X Struggles on Android as Downloads Plunge, Revenue Growth Stalls

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August 19, 2025

Elon Musk’s social media platform X is facing renewed struggles on Android devices, as fresh data reveals a sharp decline in new installs.

According to app intelligence provider Appfigures, X downloads on Google Play plunged by 44 percent year-on-year worldwide in July 2025, even as Apple’s App Store recorded a 15 percent increase in downloads during the same period.

The contrasting figures underscore a widening gap in user adoption across mobile platforms. While X continues to attract new users on iOS, the steep drop in Android installs is pulling down the platform’s overall performance. Total mobile downloads fell by 26 percent year-on-year in July, a slight improvement compared to June, when downloads had plummeted by 35 percent after Android installs nosedived by nearly half (49 percent).

Appfigures stopped short of fully explaining the decline on Android, but analysts have long flagged the poor state of X’s app on Google Play. The Android version is notorious for being buggy, unstable, and prone to frequent crashes, making it a sore point for the company.

In response, X’s recently appointed head of product, Nikita Bier, has hinted at major changes aimed at fixing the Android problem. Bier, best known for “growth hacking” social apps like Gas and TBH before selling them, announced that X was building what he called an “Android Dream Team” to completely rebuild the app. In a recent post on the platform, he claimed X’s iOS app had just recorded its best-ever week of installs, a move many observers interpreted as an effort to deflect attention from the Android slump.

The decline has also sparked questions about where disaffected Android users are going. Rival Bluesky, another Twitter alternative, has not capitalized meaningfully, as its own growth has slowed. Its Google Play app recorded just 119,000 downloads in July—tiny compared to the millions of monthly installs that X still attracts across platforms. However, Meta’s Threads appears to be gaining momentum, with its daily active users closing in on X’s figures, particularly on mobile. Some analysts suggest that a portion of Android users abandoning X may be moving to Threads.

Beyond user growth, X is also struggling to expand its subscription-based revenue. Appfigures data shows that in July, the company earned $16.9 million in net revenue from its premium services, down from $18.8 million in March 2025, though marginally up from $16.8 million in June. The stagnation underscores X’s difficulties in convincing users to pay for extra features.

A key factor in this revenue challenge is the rise of Grok, the AI chatbot built by Musk’s xAI startup and tightly integrated into X. While Grok was initially bundled into X’s subscription tiers, it now has its own standalone app that is drawing away users who had previously subscribed to X primarily for AI perks. This development has left X more reliant than ever on advertising for the bulk of its revenue—a business line that has been under pressure since Musk’s 2022 takeover, as advertisers pulled back over concerns about content moderation and brand safety.

The numbers paint a stark picture: X is enjoying growth among iOS users but is failing to capture or retain Android users at the same pace. The company’s hopes now rest on Bier’s team successfully revamping the Android app, even as it faces mounting competition from Meta and other emerging platforms.

With Musk’s ambitious push to transform X into an “everything app” still in motion, the latest figures highlight the structural hurdles the platform faces in its bid to remain central to online conversation.

Secret Gems for Big Returns: 4 Top Cryptos to Join in 2025 While They’re Still Under the Radar

By

TI Partners

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August 19, 2025

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Can the right meme coin in 2025 be the difference between watching wealth multiply or watching opportunities slip away? The surge of meme-driven assets has shown time and again that community-backed tokens can spark unbelievable momentum. The challenge is no longer about whether meme coins matter. It is about which ones deserve attention before the market makes its next big move.

This year, MoonBull ($MOBU), Turbo (TURBO), Memecoin (MEME), and Ponke (PONKE) are positioning themselves as the top cryptos to join in 2025. Among them, one project is already igniting a whitelist buzz that is drawing investors into an exclusive opportunity. That project is MoonBull, with its whitelist now live. Early entry ensures access to secret staking rewards, bonus allocations, and the lowest token price before public launch. For investors considering meme coins as a path to growth, the timing could not be more decisive.

