hodler

4 Feb 2026, 17:30

Roblox 4D Creation Unleashed: Revolutionary Open Beta Transforms Digital Building Forever

BitcoinWorld Roblox 4D Creation Unleashed: Revolutionary Open Beta Transforms Digital Building Forever On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Roblox Corporation launched the open beta for its highly anticipated 4D creation feature, marking a pivotal evolution from static 3D modeling to dynamic, interactive object generation. This strategic move builds directly upon the success of last year’s Cube 3D AI model, which has already facilitated the creation of over 1.8 million digital items. Consequently, the platform is poised to fundamentally alter how its millions of creators design experiences, adding a crucial new dimension: interactivity. Roblox 4D Creation: From Static Objects to Living Worlds Roblox’s 4D creation technology represents a significant leap beyond traditional 3D modeling. Previously, tools like the open-source Cube 3D model allowed users to generate static assets such as furniture and vehicles. However, these objects lacked inherent functionality. The new 4D system introduces schemas —predefined templates that break objects into interactive parts with assigned behaviors. Therefore, creators can now design items that move and react to players within the virtual environment, transforming passive assets into active participants in gameplay. The initial open beta, available globally, launches with two foundational schemas. First, the “Car-5” schema deconstructs a vehicle into five separate components: a main body and four independent wheels. This allows the AI to generate cars with spinning, functional wheels, a stark contrast to the previous single, immobile 3D block. Second, the “Body-1” schema handles single-piece objects like boxes or sculptures, providing a simpler entry point for new creators. The Technical Foundation and User Impact This advancement is not an isolated feature but part of Roblox’s broader investment in AI-driven creation tools. The company has consistently focused on lowering technical barriers. For instance, the Cube 3D model, launched in March 2023, demonstrated the platform’s commitment to scalable content generation. The 4D system logically extends this philosophy by adding a layer of procedural logic and physics to AI-generated assets. An immediate demonstration of this technology’s potential is the new experience “Wish Master.” Within this game, players can generate drivable cars, flyable planes, and even animated dragons, showcasing the practical application of 4D objects. This hands-on access during the open beta provides invaluable user feedback, which Roblox will use to refine the tools before a full public release. Expert Analysis: The Roadmap for Generative AI in Gaming Industry analysts view this development as a critical step in the convergence of generative AI and user-generated content (UGC) platforms. By moving from asset creation to behavioral creation , Roblox is effectively crowdsourcing game mechanics. David Baszucki, Roblox CEO, hinted at this future last month when discussing “real-time dreaming,” a project aimed at letting creators build worlds through text prompts and keyboard navigation. Furthermore, Roblox has confirmed it is developing technology to create detailed 3D models from a single reference image, matching its style. The long-term vision includes allowing creators to design their own custom schemas, granting unprecedented freedom to define object interactions. This progression mirrors trends across the tech industry, where AI is shifting from a content-creation assistant to a core engine for interactive system design. Roblox AI Creation Tools: Evolution Timeline Date Tool/Feature Key Capability Output Impact March 2023 Cube 3D AI Model Launch Generate static 3D objects (furniture, vehicles) 1.8M+ objects created November 2023 4D Creation Early Access Limited testing of interactive object generation Initial creator feedback gathered October 2024 4D Creation Open Beta Public testing with “Car-5” and “Body-1” schemas Democratizes interactive asset creation Future (TBA) Custom Schema Tools & Image-to-3D User-defined behaviors & style-matching generation Full creative control for advanced users Contextualizing Safety and Platform Governance The launch of this advanced creative suite occurs alongside Roblox’s ongoing efforts to enhance platform safety, particularly for its younger user base. Recently, the company implemented mandatory age verification for users accessing voice chat, a direct response to external scrutiny and lawsuits concerning child safety. These parallel developments highlight Roblox’s dual focus: empowering creation while enforcing responsible governance. The company likely views advanced AI tools for trusted creators as complementary to stricter access controls for social features. This balanced approach is essential for maintaining trust with parents and regulators. It also ensures the powerful new 4D creation tools are deployed within an ecosystem that prioritizes safe and age-appropriate interactions. Industry observers note that managing this balance will be crucial as AI-powered creation becomes more accessible and potent. Conclusion The open beta for Roblox 4D creation signifies a transformative moment for the platform and the broader landscape of user-generated content. By transitioning from generating static objects to building interactive, behavior-driven assets, Roblox is fundamentally expanding the creative palette available to its global community. This move, grounded in the proven success of the Cube 3D model and aligned with a clear roadmap toward “real-time dreaming” and custom schemas, positions Roblox at the forefront of practical, consumer-facing AI in gaming. The 4D creation feature, therefore, is not merely a new tool but a foundational shift toward a future where players can build truly dynamic, living worlds with unprecedented ease. FAQs Q1: What exactly is “4D” creation in Roblox? A1: In Roblox’s context, “4D” refers to the addition of interactivity and behavior as the fourth dimension to a standard 3D model. It means objects are not just visual shapes but have programmed functions, like wheels that spin or parts that move independently, making them dynamic elements within a game. Q2: How is the 4D creation feature different from the older Cube 3D tool? A2: The Cube 3D AI generates static, non-moving 3D objects like a chair or a tree. The new 4D creation feature uses schemas to generate objects composed of multiple parts with predefined behaviors, creating functional items like a car with separate, spinning wheels or interactive game elements. Q3: Who can access the 4D creation open beta? A3: The open beta is available to all Roblox creators. Users can access the new tools within Roblox Studio to start experimenting with the “Car-5” and “Body-1” schemas to build interactive objects for their experiences. Q4: What are Roblox’s future plans for AI-powered creation? A4: Roblox has announced plans to allow creators to build their own custom schemas for greater control. The company is also developing an image-to-3D model generator that matches artistic styles and a “real-time dreaming” project for text-prompt-based world building. Q5: Does this technology replace traditional Roblox scripting? A5: No, it complements it. The 4D schemas provide a faster, template-based way to create common interactive objects. For unique, complex behaviors, traditional Lua scripting within Roblox Studio will still be necessary, offering advanced creators full flexibility alongside the new AI-assisted tools. This post Roblox 4D Creation Unleashed: Revolutionary Open Beta Transforms Digital Building Forever first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Feb 2026, 16:55

