8 Jul 2025, 00:25

London Tech Firm Boosts Bitcoin Holdings by 226 BTC, Reaches 1,000 BTC Total

A London-based technology firm has strategically expanded its cryptocurrency portfolio by acquiring an additional 226 BTC, elevating its total Bitcoin holdings to a significant 1,000 BTC. This move underscores the

7 Jul 2025, 21:50

Epic Games dropped its lawsuit against Samsung just before the company’s Unpacked event

Epic Games Inc. has dropped its antitrust claims against Samsung Electronics Co., just days before the smartphone giant unveils its next flagship devices at its Samsung Unpacked event. The surprise dismissal ends a legal battle in which the video gaming company accused Samsung of conspiring with Alphabet Inc.’s Google to suppress third-party app stores, including the video firm’s own. In a court filing on Monday, the company formally dismissed its claims against Samsung while continuing its case against Google. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed the move in a post on X, stating, “We are grateful that Samsung will address Epic’s concerns,” said Epic CEO Tim Sweeney in a post on X without further details. A spokesperson for Epic declined to comment further, while Samsung pointed to Sweeney’s post. Google representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Auto Blocker feature was at the center of the dispute At the heart of the lawsuit was Samsung’s controversial “Auto Blocker” feature, enabled by default on Android phones, which automatically prevented users from installing apps from sources not explicitly authorized by Samsung. The video gaming firm alleged this blocked access to competing marketplaces like the Epic Games Store, violating antitrust laws. In September 2023, Sweeney suggested two ways Samsung could resolve the video firm’s concerns: Turn Auto Blocker off by default or create an honest whitelisting process that wouldn’t unfairly filter out legitimate third-party app stores. The video game firm has not confirmed whether Samsung agreed to either solution. “Nothing more to share beyond the filing/X post,” said Elka Looks, Epic’s senior director of communications, when asked for comment. Settlement sparks speculation ahead of Samsung’s unpacked event The timing of the settlement has raised eyebrows, as Samsung is just two days away from its Unpacked event , where it is expected to reveal new foldable phones and software innovations. While neither company has confirmed any partnership announcement, some speculate that Samsung could soon begin preloading the Epic Games Store on its devices. Such a move could signal a broader shift in app store openness. However, any special treatment exclusive to the video game firm may not satisfy Sweeney’s broader goal. He’s repeatedly emphasized that the company’s legal battles are fought for its benefit and the broader developer ecosystem. “If we’d fought Epic v. Apple and Epic v. Google solely based on Epic getting special privileges… we’d be selling out all developers,” Sweeney said in a 2023 interview. Epic’s antitrust case against Google is still active. In 2023, a jury unanimously found Google guilty of monopolizing app distribution on Android. A federal judge ordered Google to lift developer restrictions on rival billing systems and marketplaces. However, enforcement of most of that ruling is on hold as the company appeals to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, the video game firm has continued to push forward with its mobile store ambitions, working to get the Epic Games Store preinstalled on more Android phones globally, despite user reliance on default app stores like Google Play and Samsung Galaxy Store. Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event is set for Wednesday, July 9, with expected reveals of the latest phones. The company confirmed the event weeks ago, fueling a wave of online speculation and leaks ahead of what’s shaping up to be a major product launch. People will be on the lookout to link the event with the Epic Games Store. However, that alone may not satisfy Tim Sweeney, who has consistently stated that his legal battles are meant to benefit all developers, not just the video game firm. Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot

7 Jul 2025, 21:12

TON Foundation Clarifies Golden Visa Project Has No Official UAE Backing

The TON Foundation has clarified its involvement in a digital residency initiative after confusion spread across social media regarding a purported UAE-backed Golden Visa program tied to the blockchain network. In a statement released on Monday, the foundation explains that while discussions around a potential digital residency concept are underway, the initiative is not officially endorsed by the United Arab Emirates government. pic.twitter.com/5h9CkG13pA — Sappy Seals (@SappySealsNFT) July 7, 2025 This weekend reports emerged Toncoin, the native token of The Open Network, unveiled an innovative staking-based Golden Visa program. According to the report, participants can secure long-term residency by staking crypto, rather than meeting the income thresholds. This latest clarification from TON Foundation follows premature reports that circulated over the weekend suggesting TON was offering Golden Visas in partnership with UAE authorities. Independent Collaboration, Not Government-Endorsed “The TON Foundation is aware of the premature announcement that circulated on X regarding a UAE Golden Visa initiative offered by TON,” the group said. “While we understand the community’s interest and enthusiasm, it’s necessary to provide clarity.” According to the foundation, the concept originated from an independent collaboration between TON and a licensed partner with expertise in blockchain infrastructure and tokenized assets. The project has not been developed under any formal arrangement with UAE government bodies. “There is no official Golden Visa program launched in partnership with the government of the United Arab Emirates,” the statement read. “Nor has any governmental endorsement been granted to TON.” Early-Stage Exploration With No Guaranteed Residency The foundation stressed that this is an early-stage effort intended to explore how blockchain technology might support compliant, real-world pathways to residency in the future. Importantly, it noted that any applications made under the pilot would not guarantee visa issuance, which remains solely under the authority of UAE government agencies. TON also aligned itself with a joint statement issued by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). These entities confirm that no official digital residency or investment visa programs have been approved or launched in collaboration with TON. Commitment to Regulatory Transparency “We welcome the clarity provided and appreciate the UAE’s ongoing commitment to regulatory transparency,” the foundation said. “Should official involvement emerge in the future, it will be communicated transparently and through the appropriate channels.” As the crypto sector continues to explore integrations between digital identity, blockchain infrastructure, and global mobility, TON says it remains focused on responsible innovation. “Our focus remains the same: bringing real-world assets and digital access together on-chain.” The post TON Foundation Clarifies Golden Visa Project Has No Official UAE Backing appeared first on Cryptonews .

7 Jul 2025, 21:00

U.S. will issue tariff letters within 48 hours as new trade proposals arrive ahead of a Wednesday deadline

The United States has confirmed plans to announce a few trade issues in the next 48 hours, as confirmed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bessent told CNBC the final deadline to sign on trades ahead of Wednesday proved to be a rush, as there had been a flow of last-minute offers. He pointed to renewed interest by global counterparts in getting back. President Donald Trump said official tariff letters would be sent out starting at 12:00 pm ET on Monday. Through the letters, countries will be notified of their suggested tariff rates and not be given any ultimatums. Instead, they are offers of renegotiations, as suggested by Bessent. Bessent explained that the U.S. is not threatening but establishing new terms. “It’s a simple message: ‘Here’s the rate unless you prefer to negotiate,’” he said. The letters are positioned as an official message of tariff positions while leaving room to talk more. The U.S. does not want to impose sudden disengagements but seeks better trade terms. South Korea and Japan lead in getting the tarrif letters In a social media post, Trump announced that starting August 1, Japan and South Korea will face a 25% tariff. Japan’s rate is one percentage point higher than the one proposed in April. The tariff of South Korea is unchanged. Trump further noted that whenever any country raises its tariffs, the U.S. would add the percentage to the existing 25%. There are only two deals closed to date, namely with the United Kingdom and Vietnam. The remaining negotiations continue to be intense, with Washington demanding universal agreements or heavy tariffs. The ongoing Biden-era digital services tax dispute with Canada seems to have been settled, with Canada opting to withdraw the tax. Trade talks between the two nations are now in full swing and sharp focus, with mid-July set as the goal for finalizing a new deal. In the European Union, there is a proposed acceptance of a blanket 10% tariff rate on most exports, but with carve-outs on a few sectors. The EU has not yet confirmed the final terms. Vietnam has already signed an amended agreement. This will subject the country to a 20% tariff compared to the 46% that was initially proposed. However, the U.S. will add a 40% tariff on goods transshipped through Vietnam to 3rd countries, e.g., China. Malaysia, which had faced a 24% tariff in April, faces a 25% levy. Kazakhstan saw tariffs reduced to 25% down from 27%, and Laos and Myanmar were also reduced, now paying 40% tariffs. The rate of South Africa was pegged at 30%. Trump reiterated imposing an additional tariff of 10% on countries that support BRICS policies that oppose American interests. “There will be no exceptions,” he wrote. China casts a shadow over talks Tensions with China seem to be thawing as well. The U.S. has also lifted some export controls, such as chip design software and ethane. Bessent said he plans to meet with his Chinese counterpart in the weeks ahead. Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce, standing alongside Trump at a recent event, assured the media that even though the tariff agreements should be finalized by July 9, the rates will not be assumed until August 1. The administration is leveraging the gap to finalize or send final notices. The White House frames the tariff measures as essential to rebalancing trade relationships and restoring American leverage. Trump said on Sunday that most countries would receive “a letter or a deal” by July 9. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites

7 Jul 2025, 18:45

Japan’s Metaplanet Ups Bitcoin Stash To 15,555 BTC, Rakes Up Another 2,205 BTC

Japan’s largest corporate Bitcoin treasury, Metaplanet, has amassed an additional 2,205 Bitcoin, per a new disclosure on Monday. Metaplanet bought the Bitcoin for an average purchase price of around $108,237 per BTC for a total spend of $238.7 million as it continues its aggressive acquisition spree. Metaplanet’s latest investment brings its total Bitcoin holdings to 15,555 BTC, worth approximately $1.69 billion based on current market prices, securing its position as Asia’s most audacious corporate Bitcoin adopter. At the time of writing, Bitcoin traded at $108,717, having risen by a paltry 0.7% over the last 24 hours. *Metaplanet Acquires Additional 2,205 $BTC , Total Holdings Reach 15,555 BTC* pic.twitter.com/VqKGOwCs6N — Metaplanet Inc. (@Metaplanet_JP) July 7, 2025 According to data tracked by BitcoinTreasuries.NET, the Tokyo-listed investment company now ranks as the fifth biggest corporate holder of the world’s largest crypto after recently overtaking Tesla , CleanSpark, and Galaxy Digital . Metaplanet is only trailing behind large crypto firms, such as MARA, Riot, and Strategy. Metaplanet, which rebranded in 2024 from a hotel and technology firm to a dedicated Bitcoin treasury, recently announced that it is looking to accumulate 210,000 BTC, or about 1% of the 21 million supply, by 2027 as it aims to become one of the world’s largest Bitcoin Treasury companies. The firm’s latest BTC buy comes at a time when more companies are looking to invest in the benchmark crypto, partly as a way of boosting their share prices. Over 142 publicly traded firms hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets as of publication time. They have raked up a combined $92 billion of the alpha crypto, with Michael Saylor’s software firm Strategy’s stockpile roughly two-thirds of that amount. Strategy currently holds over $64 billion worth of Bitcoin . It began buying the world’s oldest cryptocurrency in 2020, pioneering the model that has recently become widely adopted.

7 Jul 2025, 18:30

Nintendo outlines strategies to manage rising Switch 2 development costs

Nintendo says rising development costs for its upcoming Switch 2 will be managed through new methods as it moves to the Switch 2 era. At a shareholders meeting recently, President of Nintendo Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged that game projects have grown “larger in scale and longer in duration, resulting in higher development costs.” He noted that the game business is always risky and that these rising expenses raise that risk further. Furukawa said Nintendo’s teams are “currently devising various ways to maintain our traditional approach to creating games amidst the increasing scale and length of development.” He added that the company sees it as “important to make the necessary investments for more efficient development.” The first-party lineup for Switch 2 has already shown this push for ambition. Mario Kart World introduces an open-world layout to the long-running racing series, while Donkey Kong Bananza will add a destructive angle to a classic 3D gameplay. New features come at a higher cost to Nintendo players Mario Kart World is priced at $79.99, which exceeds many Nintendo releases by $10. The console itself retails at $449.99. It’s $100 more than the Switch OLED. When asked whether higher prices could alienate younger gamers, Furukawa said, “We are closely monitoring to what degree the price of the system might become a barrier.” Nintendo isn’t the only one facing game industry challenges. Microsoft’s gaming division recently cut jobs and cancelled several titles, and high-profile projects such as Concord and were shut down along with their studios. While many publishers have struggled under soaring budgets, Nintendo has largely avoided such turmoil, though that may be harder to sustain as game scope grows. To balance these pressures, Furukawa pointed to smaller-scale titles. “We also believe it is possible to develop game software with shorter development periods that still offer consumers a sense of novelty.” He added it could help ease worries about rising development and software costs, and they will look at it from various angles across the company. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast