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Temu Expands Payment Options With Checkout.com And Verve For Seamless Global Shopping

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Temu, a global online marketplace with a wide variety of products, has strengthened its partnership with digital payment provider Checkout.com to enhance payment processing and improve customer checkout experiences.

Since its launch in 2022, Temu has relied on Checkout.com for secure payment transactions worldwide. With this expanded collaboration, Checkout.com will now process payments across 30+ markets, supporting major credit cards, digital wallets, and regional payment solutions like Tamara, a buy-now-pay-later option in the Middle East.

Utilizing Checkout.com’s AI-driven payment optimization engine, and intelligent acceptance, Temu aims to streamline transactions and minimize payment failures.

Speaking on the partnership, a Temu spokesperson said,

“We are proud of the reliable and trustworthy experience we provide to our consumers alongside our everyday best offers. Checkout is an important partner supporting our mission to provide quality affordable products with its global reach and expertise, enhancing the digital payments experience for our customers”.

Also commenting,

Brian Sze, General Manager of Checkout.com for the Asia-Pacific region said,

“We are excited to empower Temu’s merchants with Checkout.com’s secure, stable, and convenient payment solutions, allowing them to focus more on their core business while ensuring a seamless checkout experience for consumers on the Temu platform”.

Temu Now Accepts Payment in Nigeria With a Verve Card

In a significant development for Nigerian shoppers, Verve, Africa’s largest domestic payment card brand, has secured a strategic partnership with Temu. This allows Verve cardholders in the country, to make direct Naira payments on both platforms, eliminating foreign exchange hurdles and simplifying cross-border shopping.

Previously, Nigerian consumers could only shop on Temu using Visa, Mastercard, or virtual dollar cards. With Verve now fully integrated, shoppers can seamlessly access affordable products without currency conversion complexities.

Similarly, AliExpress has now adopted Verve payments, further easing online transactions for Nigerian users. Beyond expanding its reach, Verve is advancing payment innovation with contactless technology, enabling faster, more secure transactions across digital and physical channels. With over 70 million Verve cards in circulation, users can now enjoy seamless payments on platforms like Google Play, YouTube Premium, Netflix, Uber, and Amazon Prime.

These strategic moves by Temu, Checkout.com, and Verve reflect a growing commitment to enhancing digital commerce and ensuring secure, borderless, and frictionless payment experiences for consumers worldwide.

Temu’s Growth in Nigeria

Temu officially launched its operations in Nigeria on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to disrupt the local market with its direct-from-manufacturer model.

Since its launch, the Chinese e-commerce platform has seen strong consumer uptake. A few days after entering the Nigerian market, it became the most downloaded app with more than 500 million downloads on the Android store

Offering a wide range of products from electronics to home goods and sporting equipment, the online marketplace makes it easier than ever for Nigerians to find great deals and upgrade their lifestyles without breaking the bank. Temu’s popularity is part of the explosive growth in Nigerian e-commerce, where industry revenues are projected to climb 7.81% from a year ago to US$7.43 billion in 2025, while user numbers are estimated to rise 15% to 28.6 million by 2029.

Underpinning this popularity is the platform’s ability to offer quality products at affordable prices. It also allows consumers to purchase products directly from manufacturers, eliminating middleman markups and handling costs. This direct connection results in lower prices, closer to wholesale levels.

Beyond consumer benefits, Temu’s entry catalyzes the growth of Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem. It brings competition to the market, forcing existing players like Jumia, and Konga, amongst others to innovate, improve their offerings, and enhance customer service.

Notably, Temu’s strategy of leveraging social media and digital marketing to engage with customers also holds promise in Nigeria, where social platforms are integral to daily life. By harnessing the power of social influence and creating engaging content, the platform can effectively build brand loyalty and drive sales.

Google Deepmind CEO Predicts A Decade-Long Wait For AI To Match Or Surpass Human Intelligence Across All Domains

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Despite rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—AI that can match or surpass human intelligence across all domains—remains an elusive goal. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, has projected that AGI could start emerging in the next five to ten years, a timeline that contradicts more aggressive predictions by some of his industry peers, including Elon Musk, who has warned that AI capable of surpassing human intelligence could arrive as soon as 2025.

Speaking at a briefing in DeepMind’s London offices on Monday, Hassabis defined AGI as “a system that’s able to exhibit all the complicated capabilities that humans can,” while emphasizing that today’s AI models, despite their impressive capabilities, remain far from achieving that level of intelligence.