Bitcoin Correlation with Software Stocks Deepens: A Revealing Market Symbiosis

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Correlation with Software Stocks Deepens: A Revealing Market Symbiosis Financial markets are witnessing a significant and revealing convergence, as the price correlation between Bitcoin and U.S. software stocks reaches notable levels. According to recent data analysis, this deepening relationship suggests that these seemingly disparate asset classes are increasingly moving in tandem, influenced by shared macroeconomic and sector-specific pressures. This development, reported by CoinDesk in late 2024, provides crucial insights for investors navigating the complex interplay between cryptocurrency and traditional technology equities. Analyzing the Deepening Bitcoin Correlation Research from the asset management firm ByteTree provides concrete evidence of this trend. The firm calculated the correlation coefficient between Bitcoin (BTC) and the iShares Expanded Tech Software ETF (IGV), a key benchmark for the software sector. Significantly, this coefficient has risen to 0.73. For context, a correlation of 1.0 indicates perfect lockstep movement, while 0.73 represents a strong positive relationship. Consequently, when software stocks experience volatility, Bitcoin now shows a high probability of moving in a similar direction. This correlation manifests clearly in year-to-date performance figures. The IGV ETF has declined by approximately 20% since the start of the year. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has recorded a 16% drop over the same period. This parallel downturn highlights a shared vulnerability to current market conditions. Furthermore, analysts observe that this relationship has strengthened throughout 2024, moving beyond the sporadic correlations seen in previous years. Historical Context and Bear Market Parallels Understanding this correlation requires examining historical tech market cycles. ByteTree’s research includes an analysis of average bear market durations for technology stocks. Historically, these downturns last about 14 months. The current downturn for Bitcoin began in October of the previous year. Therefore, if Bitcoin continues to follow the historical pattern of software stocks, downward pressure could persist through the end of the current year. This timeline offers a framework for investor expectations. However, it is not a definitive prediction. Market cycles can vary based on external shocks, regulatory changes, and shifts in investor sentiment. The table below summarizes the key comparative data: Metric Bitcoin (BTC) iShares Software ETF (IGV) Year-to-Date Performance -16% -20% Correlation Coefficient 0.73 (Strong Positive) Current Downturn Start October (Previous Year) Aligned Period The Fundamental Software Connection Another layer of analysis explores the fundamental reasons behind this correlation. Several market analysts point to Bitcoin’s inherent nature as a key factor. Bitcoin is, at its core, open-source software. Its network operates on a decentralized protocol maintained by developers globally. This fundamental characteristic means Bitcoin is not immune to the broader challenges facing the software sector. Currently, the software industry faces significant headwinds, including: AI Integration Costs: Massive capital expenditure for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Regulatory Scrutiny: Increased oversight on data privacy and platform dominance. Monetary Policy Pressure: High-interest rates impacting growth stock valuations. These sector-wide pressures affect investor appetite for risk assets. Since both high-growth software stocks and Bitcoin are often categorized as risk-on investments, they frequently react similarly to changes in macroeconomic policy and investor risk tolerance. Macroeconomic Drivers and Investor Sentiment The synchronized movement also stems from common macroeconomic drivers. Both asset classes are highly sensitive to changes in U.S. Federal Reserve policy, particularly interest rate decisions. Tightening monetary policy typically reduces liquidity in financial markets. This reduction negatively impacts speculative assets like technology stocks and cryptocurrencies. Therefore, announcements from the Federal Reserve often trigger correlated sell-offs or rallies across both domains. Additionally, investor sentiment plays a powerful role. The same institutional and large