27 May 2025, 06:10

BNB Chain’s Breakthrough Maxwell Hard Fork Hits Testnet

BitcoinWorld BNB Chain’s Breakthrough Maxwell Hard Fork Hits Testnet Exciting developments are unfolding in the blockchain world! The BNB Chain , a prominent player in the decentralized ecosystem, has taken a significant step forward with the activation of its latest upgrade, the Maxwell hard fork, on its testnet environment. This move is crucial for the network’s evolution and signals upcoming enhancements that could redefine user and developer experiences on the platform. What is the Maxwell Hard Fork for BNB Chain? Before diving into the specifics of the Maxwell upgrade, let’s quickly touch upon what a hard fork entails in the context of a blockchain. A hard fork is essentially a radical change to the protocol that makes previously invalid blocks/transactions valid, or vice versa. It requires all users and nodes to upgrade to the latest version of the protocol software. If a hard fork is not adopted by all participants, it can lead to a split in the blockchain, creating two separate chains. The Maxwell hard fork represents a planned and coordinated upgrade for the BNB Chain. Its primary goal is to introduce several technical improvements aimed at optimizing network performance and preparing it for future growth and increased adoption. Unlike contentious hard forks, this type of upgrade is designed to improve the existing chain collaboratively. Why is Testnet Activation a Crucial Step? The activation of the Maxwell hard fork didn’t happen directly on the main BNB Chain that millions of users interact with daily. Instead, it was first deployed on the network’s testnet. The Testnet activation phase is an absolutely critical step in the blockchain development lifecycle for several vital reasons: Risk Mitigation: Testnets are isolated environments that mimic the main network but use valueless tokens. This allows developers to deploy and test significant protocol changes like a hard fork without risking real user funds or disrupting live applications. Bug Identification: Complex software upgrades almost always have unforeseen issues. The testnet provides a safe space to identify and fix bugs, vulnerabilities, or performance bottlenecks before they can impact the main network. Community Readiness: Testnet deployment gives node operators, validators, developers building on the chain, and other ecosystem participants time to prepare for the mainnet upgrade. They can test their software, infrastructure, and applications against the new protocol rules. Performance Validation: It allows the core development team and the community to validate whether the intended improvements, such as reduced block times or enhanced scalability, actually work as expected under realistic simulated load conditions. Successfully deploying and running the Maxwell hard fork on the testnet is a strong indicator that the upgrade is stable and ready for the next phase – a potential mainnet deployment. Unpacking the Key Improvements of Maxwell According to reports, the Maxwell hard fork brings several significant technical enhancements to the BNB Chain. These improvements are designed to make the network faster, more efficient, and better equipped to handle a higher volume of transactions and decentralized applications (dApps). Let’s break down the key upgrades: Faster Block Time: Targeting 0.75 Seconds One of the most impactful changes introduced by Maxwell is the reduction in Block time . Block time refers to the average time it takes for the network to generate a new block of validated transactions and add it to the blockchain. A shorter block time generally means faster transaction confirmation times. The stated goal of reducing the block time to 0.75 seconds is a significant step. For context, the current average block time on BNB Smart Chain (BSC), a key part of the BNB Chain ecosystem, is typically around 3 seconds. Reducing this to 0.75 seconds would represent a roughly 75% decrease in the time it takes to produce a new block. This has direct implications for the speed at which transactions are processed and confirmed on the network, leading to a more responsive user experience for dApps, DeFi protocols, and everyday transfers. Support for Producing 16 Consecutive Blocks Another notable improvement is the enhanced capability for validators to produce up to 16 consecutive blocks. In many blockchain protocols, validators (or miners) take turns proposing and validating blocks. Limiting the number of consecutive blocks a single validator can produce is often a measure to promote decentralization and prevent potential malicious