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13 May 2026, 19:10

AI agents and token-driven business growth reshape digital business

For three decades, internet companies made money by encouraging consumers to visit their websites and click on advertisements. A different approach is now taking control, one based on tokens, which are tiny pieces of data used by AI systems to interpret and generate content. TikTok revealed big changes at its sixth annual TikTok World conference, including new tools that let AI systems conduct advertising campaigns without human intervention. The company developed the TikTok Ads Model Context Protocol Server , which enables businesses to integrate their AI systems directly into TikTok’s ad marketplace. These artificial intelligence systems can now create, run, and improve commercials on their own. Other major technology businesses are doing the same. Google released its own open-source version of its advertising system, while Meta developed one that integrates with Claude and ChatGPT. According to Shirley Marschall, an advertising technology specialist, these organizations are hurrying to establish standard methods so they can track how AI programs use their platforms and generate revenue. TikTok has launched several new tools to make this process easier. TikTok Ads Skills gives developers the tools they need to build AI systems for creating ad campaigns, analyzing content, and managing budgets. TikTok One and Creator AI Search look through campaign plans and creator profiles to connect brands with the right content creators. The company also added Symphony AI Integration, which uses ByteDance’s Dreamina Seedance 2.0 tool to create high-quality videos. Updates to Smart+, including Auto Selection and Asset Manager, automatically chooses the content that performs best. Token economy drives rapid growth TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is investing heavily in this technology through its cloud division, Volcano Engine. The division introduced ArkClaw, a cloud-based system built on OpenClaw. ByteDance believes that making AI tokens cheaper and quicker to process will help fuel the next stage of AI growth. The data shows how quickly this technology is growing. By March 2026, ByteDance’s Doubao models were processing around 120 trillion tokens each day, about 1,000 times more than when they started in 2024. AI agents still make up less than 10% of total token usage, but their share is rising rapidly. Developers have even started a trend called “lobster-raising,” inspired by the OpenClaw logo. Jensen Huang said he expects companies to charge $150 for every million tokens used in advanced AI services in the future. Alibaba has even created a separate division called Token Hub to manage token-related operations across the company. Companies reshape operations around AI These changes are creating new ways for companies to make money. TikTok GO lets users find and book travel directly in the app through AI-targeted ads. TikTok Growth Max helps media and game companies get users interested through Mini Series and Mini Games on the platform. Some companies are changing how they operate completely. Yao Jinbo, who runs 58.com, said his company is becoming an “AI-native enterprise.” The company now uses nearly 200 billion tokens every day , replacing entire departments with constant AI work. Traditional software companies are struggling to keep pace with these rapid changes. Programs that were once bought, installed, and permanently maintained are now being generated instantly by AI whenever they are needed. Businesses are no longer competing only on the speed of their computer chips, but also on how efficiently they manage computing power, electricity, data flow, and what many now call “token factory efficiency” in the growing AI economy. Tokens began as a means to monitor how much computational power AI consumes. They are now being used as a currency to trade intelligent services. The amount of AI work done is increasing faster than the cost per token is decreasing, implying that the market will continue to rise. This shift is more than just a technology upgrade; it represents the full industrialization of intelligence, with tokens becoming a new global commodity. Traditional advertising has turned into a high-speed, algorithm-driven system, greatly changing the rules of digital business, efficiency, and modern online competition worldwide. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

13 May 2026, 14:23

Quantum Computing Threat 'Mostly a Coordination Issue' for Bitcoin: Fireblocks CEO

Michael Shaulov argued that changing to a post-quantum cryptographic signature scheme is “not a technical challenge” for Bitcoin.

13 May 2026, 14:05

Poppy launches a proactive AI assistant to tame digital chaos and organize your life

BitcoinWorld Poppy launches a proactive AI assistant to tame digital chaos and organize your life Smartphones, for all their utility, have become a primary source of distraction. Notifications from dozens of apps, cluttered inboxes, and overlapping calendars create a fragmented digital experience that many users find overwhelming. A new startup, Second Nature Computing, is launching an app called Poppy that aims to cut through the noise by acting as a proactive, AI-powered central command for your digital life. Poppy, which debuted this week, consolidates data from a user’s calendar, email, messaging apps, and other services into a single, unified dashboard. The core premise, as described by the company, is that “Poppy pays attention so you don’t have to.” Rather than requiring users to manually check multiple apps, Poppy uses artificial intelligence to analyze connected data and surface what is most relevant at any given moment. How Poppy’s proactive AI works The app’s most distinguishing feature is its ability to make proactive suggestions based on a user’s context. For example, if Poppy detects a 30-minute gap in a user’s calendar and their location is near a park, it might suggest taking a walk. If a user is planning a brunch with a friend, Poppy can scan previous messages for dietary preferences and factor those into restaurant recommendations. Users can also interact with Poppy directly, sending it questions or requests as they would a human personal assistant. The assistant can track flights and alert users to changes, remind them to take medication, or nudge them about upcoming tasks. The goal is to shift from a reactive model—where users must open apps to find information—to a predictive one where the assistant anticipates needs. Founder background and vision Poppy was created by Sai Kambampati, who holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in human-computer interaction. Kambampati previously worked as a software engineer at Humane, the AI hardware startup known for its ambitious (and ultimately troubled) AI pin device. That experience, he said, gave him firsthand insight into the challenges of rethinking human engagement with technology. “I’ve always been interested in challenging what computers are able to do, especially the idea of ambient computing and computers that can proactively sense what you need and anticipate your needs,” Kambampati told Bitcoin World. “That’s something that I found very, very exciting. And I felt like with all the AI technology that we’re seeing around us, it has never been more possible to embark on something like this.” Supported apps, privacy, and data handling At launch, Poppy integrates with widely used services including Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, Gmail, Outlook, iCloud Mail, Apple Health, Reminders, Contacts, iMessage, and WhatsApp. It also connects with ride-hailing and delivery services like Uber and Instacart. The company plans to expand this list over time. Kambampati acknowledged a potential challenge with iMessage access: Poppy uses a Mac app to read messages, a method that Apple generally restricts for third-party apps. This could create a point of friction or future limitation. On the privacy front, the company states that user data is encrypted when stored in its database. When using cloud-based large language models (LLMs) to generate suggestions, Poppy employs a zero-retention policy, meaning the AI providers do not store user data. Kambampati expressed a long-term goal of moving all processing to on-device AI models as hardware capabilities improve and models become more efficient. “My hope, my dream is — within two to three years from now, when our devices have much more powerful compute, and the models get much smaller, cheaper and more high quality — eventually we can have all of this running on our own devices, and there won’t even be a need to hit the servers,” he said. Funding and market context Poppy’s San Francisco-based team of four has secured $1.25 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by Kindred Ventures, with participation from several angel investors, including DeepMind’s Logan Kilpatrick. The funding will be used to develop the product further and expand its integration ecosystem. The launch comes at a time when the market for AI-powered productivity tools is increasingly crowded. Competitors include everything from calendar assistants like Clockwise and Reclaim to broader AI platforms like Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot. Poppy’s differentiation lies in its focus on proactive, context-aware suggestions rather than simple task management or scheduling. Why this matters For users feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of digital inputs, Poppy represents a potential shift from a pull-based information model—where users must actively seek out data—to a push-based model where the assistant filters and surfaces only what is important. If successful, it could reduce cognitive load and help users reclaim time lost to app-switching and notification management. However, the app’s reliance on broad data access—including location, messages, and email—raises legitimate privacy questions. While the company has implemented encryption and a zero-retention policy, users will need to weigh the convenience of a proactive assistant against the level of personal data it requires. The long-term viability of the iMessage integration also remains uncertain. Conclusion Poppy enters the AI assistant space with a clear vision: to reduce digital distraction by anticipating user needs rather than waiting for commands. Its proactive suggestions, unified dashboard, and ambitious founder give it a distinct position in a competitive market. The next challenge will be execution—expanding integrations, maintaining user trust on privacy, and proving that its AI can consistently deliver genuinely useful insights without becoming another source of noise. FAQs Q1: What makes Poppy different from other AI assistants like Siri or Google Assistant? Poppy is designed to be proactive rather than reactive. While traditional assistants require a user to ask a question or give a command, Poppy analyzes connected data—calendar, email, location, messages—and surfaces suggestions or reminders without being prompted. Q2: What data does Poppy need to function? At a minimum, Poppy requires access to a user’s calendar, email, and location. It can also integrate with messaging apps, health data, and other services. The company states that data is encrypted and that cloud-based AI processing uses a zero-retention policy. Q3: Is Poppy available now and on which platforms? Poppy is launching initially on iOS, with integrations for Apple and Google services, as well as apps like Uber, Instacart, and WhatsApp. A Mac app is required for iMessage access. The company plans to expand to other platforms and services over time. This post Poppy launches a proactive AI assistant to tame digital chaos and organize your life first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 13:25

