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Home Blog Page 205

Key Details and Implications of ZKSync’s Updated ZK Tokenomics

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ZKSync founder Alex Gluchowski announced a major overhaul of the ZK token’s economic model in a detailed proposal titled “ZK Token Proposal Part I.” This update shifts the ZK token from primarily a governance tool to a utility-driven asset, directly linking its value to network revenue and activity.

The goal is to create a self-sustaining “value flywheel” that rewards usage through buybacks, burns, and ecosystem incentives, addressing criticisms of the token’s limited utility since its airdrop in June 2024.

Core Changes in the Proposal

The redesign focuses on two primary revenue sources—on-chain and off-chain—and routes all proceeds to a community-governed entity for ZK token management.

Fees from cross-chain messaging, transfers, and interoperability via the ZK Gateway across the entire Elastic Network (e.g., ZKSync Era, Abstract, Sophon, Lens, ADIChain, and 20+ other ZK Stack chains). This excludes direct ZKSync Era transaction fees, emphasizing ecosystem-wide activity.

Generates organic demand; fees fund buybacks and burns, creating deflationary pressure as network usage grows. Off-Chain Revenue (SaaS/Enterprise Licensing)

Licensing fees from “Prividium” blockchains built for institutions and businesses (e.g., compliance-focused chains for finance). Includes potential sequencer income from running these chains. Diversifies income beyond crypto; all proceeds support staking rewards, protocol development, and grants, tying token value to real-world adoption.

Value Redistribution; 100% of revenues pooled for: Token buybacks and burns (deflationary). Staking incentives (Q4 2025 rollout). Ecosystem grants for growth. Community governance decides allocation via on-chain votes, promoting transparency and long-term holding over speculation.

Integrates with the Elastic Network expansion (10+ new chains by 2026) and Atlas upgrade (15,000+ TPS, 1-second ZK proofs, near-zero fees). Positions ZK as the unifying token for a multi-chain ZK ecosystem, enhancing interoperability and scalability on Ethereum.

This model evolves ZK into an “ecosystem token” rather than a siloed governance asset, with Gluchowski emphasizing: “ZKsync has been building the rails for Incorruptible Finance for years; now, we move to the next phase building the real economy around it.”

The announcement sparked immediate bullish sentiment, with $ZK surging 24% in 24 hours to ~$0.075 market cap ~$550M as of November 5, 2025—up 170% from its October low of $0.028. Weekly gains hit 67%, outperforming a broader market dip of 3%.

Analysts highlight the utility shift as a catalyst for sustainable growth, though upcoming unlocks 167M ZK on November 17 could introduce short-term sell pressure.Technical outlook remains positive: $ZK is consolidating above $0.048 support and the 9 EMA, maintaining a higher-high/higher-low structure.

A break above $0.067 could target $0.075 retests, while a drop below $0.045 risks a pullback to $0.030. Community and Expert On X, users like @BowTiedGolem— Matter Labs BD manager praised the “entirely new tokenomics paradigm” for aligning revenue with growth across 20+ chains.

Joinelastic called it “organic value feedback” for the Elastic Network, countering “pump and dump” narratives. Vitalik Buterin previously backed ZKSync’s Atlas upgrade, indirectly boosting confidence in the ecosystem.

While revenue has reached $30M lifetime per DeFiLlama recent annual figures are low (~$640K), so execution on interop and enterprise adoption is key. The proposal is “Part I,” with more details expected.

This update positions ZKSync as a leader in modular ZK scaling, potentially driving $ZK toward $0.125+ in 2025 if adoption accelerates. For the full proposal, check Gluchowski’s X thread or ZKSync’s governance forum.

Microsoft Launches ‘MAI Superintelligence Team’ to Build Next-Generation AI for Medical Breakthroughs

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Microsoft has formed a new division dedicated to developing artificial intelligence systems that can outperform humans in specific fields, starting with medical diagnostics, Reuters reports.

The new unit, called the MAI Superintelligence Team, represents one of the company’s most ambitious ventures into advanced AI — and a distinct philosophical turn from the broader race toward so-called artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s AI chief and co-founder of Google DeepMind, told Reuters that the initiative will focus on developing “humanist superintelligence” — AI that can solve practical, well-defined problems to directly benefit humanity, rather than pursuing endlessly self-improving machines.

“Humanism requires us to always ask the question: does this technology serve human interests?” Suleyman said.

The team will be led by Suleyman and Chief Scientist Karen Simonyan, both veterans of the AI research world. According to Suleyman, Microsoft plans to invest “a lot of money” in the project, though he declined to give figures or comment on whether it would offer the kind of nine-figure recruitment incentives Meta reportedly used earlier this year to lure top AI talent.

