Bugatti and Adidas, NFT Volumes Surge High in 24hrs Trading

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November 29, 2023

Two iconic brands, Bugatti and adidas, have teamed up to create a unique and exclusive product: a football boot that combines the performance and style of both companies. The boot, named the Bugatti x adidas Speedster, is a limited-edition model that will only be available for 500 lucky customers worldwide.

The Bugatti x adidas Speedster is designed to offer the ultimate in speed, agility and comfort for football players. The boot features a sleek and aerodynamic shape, inspired by the Bugatti Chiron hypercar, and a lightweight and durable upper, made from recycled materials and enhanced with adidas’ Primeknit technology. The boot also boasts a responsive and cushioned sole, equipped with adidas’ Boost technology and a carbon-fiber plate for extra stability and traction.

The boot is not only a high-performance product, but also a fashion statement. The boot showcases the signature colors and logos of both brands, as well as a special serial number on the heel that indicates the exclusivity of the product. The boot comes in a luxurious and elegant box, along with a certificate of authenticity and a pair of matching socks.

The Bugatti x adidas Speedster is a rare and coveted item that will appeal to both football fans and collectors. The boot will be available for pre-order on November 15th, 2023, on the official websites of both brands, for a price of $999. The boot will be delivered to the customers in December 2023, just in time for the holiday season. The Bugatti x adidas Speedster is more than just a football boot. It is a symbol of excellence, innovation and collaboration between two legendary brands that share a passion for speed and style.

NFT Volumes Surge High in 24hrs Trading

The Ethereum network has witnessed a remarkable surge in the volume of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) traded in the past 24 hours, reaching new highs and surpassing previous records. According to data from DappRadar, the total volume of NFTs on Ethereum reached $1.2 billion on November 27, 2023, a 300% increase from the previous day. This indicates a growing demand and interest in digital collectibles, art, gaming and metaverse assets that are powered by the second largest blockchain platform.

The main drivers of this impressive growth were the NFT projects that have been attracting massive attention and investment from both crypto enthusiasts and mainstream audiences. Among them, CryptoPunks, the original NFT project that features 10,000 unique pixelated characters, accounted for $400 million of the volume, followed by Bored Ape Yacht Club, another popular NFT collection that features 10,000 cartoon apes with different traits and accessories, with $300 million.

Other notable projects that contributed to the volume spike were Art Blocks, a platform that allows users to create and collect generative art pieces, with $200 million, and Loot, a minimalist NFT project that consists of randomly generated adventure gear, with $100 million.

The rise of NFTs on Ethereum is not only a sign of the increasing popularity and innovation of this new form of digital ownership and expression, but also a testament to the resilience and scalability of the Ethereum network itself. Despite the high gas fees and congestion that have plagued the network for a long time, Ethereum has been able to support the booming NFT sector and provide a secure and decentralized infrastructure for its development.

Moreover, with the ongoing transition to Ethereum 2.0, which aims to improve the network’s speed, efficiency and sustainability through a shift from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, Ethereum is expected to become even more attractive and competitive as a platform for NFTs and other decentralized applications.

The soaring volume of NFTs on Ethereum in the past 24 hours is a remarkable achievement that showcases the potential and value of this emerging technology. NFTs are not only a new way of creating and collecting digital art and culture, but also a powerful tool for empowering creators, artists, gamers and communities to express themselves and interact in novel and meaningful ways. As Ethereum continues to evolve and improve its network capabilities and features, we can expect to see more innovation and diversity in the NFT space and beyond.

DeGods NFT Revamped Roadmap and Yuga Labs Co-Founder’s Surprising Move

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Paul Ugbede Godwin

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November 29, 2023

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DeGods, the decentralized platform for creating and trading generative NFTs, has recently announced its new roadmap for the upcoming year. The roadmap includes several exciting features and updates that aim to enhance the user experience, expand the DeGods ecosystem, and increase the value of the DeGods tokens.

Some of the highlights of the roadmap are:

A new DeGods marketplace, where users can buy, sell, and trade their DeGods NFTs with other collectors and enthusiasts. The marketplace will also feature a ranking system, a leaderboard, and a curated gallery of the most popular and rare DeGods.

A new DeGods DAO, where users can participate in the governance and decision-making of the platform. The DAO will allow users to propose and vote on various aspects of the platform, such as fees, rewards, tokenomics, and future developments.

A new DeGods staking program, where users can stake their DeGods tokens to earn passive income and access exclusive benefits. The staking program will also introduce a new token, called DeFi (DeGods Fuel), which will be used to power the platform and reward the stakers.

