Weekly Wrap-Up: Pantera's $148K Bitcoin Forecast, Meta's AI Off-Switch & FBI's Crypto Warning

Hello Disruptors 🚀

Gather 'round, tech aficionados!

This week, we're dissecting Pantera Capital's sky-high Bitcoin predictions, Meta's groundbreaking AI 'off-switch', and the FBI's startling crypto advisory.

Ready to unravel the mysteries of the digital realm? Let's go!

AI Advancements & Insights:

• YouTube has recently announced guiding principles for ethical collaborations with the music industry through AI technology, and is also in the testing phase of a new feature that allows users to identify songs by humming.

• OpenAI has updated its GPT-3.5 Turbo with fine-tuning and API enhancements, making it more efficient for NLP tasks.

• Meta is set to introduce an 'off-switch' for AI functionalities on Facebook and Instagram in Europe for safer user interactions, and is also developing a foundational multimodal model aimed at seamless speech translation to bring the world closer together.

• Amazon Prime Video is enhancing the viewer experience for Thursday Night Football by integrating AI-driven features for real-time analytics.

• A new large language model called Code Llama has been introduced, specifically designed to assist with coding tasks and challenges.

• A groundbreaking brain implant has been developed that enables paralyzed individuals to communicate through a digital avatar.

Crypto Regulatory & Legal Updates:

• Thailand's government warned Facebook to tackle crypto scams on its platform or face shutdown in the country.

• Ex-OpenSea exec Nate Chastain got a 3 month prison sentence and a $50K fine for insider trading.

• The FBI warned that North Korean hackers plan to cash out over $40M in Bitcoin, raising security concerns.

• Pepe's former team members took $15M from a multisig wallet, causing a stir in the crypto world.

• Atomic Wallet is facing multiple lawsuits, including a class-action suit for a $12M loss and another for a security breach leading to a $100M loss in cryptocurrencies.

• The crypto community is actively discussing Biden's new tax rules on crypto transactions.

NFT & Metaverse Spotlight:

• Doodles has collaborated with Crocs to launch a unique NFT collection that's capturing attention.

• Tomorrowland's NFT collection has been a massive hit, raking in $2.2M in sales.

• NFL star Patrick Mahomes and Azuki have teamed up to release exclusive NFT trading cards.

• The Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix 2023 is gearing up to offer NFT rewards, adding a digital twist to the racing event.

• Gala Music has disrupted the rap world with a mythical album by Earl Sweatshirt, available as an NFT.

• Amid controversies over creator royalties, Rarible has taken steps to underscore its integrity in the NFT space.

• Venly and FIBA are honoring the Basketball World Cup with special NFTs, blending sports and digital art.

• Snoop Dogg's Dr. Bombay persona from the Bored Ape Yacht Club has made its sneaker debut, adding flair to the NFT world.

Crypto Exchange & Innovation News:

• Binance US has pivoted to a 'crypto-only' model, with Moonpay stepping in as the new gateway for users.

• JPMorgan has released a forecast suggesting limited downside risks for the crypto markets, offering some stability insights.

• PancakeSwap, a decentralized exchange protocol, has broadened its reach by expanding to the Linea network.

• Paypal's newly launched stablecoin is experiencing slow uptake, raising questions about its appeal among crypto users.

• Farcaster, a decentralized social media protocol, is making a significant move by migrating to the OP mainnet layer 2 network.

Crypto Innovations & Partnerships:

• Phantom has streamlined user authentication by introducing a one-click sign-in feature with Solana, making access easier.

• World Mobile is partnering with SingularityNET to offer blockchain-based loans, a move that could revolutionize financial services.

• Binance Labs has invested in Pendle Finance, aiming to expand DeFi yield opportunities.

• Western Union is enhancing its transaction capabilities by partnering with Ripple for blockchain-based solutions.

• Solana Pay has integrated with Shopify, allowing for seamless digital payments in the retail space.

Crypto Market Trends & Analysis:

• Pantera Capital forecasts that Bitcoin's value could soar to $148K after its next halving, stirring investor interest.

• Charles Hoskinson, Cardano's founder, is confident that his cryptocurrency will outperform Bitcoin and Ethereum in the near future.

• Scammers have managed to deceive the DEA, making off with $55K in stablecoins in a clever airdrop scheme.

• ARK Invest has submitted applications for Ether and Bitcoin futures ETFs, signaling a push for more mainstream crypto investment options.

• Hashkey is set to introduce a retail crypto trading service in Hong Kong, expanding its market reach.

Stay Disruptive!

As always, stay disruptive.

Keep pushing the boundaries, questioning the status quo, and harnessing the power of the digital landscape to your advantage.

We're here to guide you every step of the way.

Until next week,

Lior Itskovich. ✨