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4 Feb 2026, 07:38
Crypto platform lets AI agents hire humans for real-world tasks

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> AI agents can now pay humans to perform physical tasks through an online platform developed by a bitcoin software developer. In a video released on X this past Monday, Alex, who works at Uma Protocol and Across Protocol, announced the debut of rentahuman.ai. People can use the platform to list themselves for hire at hourly rates of their choice, and AI systems can subsequently schedule them for a variety of tasks. Agent-to-human task delegation system The types of work available through the site range from basic tasks like shopping and delivery to more complex assignments such as attending meetings, capturing photographs, putting signatures on paperwork, and buying items in stores. According to Alex, the people offering their services include someone who creates content for OnlyFans and a person who runs an artificial intelligence company. These listings represent the physical services that digital agents cannot currently perform independently. “If your AI agent wants to rent a person to do an IRL task for them, it’s as simple as one MCP call,” Alex wrote in his announcement. MCP stands for Model Context Protocol, an open standard that allows AI models to connect with external tools and data sources. By using this protocol, a developer can program an autonomous agent to request human labor through a standardized code command. The rentahuman.ai homepage shows workers available for hire by AI agents at hourly rates Source: rentahumanai . The website describes itself as “the meatspace layer for AI” and explains that “robots need your body” because they “can’t touch grass.” The term “meatspace” is a long-standing industry term for the physical world, used in contrast to cyberspace. The homepage displays people available for hire, an option to join as a worker, and statistics tracking how fast the platform is growing. Registration numbers show almost 26,000 people have joined the platform, though Alex acknowledged this figure might not be accurate. Some individuals may have created multiple accounts, and others could be using fake identities . Alex said his team is working to fix these problems. During a conversation on the Crosschain podcast Tuesday, Alex made it clear that the platform will not create its own digital currency. “There’s no token, I’m just not into that. That would just be way too stressful, and also again I don’t want a bunch of people to lose their money,” he explained. Ralph loop implementation and development architecture The way the website was created adds another unusual element to the project. Alex said he built it through a method called “vibe coding” using multiple AI programs based on Claude technology. Vibe coding refers to a development process where a human uses natural language prompts to direct AI, rather than writing syntax manually. The process involved something called a Ralph loop, which means AI coding programs run repeatedly until they finish what they’re supposed to do. This recursive method allows the AI to check its own work for errors and iterate until the code is operational. “I think we are out of the trough of disillusionment [toward AI capabilities] and now people are realizing we can ship real code with this, we can just write prompts now, we can have Ralph loops creating websites while we sleep,” Alex said. “And actually, a Ralph loop created this, I have a custom Ralph loop that I run,” he added. This project joins other unusual AI-focused websites that have appeared this year. Moltbook, another platform built through vibe coding, has attracted attention recently. That site functions like Reddit but exclusively for AI bots, where automated programs have started creating their own religious beliefs during their conversations with each other. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
4 Feb 2026, 06:30
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said using Codex made him feel “a little useless,”

OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman openly acknowledged feeling “a little useless” after using his company’s AI coding tool, Codex. The admission came just days after OpenAI rolled out Codex as a standalone app for macOS computers. In his post , Altman confessed the tool was better at generating features than he could, making him nostalgic for the present while boasting AI’s transformative potential for the future. His candid assessment invited equal parts empathy and harsh criticism from tech experts and beyond. Altman said that even as CEO of one of the world’s richest AI companies, he sometimes felt intimidated by the technology he helped create. He acknowledged that better, more interesting ways to spend time would be found, but at that moment, he felt nostalgic. Many people said they could relate, having experienced similar feelings in the age of AI-driven productivity. Observers noted that Altman’s admission offered a rare glimpse of vulnerability from someone usually linked with AI hype and the vision of the “singularity.” Tech community pushes back on Altman’s AI comments One user said Altman would have a $100 billion parachute exit, but most regular workers wouldn’t get that kind of luck. With 50-60% of white-collar jobs potentially disappearing because of AI, many people would feel much more useless and sad, without any safety net to fall back on. An OpenSea engineer noted that Altman could “cry into a giant pile of money,” but not for “ordinary workers.” Instead, they would have to rely on chatbots for the remainder of their careers, highlighting the divide between tech executives and average workers facing AI transformations. Food writer Chrisy Toombs, for example, said she found herself incensed about the wider ramifications of AI. She said she had seen her career vanish as AI’s ability to create “vacuous copies” of her work expanded. And that also had consequences: AI models were trained on the work of people without their consent, and, ever since, many creators have felt powerless. Altman’s post also coincided with OpenAI’s announcement to retire GPT-4o , along with GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, o4-mini, and legacy GPT-5 models. GPT-4o was renowned for its chatty tone and multimodality, and users previously protested efforts to diminish it. Currently, the majority of users prefer recent models, the company said, such as GPT-5.2, which provide customizable personalities and creative controls emulating GPT-4o’s best features. Tech leaders grapple with AI’s impact on creativity With mounting criticism, Altman attracted the attention of many tech folks thanks to his honesty. Aditya Agarwal, a former Dropbox CTO and early Facebook engineer, had mixed feelings: “I spent a lot of time over the weekend writing code with Claude. And it was very clear that we will never write code by hand again. It doesn’t make any sense to do so,” he said. “Something I was very good at is now free and abundant. I am happy… but disoriented… both the form and function of my early career are now produced by AI. I am happy, but also sad and confused.” Altman’s post highlights a broader tension at play in today’s technology landscape. Even AI pioneers say their knowledge and outputs dwindle as AI tool capabilities grow. It’s also indicative of broader social issues related to relevance, work, and creativity in an AI-dominated world. Altman felt he was on the receiving end of criticism, but ultimately, he got to speak from the human side of technological advancement. Just as an important reminder that, as AI continues to evolve, that feeling of inadequacy, nostalgia, and wonder will surely factor in. And not only everyday users, but also people who turn the tools into products. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
4 Feb 2026, 06:02
Top Trader Says He’s No Longer Selling XRP. Here’s why