“I think today’s systems, they’re very passive,” he said. “There’s still a lot of things they can’t do. But I think over the next five to ten years, a lot of those capabilities will start coming to the fore, and we’ll start moving towards what we call artificial general intelligence.”

Diverging Views on AGI’s Arrival

Hassabis’ measured outlook places him in contrast with other AI leaders who predict a much faster timeline for AGI. Dario Amodei, CEO of AI startup Anthropic, told CNBC in January that he expects AI systems that are “better than almost all humans at almost all tasks” to emerge in just two to three years. Cisco’s Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel has gone even further, suggesting that meaningful evidence of AGI could appear as early as 2025.

Musk, one of the most vocal figures in the AI space, said last year that AI systems would likely surpass human intelligence by 2025, a claim that has fueled his calls for strict regulation. Musk has repeatedly warned that AI poses a serious threat to human civilization, arguing that without oversight, its rapid development could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai, Musk reiterated his concerns, saying, “AI is one of the biggest threats to the future of civilization.” He has called for regulatory bodies to oversee AI development, comparing the technology’s potential risks to those posed by nuclear weapons.

However, like Hassabis, many experts remain skeptical of the 2025 timeline. Robin Li, CEO of Chinese tech giant Baidu, has suggested that AGI is “more than 10 years away,” emphasizing that while AI is advancing quickly, it still lacks the fundamental reasoning and adaptability of human intelligence.

The Challenges of Achieving AGI

Although there is notable rapid evolution of AI systems like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude, developing AGI requires overcoming several fundamental challenges.

According to Hassabis, the biggest obstacle is getting AI to truly understand and interact with the real world. While AI has excelled in structured environments, such as playing strategy games like Go or Starcraft, transferring those problem-solving abilities to the complexities of real-world decision-making remains an immense challenge.

“The question is, how fast can we generalize the planning ideas and agentic kind of behaviors, planning and reasoning, and then generalize that over to working in the real world, on top of things like world models—models that are able to understand the world around us?” Hassabis explained.

Multi-Agent AI Systems As A Possible Path to AGI

One promising avenue for AGI development is the advancement of multi-agent AI systems—networks of AI models that can collaborate, compete, and communicate to accomplish tasks. Hassabis pointed to DeepMind’s work on training AI agents to master Starcraft, a complex strategy game requiring high-level decision-making and coordination.

“We’ve done a lot of work on that with things like Starcraft in the past, where you have a society of agents, or a league of agents, and they could be competing, they could be cooperating,” he said.

Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, added that enabling AI agents to communicate and share information with one another is a key step in developing AGI.

“Those are all elements that you need to be able to ask an agent a question, and then once you have that interface, other agents can communicate with it,” he said.

The Future of Human-Like Intelligence in AI

While AI models continue to break new ground in areas like natural language processing, image generation, and autonomous decision-making, the prospect of truly human-like intelligence remains distant. AI today excels at pattern recognition, data analysis, and performing specialized tasks, but it still struggles with abstract reasoning, intuition, and common-sense understanding—qualities that define human intelligence.

For AGI to become a reality, AI systems are expected to develop the ability to generalize knowledge across different domains, understand context deeply, and make independent decisions in unpredictable situations. While incremental progress is being made, the kind of breakthrough required for AGI is still an open question.

Hassabis’ prediction of a 10-year timeline suggests that AGI is not an imminent reality, contradicting Musk’s warnings of AI surpassing human intelligence within the next two years. The debate highlights a broader uncertainty about AI’s trajectory—whether it will steadily progress toward human-like intelligence or hit fundamental roadblocks that delay AGI indefinitely.

The Next Frontier—Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI)

While AGI remains a long-term goal, some tech leaders are already speculating about the next step: Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI), which would not only match but surpass human intelligence. However, the timeline for ASI is even more uncertain than AGI.

“No one really knows when superintelligence will happen,” Hassabis admitted.

However, analysts believe that if AGI does emerge in the next decade, it will represent one of the most significant technological shifts in human history. Unlike today’s AI systems, which are highly specialized in narrow tasks, AGI would be capable of reasoning, learning, and adapting in ways that rival human cognition. This is expected to revolutionize industries from healthcare to finance while raising profound ethical and existential questions about AI governance, safety, and control.

Musk’s push for regulation stems from concerns that, if left unchecked, AI could develop in ways that pose existential threats to humanity. However, with leading AI researchers still struggling to bridge the gap between today’s AI models and true AGI, the future of human-like intelligence in AI remains speculative.