A Targeted Approach to Superintelligence

While competitors like Meta Platforms and the recently launched Safe Superintelligence Inc. are chasing technical leaps toward AGI, Microsoft’s effort diverges in scope and intent. Suleyman said the company is deliberately avoiding attempts to create autonomous, self-learning systems that evolve without human oversight.

“I doubt that autonomous, self-improving machines could be controlled,” he said, noting that the company’s approach is centered on safety, transparency, and measurable real-world applications.

Instead, the MAI Superintelligence Team will focus on “specialist models” designed to exceed human capabilities in narrow but high-impact domains — such as scientific research, molecular discovery, and healthcare. Suleyman cited AI that can develop new battery storage methods or design novel molecules, referencing DeepMind’s AlphaFold project, which revolutionized protein-structure prediction.

One of Microsoft’s first major goals is what Suleyman described as medical superintelligence — a system capable of diagnosing and predicting diseases with accuracy and insight beyond human doctors. He said the company has “a line of sight to medical superintelligence in the next two to three years,” contingent on breakthroughs in reasoning and model reliability.

Suleyman believes the impact of the idea could be transformative. “It will increase our life expectancy and give everybody more healthy years, because we’ll be able to detect preventable diseases much earlier,” he said.

Microsoft’s research arm has long invested in health-related AI, including tools for medical imaging, drug discovery, and clinical data management. The company’s Azure cloud platform also hosts a range of healthcare-focused AI services, many of which feed into its growing ecosystem of partnerships with hospitals, biotech firms, and universities.

The Philosophy Behind the Project

Suleyman’s emphasis on “humanist superintelligence” points to an emerging split within the AI research community — between those chasing the dream of a general, all-purpose AI and those advocating for more controlled, domain-specific progress.

He said AI that reasons through problems without human input is not the goal. Instead, Microsoft’s vision centers on building systems that enhance human expertise rather than replace it.

This approach echoes Suleyman’s long-standing caution about unregulated AI expansion. Even during his time at DeepMind, he argued that AI development should prioritize safety and social benefit over raw capability.

Microsoft’s announcement follows similar moves by Meta, which has been aggressively scaling its AI teams and reportedly offered up to $100 million in signing bonuses this year. Other companies, including Elon Musk’s xAI and Sam Altman’s OpenAI, are also pushing toward AI systems with increasingly advanced reasoning abilities.

But as the global race intensifies, skepticism persists about whether current technology is capable of producing such “superintelligent” models without major theoretical advances. Some experts argue that breakthroughs in reasoning, causality, and interpretability are still needed before AI can achieve reliable superhuman performance — even in narrow fields.

However, Microsoft’s new team appears determined to find out through this project. The company hopes to demonstrate that the road to superintelligence can still be paved with clear human benefit by focusing its resources on solving tangible problems like disease prevention.

Tesla Board Weighs Investment in Elon Musk’s xAI After Shareholders Signal Support

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Tesla’s board of directors will deliberate on whether to invest in Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, after shareholders expressed support for the proposal during Thursday’s annual meeting — the same event where they reapproved Musk’s $1 trillion pay package.

While a majority of shareholders voted in favor of investing in xAI, a significant portion abstained, leaving the decision as non-binding but symbolically powerful.

“Since this is an advisory vote, the board will examine the next steps in light of this level of shareholder support,” said Tesla’s General Counsel Brandon Ehrhart while announcing the results.

The potential partnership marks the latest chapter in Musk’s growing web of interlinked ventures, often referred to as “The Muskonomy.” The entrepreneur’s companies — Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, and xAI — have increasingly shared talent, resources, and strategic objectives, blurring the boundaries between them.

Musk, who founded xAI in July 2023, has made no secret of his preference for tighter integration among his firms. Musk teased the idea earlier this year in a poll. He had asked, “Should Tesla invest $5B into @xAI, assuming the valuation is set by several credible outside investors?” Over 67% of responders voted yes. He, however, admitted that it’s up to shareholders.

xAI has quickly become one of Musk’s most valuable startups. The company, which created the Grok chatbot integrated into X, has raised more than $12 billion and reached a $50 billion valuation by mid-2024. It positions itself as a direct competitor to OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind, with a focus on developing AI systems that, in Musk’s words, “seek to understand the universe.”

An investment from Tesla would add another financial link to Musk’s growing corporate ecosystem. In March, xAI acquired X in an all-stock deal valuing the two companies at $80 billion and $33 billion, respectively. Earlier in the year, SpaceX also announced plans to invest $2 billion in xAI, bolstering its AI capabilities for autonomous systems and data analysis.