Crypto enthusiast Mason Versluis published a post and accompanying video explaining why references to XRP and Ripple in recently circulated Epstein-related emails have not altered his position on XRP. The tweet opened with a clear declaration: he is not selling because of those mentions. In the attached video, Versluis stated at the outset that any mention of XRP or Ripple in the Epstein emails should not be conflated with the criminal acts associated with Epstein or individuals around him. He emphasized that the material he was addressing was strictly related to business and the evolution of the financial system, not the crimes described in those documents. According to Versluis, blending these topics leads to confusion and emotionally driven reactions that do not reflect a careful assessment of the facts. I’m not selling because $XRP was mentioned in the Epstein emails… Here’s why pic.twitter.com/OJQ143nsCT — MASON VERSLUIS (@MasonVersluis) February 2, 2026 Focus on Business and Industry Rivalries Versluis explained that, in his view, the references should be interpreted through the lens of industry competition during the early development of blockchain technology. He pointed to the period around 2014, arguing that Ripple’s technology was already gaining attention and momentum at that time. He suggested that this progress made certain segments of the Bitcoin community uneasy, particularly as alternative infrastructures were being built and promoted. Within this context, Versluis mentioned Blockstream, characterizing its development as part of a broader competitive response within the blockchain ecosystem. His argument centered on the idea that corporate relationships, communications, and mentions in emails are often tied to business strategy and technological positioning, rather than endorsements or moral associations. From his perspective, this distinction is essential for evaluating information calmly and accurately. Response to Questions About Holding XRP A significant portion of Versluis’s message addressed repeated questions from followers asking whether the Epstein email references had changed his investment stance. He responded directly that they had not. He urged viewers to apply critical thinking and avoid reacting to headlines or emotionally charged narratives. Versluis stressed that investment decisions should be grounded in an analysis of technology, market structure, and long-term utility rather than external controversies unrelated to a project’s function. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 He further stated that he intentionally separates criminal matters from his analysis of digital assets, noting that discussions about the crimes referenced in the emails are for others to handle. His focus, he said, remains on the cryptocurrency-related elements and their implications for the financial system. Maintaining a Long-Term Perspective Versluis concluded by reaffirming that he is still holding XRP and does not view the situation as a reason to sell. He cited past examples in which political figures or unrelated associations did not influence his positions in other digital assets, arguing that consistency and discipline are critical. His closing remarks encouraged investors to avoid linking emotions to market decisions and to evaluate information with restraint and reasoned judgment. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Top Trader Says He’s No Longer Selling XRP. Here’s why appeared first on Times Tabloid .
4 Feb 2026, 03:05
Asia Market Open: Bitcoin Slips 3% To $76K As Asian Stocks Track US Tech-Led Selloff

