17 Jul 2025, 20:24

Russia’s Largest Bank Announces Cryptocurrency Development Expected in the Country for Years

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has announced plans to offer custody services for Russian crypto assets in a bid to increase its influence in the country's cryptocurrency space. With this step, the state-owned bank aims to take a leading role in Russia's development of digital assets. Anatoly Pronin, Executive Director of the bank's Alternative Payment Solutions Department, noted that cryptocurrency custody services are becoming increasingly widespread globally, and that Sberbank has submitted regulatory proposals to the Central Bank of Russia accordingly. Pronin argued that cryptocurrencies should be regulated similarly to traditional assets held in bank accounts and that the bank will ensure the security of customers' tokens. Related News: BREAKING: BlackRock Makes a Surprise Ethereum Move - Expected Feature May Come Soon Russia's Central Bank softened its stance on cryptocurrencies last year, after long opposing them, and supported legislation allowing companies to use these assets in international trade. This change is seen as part of strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of Western sanctions. Custody services allow assets to be frozen if malicious activity is suspected, while also facilitating easier transactions and protecting accounts from cyberattacks. “Custody services are the backbone of the cryptocurrency economy. Currently, these services are mostly in the hands of foreign private companies, which poses a significant risk,” said Gleb Zemskoy, director of blockchain technology and digital currency development at Insight Finance. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Russia’s Largest Bank Announces Cryptocurrency Development Expected in the Country for Years

17 Jul 2025, 18:55

Chinese officials use malware to extract and search personal data from smartphones

According to a recent security report, officials in China are using malware called Massistant to mine data from seized smartphones. Security research firm Lookout stated that the Chinese police could seize any phone or computer without a warrant and gain access to personal data immediately. Massistant mines SMS messages, images, audio files, videos, and even GPS location data. The malware is developed by Xiamen Meiya Pico, a Chinese tech company specializing in commercial surveillance software and equipment. The company controls 40% of the digital forensics market in China. Massistant is broadly used by the Chinese police Chinese citizens have reported multiple times on local forums about finding malware on their phones after interacting with the police. One of the posts dates back to 2020, indicating that the malware has been widely used by the Chinese police in the past five years. In the post, the user asked if the police had installed malware in his phone. Another user named topsky replied and said, “It is likely that your information was collected when you were given an administrative penalty for illegal behavior, including your mobile phone.” The malware poses a major threat to travelers to and within mainland China. Tourists, businessmen, and employees from multinational companies could face an order to hand in their smartphones to the Chinese authorities. Sensitive data could leak easily since the police need no warrant to seize these devices. Lookout stated that the malware works only on unlocked devices. The security firm shared a photo showing multiple smartphones connected to a hardware tower. The hardware is then connected to an external laptop or computer. The security firm stated that Massistant is an Android application; however, the firm could not find an equivalent version for iOS users. The illustrations obtained from Xiamen Meiya Pico show multiple iPhones connected to the hardware tower, suggesting the existence of an iOS version. Source: Xiamen Meiya Pico. Massistant leaves a footprint on any phone or device, making it easy to delete permanently. However, once the malware is installed, it steals data, making the damage irreversible. Lookout stated that Massistant is the successor to another tool named MSSocket, which was created by Xiamen Meiya Pico. Security researchers analyzed and exposed the threats of MSSocket in 2019. In 2021, Xiamen Meiya Pico was sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). According to the designation, the Chinese company poses a significant threat to U.S. national security due to its role in developing and distributing surveillance technologies. OFAC alleges that Xiamen Meiya Pico facilitates human rights abuses and supports authoritarian surveillance efforts. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites

17 Jul 2025, 17:45

Uber teams up with Lucid and Nuro to deploy 20,000 robotaxis across the U.S.