behavior. Allowing validators on the BNB Chain to produce more consecutive blocks, specifically up to 16, can contribute to increased transaction throughput and potentially smoother block production, especially during periods of high network activity. This change, combined with the reduced block time, aims to optimize the flow of transactions through the network. Enhanced Network Scalability Ultimately, the combination of faster block times and the ability to produce more consecutive blocks points towards the overarching goal of enhanced Scalability . Scalability is a critical challenge for many blockchain networks, referring to their ability to handle a growing number of transactions and users without sacrificing performance or increasing fees prohibitively. By making the block production process faster and more efficient, the Maxwell hard fork aims to increase the overall transaction processing capacity of the BNB Chain. This is essential for supporting the increasing demand from existing dApps, attracting new projects, and accommodating a larger user base. Improved scalability means the network can potentially handle more transactions per second, reduce congestion, and keep transaction costs (gas fees) relatively low, even as network usage grows. Here’s a quick summary of the key improvements: Reduced Block Time: From ~3 seconds to target 0.75 seconds. Consecutive Blocks: Support for up to 16 consecutive blocks per validator. Overall Goal: Enhanced network scalability and throughput. What Do These Changes Mean for BNB Chain Users and Developers? While these improvements sound technical, they translate into tangible benefits for those interacting with the BNB Chain: Faster Transactions: Users will likely experience quicker confirmation times for transfers, swaps on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and interactions with dApps. Improved dApp Performance: Applications built on BNB Chain, especially those requiring frequent interactions, should feel more responsive. Lower Potential Congestion: Increased scalability helps the network better handle traffic spikes, potentially reducing instances of high fees or delayed transactions during peak times. More Headroom for Growth: The enhanced capacity makes the BNB Chain a more attractive platform for developers looking to build high-throughput applications, fostering ecosystem growth. For developers, the improved infrastructure means a more robust and efficient environment to deploy and scale their applications. This can lead to better user experiences within their dApps and potentially lower operational costs related to network interactions. The Road Ahead: From Testnet to Mainnet The successful Testnet activation of the Maxwell hard fork is a major milestone, but it’s not the final step. The next phase involves rigorous testing and monitoring on the testnet to ensure stability and identify any remaining issues. The BNB Chain core development team will gather feedback and data from the testnet environment. If the testnet phase proves successful and the upgrade is deemed stable and safe, the community will likely prepare for a mainnet hard fork activation. This process involves coordinating all network participants – including validators, exchanges, wallets, and dApp providers – to upgrade their software simultaneously by a specific block height. The transition from testnet to mainnet is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. However, the successful testnet deployment indicates strong progress towards bringing these valuable improvements to the live BNB Chain network. Conclusion: A Leap Forward for BNB Chain Scalability The activation of the Maxwell hard fork on the BNB Chain testnet marks a crucial step in the network’s continuous evolution. By focusing on reducing Block time to an ambitious 0.75 seconds and enhancing the validator’s ability to produce consecutive blocks, the upgrade directly addresses the vital need for increased Scalability in the blockchain space. This successful Testnet activation phase is essential for proving the stability and effectiveness of these changes before they are potentially rolled out to the main network. The Maxwell hard fork holds the promise of delivering a faster, more efficient, and more robust platform for users and developers alike, positioning BNB Chain for continued growth and adoption in the competitive decentralized landscape. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping blockchain network scalability and institutional adoption. This post BNB Chain’s Breakthrough Maxwell Hard Fork Hits Testnet first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