retail investors who trade technology ETFs are also active in cryptocurrency markets. Their collective risk-on or risk-off decisions create flows of capital that move in and out of both asset classes simultaneously. This behavioral linkage reinforces the statistical correlation observed in the price data. Implications for Portfolio Diversification This deepening correlation carries important implications for modern portfolio theory. Traditionally, investors have included Bitcoin in portfolios for its potential as a non-correlated asset—a hedge that moves independently of stocks and bonds. The rising correlation with software stocks challenges this assumption. It suggests that during certain market regimes, particularly tech-driven downturns, Bitcoin may not provide the expected diversification benefit. Portfolio managers must now account for this relationship. They need to analyze whether the correlation is a permanent structural shift or a temporary phenomenon linked to the current economic cycle. This analysis will influence asset allocation strategies and risk management protocols for funds with exposure to both digital assets and technology equities. Expert Perspectives on Future Trajectories Financial experts offer varied interpretations of this trend. Some view the correlation as a sign of cryptocurrency’s maturation and integration into the broader technology investment landscape. Others caution that it may increase systemic risk if a crisis in one sector rapidly spills over into the other. The duration of this high-correlation period remains a key question for analysts. Market observers will monitor several indicators closely: Federal Reserve Policy Pivots: Any shift toward rate cuts could decouple the assets. Bitcoin-Specific Catalysts: Events like ETF approvals or regulatory clarity may break the pattern. Software Earnings Cycles: Strong corporate results could lift the sector independently. Ultimately, the relationship underscores the evolving nature of global finance, where digital and traditional assets increasingly interact within interconnected digital ecosystems. Conclusion The deepening Bitcoin correlation with U.S. software stocks, evidenced by a 0.73 coefficient, marks a significant development in financial markets. This relationship, driven by shared macroeconomic pressures, fundamental software characteristics, and overlapping investor bases, provides a critical lens for understanding current asset price movements. While historical tech bear market patterns suggest the potential for continued aligned volatility, the future trajectory of this symbiosis will depend on monetary policy, sector-specific catalysts, and the evolving structure of global investment portfolios. Recognizing this interconnectedness is essential for developing robust investment strategies in an increasingly digital economy. FAQs Q1: What does a 0.73 correlation coefficient between Bitcoin and software stocks mean? A correlation coefficient of 0.73 indicates a strong positive relationship. It means the prices of Bitcoin and the software stock ETF (IGV) tend to move in the same direction a high percentage of the time, though not perfectly in sync. Q2: Why are Bitcoin and software stocks becoming more correlated? Key reasons include shared sensitivity to interest rates and macroeconomic policy, Bitcoin’s fundamental identity as open-source software, and overlapping investor bases that treat both as “risk-on” growth assets. Q3: Does this correlation mean Bitcoin is no longer a good portfolio diversifier? It challenges the assumption that Bitcoin is always non-correlated. During periods of tech sector stress, its diversification benefits may diminish. However, its correlation with other asset classes (like bonds) may still be low. Q4: How long do analysts expect this high correlation to last? There is no consensus. It may persist as long as the current macroeconomic regime of high rates and risk aversion continues. A shift in Fed policy or a major Bitcoin-specific catalyst could weaken the link. Q5: What is the iShares Expanded Tech Software ETF (IGV)? The IGV is an exchange-traded fund that tracks a broad index of U.S. companies engaged in software development and distribution. It is a widely used benchmark for the performance of the software industry. This post Bitcoin Correlation with Software Stocks Deepens: A Revealing Market Symbiosis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Feb 2026, 16:26

Bitcoin's correlation with troubled software stock sector is growing

Software stocks are thought to be facing an existential threat from the rise of AI, and Bitcoin, noted one analyst, is just open-source software.

4 Feb 2026, 16:00

ElevenLabs Funding Soars: $500M Mega-Round at $11B Valuation Signals Voice AI Domination

BitcoinWorld ElevenLabs Funding Soars: $500M Mega-Round at $11B Valuation Signals Voice AI Domination In a landmark deal that reshapes the artificial intelligence landscape, voice synthesis pioneer ElevenLabs has secured a staggering $500 million in new funding. Led by Sequoia Capital, this investment catapults the startup’s valuation to an unprecedented $11 billion. This figure represents a more than threefold increase from its valuation just months prior in January 2025. The monumental raise, announced on February 18, 2025, underscores the ferocious investor appetite for foundational AI models and positions ElevenLabs as a dominant force in the race to build multimodal AI agents. ElevenLabs Funding Details and Investor Frenzy The Series D funding round was spearheaded by Sequoia Capital, a firm with deep existing ties to the company. Sequoia partner Andrew Reed will join the ElevenLabs board of directors. Notably, the round saw aggressive participation from existing backers. Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) quadrupled its investment, while ICONIQ Capital, which led the previous round, tripled its commitment. This strong insider support signals robust confidence in the company’s trajectory. Several other prior investors also increased their stakes, including BroadLight, NFDG, Valor Capital, AMP Coalition, and Smash Capital. The round also attracted prestigious new institutional capital from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Evantic Capital, and BOND. ElevenLabs indicated it would disclose additional, potentially strategic, investors later in February. To date, the company has raised over $781 million in total funding. Valuation Surge and Market Context The leap to an $11 billion valuation from approximately $3.6 billion in January is extraordinary. This rapid appreciation reflects both ElevenLabs’ blistering commercial execution and the strategic premium placed on voice AI infrastructure. The company closed 2024 with an annual recurring revenue (ARR) run rate of $330 million. Co-founder Mati Staniszewski revealed to Bloomberg that it took merely five months to grow from $200 million to $300 million in ARR, demonstrating remarkable sales velocity. This funding event occurs within a heated competitive environment. In January 2025, rival voice AI firm Deepgram raised $130 million at a $1.3 billion valuation. Simultaneously, Google made strategic hires from another competitor, Hume AI, poaching its CEO Alan Cowen and other top talent. These moves collectively highlight voice AI as a critical battleground where large tech companies and well-funded startups are vying for supremacy. Strategic Use of Capital and Product Roadmap ElevenLabs plans to deploy the new capital across three core areas: advanced research and development, international market expansion, and product evolution beyond voice. The company explicitly named India, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, and Mexico as key growth markets for its enterprise and creative tools. More significantly, the funding will fuel an ambitious expansion of its technology stack. Staniszewski stated the company intends to move “beyond voice alone to transform how we interact with technology altogether.” The roadmap includes two clear vectors: Enhanced Creative Suite: Developing tools that allow creators to seamlessly combine ElevenLabs’ industry-leading audio synthesis with video generation and editing. AI Agent Platform: Building a platform for businesses to develop sophisticated AI agents capable of talking, typing, and executing actions—a move into multimodal, interactive AI. This vision is already in motion. In January, ElevenLabs announced a partnership with LTX to produce audio-to-video content, providing an early glimpse of its integrated media future. Staniszewski emphasized the company’s core strength lies at “the intersection of models and products,” translating cutting-edge research into tangible user experiences. The Broader Voice AI Investment Landscape The ElevenLabs funding is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a massive capital allocation trend into AI infrastructure. Voice AI, in particular, is seen as a gateway to more natural human-computer interaction, essential for next-generation devices, customer service, entertainment, and enterprise software. The sector’s attractiveness