Uber announced today a collaboration with EV maker Lucid and Nuro companies to develop over 20,000 robotaxis over the next six years. Uber plans to launch the robotaxi services next year in a major city in the U.S. Nick Twork, Lucid’s spokesperson, confirmed that Uber will invest $300 million in Lucid. Dave Ferguson, co-founder and president of Nuro, revealed in an interview that the scale of Uber’s investment in Nuro will be much bigger than that of $300 million in Lucid. However, he declined to mention the exact figure. He acknowledged that the commitments behind the investment are Uber’s largest. Additionally, Uber is set to have a seat on Nuro’s board of directors as part of the collaboration agreement. Uber teams up with Lucid and Nuro to expand its self-driving cars ambition Uber , Lucid, and Nuro are collaborating to establish over 20,000 robotaxis in the U.S. over the next six years. Lucid’s Gravity SUV will be integrated with Nuro’s autonomous technology and made available on Uber’s mobile application. Ownership will belong to Uber or other third-party fleet management partners. The flagship vehicles will launch in a predetermined city sometime next year. . @LucidMotors ’ premium EVs. @Nuro ’s proven L4 autonomy. @Uber ’s global ride-hailing network. Together, we're launching a next-gen robotaxi fleet—20K+ vehicles, starting in 2026. Details here: https://t.co/3ClX8bpih5 #autonomousvehicles #technology #innovation #partnership … pic.twitter.com/eHjuUDjfqs — Nuro (@nuro) July 17, 2025 Nuro, backed by Google and SoftBank Vision Fund, will be crucial in designing level 4 self-driving software for robotaxis. The self-driving software can drive a car in normal traffic conditions and optimal weather conditions without human intervention. The autonomous software company has begun testing the prototype vehicle at its Las Vegas proving grounds. Nuro said the collaboration forms a plan for the robotaxi program that will be manageable and scalable in a commercial setup. The collaboration aligns with Uber’s goal to become the leader in electric and autonomous vehicles of all kinds. Uber revealed that it plans to use its financial muscle to support the expansion of autonomous vehicles worldwide. Uber has partnered with more than 18 global autonomous vehicle, delivery, and trucking companies. This year alone, it partnered with Michigan’s Ann Arbor, Mobility Volkswagen, and the Chinese self-driving companies Momenta, WeRide, and Baidu. Lucid stock soars 36% after the announcement of a collaboration with Uber LCID stock surged 36% today following the collaboration announcement with Uber Technologies and Nuro. The LCID stock trades at $2.97 with a day range of $2.83- $ 3.19. The EV manufacturer year to date (YTD) stands at 0.68%. Uber will host the Lucid Gravity SUV, which has an estimated 450-mile EPA range. The SUV is expected to reduce charging downtime, improve vehicle availability, and reduce operating costs. Uber is expected to price the Gravity SUV in the upper tier, just like Uber Black. Lucid produced 3,309 EVs in Q2 2025, with the Air luxury Sedan going from $69,900 and the Gravity SUV starting at $79,900. Marc Winterhoff, interim CEO at Lucid, revealed that Uber’s investment confirms Lucid as a fully redundant zonal architecture capable of delivering ideal self-driving vehicles. He added that the collaboration allows Lucid to compete in a new market that has yet to be tapped. Tesla’s autonomous cars fall under the level 2 category, requiring human intervention at the wheel. The EV company, owned by Elon Musk , began testing its robotaxis in Austin in June. It has a few robotaxis in Austin; the rest are still in beta, including the self-driving trucks, which posed problems initially. According to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, self-driving cars have the potential to improve American cities. The CEO was happy to team up with Lucid and Nuro, which he believes will bring Uber’s self-driving vision to more people worldwide. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites

17 Jul 2025, 16:50

Denmark and Novo Nordisk Foundation will fund the world’s most powerful quantum computer