1. MoonBull ($MOBU)

MoonBull is not just another addition to the meme coin arena. It is a project designed from the ground up to reward early participants with premium opportunities. Built on Ethereum for unmatched security and DeFi compatibility, MoonBull aligns viral meme energy with the reliability of one of the most trusted blockchains.

At the center of its strategy lies the MoonBull whitelist, which is live at this very moment. This first-come, first-served chance delivers a clear advantage to anyone who acts quickly. Whitelist members do not just join early. They gain:

The lowest possible entry price
Access to secret staking rewards
Exclusive bonus token allocations
Private hints about the roadmap ahead

Spots are extremely limited, and once filled, they will not reopen. Unlike the open presale stage, whitelist approval grants advance notification of the exact launch date, providing a head start before the public gains access.

Why did this coin make it to this list? MoonBull earned its place among the top cryptos to join in 2025 because it embodies everything that makes meme coins explosive: community excitement, viral branding, and early-mover rewards. By blending Ethereum’s secure foundation with exclusive whitelist benefits, it positions itself as a standout project for investors seeking growth and innovation in the meme coin sector.

Guide to Entering the MoonBull Whitelist

Getting on the MoonBull whitelist is simple but time-sensitive. Visit the official whitelist page, submit your email, and confirm registration. Once approved, you will receive a private notification with the exact Stage One date and time. When presale opens, act immediately, as spots are limited and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Whitelisted users gain the lowest entry price, bonus allocations, and access to secret staking rewards before anyone else.

2. Turbo (TURBO)

Turbo has emerged as a fascinating case in meme coin history. Created with the help of AI-driven design principles, this token was born from an experimental approach that combined community creativity with advanced digital tools. That background gave Turbo a unique identity, attracting both technology enthusiasts and traditional meme coin traders.

Market performance has also highlighted its appeal. Turbo became known for its ability to rally support rapidly, with surges driven by viral content and social media engagement. Its branding and positioning capture attention, while its AI-influenced origin story sets it apart from countless other meme coins.

Behind the community appeal, Turbo has built traction by balancing humor with innovation. It is not only a playful asset but also a symbol of what happens when creative thinking meets blockchain accessibility. Traders who seek both cultural relevance and potential value find it a natural fit.

Why did this coin make it to this list? Turbo claimed its spot among the top cryptos to join in 2025 because it represents how AI innovation and community energy can combine to generate market momentum. Its continued presence in discussions about emerging meme coins proves its ability to sustain relevance and attract interest as new waves of investors enter the scene.

3. Memecoin (MEME)

Memecoin is the project that wears its identity openly in its very name. Designed to embody the meme culture of cryptocurrency, it has grown into a recognizable symbol of the movement itself. What sets Memecoin apart is not just its branding, but its rapid adoption and community-driven energy.

The appeal of MEME lies in its straightforward yet powerful narrative: it celebrates the humor, creativity, and viral spirit of online culture. The project quickly captured attention by turning the idea of meme coins into something tangible, establishing itself as both a commentary on and a participant in the sector’s explosive growth.

Tokenomics also play a significant role in its journey. By emphasizing fairness and transparent distribution, Memecoin built trust at a time when skepticism often surrounds meme-based projects. Its early support and market traction helped it transition from novelty to serious contender in the meme coin space.

Why did this coin make it to this list? Memecoin secured its place among the top cryptos to join in 2025 because it stands as the cultural anchor of the meme token landscape. Its strong community foundation and commitment to representing meme culture directly have allowed it to remain relevant and influential in a crowded market.

4. Ponke (PONKE)

Ponke has positioned itself as one of the most promising meme tokens rising into 2025. Known for its bold branding and unique approach, it has quickly gained a loyal following across online communities. The project thrives on creativity, turning playful engagement into serious traction on trading platforms.

