kong Court Recognizes Crypto as Property in Gatecoin Case

Recently, a Hong Kong court has recognized cryptocurrency as property "capable of being held on trust" in a case involving the defunct crypto exchange Gatecoin. This marks a significant legal recognition of cryptocurrencies as property in the jurisdiction. The decision by the court is in line with other common law jurisdictions like the US, where the Internal Revenue Service treats cryptocurrency as property for tax purposes. Additionally, a government-funded law commission in the UK also found that crypto can be classified as a new type of property under existing laws in England and Wales. The case involving Gatecoin arose in 2019 when the Hong Kong-based crypto exchange announced its closure and liquidation following an attempt to recover disputed funds from a former payment services provider. The liquidators sought directions from the court on whether the crypto held by Gatecoin should be treated as property held on trust or made available to the general body o...

Starbucks Launches NFT Collection

Starbucks, one of the world's largest coffee chains, is stepping into the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with its latest release, The First Store Collection. The collection comprises 5,000 NFTs in the form of digital stamps that were launched on the Nifty Gateway platform and minted on the Ethereum scaling network Polygon. Priced at $100 each, the NFTs are selling out fast, just like Starbucks' previous NFT drop in March that sold out within minutes. The purchase of each NFT also earns buyers 1,500 points towards rewards within the Starbucks Odyssey app, launched in 2022. The move into NFTs marks Starbucks' entry into web3 technology, recognizing its potential to tap into new user segments and revenue streams. By integrating NFTs and blockchain technology, Starbucks is creating a new way for customers to engage with the brand and its rewards program. The First Store Collection is a tribute to the company's first-ever store located in Seattle's Pike ...

Ethereum’s Shanghai Upgrade Boosts Institutional Interest in ETH Futures Trading

Ethereum, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency by market value, recently implemented the highly anticipated Shapella hard fork, also known as the Shanghai upgrade, on April 12. This update has reduced the risk of staking the blockchain's native token, ether (ETH), by allowing withdrawals of locked coins at will. This pivotal event has galvanized institutional interest in ETH futures trading. Since April 10, the number of active ether futures contracts trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has risen by 39% to 6,248, according to official data. In U.S. dollar terms, open interest has increased by over 70% to $633 million. Coinglass data also shows that the tally reached a 12-month high of $675 million on Friday. Each futures contract has a value of 50 ETH and is quoted in US dollars per 1 ether. The recent surge in institutional interest in ETH futures trading suggests that more investors are willing to bet on the potential growth of Ethereum and its n...

Netflix adds value for subscribers with paid account sharing and ad-supported tiers

Netflix is making moves to add value for current subscribers and better monetize its existing membership base. The company recently rolled out paid account sharing and ad-supported tiers, as it aims to grow its subscriber base and stay ahead of the competition. In Q1 of 2023, Netflix added 1.8 million new subscribers, a significant improvement from the comparable period in 2022, when the company shed 200,000 subscribers. This growth is largely attributed to the company's efforts to provide more value for its subscribers. By offering paid account sharing, Netflix is allowing its subscribers to share their accounts with friends and family for a fee, while also better controlling access to its content. Meanwhile, the addition of ad-supported tiers provides another option for viewers who want to access content at a lower price point. According to CFO Spencer Neumann, there is a huge market opportunity for Netflix. There are over 1 billion broadband households and roughly 450 million to...

Risks of Using Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools for Confidential Information

As companies increasingly turn to generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT for their customer service and content creation needs, a new report has warned about the potential risks involved. According to an Israel-based venture firm, Team8, the widespread adoption of new AI chatbots and writing tools could leave companies vulnerable to data leaks and lawsuits. One of the major fears associated with the use of AI chatbots is that hackers could exploit them to gain access to sensitive corporate information or perform actions against the company. This risk is particularly acute for chatbots that are not built with proper security protocols in place. Companies may be inadvertently exposing confidential customer data and trade secrets to potential data breaches. Furthermore, there are concerns that confidential information fed into the chatbots now could be used by AI companies in the future. As these companies collect more data, they could potentially use this information ...

Cashless Payments on the Rise in Malaysia with Cross-border QR Code Payment Linkage

Cashless payments have been gaining popularity in Malaysia, and a recent development is set to boost this trend further. Singapore and Malaysia have launched a cross-border QR code payment linkage that is expected to increase the number of cashless transactions between the two countries. This new payment system allows users to make instant transactions via their mobile phones. It is a more efficient payment method for smaller businesses as they can receive payments immediately without the need to wait for the funds to be transferred to their accounts. The QR code payment option also benefits customers who can easily make small transactions without worrying about carrying excessive amounts of cash. With this payment system, they can simply scan the QR code and pay even for transactions involving just a few ringgit. This development is a significant step forward in the digital payment landscape of both countries, and it is expected to promote economic growth by making cross-border transa...