Denmark, through its Export Investment Fund, is launching a new quantum project as it makes a bold step to lead the global race in quantum computing, backed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. This comes as the Danish government aims to outpace all existing machines in power and performance. The ambitious goal is to develop what they hope will become the world’s most powerful quantum computer. Microsoft will provide the software for the Denmark project The two funders announced on Thursday that they will commit €80 million (about $93 million) into a new venture called QuNorth . While classical computers struggle with highly complex problems, especially in chemistry and medicine, quantum computers promise to make light work of them by handling mind-boggling numbers of calculations at once. The project is not a fantasy, as tech giants are already on board. Microsoft, which operates its biggest quantum lab in Denmark, is providing the software. The hardware will be built by US-based Atom Computing. Construction begins this autumn, with the system expected to be ready to run by the end of next year. According to Reuters, the quantum computer will be named Magne , after the son of Thor in Norse mythology, a symbol of great strength. It’s a fitting name for a machine expected to handle calculations beyond the reach of today’s supercomputers. Jason Zander, Microsoft’s executive VP, explained that the machine will initially run with 50 logical qubits. To the layperson, a qubit, or quantum bit, is the smallest unit of quantum information. But logical qubits are special; they are formed by grouping multiple physical qubits to achieve more stable and accurate processing. Last year, Microsoft and Atom Computing managed to build 24 logical qubits, the most ever achieved at the time. Zander said hitting the 50 mark is when true “quantum advantage” kicks in. That means solving problems that would be impossible or take an unrealistically long time on traditional computers. According to Zander , 100 logical qubits would allow scientists to dive into real-world research problems. Once systems reach a few hundred logical qubits, they could help untangle chemical mysteries. And at the 1,000-qubit level, he believes quantum computers will become powerful enough to tackle almost anything, from advanced drug development to simulating new materials. The possibilities are vast. For example, in drug discovery, quantum computing might help find the perfect molecule combination to target complex diseases. In material science, it could revolutionize the creation of new lightweight but durable substances. Denmark vies for leadership in global race Denmark’s initiative reflects a broader push by countries and companies alike to lead in the next era of computing. While the US and China have made headlines in quantum progress, Denmark is signalling it will not be left behind. Hosting the most powerful quantum machine would boost its scientific standing and bring huge advantages to its economy and research institutions. At the same time, Zander emphasized that this isn’t just about brute power. It is also about applying that power responsibly, aiming for breakthroughs in health, sustainability, and innovation that could change lives for the better. This is not the first time that the Danish government has collaborated with the Novo Nordisk Foundation. In 2024, the two parties combined efforts to build an Nvidia-powered AI supercomputer to help – among other things – pharmaceutical researchers develop novel drugs and align clinical trials. As Magne takes shape over the next year, the world will be watching. If successful, Denmark could become home to the machine that finally unlocks quantum’s long-promised potential. Apart from Denmark, the initiative, whose announcement coincides with a meeting of EU competitiveness minister discussing critical technologies, will also give the whole of Europe an edge in quantum technology. Recently, the UK revealed plans to invest £500 million in quantum technology as the country believes this could reshape the economy and strengthen national security. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites

17 Jul 2025, 16:15

Publicis says Meta AI ad tools won't replace agencies

Publicis Groupe has dismissed concerns over threats posed by its competitors and increased its 2025 growth forecast. The French advertising firm Publicis has raised its full-year growth forecast after a strong second quarter. The company also directly challenged Meta’s AI-powered advertising tools, arguing that its clients value independent strategy and data control. Publicis reviews 2025 growth forecast Publicis Groupe raised its 2025 organic growth forecast on Thursday following its stronger-than-expected second-quarter results. Publicis’ CEO, Arthur Sadoun, dismissed concerns over the competitive threat posed by Meta’s new artificial intelligence ad tools. “When Meta comes along and says that they can do everything themselves, I think that they are completely underestimating the intelligence of our customers, who, moreover, are not fooled,” Sadoun said during the earnings call. He stated that clients are cautious about giving up control of their data to dominant tech platforms. “None of our customers want to leave their data in the world of ‘walled gardens.’ None of our customers want to work with a single platform,” he said. “They want to measure the impact of their spending, which obviously cannot be offered by those that do it within their own walls.” Meta and other tech giants have increasingly been promoting AI-driven tools that promise to automate much of the advertising creation and delivery process. Sadoun, however, was adamant that this does not threaten Publicis’ model. He mentioned that similar predictions of platforms replacing agencies have been circulating for years. “I’ve been hearing for nine years that the platforms are going to ‘eat us for breakfast,’” he said. “Honestly, I think it’s time to stop talking about how platforms are going to replace us, because it’s not a reality.” Publicis highlighted the completion of its $12B, decade-long technology transformation, which it says now enables the group to shift its focus from development to execution. The company pointed to its proprietary platform, powered by in-house AI and big data capabilities, which it says can target individualized ads to over 4 billion internet users globally based on consumer behavior. Publicis’ Q2 results beat expectations Publicis reported 5.9% net revenue organic growth in the second quarter of 2025, outperforming expectations and prompting the group to upgrade its full-year guidance. The company now anticipates organic growth to be “close to 5%,” compared to its earlier forecast range of 4% to 5%. Total revenue in the second quarter increased 10% year-on-year, with balanced growth across key regions. The U.S. experienced 5.3% growth, 4.6% in Europe, and 5.7% in Asia-Pacific. Publicis also cited an “unprecedented new business run” in the first half of 2025, announcing $5.2B in net new business wins. The company also gained major clients, including Coca-Cola, Nespresso, Lego, Paramount, and Spotify . According to JPMorgan data referenced in the report , Publicis outpaced industry competitors such as WPP, Omnicom, Dentsu, and Interpublic in net new business wins for the period. Many legacy advertising firms are just now adjusting to the digital transformation and increased competition from tech platforms within the industry. Publicis, which began its tech overhaul years earlier, is now positioned as both a creative and data-driven marketing partner capable of delivering significant impact at scale. Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot

17 Jul 2025, 15:10

Binance Alpha Unveils Yooldo Games: A Game-Changing Move for Esports Crypto

BitcoinWorld Binance Alpha Unveils Yooldo Games: A Game-Changing Move for Esports Crypto Imagine a world where your passion for gaming isn’t just a pastime, but a pathway to tangible digital ownership and financial opportunity. This vision is rapidly becoming a reality, and a significant stride in that direction is being made by Binance Alpha . This exclusive platform, nestled within the expansive Binance ecosystem, is dedicated to spotlighting promising, early-stage crypto projects . The buzz is palpable as Binance Alpha prepares to welcome Yooldo Games , a groundbreaking entity in the Esports Crypto space, on July 19th. This isn’t just another listing; it’s a strategic move that underscores Binance’s commitment to the burgeoning intersection of gaming, esports, and blockchain technology. For anyone keen on the next wave of digital innovation, this development signals a powerful fusion set to redefine how we interact with games and digital assets. What is Binance Alpha and Why Does it Matter for Crypto Projects ? At its core, Binance Alpha serves as a curated launchpad and showcase for nascent, high-potential crypto projects . Think of it as a spotlight for innovation, carefully selecting tokens that demonstrate strong community engagement and align with emerging market trends. In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, identifying truly transformative projects early can be a challenge. Binance Alpha addresses this by providing a trusted environment where these projects can gain visibility and support from the vast Binance community. The platform’s unique value proposition lies in its seamless integration. By connecting directly with the Binance Wallet and Exchange, Alpha facilitates on-chain trading, making it incredibly convenient for users to explore and interact with these new tokens. This direct integration removes common barriers to entry, simplifying the process of acquiring and managing early-stage crypto assets. For project developers, being featured on Binance Alpha means access to a massive user base, enhanced liquidity potential, and the stamp of approval from one of the industry’s leading exchanges. It’s a win-win scenario, fostering growth for innovative projects while offering Binance users exclusive access to potential next-generation crypto opportunities. Consider these key benefits of Binance Alpha for emerging crypto ventures: Enhanced Visibility: Projects gain exposure to millions of Binance users globally. Streamlined Access: Direct on-chain trading via Binance Wallet and Exchange simplifies user participation. Credibility Boost: Selection by Binance Alpha signals a project’s potential and legitimacy. Community Engagement: Fosters early adoption and active participation from a dedicated user base. Diving Deep into Yooldo Games : The Future of Esports Crypto ? The spotlight now turns to Yooldo Games , the latest addition to the Binance Alpha roster. But what exactly is Yooldo Games, and why is it creating such a stir in the Esports Crypto landscape? Yooldo Games is not just another blockchain gaming project; it’s positioned at the exciting intersection of competitive gaming (esports) and decentralized finance (GameFi). Their vision is to create an ecosystem where gamers aren’t just consumers but active participants who own their in-game assets, contribute to the game’s development, and earn tangible rewards through their skill and dedication. In traditional esports, while players can earn prize money, the underlying game assets and intellectual property remain with the developers. Yooldo Games aims to flip this script by leveraging blockchain technology to introduce true digital ownership. Imagine owning your unique in-game skins, characters, or weapons as NFTs, which can be traded, sold, or even used across different games within the Yooldo ecosystem. This fundamental shift empowers players, giving them a stake in the games they love. The integration of esports within their model is particularly compelling. Competitive gaming has a massive global audience, and by weaving blockchain mechanics into high-stakes gameplay, Yooldo Games seeks to attract both traditional gamers and crypto enthusiasts. This could lead to new revenue streams for players, innovative spectator experiences, and a more vibrant, player-driven competitive scene. It’s about building a sustainable economic model around gaming talent and passion, fostering a new era for esports where players truly own their achievements and assets. The Synergy: How Blockchain Gaming is Redefining Entertainment The rise of blockchain gaming , often referred to as GameFi, represents a paradigm shift in the entertainment industry. It moves beyond the traditional ‘pay-to-play’ or ‘free-to-play’ models to introduce ‘play-to-earn’ (P2E), where players can earn cryptocurrency or NFTs through gameplay. This revolutionary concept is not merely about financial incentives; it’s about fundamentally changing the relationship between players, developers, and game ecosystems. Here’s how blockchain gaming is redefining entertainment: True Digital Ownership: Unlike traditional games where in-game items are licensed, blockchain gaming allows players to truly own their digital assets as NFTs. These assets can be traded, sold, or even used in other compatible games, creating real-world value from virtual endeavors. Player-Centric Economies: Games powered by blockchain often feature decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), giving players a voice in the game’s development, updates, and economic policies. This fosters a stronger sense of community and investment. New Revenue Streams: Beyond P2E, players can earn by creating user-generated content, participating in governance, or providing liquidity to in-game marketplaces. This opens up diverse opportunities for gamers to monetize their skills and time. Enhanced Transparency and Security: Blockchain’s immutable ledger ensures transparent tracking of assets and transactions, reducing fraud and increasing trust within the gaming ecosystem. The addition of Yooldo Games to Binance Alpha further validates this trend, signaling that major players like Binance are recognizing the immense potential of this evolving sector. It’s a clear indication that the lines between gaming and finance are blurring, creating exciting new possibilities for digital entertainment and economic participation. The Strategic Play: Why Binance Alpha Chose Yooldo Games The selection process for Binance Alpha is rigorous, focusing on projects that exhibit both innovation and strong potential for mass adoption. So, why did Binance Alpha specifically choose Yooldo Games , and what does this tell us about the broader strategy for Esports Crypto and Blockchain Gaming ? The answer lies in Yooldo’s compelling blend of community focus, market relevance, and a clear vision for the future of competitive gaming on the blockchain. Binance’s X post highlighted two key criteria for Alpha’s selections: ‘community engagement and emerging market trends.’ Yooldo Games clearly excels in both. The esports sector is experiencing explosive growth, with millions of dedicated fans and professional players. By integrating blockchain, Yooldo taps into this massive audience while offering them enhanced ownership and earning opportunities, which resonates strongly with the crypto community’s ethos of decentralization and empowerment. Furthermore, Binance’s strategic interest in Web3 gaming is well-documented. The company has invested heavily in GameFi projects, understanding that gaming could be a significant driver for mainstream blockchain adoption. By bringing Yooldo Games onto Alpha, Binance is not just listing a token; they are endorsing a model that could revolutionize how esports operates, providing a robust platform for its growth and accessibility. This move is about nurturing the next generation of digital entertainment, where players are no longer just participants but integral stakeholders in the game’s success and economy. It’s a powerful statement about the future direction of crypto innovation, particularly within the gaming sector. Actionable Insights & Benefits for Users For users of the Binance ecosystem, the addition of Yooldo Games to Binance Alpha presents several intriguing opportunities. Early Access Potential: Being listed on Alpha often means you’re among the first to gain exposure to promising crypto projects . While early investments carry higher risks, they also offer the potential for significant returns if the project gains traction. Diversification: For those looking to diversify their crypto portfolio, investing in blockchain gaming and Esports Crypto projects offers exposure to a rapidly expanding sector that is distinct from traditional DeFi or foundational cryptocurrencies. Engage with Innovation: Participating in projects like Yooldo Games allows you to be part of the cutting edge of Web3 innovation, contributing to and experiencing the evolution of gaming firsthand. Simplified Trading: The integration with Binance Wallet and Exchange means a seamless experience for acquiring and managing Yooldo Games tokens, removing much of the complexity often associated with new crypto projects. However, it’s crucial to approach any new crypto investment with due diligence. Research Yooldo Games’ whitepaper, team, roadmap, and community engagement before making any decisions. The crypto market is volatile, and early-stage projects can be particularly susceptible to market fluctuations. Challenges & Future Outlook While the future of Esports Crypto and Blockchain Gaming looks bright with projects like Yooldo Games , there are inherent challenges that need to be addressed for widespread adoption. Scalability: Ensuring blockchain networks can handle the high transaction volumes required for seamless gaming experiences remains a key hurdle. User Experience: Onboarding traditional gamers who may not be familiar with crypto wallets and blockchain mechanics needs to be simplified. Regulatory Clarity: The evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets and NFTs can impact the long-term viability and growth of GameFi projects. Game Quality: Attracting and retaining players will ultimately depend on the quality and fun factor of the games themselves, not just the earning potential. Despite these challenges, the trajectory for blockchain gaming is upward. The commitment from platforms like Binance Alpha to support innovative crypto projects like Yooldo Games suggests a strong belief in the sector’s potential. As technology improves and more compelling games emerge, we can expect a continued blurring of lines between gaming, finance, and digital ownership, ultimately leading to a more interactive and rewarding entertainment landscape for everyone. The upcoming addition of Yooldo Games to Binance Alpha on July 19th marks a pivotal moment for the convergence of esports and blockchain technology. It highlights Binance’s strategic vision in nurturing promising crypto projects that are poised to redefine digital entertainment. As Blockchain Gaming continues to mature and Esports Crypto gains momentum, developments like this pave the way for a future where players are not just participants, but true owners and beneficiaries of their gaming experiences. This collaboration signals a powerful leap forward, inviting both gamers and crypto enthusiasts to explore the vast potential of this evolving digital frontier. Get ready to witness a new era where playing games truly pays off, in more ways than one. To learn more about the latest blockchain gaming trends and how they are shaping the future of digital entertainment, explore our article on key developments shaping the Esports Crypto landscape. This post Binance Alpha Unveils Yooldo Games: A Game-Changing Move for Esports Crypto first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team