The Hunt for Highest ROI Crypto Ends Here: Avalanche, NEAR, SUI & BlockDAG Dominate the Market!

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Market watchers are constantly searching for the next highest ROI crypto to enhance their portfolios and secure long-term profits. Lately, Avalanche (AVAX), Near Protocol (NEAR), SUI, and BlockDAG have captured the interests of such traders due to their mindblowing features, community support, and strong growth potential.

Their integration of cutting-edge technology along with strong backing makes them appealing options for any crypto portfolio. This article explores what sets Avalanche, Near Protocol, SUI, and BlockDAG apart from the crowd. By the end, you’ll know which crypto could give your portfolio the biggest jump!

1. BlockDAG (BDAG): Historic Presale & Huge Forecasts

On the top of the list is BlockDAG (BDAG) that has recently captured attention for raising over $203.5 million and selling more than 18.8 billion coins in its presale. The price progression from the first batch at $0.001 to the current $0.0248 showcases a 2380% increase, signaling strong market faith in this project.

Set to list on 10 centralized exchanges in 2025, BlockDAG is set to enhance its visibility and trading activity significantly. Such strategic moves like the listings have historically led to price surges for cryptos in the past, and BDAG is set to see similar price boom.

Experts predict that if the market conditions align favorably with its launch, BlockDAG could climb to $1 in 2025 and $20 by 2027, which translates to a massive ROI. Such potential marks BlockDAG as possibly the highest ROI crypto on the horizon, promising significant returns for early backers. With the presale advancing quickly and the potential for substantial growth evident, now is the time to explore what BlockDAG has to offer!

2. Avalanche (AVAX): Combining Sustainability & Scalability

One of the highest ROI cryptos in the market is Avalanche (AVAX). It is quickly becoming a popular choice in the cryptocurrency sector with its efficient and eco-conscious blockchain technology. Notably, it boasts the ability to process up to 4,500 transactions per second, which outpaces many competitors. Avalanche (AVAX) supports the creation of customized Subnets, enhancing its adaptability for various blockchain needs.

Moreover, it employs a blend of consensus mechanisms to achieve transaction confirmations in under two seconds. Currently priced at $17.24, despite a recent 31.80% price drop over the past month, Avalanche (AVAX) continues to attract interest with its rapid, low-cost transaction capabilities and a strong emphasis on sustainability.

3. Near Protocol (NEAR): Enhancing Interoperability

Near Protocol is making its mark in the world of decentralized applications by providing tools for developers to build and launch apps without central control. Co-founded by Alex Skidanov and Illia Polosukhin, this platform has attracted over $20 million from leading venture capital firms.

NEAR offers features like the Rainbow Bridge for transferring tokens from Ethereum and Aurora, a Layer 2 solution that enhances performance with lower fees. With its current price potentially rising to $2.91 and offering a 15% return on investment, NEAR Protocol’s commitment to improving accessibility and performance for developers makes it a notable option in the digital currency space.

4. Sui (SUI): The Next Generation of Blockchain

Sui (SUI) is quickly becoming known as one of the highest ROI crypto assets available. This platform stands out by focusing on simplicity and security, which makes it a strong candidate for developers and traders looking to dive into blockchain technology.

By employing an object-centric approach rather than the usual blockchain model, Sui enhances how data is handled, making the platform not only secure but also more adaptable for various uses. With a notable price rise of 38.54% over the last year and a present rate of $2.18, Sui (SUI) is carving a niche for itself in the growing Web3 sector.

Wrapping Up

When diversifying a crypto portfolio, it is crucial to choose platforms that combine robust growth potential with innovative technology. Avalanche (AVAX), Near Protocol (NEAR), Sui (SUI), and BlockDAG each present compelling cases for inclusion in any forward-thinking investor’s portfolio.

However, BlockDAG stands out due to its substantial growth potential and strategic market positioning. With over $203.5 million raised in its presale and plans for listing on multiple major exchanges soon, BlockDAG is set for significant visibility and liquidity. This strategic approach, coupled with potential for huge gains, positions BlockDAG as the highest ROI crypto in the marketplace today.

Top Features to Look for When Buying an Off-Grid RV

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The rise of off-grid RV living has become an appealing way for many to embrace freedom, adventure, and self-sufficiency. Whether you’re venturing into remote wildernesses, looking to live minimally, or just seeking a more flexible lifestyle, the right RV is crucial to ensuring you have all the comforts and capabilities needed to thrive away from the grid. This article will explore the key features to look for when buying an off-grid RV, so you can make an informed decision that suits your needs.