Free Toll Highways for Hari Raya 6 Things You Need to Know

The Malaysian government recently announced that highways will be toll-free from 19th to 21st April and 24th April to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The move is expected to help Malaysians travel to their hometowns during the festive season without incurring additional expenses. Here are six things you should know about the initiative. Free Toll Period The toll-free period started on 19th April at 12:01 am and will last until 21st April at 11:59 pm. There will also be a toll-free day on 24th April for those heading back. However, you will still need to pay toll fares on 22nd and 23rd April. Valid Payment Methods To benefit from the toll waiver, you need to pass through tolls using a valid Touch ‘n Go card, SmartTAG with a valid TnG card inserted, or RFID tag. Participating Highways 33 highways across Malaysia will participate in the toll-free initiative, including major highways such as the North-South Expressway, the East Coast Expressway, and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bri...

How to Get Your Share of the $725 Million: Facebook Privacy Settlement

If you've been a Facebook user at any point between May 2007 and December 2022, you could be entitled to a share of the $725 million privacy settlement. In a class action lawsuit, it was alleged that Facebook allowed Cambridge Analytica to obtain the data of 87 million users, which was then used for political campaigns without users' consent. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, agreed to the settlement last year without admitting wrongdoing. Now, users who were impacted by the data breach have until August to request their piece of the settlement. To claim your share of the settlement, simply visit https://facebookuserprivacysettlement.com/ and submit your claim. The settlement is available to anyone who was a Facebook user during the specified time period, regardless of whether or not they were impacted by the data breach. It's important to note that while submitting a claim does not require any proof of harm, the settlement amount will be divided among all e...

Everything You Need to Know About Malaysia's Toll-Free Highways During Hari Raya

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced toll-free highways on 19-21 April and 24 April, coinciding with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday. The toll waiver is applicable to 33 highways, costing the government approximately RM93 million. Travelers must pass through tolls using a valid Touch ‘n Go card, SmartTAG, or RFID tag during the toll-free period. However, toll fares will still be charged on 22-23 April. Those who cannot make it to their desired exit by 11:59 pm should exit the highway at the nearest exit and re-enter during the toll-free period. The full list of 33 participating highways are: North-South Expressway (PLUS) North–South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH) Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA) Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) Penang Bridge (JPP) Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge (JSAHMS) East Coast Expressway (LPT1) Phase 1 East Coast Expressway (LPT2) Phase 2 Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway Sungai Besi Expressway (BES...

Intel to Discontinue Blockscale Bitcoin Mining Chips in Efforts to Cut Costs

Intel, a major US-based technology company, is reportedly set to discontinue its line of Blockscale Bitcoin mining chips in a move aimed at reducing costs. According to a Reuters report, Intel will stop taking orders for the Blockscale 1000 Series ASICs by Oct. 20 and end shipping roughly in April 2024. This decision is part of Intel's strategy to prioritize the manufacturing of certain chips to outside customers, cutting overall costs. The Blockscale mining chips were launched in April 2022, with each chip capable of a hash rate of up to 580 gigahash per second, and could be combined and merged into a single mining unit. The technology was integrated into the operations of mining firms like Argo Blockchain, Block, Hive Blockchain Technologies, and GRIID Infrastructure. This move by Intel will have implications on the Bitcoin mining industry, as the company was one of the largest players in the space. The decision to discontinue the Blockscale mining chips is a clear indication of ...

UOB and Lazada Partner to Offer Enhanced Banking and Retail Solutions

United Overseas Bank (UOB) has partnered with the Lazada Group, a leading Southeast Asian e-commerce platform, to provide retail products and banking solutions for their combined customer base in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This partnership aims to increase access to financing for e-commerce sellers on the Lazada platform and offer a more rewarding experience for customers shopping on the platform. The strategic collaboration will tap on Lazada's technology and UOB's expertise in financial products, digital banking services, and established trust with customers. This will enable both customers and sellers to access better payment and financial services that meet their specific needs. UOB will offer new customers in Singapore Lazada cashback vouchers worth up to $200 as a welcome gift. Additionally, UOB will continue the partnership of the Citi-Lazada co-brand credit cards in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, and refresh them as new UOB-Lazada co-brand ...

AI-Powered Performance Ads Certification Answers

Here are the Questions and Answers for the  AI-Powered Performance Ads Certification : Google (exceedlms.com) Question: A local bakery chain is starting up a Performance Max campaign in hopes of attracting more customer visits to their brick-and-mortar shops.What should they establish as a goal when creating their new Performance Max campaign? 1. Product and brand consideration 2. Brand awareness and reach 3. Website traffic  4. Local store visits and promotions Answer: 4. Local store visits and promotions would be the most appropriate goal for the bakery chain when creating their new Performance Max campaign. This goal aligns with their objective of attracting more customer visits to their brick-and-mortar shops, which is a specific and measurable outcome that can be tracked and optimized for with Performance Max campaigns. By using Performance Max to target local consumers and highlight promotions or offers for their physical locations, the bakery chain can increase the like...