Binance Founder Sees Web3 and Traditional Finance Conflict Fading as Institutions Embrace Blockchain

BitcoinWorld Binance Founder Sees Web3 and Traditional Finance Conflict Fading as Institutions Embrace Blockchain Changpeng Zhao, founder and former CEO of Binance, stated today that the long-standing friction between the Web3 ecosystem and traditional finance is nearing its end. Speaking at a ‘Binance Online’ event, Zhao argued that as conventional financial institutions increasingly integrate blockchain technology, the perceived divide between the two sectors will become obsolete. Zhao’s Vision of Technological Convergence Zhao explained that the future of finance does not lie in a binary choice between decentralized and centralized systems, but rather in the inevitable adoption of blockchain as a foundational technology by traditional financial players. ‘The conflict between Web3 and traditional finance will soon cease to exist,’ Zhao said. ‘Financial firms will ultimately adopt blockchain as a technology, making the distinction between the two sectors unnecessary in the future.’ This perspective marks a significant shift from earlier narratives that framed Web3 as a direct challenger to established financial systems. Zhao’s comments suggest a more integrated path forward, where blockchain serves as an upgrade to existing infrastructure rather than a replacement. Growing Institutional Demand as Evidence Zhao pointed to the accelerating trend of institutional interest in blockchain as concrete evidence of this convergence. ‘This trend is already emerging, with institutional demand for blockchain growing daily,’ he noted. This observation aligns with recent market data showing increased involvement from major asset managers, banks, and payment processors in blockchain-based products, including tokenized assets, stablecoins, and decentralized finance protocols. The shift is particularly visible in the United States and Europe, where regulatory clarity is gradually improving, allowing traditional financial institutions to explore blockchain applications with greater confidence. The approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) earlier this year is widely cited as a pivotal moment that bridged the gap between crypto-native assets and regulated financial markets. Implications for the Crypto Industry and Investors For the broader cryptocurrency industry, Zhao’s remarks signal a maturation of the market. If traditional finance fully embraces blockchain, it could lead to deeper liquidity, more robust infrastructure, and wider user adoption. For retail and institutional investors, this convergence may reduce volatility and increase the legitimacy of digital assets as an asset class. However, the transition is not without challenges. Issues of regulatory compliance, interoperability between legacy systems and blockchain networks, and the need for standardized security protocols remain significant hurdles. Zhao’s optimistic outlook assumes that these obstacles can be overcome through continued collaboration and innovation. Conclusion Changpeng Zhao’s prediction that the conflict between Web3 and traditional finance will dissolve highlights a pivotal moment for the financial industry. As blockchain technology moves from the periphery to the mainstream, the lines between decentralized and centralized systems are blurring. For market participants, the key takeaway is that the future of finance may not be about choosing sides, but about leveraging the best of both worlds to create a more efficient, accessible, and transparent financial ecosystem. FAQs Q1: What did Changpeng Zhao say about Web3 and traditional finance? Zhao stated that the conflict between the two sectors will soon end as traditional financial institutions adopt blockchain technology, making the distinction unnecessary. Q2: Why is institutional demand for blockchain growing? Growing regulatory clarity, the success of Bitcoin ETFs, and the potential for operational efficiencies are driving traditional financial firms to explore blockchain-based products and services. Q3: What are the main challenges to this convergence? Key challenges include regulatory compliance across jurisdictions, technical interoperability between blockchain networks and legacy systems, and the development of standardized security protocols. This post Binance Founder Sees Web3 and Traditional Finance Conflict Fading as Institutions Embrace Blockchain first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 12:35