What sets Ponke apart is its ability to foster excitement without relying on imitation. Instead of copying predecessors, Ponke crafted its own identity, building a story that resonates with investors seeking originality. This differentiation has been key in driving its recognition among a new generation of traders.

Community activity also supports its momentum. Ponke has become a fixture in online discussions, with its following driving hype cycles that often translate into measurable growth. Its market presence and rising attention are clear indicators of its staying power.

Why did this coin make it to this list? Ponke earned its place among the top cryptos to join in 2025 because it demonstrates how originality and strong community engagement can carve out a unique space in the meme coin arena. Its rising visibility and distinctive branding make it a project worth following closely.

Conclusion

Based on the latest research, the top cryptos to join in 2025 include MoonBull, Turbo, Memecoin, and Ponke. Each offers its own narrative and potential for growth, but MoonBull stands out because of its live whitelist and presale advantages.

Whitelists remain one of the most effective entry points for investors aiming to multiply wealth in the crypto sector. By joining at the earliest stage, participants position themselves at the front of new trends and gain access to benefits unavailable later. Meme coins are riding that wave of adoption, and MoonBull is showing how exclusivity, staking rewards, and community-driven design can lead to explosive growth.

For investors considering which meme projects to monitor in 2025, the time to act is now. The opportunity to secure a Moon Bull whitelist spot will not wait, and history has shown that missing early stages often means watching from the sidelines as value rises.

For More Information:

Website: https://www.moonbull.io/

Telegram: https://t.me/MoonBullCoin

Twitter: https://x.com/MoonBullX

FAQs

Which meme coin will explode in 2025?
MoonBull is emerging as the front-runner, with massive community buzz and early investor interest suggesting it could be the breakout meme coin of 2025.
Which meme coin to buy?
With its whitelist now open and offering exclusive early perks, MoonBull is currently the best meme coin to grab before the big run begins.
How does MoonBull differentiate itself from other meme coins?
MoonBull combines Ethereum’s secure foundation with exclusive whitelist rewards such as staking programs, bonus allocations, and secret token drops.
What makes 2025 an important year for meme coin investments?
With more countries adopting crypto into reserves and market growth accelerating, 2025 is seen as a pivotal year for meme projects that combine community and innovation.
Which meme coin has the most immediate opportunity right now?
MoonBull, with its live whitelist, offers the most immediate opportunity for early investors seeking exclusive access and rewards.

Glossary of Key Terms

Whitelist: A list granting early access or special privileges to select users before a public launch.
Meme Coin: Cryptocurrencies that originate from online memes or internet culture.
Staking: Locking up crypto assets to earn rewards over time.
Ethereum: A decentralized blockchain platform that supports smart contracts.
Presale: A token sale phase before public launch, often at lower prices.
DeFi: Decentralized Finance, a blockchain-based financial system without intermediaries.
Roadmap: A crypto project’s future plans and development timeline.

Implications of Qubic’s uPoW Model on Monero Network Security

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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August 19, 2025

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The Qubic mining pool, led by IOTA co-founder Sergey Ivancheglo, executed a 51% attack on the Monero network, achieving control over more than half of its hashrate by August 11, 2025.

This was framed as an “economic demonstration” to showcase Qubic’s “useful proof-of-work” (uPoW) model, which incentivizes Monero mining to fund Qubic’s token economy. By offering higher payouts (up to $3.13/day compared to $0.64/day from standard pools), Qubic attracted enough miners to surpass 51% hashrate, peaking at 52.36% or higher, enabling potential blockchain reorganization, transaction censorship, or double-spending.

A six-block reorganization was reported, discarding 60 blocks, though some developers, like SeraiDEX’s Luke Parker, argued this could be due to luck rather than a definitive attack. The attack faced resistance, including an alleged DDoS attack on Qubic’s pool in late July, reducing its hashrate from 2.6 GH/s to 0.8 GH/s.

