Trump’s crypto reserve announcement sends Bitcoin soaring 💹
- Bitcoin surged more than 10% to nearly $95,000 after US President Donald Trump announced plans for a cryptocurrency strategic reserve.
- Trump’s announcement included Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano as part of the proposed reserve, sparking a rally across major cryptocurrencies.
- The move signals a potential shift in US cryptocurrency policy and could lead to increased mainstream adoption and investment in digital assets.
Microsoft pulls the plug on Skype, shifts users to Teams 📞
- Microsoft has announced it will shut down Skype in May 2025, replacing the popular communication tool with a free version of Microsoft Teams.
- Skype users will have a grace period to migrate their data, including contacts and chat history, to Teams or export it before the service goes offline.
- The move marks the end of an era for Skype, which revolutionised internet calling but has faced increasing competition from newer platforms in recent years.
Signal tops Dutch app charts as privacy concerns grow 📱
- Privacy-focused messaging app Signal has become the most downloaded app in the Netherlands, maintaining the top spot for several weeks.
- The surge in popularity comes amid growing distrust of big tech companies and increased awareness of data privacy issues among Dutch users.
- This trend could signal a broader shift in consumer preferences towards more secure communication platforms, potentially challenging established messaging apps.
New York City subway uses Google Pixels to detect track defects 🚇
- The New York City subway has successfully tested Google Pixel phones to identify track defects, achieving 92% accuracy in detecting issues confirmed by human inspectors.
- Pixel phones were mounted on four A train subway cars, collecting sensor data and audio to analyse track conditions.
- This innovative approach could lead to more efficient maintenance, improved safety, and fewer service disruptions for millions of daily subway riders.
New startups cash in on free public data, showing untapped potential 💰
- Innovative startups have found success by leveraging freely available government and public data to create profitable business models.
- These companies operate across diverse sectors, including transport, healthcare, and urban planning, demonstrating the versatility of open data.
- The trend highlights opportunities for entrepreneurs to create value from existing information, potentially spurring a new wave of data-driven startups.
Sony’s next-gen noise-canceling headphones set to launch in three colors 🎧
- New leaks suggest Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones are nearing release, with certifications appearing on regulatory websites in Singapore and the US.
- The upcoming flagship headphones are expected to come in black, silver, and blue color options, continuing the popular blue variant from the XM5 model.
- While specific features remain unconfirmed, the WH-1000XM6 may include upgrades like Bluetooth 5.3, detachable earpads, and improved battery life over its predecessor.
Space station’s sterile environment may be harming astronauts’ health 🧫
- New research reveals the International Space Station has extremely low microbial diversity, comparable to a hospital isolation ward or COVID-19 quarantine dorm.
- The ISS’s lack of environmental microbes, coupled with high levels of disinfectants, could be contributing to health issues experienced by astronauts.
- Scientists suggest introducing beneficial microbes from Earth, like those found in soil, to create a healthier microbial environment for long-term space missions.
Pokemon boss warns franchise could decline if focus is lost 🚨
- The Pokemon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara cautioned that the franchise could “go downhill” if the company loses sight of its core values.
- Ishihara emphasised the importance of maintaining Pokemon’s essence while adapting to new technologies and platforms like smartphones.
- His comments highlight the challenges faced by long-running franchises in balancing tradition with innovation to remain relevant and successful.
Indie horror game stolen and resold on Nintendo eShop 😱
- The Backrooms 1998, a popular indie horror game, has been copied and illegally sold on the Nintendo eShop under a different name.
- Developer Steelkrill discovered the theft when a fan alerted them to the unauthorised version being sold on multiple console platforms.
- While PlayStation and Xbox have removed the stolen game, it remains available on the Nintendo eShop, highlighting issues with digital storefronts’ content moderation.
Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” smashes YouTube records 🎥
- The music video for “APT.” has reached 1.2 billion views on YouTube in just 131 days, setting a new record for Asian artists.
- Released on October 18, 2024, the collaboration between BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars has become a global sensation.
- This achievement cements the song’s status as a cross-cultural hit and showcases the growing influence of K-pop worldwide.
K-pop stars dominate Billboard World Albums chart 🎵
- K-pop artists have swept the top spots on the Billboard World Albums chart, with BTS’s Jimin reclaiming the number one position.
- Stray Kids, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, ATEEZ, and ILLIT also featured prominently in the top rankings for the week ending March 1.
- This achievement highlights the growing global influence of K-pop and its continued success in international music markets.