Hoskinson: Developer Protections Essential in US Crypto Bill

BitcoinWorld Hoskinson: Developer Protections Essential in US Crypto Bill Charles Hoskinson, the founder of the Cardano blockchain network, has publicly urged U.S. lawmakers to preserve a critical provision in the proposed CLARITY Act that shields open-source software developers from legal liability for how their code is used by others. His comments come as the bill, which aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, moves through congressional committee discussions. The Core Dispute Over Section 604 At the heart of Hoskinson’s argument is Section 604 of the CLARITY Act, a clause specifically designed to protect developers of open-source protocols, decentralized applications, and blockchain infrastructure. The provision would prevent developers from being held criminally or civilly liable for actions taken by third parties who use their software for illicit purposes, such as money laundering or sanctions evasion, without the developer’s knowledge or consent. Hoskinson described recent calls from some policymakers to remove Section 604 as “nonsensical,” arguing that such a move would set a dangerous precedent. He compared holding a developer responsible for a user’s crime to charging an author with murder because a reader was inspired by a book to commit a violent act. The analogy underscores a fundamental tension in crypto regulation: how to hold bad actors accountable without stifling innovation and punishing the creators of neutral technology. Why This Matters for the Crypto Industry The CLARITY Act, formally titled the “Cryptocurrency Legal Clarity and Investor Protection Act,” represents one of the most significant attempts by the U.S. Congress to create a federal framework for digital assets. The bill seeks to define which digital assets are securities, commodities, or currencies, and to assign regulatory oversight to the SEC and CFTC accordingly. Without Section 604, legal experts warn that the U.S. could see a mass exodus of blockchain developers to jurisdictions with clearer liability protections, such as Switzerland, Singapore, or the European Union under its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. Hoskinson’s intervention highlights a broader industry consensus that developer protections are not a loophole for criminals but a necessary foundation for technological progress. Industry and Market Implications The debate over Section 604 is being closely watched by investors and developers alike. Cardano (ADA), which operates as a proof-of-stake blockchain, relies heavily on its open-source developer community for upgrades and ecosystem growth. A regulatory environment that exposes these developers to legal risk could slow down innovation not just for Cardano, but for the entire decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. Hoskinson’s statement adds a prominent voice to a growing chorus of industry leaders, including representatives from the Blockchain Association and Coin Center, who have submitted testimony to Congress advocating for clear safe harbors. The outcome of this legislative battle could determine whether the United States remains a competitive hub for blockchain development or cedes leadership to more accommodating jurisdictions. Conclusion As the CLARITY Act advances through the legislative process, the fate of Section 604 remains uncertain. Charles Hoskinson’s forceful defense of developer protections underscores a pivotal choice for lawmakers: either craft rules that encourage responsible innovation or risk pushing one of the most dynamic technology sectors offshore. The coming weeks of debate will reveal whether Congress heeds the industry’s warnings or prioritizes a more punitive approach. FAQs Q1: What is the CLARITY Act? The CLARITY Act is a proposed U.S. federal law that aims to provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, defining which digital assets fall under SEC or CFTC jurisdiction and establishing rules for exchanges, stablecoins, and developers. Q2: Why is Section 604 controversial? Section 604 would protect open-source software developers from being held liable for how third parties use their code. Critics argue it could create a safe harbor for illicit activity, while supporters say it is essential to prevent legal uncertainty from stifling blockchain innovation. Q3: How does this affect Cardano and its founder? Charles Hoskinson, as Cardano’s founder, has a direct interest in ensuring that U.S. law does not penalize the developers building on his platform. His public stance aims to influence the legislative outcome to protect the broader open-source developer community. This post Hoskinson: Developer Protections Essential in US Crypto Bill first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 10:30

Charles Hoskinson Calls Clarity Act Section Removal 'Insanity' and 'Dystopian Nightmare'

Charles Hoskinson shuts down the anti-open source software narrative.