27 May 2025, 05:51

Adam Back Invests $1.5M in Swedish Firm Leading Bitcoin Treasury Shift

The post Adam Back Invests $1.5M in Swedish Firm Leading Bitcoin Treasury Shift appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Adam Back, the cypherpunk cited in Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin whitepaper, has invested nearly $1.5 million in H100 Group , a Swedish digital health firm that just became the first public company in Sweden to adopt a Bitcoin treasury strategy . His support helped close a $2.2 million convertible loan round , with the remaining $700,000 coming from other strategic backers. Health Tech Meets Bitcoin: A Surprising Treasury Shift On May 22, H100 Group confirmed the purchase of 4.39 BTC using excess liquidity , signaling a strategic pivot amidst financial pressures. In 2024, H100 reported a 38% revenue drop and a loss of 9.77 million SEK , prompting it to explore new avenues for financial resilience . But this move isn’t just about diversifying reserves. According to CEO Sander Andersen, Bitcoin aligns with H100’s mission of individual sovereignty, decentralization, and transparency —the same principles that drive its AI-powered digital health ecosystem. “Bitcoin is not just a hedge—it’s a cultural and strategic fit,” said Andersen. A Ripple Effect Beyond Tech Inspired by MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor, non-tech companies around the world are waking up to Bitcoin . From Latin America to Europe, BTC is making its way into diverse corporate treasuries. H100’s adoption shows the movement is expanding into sectors like healthcare , where Bitcoin’s core values deeply resonate. Currently, only 4.4% of Bitcoin’s supply is held by companies . But with figures like Adam Back stepping in, that number may rise fast. After the BTC announcement, H100’s stock jumped 37% , and another 5.33% the next day—despite still being 35% below its yearly high. What This Means for the Future Adam Back’s endorsement could signal a turning point in corporate Bitcoin adoption , especially outside the U.S. H100’s dual focus— digital healthcare and Bitcoin integration —is attracting attention from both investors and industry observers. It may well become a model for how mission-driven companies can blend technology, finance, and values into one strategy.

27 May 2025, 05:46

Trump Media prepares $3 billion fundraising to spend on crypto - report

U.S. President Donald Trump's company behind the Truth Social app—Trump Media & Technology Group ( NASDAQ:DJT)—is reportedly planning to raise up to $3 billion to invest in cryptocurrencies, The Financial Times reported on Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The proposed capital raise would comprise $2 billion in new equity and $1 billion through a convertible bond offering; however, the terms, timing, and size of the capital raise could still change, the report said . The company has rebuffed the Financial Times report, criticizing the media coverage but not providing a direct denial or further details. TMTG's capital round may come before a significant gathering of cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors in Las Vegas this week, which is anticipated to feature speeches by Trump's crypto tsar David Sachs, Vice President JD Vance, and Trump's sons Donald Jr. and Eric. The initiative comes amid Trump’s pro-crypto policy agenda, including repealing previous regulatory crackdowns and advocating for a U.S. digital asset stockpile. ETFs to track the broader cryptos: ( NASDAQ: ZZZ ), ( BATS: FBTC ), ( NASDAQ: ETHA ), ( NYSEARCA: BLOK ), ( NASDAQ: BITS ). Dear readers: We recognize that politics often intersects with the financial news of the day, so we invite you to click here to join the separate political discussion More on Trump Media and Technology Group Trump Media & Technology Group: When Politics Gets A Ticker Symbol Trump Media & Technology Group: Long-Term Outlook Is Overwhelmingly Negative Trump Media & Technology: New ETFs Won't Cut It Trump Media makes Truth+ on-demand content available on Roku TV Trump Media and Technology Group reports Q1 results