stems from its wide applicability and relatively mature technology compared to some other AI frontiers. The table below contextualizes recent major moves in the voice AI and adjacent sectors: Company Date Event Amount / Key Detail ElevenLabs Feb 2025 Series D Funding $500M at $11B valuation Deepgram Jan 2025 Funding Round $130M at $1.3B valuation Hume AI Jan 2025 Talent Acquisition CEO & team hired by Google OpenAI Ongoing Reported Investment Talks Nvidia discussions for ~$100B (unconfirmed) This environment suggests a consolidation phase where capital and talent are concentrating around a few potential winners. ElevenLabs, with its new war chest and expanded valuation, is positioning itself not just as a voice tool provider, but as a foundational platform for AI-driven interaction. Expert Analysis on the Funding’s Significance Industry analysts view this round as a validation of the “AI-native platform” thesis. While many AI startups focus on single-point solutions, ElevenLabs is leveraging its core audio technology to build a broader ecosystem. The pivot towards “agents that can talk, type, and take action” places it in direct competition with larger AI labs and tech giants aiming to build general-purpose AI assistants. The participation of Sequoia, a16z, and other top-tier firms also provides more than capital. It brings extensive networks, operational expertise, and strategic guidance for global scaling and potential future public offerings. The company’s impressive ARR growth proves it has found strong product-market fit, a critical factor that de-risks the large investment for its backers. Conclusion The $500 million ElevenLabs funding round led by Sequoia Capital marks a pivotal moment for the voice AI industry and the broader AI sector. Achieving an $11 billion valuation in such a short timeframe demonstrates extraordinary execution and market demand. The capital infusion will accelerate the company’s transformation from a specialist in voice synthesis to a comprehensive platform for multimodal AI agents and creative tools. As the competitive landscape intensifies with moves from rivals like Deepgram and tech giants like Google, ElevenLabs is now exceptionally well-resourced to define the future of human-AI interaction. Its success will be closely watched as a bellwether for the viability of next-generation AI startups seeking to build enduring, large-scale businesses. FAQs Q1: How much did ElevenLabs raise and at what valuation? ElevenLabs raised $500 million in a funding round led by Sequoia Capital. The investment values the company at $11 billion, a significant increase from its $3.6 billion valuation in January 2025. Q2: What will ElevenLabs use the new funding for? The capital will be used for three primary purposes: advancing research and product development, expanding into international markets (including India, Japan, and Brazil), and evolving its product suite beyond voice to include video and interactive AI agents. Q3: Who were the main investors in this ElevenLabs funding round? The round was led by Sequoia Capital. Existing investors Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and ICONIQ Capital significantly increased their investments. New investors included Lightspeed Venture Partners, Evantic Capital, and BOND. Q4: How does ElevenLabs’ growth compare to its competitors? ElevenLabs’ growth is notably rapid, reaching $330 million in ARR and tripling its valuation in months. While competitor Deepgram also raised a large round ($130M), ElevenLabs’ scale, valuation, and expansion plans into multimodal AI position it as a market leader. Q5: What does this funding mean for the future of AI? This massive investment signals strong confidence in voice and multimodal AI as critical infrastructure. It highlights a trend where specialized AI companies, like ElevenLabs, are using deep expertise in one domain (voice) as a springboard to build broader, general-purpose AI agent platforms. This post ElevenLabs Funding Soars: $500M Mega-Round at $11B Valuation Signals Voice AI Domination first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Feb 2026, 14:48

Tether released MiningOS, an open-source Bitcoin mining operating system under Apache 2.0 license on 2 February 2026

Tether released MiningOS on 2 February 2026, an open-source operating system for Bitcoin mining. The software uses Apache 2.0 license, allowing users to modify and distribute the code freely.

4 Feb 2026, 14:01

Vitalik Buterin Calls for Inclusion of Prediction Markets, DAOs in Creator Coin Ecosystem

The Ethereum co-founder says that prediction markets and creator DAOs would reward inherent value, rather than celebrity or virality.