Monero’s community countered with miner boycotts, slashing Qubic’s share to under 15% at times. The attack’s cost was estimated at $75 million daily, raising questions about its economic viability. Monero’s price dropped 8-17% amid the turmoil, while Qubic’s token rose 4%.

Despite Qubic’s claim of not intending harm, the event exposed vulnerabilities in Monero’s proof-of-work model, sparking debates on mining centralization and network security. Qubic’s rapid accumulation of hashrate (from 2% to over 40% in two months, peaking at 52.36%) demonstrates how a single entity can centralize a supposedly decentralized network.

This contradicts Monero’s core value of privacy through decentralization, as a 51% hashrate allows control over transaction validation, block production, and potentially protocol changes. A centralized hashrate enables attack vectors like: The attacker can rewrite the blockchain to spend the same coins multiple times.

The attacker can reject or delay specific transactions, undermining Monero’s privacy guarantees. Non-Qubic miners’ blocks can be rejected, reducing their rewards and further incentivizing migration to Qubic’s pool. Qubic’s uPoW, which repurposes mining for tasks like Monero mining or AI training, frames the attack as an “economic demo” to highlight PoW vulnerabilities.

By achieving a 51% hashrate, Qubic proved that PoW networks are susceptible to entities with superior economic resources, challenging the assumption that strong cryptography alone ensures security. This exposes PoW networks to “soft” attacks driven by economic incentives rather than technical exploits.

Unlike traditional hacks, these attacks are harder to detect and counter, as they exploit miner greed rather than software flaws. The Monero community’s response (e.g., boycotts and pool migrations) shows resistance is possible but requires significant coordination, which may not always succeed.

The attack caused Monero’s price to drop 8-17%, reflecting market concerns over network stability. A successful 51% attack could erode trust in Monero’s privacy and security, potentially driving users and miners away permanently. Conversely, Qubic’s token rose 4-70% during the period, suggesting market approval of its model.

The Qubic-Monero conflict serves as a warning for all PoW blockchains (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum Classic). If economic incentives can override decentralization, other networks may face similar threats from entities with significant capital. This incident has reignited debates about PoW’s long-term viability compared to proof-of-stake systems.

The uPoW model highlights a systemic attack vector in PoW: the ability to redirect hashrate for profit-driven motives. This could inspire copycat attacks on smaller or less secure PoW networks, as seen in past cases like Ethereum Classic (2019-2020) or Bitcoin Gold (2018-2020).

How uPoW Exposes Monero to Attack Vectors

Qubic’s uPoW model, which uses mining resources for practical tasks (e.g., Monero mining, AI training) while rewarding miners with QUBIC tokens, creates unique attack vectors by blending economic incentives with computational efficiency.

uPoW incentivizes miners by offering higher profits through QUBIC token rewards and Monero mining proceeds, which are converted to USDT to buy and burn QUBIC tokens. This deflationary loop makes Qubic’s pool more attractive, drawing miners away from Monero’s ecosystem.

The rapid hashrate accumulation (from 2% to over 50% in months) shows how uPoW can centralize a network by luring miners with better economics. This creates a 51% attack risk without requiring Qubic to own the hardware, as miners “voluntarily surrender” hashrate for profit.

Qubic’s plan to stop reporting hashrate after August 2, 2025, makes it harder for Monero to monitor threats. This “stealth mode” obscures Qubic’s true influence, delaying community responses. Reduced transparency increases the risk of undetected attacks, as Monero cannot easily track Qubic’s hashrate share.

uPoW’s high hashrate enabled a reported six-block reorganization, discarding 60 blocks, which demonstrates the ability to rewrite Monero’s blockchain history. While some argue this could be due to luck, the potential for deliberate reorgs remains. Reorgs enable double-spending and block orphaning, directly threatening Monero’s integrity.

uPoW’s ability to concentrate hashrate makes such attacks feasible, especially if Qubic rejects non-Qubic blocks to centralize rewards. uPoW’s integration with real-world tasks (e.g., AI training, Monero mining) makes it economically sustainable to maintain high hashrate shares.