Some shareholders have embraced the idea of Tesla joining that circle. “Tesla has always been an AI company revolutionizing transportation, energy, and robotics through FSD and Optimus,” said Stephen Hawk, the investor who introduced the xAI investment proposal. “Let’s not outsource our destiny, but rather own it and maintain power, control, and safety.”

Still, concerns persist about potential conflicts of interest. Musk’s past deals have drawn scrutiny from regulators and investors alike. In 2016, Tesla’s $2.6 billion acquisition of SolarCity — a company founded by Musk’s cousin and chaired by Musk himself — led to a lawsuit alleging self-dealing and misuse of corporate funds. Although a Delaware court ultimately ruled in Musk’s favor in 2022, critics argue that SolarCity’s troubled integration delayed Tesla Energy’s profitability for years.

If Tesla’s board decides to proceed, the amount of the investment will be determined internally. Analysts say such a move could deepen Tesla’s AI expertise but also increase governance risks.

Tesla’s value is believed to increasingly rest on its software and AI prowess, not just cars, and a tie-up with xAI could strengthen its position, though it also raises old questions about Musk’s overlapping interests and where Tesla’s priorities truly lie.

AI Drives Worst October Layoffs in Over 20 Years

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The U.S. job market just recorded its worst October layoff numbers in more than two decades as the rapid rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and accelerating cost-cutting measures.

According to a new report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, companies announced over 153,000 job cuts last month, nearly three times the number seen a year earlier.

While some sectors are still correcting after pandemic-era over-hiring, analysts say a growing share of layoffs is now tied to AI-driven restructuring, as businesses rush to automate tasks, streamline operations, and reduce labor costs in a tightening economic climate.

The report noted that weakened consumer and business spending has contributed to significant workforce cuts, particularly in warehousing and logistics. Many industries are now correcting previous hiring surges from the pandemic era, shifting toward leaner operational models.

John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, highlighted the scale of the trend, stating that layoffs of this magnitude, such as 48,000 job cuts from UPS and potentially 30,000 from Amazon, are reminiscent of major workforce reductions seen during the 2020 pandemic and the 2009 recession. “When companies make cuts of this size, it signals a real shift in direction,” he said.

Research shows the U.S. has now lost over one million jobs in 2025, the highest total since the pandemic era. Analysts attribute this not only to economic downturns but also to AI-driven restructuring. Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer at the firm, noted that AI is proving to be as disruptive as it was in the early 2000s, fundamentally reshaping how organizations operate.

Tech companies remain at the forefront of AI-driven cuts;

Enrico Moretti, an economics professor at the University of California, Berkeley, said that the largest tech companies like Amazon are at the forefront of AI-related job cuts, “in part because they’re both producers and consumers of AI”.

Recall that the e-commerce giant, which confirmed plans to cut roughly 14,000 corporate roles, said it needs to be “organized more leanly” to seize the opportunity provided by AI. Also, UPS disclosed that it has cut 48,000 jobs since last year. The delivery company’s chief executive previously linked redundancies, in part, to machine learning. Tech giant Microsoft announced plans to cut around 4% of its workforce, which translates to thousands of jobs, as it looks to rein in costs while making heavy investments in AI infrastructure.

Microsoft’s President & Vice-Chair acknowledged that while AI efficiency gains weren’t the main driver of the layoffs, the costs of scaling AI infrastructure and the need to reallocate resources toward growth influenced the decision.

Some companies have outright said they’re replacing workers with AI. Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said in May that the company was able to shrink its headcount by about 40%, in part because of AI. Duolingo said in April that it would stop using contractors for work that AI can handle. Salesforce laid off 4,000 customer support roles in September, saying that AI can do 50% of the work at the company.

In some cases, entire HR, support, and operations departments are being restructured as AI systems assume tasks such as scheduling, customer support, fraud monitoring, and data processing.

Outside of tech, financial services, retail, and logistics are also accelerating automation. Companies in these sectors are increasingly using AI to; Analyze customer behavior, detect risk, manage supply chains, forecast demand, Automate back-office accounting and compliance workflows.

This shift enables faster decision-making, but often at the expense of traditional administrative and clerical roles. This trend is reinforced by a Wharton study showing that 74% of enterprises are already experiencing positive returns from their AI investments.

Notably, while the financial benefits of AI are clear, the transition raises critical questions. As companies prove they can accomplish more with fewer employees, experts are asking what becomes of the workers behind those efficiencies.

Innovation in Metal: The Technology Behind Modern Seating

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Every chair begins as an idea about comfort and strength. In restaurants where hundreds of guests sit, shift, and stand each day, that idea must become something more: a balance of engineering, artistry, and endurance. Modern commercial-quality metal restaurant chairs have quietly become the backbone of modern dining spaces, combining timeless design with new technology that changes how we experience a seat.