A new DeGods minting mechanism, where users can create their own DeGods NFTs using a variety of generative algorithms and parameters. The minting mechanism will also allow users to customize their DeGods NFTs with different attributes, traits, and effects.

In addition to the roadmap, DeGods has also revealed a surprising move by one of its co-founders, Roham Gharegozlou. Gharegozlou, who is also the co-founder and CEO of Dapper Lab, the company behind the popular NBA Top Shot NFT platform, has decided to step down from his role at Dapper Lab and join DeGods as its full-time CEO.

Gharegozlou explained his decision in a blog post, saying that he believes that DeGods is “the next frontier of NFT innovation” and that he wants to dedicate his time and energy to “building the best generative art platform in the world”.

He also thanked his team at Yuga Labs for their support and achievements and assured that he will remain involved as an advisor and a board member. He said that Dapper Lab will continue to operate under the leadership of its co-founder and CTO, Dieter Shirley, who is also the creator of the Flow blockchain.

Gharegozlou’s move is seen as a major endorsement for DeGods, as he is one of the most influential figures in the NFT space. His vision and expertise are expected to boost DeGods’ growth and reputation in the industry.

DeGods is currently in its beta phase, with over 10,000 users and 50,000 NFTs minted so far. The platform plans to launch its mainnet in early 2024, along with its new features and updates. Users who are interested in joining DeGods can sign up for its waitlist on its website.

Yuga Labs Co-Founder’s Surprising Move

Yuga Labs, the company behind the popular Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT collection, has announced that one of its co-founders, Gordon Gekko, has decided to step down from his role and pursue other opportunities. This news came as a surprise to many in the crypto and NFT space, as Gekko was widely regarded as a visionary and a leader in the industry.

Gekko, who co-founded Yuga Labs with his brother Bud Fox in 2020, was instrumental in creating and launching BAYC, one of the most successful NFT projects to date. BAYC consists of 10,000 unique digital apes that grant their owners access to exclusive benefits, such as a members-only online community, merchandising rights, and future drops. BAYC has generated over $500 million in sales since its inception, and has attracted celebrities, athletes, and influencers as collectors.

In a blog post published on the official BAYC website, Gekko explained his decision to leave Yuga Labs and thanked the community for their support. He wrote:

“I have decided to step down from my role as co-founder and head of product at Yuga Labs. This was not an easy decision, but one that I feel is best for me and the company at this stage. I have been working on BAYC since day one, and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together. BAYC is more than just a collection of NFTs, it is a movement, a culture, and a family. I am grateful for every single ape that has joined us on this journey, and I will always be a part of this amazing community.

However, I also feel that it is time for me to explore new challenges and opportunities in the crypto and NFT space. I have always been passionate about innovation and creativity, and I have many ideas that I want to pursue and bring to life. I believe that the NFT space is still in its infancy, and there is so much potential for growth and disruption. I want to contribute to this evolution and push the boundaries of what is possible with NFTs.

Yuga Labs Co-Founder starts another nft shopping spree, spent 90 ETH on 8 nfts

The co-founder of Yuga Labs, the company behind the popular Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) nft collection, has been on a buying frenzy lately, acquiring eight new nfts for a total of 90 ETH (about $360,000 at the time of writing).

According to his Twitter account, the co-founder, who goes by the name Goner Gondor, purchased four nfts from the Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC), a spin-off of BAYC that features apes with different mutations and accessories. He also bought two nfts from the Cool Cats collection, which features cute and colorful cats with various traits and outfits. Additionally, he acquired one nft from the CryptoPunks collection, one of the oldest and most valuable nft projects, and one nft from the Pudgy Penguins collection, which features adorable and chubby penguins.

Goner Gondor is not new to the nft scene. He is one of the most influential and prolific collectors in the space, owning over 300 nfts worth millions of dollars. He is also known for his involvement in BAYC, which he helped launch in April 2021. BAYC is a collection of 10,000 unique and randomly generated ape avatars that grant their owners access to exclusive benefits, such as a members-only online club, merchandise, and collaborations with other brands and celebrities. BAYC has become one of the most successful and sought-after nft projects, with some apes selling for over $1 million.

Goner Gondor’s latest purchases reflect his confidence and enthusiasm for the nft market, which has been booming in recent months. According to data from DappRadar, the total sales volume of nfts in October 2021 reached $2.6 billion, up 31% from September. The number of active wallets interacting with nft platforms also increased by 20% to 1.2 million.