Qubic’s pool faced an alleged DDoS attack, reducing its hashrate from 2.6 GH/s to 0.8 GH/s, which it attributed to Monero’s community. This highlights how uPoW’s centralized pool structure can be a target for counterattacks, but also how Monero’s decentralized nature struggles to coordinate defenses.

While uPoW exposes Monero to hashrate-based attacks, it also makes Qubic’s infrastructure a single point of failure. However, Monero’s reliance on community-driven defenses (e.g., boycotts, pool migrations) is slow and less effective against well-funded, coordinated attacks.

Qubic’s uPoW model exposes Monero to attack vectors by leveraging economic incentives to centralize hashrate, enabling 51% attacks, reorgs, and transaction censorship at a low cost. The implications include weakened decentralization, eroded trust, and price volatility, with broader concerns for all PoW networks.

A Look at the Hotter-Than-Expected U.S. PPI Data For July 2025

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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August 19, 2025

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The U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) for July 2025, reported rose 0.9% month-over-month and 3.3% year-over-year, significantly exceeding expectations of 0.2% and 2.5%, respectively. This marked the largest monthly increase since June 2022, signaling persistent inflationary pressures at the wholesale level.

Core PPI, excluding food and energy, also surged 0.9% monthly and 3.7% annually, far above forecasts. The hotter-than-expected PPI data reduced expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, with the CME FedWatch tool showing the probability dropping from 100% to 96%.

This shift triggered a sharp sell-off in risk assets. Bitcoin fell from an overnight high above $124,000 to below $119,000, Ethereum dropped nearly 4% to around $4,550, and other altcoins like Solana and XRP also declined significantly. Over $1 billion in crypto positions were liquidated within 24 hours, with $573 million from long positions alone.

Equities markets showed resilience, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq finishing nearly flat, down 0.03% and 0.01%, respectively, supported by strength in mega-cap tech stocks. However, the Russell 2000 fell 1.24%, reflecting pressure on smaller companies sensitive to higher interest rate expectations. The U.S. dollar strengthened, and the 10-year Treasury yield rose by 5 basis points to 4.25%, indicating a move toward safer assets.

The PPI surge, partly attributed to rising tariffs and a 1.1% increase in services inflation, suggests businesses may pass higher costs to consumers, potentially sustaining inflationary pressures. This complicates the Fed’s policy path, with markets now anticipating a 94% chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut in September, down from expectations of a larger cut.

Gold prices typically face headwinds when inflationary data exceeds expectations and strengthens the U.S. dollar, as seen with the dollar index rising post-PPI. Spot gold traded around $2,430 per ounce on August 14, down from recent highs above $2,450, reflecting a 0.5% decline.

The 10-year Treasury yield climbing to 4.25% further pressured gold, as higher yields reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets. Despite short-term weakness, persistent inflation could bolster gold’s appeal as an inflation hedge. If the Fed maintains higher interest rates to combat inflation, as suggested by the reduced probability of a September rate cut (from 100% to 94% per CME FedWatch).

Gold may face volatility but could gain if investors seek safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions or sustained CPI increases could further support gold prices, potentially pushing them toward $2,500 in the medium term.

The PPI data triggered a sharp correction in digital assets. Bitcoin dropped from above $124,000 to below $119,000, a roughly 4% decline, while Ethereum fell nearly 4% to around $4,550. Altcoins like Solana and XRP saw similar losses, with over $1 billion in crypto liquidations, including $573 million in long positions.

The sell-off reflects reduced risk appetite as investors reassessed the likelihood of a dovish Fed pivot. Digital assets, particularly cryptocurrencies, are highly sensitive to interest rate expectations. The PPI-driven shift toward a tighter Fed policy (94% chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut in September) dampened expectations of monetary easing, which typically supports speculative assets like crypto.