The evolution of these chairs tells a story of innovation shaped by necessity. Designers and manufacturers have learned that metal is not just a material but a medium that can bend, flex, and adapt to human behavior. From laser-cut frames to powder-coated finishes that resist wear, the technology behind modern metal seating turns industrial precision into comfort you can feel.

As dining culture evolves, expectations rise. Guests now look for seating that is not only strong but also refined and responsive. A good metal chair is no longer a rigid frame; it is a living part of the restaurant experience that shapes posture, enhances atmosphere, and reflects a brand’s sense of quality.

The Science of Strength

Behind every sturdy metal chair lies a process of transformation. Sheets of steel and aluminum are cut, welded, and refined to meet exact standards of stability and weight. The structure must support movement while remaining light enough to handle with ease. Engineers test the load capacity of each design using advanced simulation tools, ensuring that every chair can endure thousands of cycles of use without losing its form.

Powder coating, once used only in heavy industry, now protects restaurant furniture from corrosion, scratches, and stains. The finish is electrostatically applied, bonding pigment to metal in a way that seals it against time and moisture. The result is a protective layer that lasts for years while preserving color and texture. What was once purely functional has become an expression of elegance, giving each chair a sleek, modern edge that holds up in both design and durability.

In many workshops, robotics has joined human hands to achieve precision welding and perfect symmetry. This collaboration between craftspeople and machines guarantees consistency from the first frame to the last, making every batch of chairs as strong as the one before it.

Precision Meets Comfort

Technology has not only allowed innovation but has also allowed precision manufacturing to pair with human comfort in ways never before possible. Chairs are now shaped using ergonomic mapping that studies how people sit, lean, and rest. The angles of backrests and the curvature of seats follow data gathered from real movement. Every curve is intentional, designed to relieve pressure and support posture through an evening of dining.

These innovations go far beyond structure. Many modern metal restaurant chairs integrate hybrid materials such as molded wood or upholstered cushions that attach seamlessly to frames. This fusion of hard and soft surfaces creates balance, ensuring comfort without sacrificing resilience. In some high-end models, adjustable glides, reinforced joints, and flexible seat plates absorb subtle movements, letting each guest settle naturally.

Some designers are even experimenting with memory foam inserts and breathable fabrics that complement the strength of metal. The result is a chair that feels human, engineered to welcome every body type without losing its sharp architectural beauty.

Sustainable Engineering in Design

As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of restaurant design, metal once again proves its worth. Unlike plastics that fade or composites that wear unevenly, steel and aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality. Modern production facilities reuse water from cooling systems, recover heat from welding operations, and repurpose scrap metal into new frames. Each process step reduces waste while keeping manufacturing local and efficient.

Designers are also exploring finishes made with fewer chemicals and coatings that cure at lower temperatures to save energy. These refinements make metal restaurant chairs an environmentally sound choice for venues that value both aesthetics and responsibility. The visual effect is equally powerful: raw metal finishes highlight honesty in design, showing the beauty of materials left closer to their natural state.

In a world increasingly focused on carbon footprints, every decision in manufacturing matters. Choosing metal furniture is not just a design statement; it is an environmental commitment that aligns luxury with longevity.

The Role of Innovation in Style

Metal seating once had a purely industrial image, but technology has transformed its personality. Through 3D modeling, artisans can now experiment with intricate cutouts, sculptural backs, and interlaced geometric patterns that give each chair its signature look. Laser precision allows for designs once impossible by hand, bringing individuality to mass-produced items.

Restaurants use these details to express identity. A minimalist café may favor matte black steel with fine linear silhouettes, while a luxury bistro might embrace brushed brass or chrome accents that catch the light. In both, technology turns practicality into visual storytelling, reminding us that even the hardest materials can be molded into something graceful.

Customization has also become more accessible. With digital fabrication, restaurateurs can now order metal chairs tailored to their concept, adjusting height, finish, or pattern with remarkable accuracy. This blend of flexibility and strength gives each dining space its own personality.

A Future Forged in Steel

The next chapter in metal seating is already being written. Smart manufacturing continues to refine each weld and curve, blending robotics with craftsmanship. New alloys promise lighter frames with greater strength, and coatings now include antibacterial properties for safer, more hygienic dining. Every advancement honors the same timeless goal: creating furniture that feels effortless, reliable, and beautiful all at once.

Metal restaurant chairs embody the harmony between tradition and innovation. They remind us that progress does not replace craftsmanship; it refines it. In their clean lines and enduring form lies a truth about modern hospitality: that strength can be elegant, and technology, when guided by design, can serve comfort with quiet sophistication.