27 May 2025, 05:20

Google says quantum computers might break Bitcoin way sooner

Google revealed that breaking the RSA encryption, the same tech that secures crypto wallets, might need 20 times fewer quantum resources than previously estimated. The tech company introduced a new quantum computing chip called Willow in December 2024 and said it could break Bitcoin in at least two days. The firm argued that Willow could solve in five minutes a problem that would take most supercomputers 10 septillion years to solve. At the time, critics believed Willow’s power could overtake Bitcoin’s hash rate in minutes, rewrite the Bitcoin blockchain, or even steal Satoshi’s coins. Google sees quantum computing as a potential threat to BTC’s security "2048-bit RSA #encryption could theoretically be broken by a #quantum computer with 1 million noisy qubits running for one week." https://t.co/MoxGROF3Va #PQC #cybersecurity — Jari Pirhonen (@japi999) May 26, 2025 Google said its breakthrough moved quantum computing one step closer to becoming a practical reality and a potential threat to Bitcoin’s security. The company’s Quantum Researcher, Craig Gidney, believes that planning the transition of quantum-safe cryptosystems requires understanding the cost of quantum attacks on vulnerable ecosystems. Gidney said he published an estimate in Gidney+Ekera 2019 stating that 2048-bit RSA integers could be factored in eight hours by a quantum computer with 20 million qubits. According to him, he significantly reduced the number of qubits required in his research paper. “I estimate that a 2048 bit RSA integer could be factored in less than a week by a quantum computer with less than a million noisy qubits. This is a 20-fold decrease in the number of qubits from our previous estimate.” – Craig Gidney , Quantum Research Scientist at Google. Google’s researcher believes that people’s digital assets are still safe for now. He also argued that the trajectory is what matters, and it’s pointing in a direction that should make anyone holding crypto pay attention. Google said the breakthrough would come from better algorithms and smarter error correction. On the algorithmic side, the firm’s researchers figured out how to calculate modular exponentiations twice as fast as the heavy mathematical lifting in encryption. The team also found that error correction improvements were possible because they tripled the density of the logical qubits’ space by adding a new layer of error correction, which packaged more useful quantum operations into the same physical space. Google researchers also deployed magic state cultivation – a trick that makes special quantum ingredients (called T states) stronger and more reliable. The team said it helps quantum computers perform complex tasks more efficiently without wasting extra resources, which reduces the workspace needed for basic quantum operations. Bitcoin operates on elliptic curve cryptography, which works on mathematical principles similar to those of RSA. Google believes that if quantum computers can crack RSA faster than expected, BTC’s security timeline just got smaller. Project 11 believes quantum computers running Shor’s algorithms might break BTC We just launched the Q-Day Prize. 1 BTC to the first team to break a toy version of Bitcoin’s cryptography using a quantum computer. Deadline: April 5, 2026 Mission: Protect 6M BTC (over $500B) — Project 11 (@qdayclock) April 16, 2025 A quantum computing research group called Project 11 launched a Bitcoin bounty worth nearly $85,000 for anyone who can break even a simplified version of BTC’s encryption using a quantum computer. The team is testing keys ranging from 1 to 25 bits, smaller compared to Bitcoin’s 256-bit encryption, but it entails tracking progress. Project 11 wrote that BTC security relies on elliptic curve cryptography. The research group also believes that quantum computers running Shor’s algorithm will eventually break it. The team is now testing how urgent the threat is. Google believes competitors could already be collecting encrypted data to decrypt later once quantum computers become available. The tech firm said it has been encrypting traffic both in Chrome and internally, switching to the standardized version of ML-KEM once it became available. The National Institute of Standards and Technology released post-quantum cryptography standards last year and recommended phasing out vulnerable systems after 2030. Google’s research suggests that the schedule might need to be accelerated. IBM has partnered with the University of Tokyo and the University of Chicago to plan for a 100,000-qubit quantum computer by 2030. Quantinuum also aims to deliver a fully immune quantum computer by 2029. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