Power Supply: Solar and Battery Systems

When living off the grid, a reliable and sustainable power source is one of the most critical components of your RV. Solar power is the go-to solution for most off-grid RV owners, offering a renewable, cost-effective energy source that requires little maintenance. Before purchasing, check the solar panel system’s size and wattage. Larger panels will naturally generate more electricity, which is essential if you plan to power appliances, lighting, and devices. The mounting system should also be considered—look for roofs designed to securely hold panels, especially when traveling through rough terrain.

If you’re in the market for an RV that is ready for off-grid adventures, you might want to explore options like an off grid RV for sale. These RVs are often equipped with advanced solar power setups, making them ideal for long stays in remote areas. In addition to solar panels, you will need a battery system that stores the energy generated. Lithium batteries are often the preferred choice due to their long lifespan, lighter weight, and ability to discharge deeper without degrading.

Water System: Freshwater Storage and Filtration

Water is essential for off-grid living, and having an efficient water system in your RV is key to your comfort. When selecting an RV, pay close attention to the size of the freshwater tanks. A larger capacity means fewer refills, which is particularly important if you plan to stay off-grid for extended periods. Typically, freshwater tank sizes vary depending on the RV model, with capacities ranging from 30 to 100 gallons or more. Make sure to evaluate your daily water needs—this includes drinking water, cooking, cleaning, and showering—so you can select a tank that suits your lifestyle.

Another essential feature is the water filtration system. When you’re off the grid, finding a clean water source can be challenging, so having an effective filtration system is critical for ensuring that the water you use is safe and clean. Look for RVs with integrated water filters, or consider aftermarket solutions like carbon or reverse osmosis filters. These will provide clean drinking water, which is essential for both health and peace of mind.

Heating and Cooling: Climate Control in the Wild

Living off the grid often means dealing with extreme weather conditions, and your RV’s heating and cooling system must be up to the task. For cold climates, consider RVs that come equipped with reliable heating systems. Propane heaters are a popular option for off-grid RVs due to their efficiency and independence from electricity. Diesel heaters offer an alternative that can run on the fuel used for the RV’s engine, making them ideal for long trips in cold weather. Wood stoves are another option if you prefer a more natural heat source, but they require regular maintenance and wood supply.

On the other hand, keeping cool in hot climates can be equally challenging. Many RVs come equipped with roof-mounted air conditioning systems, but these can drain a significant amount of power, especially in an off-grid setting. If you choose to go this route, ensure that your RV’s solar and battery systems can support the power demand. Alternatively, vented cooling systems, such as roof vents or portable fans, can provide a more energy-efficient way to keep the temperature comfortable without relying heavily on electricity.

Insulation and Weatherproofing

Insulation plays a major role in your RV’s ability to maintain a comfortable interior temperature, especially when you’re living off the grid in harsh weather. Good insulation minimizes the need for excessive heating or cooling, helping you save on energy while staying comfortable. Popular materials used in RV insulation include fiberglass, spray foam, and reflective foil. These materials trap heat during the winter and keep it cool during the summer, ensuring your RV stays comfortable regardless of external conditions.

Additionally, weatherproofing is essential to preventing leaks and drafts. Ensure your RV’s windows, doors, and roof vents have high-quality seals. This not only keeps the temperature stable but also prevents water from entering the RV during rainy weather. Choosing an RV with double-glazed windows or adding storm windows can further improve insulation and reduce noise from the outside, making for a more peaceful living experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right off-grid RV involves careful consideration of the features that will support your independence, safety, and comfort while living off the grid. Power systems, water management, climate control, and off-road capability are just a few of the critical elements that contribute to a successful off-grid experience. By keeping these features in mind, you can select an RV that will allow you to embrace the freedom of life beyond the grid while ensuring you have all the essentials for a comfortable and sustainable journey.

Top Reasons to Choose Canada Kratom Express

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Shopping for kratom can be an exciting experience for new users seeking to unlock the herb’s numerous health benefits.

Known botanically as Mitragyna speciosa, kratom is widely marketed for pain management due to its opioid-like properties. Further research suggests the plant might alleviate inflammation, relieve nervousness, support quality sleep, and optimize sexual performance.

However, not every kratom user has something positive to write home about. While physiological factors (such as metabolism and individual tolerance) mostly account for variances in the herb’s overall effects, product quality equally matters.