Higher yields and a stronger dollar further erode the appeal of digital assets in the short term. If inflationary pressures persist, digital assets like Bitcoin, often touted as a “digital gold” hedge, could see renewed interest. However, their volatility and correlation with risk-on assets like equities (e.g., Nasdaq) suggest they may underperform gold in a high-inflation, high-rate environment.

Adoption trends, regulatory developments, and network upgrades (e.g., Ethereum’s scaling solutions) will also influence long-term performance. Gold’s short-term downside due to a stronger dollar and higher yields, but long-term upside potential as an inflation hedge if CPI follows PPI’s trend.

Digital Assets are vulnerable to further near-term declines if Fed hawkishness persists, with Bitcoin and altcoins facing resistance unless risk sentiment improves. Long-term prospects depend on macroeconomic shifts and crypto-specific catalysts

Africa’s Startup Funding Crosses $2 Billion in 2025 Despite A Quiet August

By

Ojukwu Emmanuel

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August 19, 2025

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After a vibrant first half of the year, Africa’s startup ecosystem has already secured over $2 billion in funding in 2025, even as August proved relatively quiet on the deal front, according to a report by Africa: The Big Deal.

This month was one of the softest months of the year, with deal volume and value dropping compared to the surge in July. This cooling reflects a broader seasonal trend. August often brings fewer announcements as global investors pause during the summer, resulting in reduced activity across venture markets.

While August recorded fewer announcements, July buzzed with significant funding, with 61 startups announcing at least $100k in funding, which saw the total amount raised to $550 million. Last month, funding according to reports is the most that start-ups in Africa have raised in a month in more than two years.

Interestingly, 83% of this amount was claimed by just two companies, d.light and Sun King, both operating in the energy sector with roots in Kenya. Despite the slowdown, the fact that African startups surpassed $2 billion by August underscores the resilience and growing maturity of the ecosystem.

Hitting the $2 billion threshold with four months left in 2025 puts the African continent firmly on track to outperform last year’s totals. This suggests strong investor confidence, particularly in fintech, climate-tech, health-tech, and mobility startups, which continue to attract large rounds.

What makes the current momentum even more encouraging is that African startups are demonstrating resilience amid global economic headwinds. While many regions are experiencing contractions in venture activity due to high interest rates, geopolitical uncertainties, and investor caution, Africa continues to show that its long-term growth story is intact.

The diversity of sectors attracting capital from fintech to climate-tech, Healthtech, and logistics is another promising sign that funding is not only growing but also spreading more evenly across industries. While fintech accounted for 35-60% of investments in recent years, sectors like AgriTech, Healthtech, and climate-tech are gaining ground, particularly in emerging markets like Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania. Agritech, for instance, raised $88.6 million across 30 deals in 2024. This diversification is a positive sign of a maturing ecosystem.

Notably, the $2 billion milestone is especially impressive given the backdrop of global VC slowdown and rising caution in emerging markets. African startups are increasingly drawing funds from a mix of international VCs, development finance institutions, and corporate investors, ensuring a more diversified capital base.

The African venture capital landscape is also seeing a shift toward more localized funding sources. The share of capital deployed by local investors has increased for the third consecutive year, reducing reliance on international capital and reflecting growing confidence in the continent’s potential. This trend, combined with strategic partnerships and government-backed initiatives like the Timbuktoo FinTech Hub in Lagos, fosters a more sustainable ecosystem for startups to thrive.

The milestone underscores the continent’s resilience and growing investor confidence, putting it on track to surpass last year’s totals well before the year’s end. If funding pace holds till the end of the year, 2025 may go down as a defining year for Africa’s venture landscape, reaffirming the continent’s place as one of the most exciting frontiers for innovation and investment globally.

X Struggles on Android as Downloads Plunge, Revenue Growth Stalls

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Secret Gems for Big Returns: 4 Top Cryptos to Join in 2025 While They’re Still Under the Radar