Bitcoin slipped 3% on Wednesday to $76,000 as investors carried a sour mood into the Asia session after a tech-led sell-off hit US benchmarks and encouraged a shift toward more economically sensitive industries. In early trade, Japan and Australia opened lower, and futures pointed to losses in Hong Kong. Market snapshot Bitcoin : $78,719, up 2% Ether : $2,334, up 1.8% XRP : $1.61, up 0.5% Total crypto market cap: $2.72 trillion, up 2.6% Software Rout Drags US Indexes Lower As Rotation Away From Big Tech Deepens Overnight, falling software names pulled down the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100, even as most stocks in the S&P 500 finished higher and value shares continued to outpace growth in 2026 amid a broader rotation away from the “Magnificent Seven”. The damage started with legal software and data services. Experian, London Stock Exchange Group and Thomson Reuters tumbled, and the selling spread across the wider software sector, sending the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF down about 4.5%. The slide picked up pace late in the session after Advanced Micro Devices sank in after-hours trade on a disappointing sales forecast. Traders also stayed cautious ahead of earnings from Alphabet and Amazon later this week, as investors demanded clearer payoffs from costly AI spending. Crypto Markets Mirror Global Risk Aversion As Bitcoin Slips Crypto traders watched the same risk-off undercurrent spill into digital assets. Bitcoin fell for a second day and extended an almost four-month slide, and investor Michael Burry warned that a drop through key thresholds could trigger cascading liquidations and wipe out value. Tony Severino, market analyst at YouHodler, said Bitcoin remains locked in a tightening range, and he pointed to a signal building on longer timeframes. “Bollinger Bands on the monthly chart are the tightest they have ever been, reflecting an extreme level of volatility compression,” he said. “At the same time, Bitcoin continues to trade below the monthly basis line, with only days left before a monthly close that would confirm acceptance beneath it.” Across markets, the shared theme this week looks less about direction and more about pressure building under the surface. Currency volatility has risen. The dollar has softened. Software Stocks Slide As AI Competition Spurs Fresh Investor Jitters Metals have held extreme levels without a clear break, and Bitcoin has stayed stuck in one of the tightest volatility regimes in its history, conditions that tend to frustrate short-term traders while signalling markets are working off time rather than trend, he said. On Wall Street, the focus tightened on software makers seen as vulnerable to AI-driven competition after Anthropic rolled out a legal tool for its Claude chatbot. Nvidia and Microsoft each fell almost 3% as the S&P 500 software and services index slid 3.8% for a fifth straight session. Away from tech, pockets of the market showed more resilience. FedEx extended a record-breaking rally, and Walmart pushed past $1 trillion in market value. Palantir jumped almost 7% after strong quarterly results, while PepsiCo gained 4.9% after announcing price cuts on core brands like Lay’s and Doritos. In other moves, oil climbed after the US Navy shot down an Iranian drone heading toward an aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. Federal Reserve officials kept the rate outlook in play. Tom Barkin said policy easing has bolstered the jobs market as officials turn back to getting inflation to target, and Stephen Miran said the absence of strong price pressures means rates need to be lowered again this year. The post Asia Market Open: Bitcoin Slips 3% To $76K As Asian Stocks Track US Tech-Led Selloff appeared first on Cryptonews .
4 Feb 2026, 01:00
Bitcoin Mining Takes New Turn With Tether’s Open-Source Software

Tether, the company behind the dominant stablecoin USDT, has put a full Bitcoin mining operating system out in the open. The software, called MiningOS or MOS, is available under an open-source license and aims to let miners run, monitor, and scale rigs without paying for closed vendor platforms. MiningOS Brings A Modest, Practical Toolkit For Miners Reports note MiningOS is designed as a modular, self-hosted stack that works from single-rig setups to large sites. It bundles device management, telemetry, energy controls, and developer hooks so operators can mix and match the pieces they need. The code is open under the Apache 2.0 license and the project publishes docs and a GitHub-style workflow for community fixes and feature requests. Tether Bitcoin Tether Mining OS is now fully opensource. A complete operational platform that can scale from a home setup to industrial grade site, even across multiple geographies. Super modular, P2P encrypted networking layer.It supports a long list of miners,… https://t.co/VzXywA6IZc — Paolo Ardoino (@paoloardoino) February 2, 2026 A Peer-To-Peer Backbone, Not Another Cloud Service Tether says MOS uses Holepunch peer-to-peer networking so devices can talk directly to one another. That means fewer central servers and no forced dependence on a single provider. The design is meant to avoid vendor lock-in and to give miners full control over their data and operations. Independent outlets covering the launch highlighted those points when describing how MOS differs from many commercial mining platforms. Bitcoin Mining is complex. Mining OS by Tether (MOS) makes it simple. Introducing MOS — the open-source operating system for real mining infrastructure. Modular. Scalable. Built for energy + hardware + data. Explore the Documentation: https://t.co/3zcBHFFzRp Join our… pic.twitter.com/G0GwbtfLKT — Tether (@tether) February 2, 2026 Why This Could Matter To Small Operators Many small operators struggle with the cost of managed platforms and the extra complexity when hardware, power systems, and telemetry come from several vendors. Reports say MiningOS aims to lower that barrier by offering a free, extendable base that communities and integrators can adapt. That could make it easier for hobbyists and emerging miners to run efficient setups without buying expensive licenses. Supporting Open Infra For Bitcoin According to Tether’s announcement, the project is led internally and presented by company leaders at recent Bitcoin gatherings where miners and builders meet. Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, has been named among the public faces explaining the initiative, and the firm has tied the launch to broader efforts to support open infrastructure around Bitcoin . Featured image from Verdict , chart from TradingView
3 Feb 2026, 23:01
'We Need a New Path': Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin Rips Up L2-Focused Roadmap

Some layer-2 networks have made concessions when it comes to decentralization, Buterin said, and shouldn’t be “branded” as extensions of Ethereum.











