Recently, Canada Kratom Express (CKE) has become a household name in the North American kratom industry. The company takes pride in supplying premium quality, organically obtained, and laboratory-tested kratom supplements.

While CKE has no physical retail outlets, it promises a hassle-free online shopping experience as a trade-off.

Below are the top reasons to make Canada Kratom Express your go-to kratom vendor.

1. Variety of Kratom Formulations

A quick scan through the Canada Kratom Express website reveals different kratom formulations, including capsules, powders, tablets, and extracts.

While these products boast kratom’s healing properties, they differ considerably in their onset time and longevity of effects.

Capsules and tablets may take up to three hours to kick in. But once they take effect, you can enjoy the benefits for up to three days.

Comparatively, extracts intended for sublingual administration can enter your system about 20 minutes after the first drip. However, the effects tend to wear off within a few hours.

2. Access to Several Kratom Strains

While kratom is marketed as a remedy for multiple ailments, individual effects are largely strain-dependent. The herb occurs in three principal strains – white veins, green veins, and red veins.

It’s exciting to know that Canada Kratom Express supplies all major kratom strains. But why choose one variety over the other?

White vein kratom is highly energizing, making it particularly effective against fatigue and impaired cognitive performance.

That’s in contrast to red veins, which are generally soothing. CKE supplements infused with red vein kratom are ideal for treating pain, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and inflammation.

Lastly, green veins provide the best of both worlds. Their moderate effects make them perfect for new kratom users.

3. Exotic and Blended Strains Available

Besides the three principal kratom strains, Canada Kratom Extract also stocks exotic and blended strains.

Exotic strains are region-specific. Examples include red Indo from Indonesia, white Malay from Malaysia, and green Borneo from Borneo Island.

Due to the climatic conditions in their native ranges, exotic kratom strains possess unique alkaloid profiles that account for their signature effects.

Meanwhile, blended strains are artificially mixed to achieve the desired effects. They contain the healing powers of their constituent strains.

4. Access to Kratom in Different Potencies

Canada Kratom Express avails its kratom supplements in diverse potencies to cater to consumers with different experience levels.

Each product highlights the relative weight of kratom’s principal alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine) in grams.

While seasoned consumers may safely administer higher-potency supplements, new users should stick to products with lower kratom concentrations to avoid developing adverse effects.

Besides spelling out individual kratom potency for each supplement, CKE’s products are also categorized into Regular or Enhanced based on their alkaloid profile. Enhanced kratom products are loaded with specific alkaloids to achieve certain effects, making them ideal for targeted consumption.

5. Lab-tested Products

Proof of laboratory testing is one of the most reliable ways to validate kratom’s quality. By investing in lab-tested products, you can rest assured that the product you’re about to administer has undergone rigorous screening and is certified safe for human consumption.

To demonstrate its commitment to quality, Canada Kratom Express strictly deals in lab-tested kratom. All its products come with analytical reports highlighting their dominant alkaloids, active ingredients, and additives.

Note that the quantity of artificial ingredients depends on your preferred formulation.

While powders are significantly low in additives, extracts may contain artificial ingredients like sweeteners and penetration enhancers.

6. Quick and Hassle-free Shopping

As mentioned, Canada Kratom Express offers its products strictly through its e-commerce store. The company maintains a clean and intuitive website with minimal pop-up ads.

To accelerate your shopping experience, CKE consistently features numerous kratom supplements on its landing page. You can also hunker down on specific products by looking it up directly from the search function.

Be sure to click on each item and read its detailed description before adding it to the cart. While at it, check the product’s label to highlight its dominant ingredients.

7. Reasonable Shipping and Return Policy

Canada Kratom Express provides same-day shipping for orders received before 2:00 pm PST on weekdays.

Obviously, there are exceptions depending on your location and current order volume. Each shipment comes with a tracking number for real-time monitoring.

If you’re unsatisfied with your delivery, you can ship it back within thirty days for a full refund (terms and conditions apply).

Wrap Up

Canada Kratom Express is a top recommendation for herbal enthusiasts looking for safe and effective kratom supplements.

CKE’s kratom products come with analytical reports as proof of testing from unaffiliated laboratories. Besides, the company caters to diverse tastes by availing its kratom in multiple strains and formulations. From invigorating white vein capsules to relaxing red vein powders, there are several kratom varieties to experiment with.

Although Canada Kratom Express doesn’t have brick-and-mortar stores, the vendor offers a seamless online shopping experience and a reasonable shipping policy through its responsive website.