27 May 2025, 03:40

Top 10 Insights From TOKEN2049 Dubai 2025 – The Future of Crypto, AI and Web 3.0

HodlX Guest Post Submit Your Post Attending TOKEN2049 was a breathtaking experience. Set in Dubai, the event drew over 15,000 attendees and industry leaders. Dubai has now established itself as the global center of blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web 3.0 – and the heart of the MENA (Middle East, North Africa) region. This conference was full of optimism and celebration at the significant steps that blockchain, DeFi and Web 3.0 took worldwide. Here are 10 key takeaways from the TOKEN 2049 event. 1. AI-blockchain synergy Autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) agents were instrumental in key blockchain use cases like fraud detection, analytics and smart contract optimization. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) clouds could cut AI training costs by 50%. The blockchain x AI technology will be a powerful synergy for the road ahead. AI-driven blockchain audits will prevent over $50 billion in annual DeFi hacks. Cognitive smart contracts could become a new standard in secure computing. Fifty percent of the world’s AI training has the potential to be run on GPUs on the cloud in less than five years. With the explosion of use cases, AI and blockchain have the potential to reframe the Web 3.0 world as we know it. 2. DePIN technology will change the world DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure networks) were everywhere at the conference. Some companies provided archival systems at 90% cheaper than traditional cloud computing giants. Distributed wireless grids, file systems, IaaS (intelligence-as-a-service), digital infrastructure and IoT systems stole the limelight. The DePIN market is expected to reach $300 billion by 2030. Decentralized Infrastructure provides power to the users and enables personal revenue. Smart cities could also be disaster-resistant with DePIN technology for electricity, internet, wireless systems, edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT). 3. Tokenized real-world assets are a reality Over $120 billion will be spent this year alone on tokenizing just real estate. Dubai’s VARA framework enables fractional blockchain ownership of luxury assets. This trend will only increase and cover everything from luxury cars to high-value assets like artwork. The RWA (real-world asset) tokenization market will hit the trillion-dollar market cap by as early as 2026. AI-managed investment portfolios with hold both crypto and real-world tokens. This is the long-awaited comeback of the security token in RWAs. Multiple institutions like banks, asset management firms and investment leaders are showing interest. 4. Bitcoin becomes mainstream Long seen as a speculative investment, Bitcoin is now a viable asset. With Trump’s presidency, multiple firms and institutions are investing in Bitcoin as a long-term purchase. The outlook for Bitcoin is incredibly optimistic, especially among core crypto followers. This is a key moment for cryptocurrency and Web 3.0 development. The legitimization of Bitcoin provides a solid foundation on which to build DeFi and Web 3.0 platforms. Companies are seeing past the hype and investing in Bitcoin heavily. Some analysts were even quoted predicting that Bitcoin could hit $1 million by 2028. 5. MENA is the powerhouse of global Web 3.0 Crypto transfers in this region exceeded $330 billion in 2025, with 93% of transactions by institutions. UAE and Qatar were the main participants in this sector. The US will be implementing more relaxed crypto regulation – but until it does, the UAE, with its innovative regulations, will be the center of crypto globally. There are discussions to open up energy reserves like crude oil to tokenization and fractional ownership. 6. Stablecoins are the first accepted use case of crypto Stablecoins have become one of the backbones of global payments. Cross-border frictionless trading and commerce is now a reality with stablecoins. The share in cross-border transfers could rise to even 50% by around 2028. Stablecoins have seen massive adoption by individuals and institutions alike. As protocols evolve for DeFi, this trend is only set to increase and become even more common. 7. Breakthroughs in DAO governance In 2025, AI-powered voting systems in DAOs automated 30% of decisions in collective environments. This is the start of a widespread change in how systems are governed autonomously. DAO is a governance method that truly gives power to the people. It is predicted that even CeFi (centralized finance) systems will be using DAOs by 2030. For asset management, DAOs potentially represent a multi-trillion-dollar market. 8. Web 3.0 gaming breaks the casual barrier Major studios launched play-to-earn models with AAA gameplay. This is only the beginning of a huge shift in gaming as a whole. Extractive economics was only the beginning. The metaverse, player-generated assets and Web 3.0 gaming will change the way everyone games. Annual revenue could exceed $200 billion by 2029. Metaverse content will be immersive, VR/AR integrated and created primarily by AI. Play-to-earn could also include socially desirable changes in multiple sectors. 9. The importance of security As blockchain, DeFi and Web 3.0 move into acceptable investments, security is now the key. $1.2 billion was lost through blockchain scams in 2024 alone. Security standards need to evolve and keep up with advances in technology. As hackers use generative AI and sidechain attacks on major institutions – i t is critical that security standards be defined, refined and enhanced at least four times each year. Quantum computing, in particular, plays a very important role as perhaps the biggest threat to cybersecurity. Emerging technologies like ZKPs (zero-knowledge proofs) and biometric authentication need integration into blockchain systems. 10. Regulational clarity worldwide Perhaps the single biggest reason that Dubai became the crypto capital of the world – t he transparent and lenient regulations adopted by the UAE for crypto and blockchain. The US is expected to follow suit very soon with sweeping regulatory changes. In less than five years, as countries see the advantages of these regulations – e xpect similar changes all over the world and for crypto to become the defining standard of the wealth of the nations. This would truly introduce wealth distribution worldwide. Trump is soon expected to introduce regulatory changes in the US for crypto as well. The road ahead TOKEN2049 Dubai 2025 marks the point where crypto moves from labs to global infrastructure. There are many scams still at work, but crypto will be one of the defining forces of the modern world. As regulatory changes are made worldwide, expect the entire industry to grow by ten times at the very least by this time next year. The optimism is mixed with caution because of the lack of sweeping security standards and the lack of international regulatory enforcement. 2025 is the year when such changes are expected to take place. And there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in crypto, AI, DeFi, DePIN, blockchain and Web 3.0 – e ver. Binary Bard is a business consultant and a tech aficionado decoding the digital frontier one innovation at a time, from blockchain breakthroughs to tech startups. Check Latest Headlines on HodlX Follow Us on Twitter Facebook Telegram Check out the Latest Industry Announcements Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any loses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. The post Top 10 Insights From TOKEN2049 Dubai 2025 – The Future of Crypto, AI and Web 3.0 appeared first on The Daily Hodl .