Goner Gondor believes that nfts are more than just digital art or collectibles. He sees them as a new form of social identity and expression, as well as a way to connect with like-minded communities. In an interview with Forbes, he said: “I think nfts are the future of how we interact online. They allow us to show who we are, what we like, and what we stand for. They also enable us to join clubs and communities that share our values and interests.”

As a co-founder of Yuga Labs, Goner Gondor also has a vision for how nfts can create new opportunities and experiences for creators and consumers. He said: “We want to build a world where anyone can create and own their own digital assets and use them across different platforms and metaverses. We want to empower people to express themselves creatively and economically through nfts.”

Goner Gondor’s recent nft shopping spree is a testament to his passion and commitment to the nft space. He is not only a collector, but also a creator and a leader who is shaping the future of digital culture.

Abia State Announces Plan to Fully Digitalize Civil Service by March 2024

By

Samuel Nwite

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November 29, 2023

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The Commissioner for Science and Technology in Abia State, Nigeria, Chima Oriaku, has announced the government’s commitment to fully digitalizing the state’s civil service by March 2024.

The initiative aims to automate the entire state government workflow and transition from paper-based to digital formats for enhanced efficiency. It is one of the initiatives of the Otti-led government, geared toward transparent governance.

The move focuses on automating the workflow of the state government, converting manual processes into digital formats. The goal is to create a centralized data management system that facilitates easy access to government work environments, files, and project plans.

Challenges of Analog Processes

Oriaku highlighted the challenges of keeping files in paper and analog formats, making them susceptible to losses and destruction due to various factors. The move to digitalization of the state’s workflow is expected to address these challenges and improve overall access and management of government data.

The digitalization effort is also aimed at easing access to government data, enhancing work efficiency, and increasing overall output. The commissioner emphasized the need for a central data management system that enables quick access to information at the push of a button.

“We should have a centralized data management system so that at any time, at the punch of a button, by a government official, you will access data that you can work with.

“That is why we are in this partnership with Xerox Nigeria Limited to give us their support in that plan,” he said.

Oriaku said the digitalization initiative is to make Abia State workers more efficient and improve work processes. He added that the transition from analog to digital systems is expected to bring about accountability, reliability, productivity, and efficiency.

Partnership with Xerox Nigeria Limited

The government of Abia State has entered into a partnership with Xerox Nigeria Limited to support the digitalization plan.

Femi Abidoye, General Manager (Marketing) at Xerox Nigeria Limited, noted that the partnership was initiated by the governor’s desire for quality service delivery.

“The objective is to make Abia state workers work smarter and to deliver on state objectives. To simplify work processes, procedures, and work environment, and to move from the analog system to the digital system era where there is accountability, reliability, productivity, and efficiency at the end of the day,” he said.

“We are partnering with the Abia Ministry of Science and Technology to ensure there is cost control and to correct the record of everybody so that no data is lost at the end of the day. That is of uttermost importance.”

Oriaku stated the government’s commitment to completing the digitalization of the civil service by March 2024.

The move toward digitalizing government processes aligns with global trends in leveraging technology for improved governance, accessibility, and efficiency. It is expected to contribute to better service delivery and data management within the Abia State civil service.

Cybertruck Deliveries start from Thursday.

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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November 29, 2023

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The wait is finally over. Tesla has announced that the first batch of Cybertruck deliveries will start on Thursday, marking a milestone for the company and the electric vehicle industry. Elon Musk tweeted on X confirming the delivery scheduled for Thursday.

The Cybertruck, which was unveiled in November 2019, is a futuristic pickup truck that features a stainless-steel exoskeleton, a bulletproof glass windshield, and a tri-motor powertrain that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. But what are the Cybertruck’s specs? Here are some of the key features and numbers that make this vehicle stand out:

Range: The Cybertruck offers three battery options, with estimated ranges of 250+, 300+, and 500+ miles respectively.

Towing: The Cybertruck can tow up to 14,000 pounds with the tri-motor variant, 10,000 pounds with the dual-motor variant, and 7,500 pounds with the single-motor variant.

Payload: The Cybertruck can carry up to 3,500 pounds of cargo in its 6.5-foot-long bed, which also has a built-in ramp and a tonneau cover.

Performance: The Cybertruck can reach a top speed of over 130 mph and has an adjustable air suspension that can raise or lower the vehicle by 4 inches.

Price: The Cybertruck starts at $39,900 for the single-motor version and goes up to $69,900 for the tri-motor version. Customers can also opt for a self-driving package that costs an additional $10,000.

But what is the self-driving package? This is an optional feature that enables the Cybertruck to drive itself on highways and city streets, using Tesla’s advanced Autopilot system. The self-driving package also includes access to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which is expected to enable more autonomous capabilities in the future, such as navigating complex intersections, recognizing traffic lights and signs, and parking itself.

The self-driving package is not yet fully functional and requires the driver to monitor the vehicle and be ready to take over at any time. However, Tesla claims that the self-driving package will increase in value over time as more features are added.

Tesla has received over one million pre-orders for the Cybertruck, which will be manufactured at its Gigafactory Texas. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the initial production will be limited to the tri-motor variant, followed by the dual-motor variant in late 2022 and the single-motor variant in late 2023.

The Cybertruck is expected to face stiff competition from other electric pickup trucks that are entering the market, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, the Rivian R1T, and the GMC Hummer EV. However, Tesla has a loyal fan base and a reputation for innovation that could give it an edge over its rivals. The Cybertruck also offers a unique design and features that appeal to customers who are looking for something different and futuristic.

Tesla fans who have pre-ordered the Cybertruck are eagerly awaiting their delivery notifications, while others who are curious about the vehicle can visit Tesla’s website or showrooms to learn more about it. The Cybertruck is set to revolutionize the pickup truck segment and usher in a new era of electric mobility. Thursday can’t come soon enough.

Lessons As Apple and Goldman Sachs End Credit Card Partnership

By

Ndubuisi Ekekwe

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November 29, 2023

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Everything is easy when another person has done it, and if you try, you will learn some lessons. Yes, Goldman Sachs and Apple starting a consumer credit card product is not necessarily pioneering. There is no left inefficiency which both could have exploited to thrive in America. It is the same reason why MPESA clones failed in Nigeria and South Africa because both markets were more advanced than Kenya’s when MPESA started. So, anything MPESA offered Nigerians and South Africans was not better than the current products, for them to switch. So, mobile money failed in Nigeria and South Africa.

It is the same thing with USSD payment in the US. Who cares? What you have here is just great enough to bother.

So, for GS/Apple, I am not sure anyone with decent credit history cares about the design of the card or the logo on the card. Most care about the interest rates and the available credit limit. Apple/GS are babies in that space and cannot match Bank of America, Chase, etc.

When this launched. I wrote that it was a waste of time for Apple and GS, because unlike when the consumer is giving money out (i.e. you are taking the risk), when you are receiving credits (i.e. borrowing), you focus on the best rates and limits, with limited interests on the “magical” design of the plastic. In other words, even if the plastic has a poor design but offers great rates and limits, Apple’s engineering ergonomics matters less, since no person waves cards as a fashionista product like the iPhone.

That is what happened here and it does not diminish the mission of fintechs which continues to unlock new vistas in the market. Those fintechs depend on bank sponsors to power them. What Apple and GS built was not a fintech product because GS itself is a bank joining a really late party, and its cost model cannot allow the business to thrive.

Tech giant Apple has announced its decision to discontinue its credit card partnership with Investment banking company, Goldman Sachs.

The tech giant recently sent a proposal to the Wall Street bank to exit the contract in the next 12 to 15 months. This exit would cover their entire consumer partnership, including the savings account rolled out this year.

Speaking on the end of its partnership with Goldman Sachs, Apple said,

“Apple and Goldman Sachs are focused on providing an incredible experience for our customers to help them lead healthier financial lives. The award-winning Apple Card has seen a great reception from consumers, and we will continue to innovate and deliver the best tools and services for them.”

Comment on Feed

Comment 1: The Apple-Goldman Sachs credit card isn’t just another entry in the crowded market; it’s a game-changer in personal finance. Here’s why:
Brand Power: Apple’s expertise in user experience, combined with Goldman Sachs’ financial prowess, offers a unique, integrated service.
Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging data for personalized services, this partnership could redefine financial management.
Consumer Trends: This card meets evolving consumer demands for digital integration and ethical branding, especially among younger users.
Market Disruption: More than competing with banks, this venture could create a new niche in financial services.
Regulatory Expertise: Goldman Sachs’ experience ensures stability and compliance in this innovative venture.
In essence, this collaboration signifies a shift in financial services, prioritizing technology and user experience as key drivers of value.

My Response: “Apple’s expertise in user experience, combined with Goldman Sachs’ financial prowess, offers a unique, integrated service.” – The irony is that when you are borrowing money, the only user experience is interest rate and amount. Other things are marginal!

Bugatti and Adidas, NFT Volumes Surge High in 24hrs Trading

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