27 May 2025, 02:47

Former Meta executive warns against artists’ demands for AI copyright laws

Former Meta executive Nick Clegg said forcing AI tech companies to ask for permission before using copyrighted content to train AI models would destroy the industry. He spoke during the Charleston Festival in East Sussex. He argued that AI is already capable of creating its art. During a recent interview with The Times of London, Clegg, the former UK Deputy Prime Minister, engaged in a heated debate over AI copyright laws. He commented when parliament members voted against proposals allowing copyright holders to see when their work had been used to train AI systems and by whom. Creatives urge the government to balance copyright laws Music legends like Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney have urged the UK government not to change copyright laws to favor big tech firms. The creatives warned that the proposal to change copyright protection laws risks destroying the livelihoods of more than 2.5 million people who work in the creative industry. “The safest road to Hell is the gradual one… the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” C. S. Lewis didn’t account for Lib Dem sherpas sadly… Clegg (yes him) saying Artists demands over copyright are unworkable in AI age — Andrew Walker (@Andrew_E_Walker) May 26, 2025 Clegg argued that the demands of artists and prominent creative figures to require tech firms to seek permission before using copyrighted materials to train AI models are unworkable and implausible. He continued to point out that AI systems have already used a significant portion of the data readily available online, The former UK Deputy Prime Minister suggested that people should have a straightforward way to opt out of using their content. He viewed the idea of AI companies having to seek permission as something that collides with the physics of the technology itself. He added that the idea would kill the UK’s AI industry overnight if applied in the UK alone. Describing copyright as the lifeblood of their profession, the UK creative community wrote an open letter to Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK, warning that the proposed changes to copyright laws would threaten Britain’s status as the leading creative power. The open letter said that the UK creative community would lose immense growth opportunities if it gave away its work to a small group of powerful tech companies. The letter reiterated the UK’s position as a creative powerhouse and the hopes that technology will embody the country’s values. Dua Lipa among artists urging Starmer to rethink AI copyright laws David Furnish, Coldplay, Tom Dixon, and John Pawson, among hundreds of others, represented the UK creative community as signatories to the open letter. The letter urged Starmer to support Baroness Beeban Kidron’s amendment to the Data Bill . The Data Bill would give the UK creative transparency over the copyright works used to train AI models. According to the letter, transparency would allow creators and creative businesses to hold AI firms accountable for stealing creative works. The letter urged the government to accept the amendment and allow AI developers and creators to develop licensing regimes enabling human-created content. Elsewhere in the U.S., Hollywood recently wrote a letter to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, in which more than 400 creatives, including director Guillermo del Toro and actor Cynthia Erivo, signed to urge the U.S. government to uphold existing copyright protections against AI. Many prominent creative figures in Hollywood signed the letter in response to Trump’s administration’s request for public comments on the White House’s AI Action Plan. The plan aimed to secure and advance the country’s position in the AI industry. Silicon Valley tech companies and OpenAI wrote separate letters arguing that they should be able to train AI models using publicly available content under the fair use doctrine. The doctrine allows for the limited reproduction of material without permission from the copyright holder. Cryptopolitan Academy: Coming Soon - A New Way to Earn Passive Income with DeFi in 2025. Learn More