## Introduction

With an increasing number of people around the globe looking to adopt crypto for everyday transactions and investments, it's never been more important to stay up to date with this industry. From innovative technologies and partnerships to new products and services, we will examine how these developments are driving the growth of crypto and shaping the future of data. 

## Current Market Activities

2022 was one of the toughest times for cryptocurrency, to date. With high-profile rugpulls and crashes, the aggressive growth of many major coins was brought to a screeching halt. Blockchain technology itself, however, has proven to be highly resistant to these events. Major crypto companies continued launching new projects that show their faith in the future of decentralization. 

Binance, one of the largest crypto-asset exchanges out there, has been expanding its influence across all corners of the international market. They are taking advantage of Brazil’s national cryptocurrency adoption and launching pre-paid cards that convert crypto assets into fiat at the point of sale. They have also received official approvals to offer services in France, Bahrain, Spain, Dubai, and Sweden. When it comes to global economic impact, Binance stands head and shoulders above even most traditional banking giants. 

Crypto.com has also caught eyes all over the world with their aggressive marketing endeavors. From making ads with movie stars such as Matt Damon, to forging partnerships with prominent soccer teams like Paris Saint-Germain, they have diverted a large part of their efforts towards raising brand awareness. Companies like Okcoin, on the other hand, are focused on increasing their digital assets. They have spent a good part of 2022 in acquiring new networks and protocols that add more versatility to their platforms. 

## Serious Competition for Web2 Mega Corps

Finance is not the only sector where Web3 has threatened to shake up the existing power structures. Major tech companies across all disciplines now feel the increasing pressure to either adopt blockchain technology or be made obsolete by those who will. 

People grow tired of greedy, monolithic organizations that exercise complete control over their data. While institutions like Facebook and Google keep updating their privacy policies in order to pacify growing concerns, they fail to address the centralization of power that lies at the root of the issue. Instead of relying on these corporations to reign in their greed, the world needs technology that makes it impossible for anyone to own our data in the first place. Decentralized ecosystems are built for this express purpose. 

Web3 search engines, social media platforms, and other online services are now emerging out of our need for better solutions. With blockchain-based companies like Binded, Verasity, and Audius already enjoying great popularity in specific circles, mainstream adoption will be following close behind. 

## Thinking Beyond the Initial Revolution

Blockchains will undoubtably change the core fundamentals of the digital world as we know it today. However, we cannot let innovation stagnate at this stage. PyxelChain™ acknowledges the limits of Web3 and looks to surpass them with our very own Web3/5/X™ technology. 

Regardless of how groundbreaking Web3 applications are, making them mainstream will be an uphill battle. There will always be a large section of society that resists change and chooses to stay in their current comfort zones, and we don’t want to leave these people unprotected. That’s why PyxelChain™ is building applications like the Web3/5/X™ Security Bridge to incorporate blockchain-level safety into parts of the traditional Web. Moreover, we employ tools such as Human Readable Smart Contracts™ to make it easy for the less tech-savvy among us to use decentralized applications. 

While Web3 is all about taking the next step in our digital evolution, Web3/5/X™ focuses on bringing everyone along for that ride. We not only work on improving the cryptospace, but also strive to make it accessible for the general populace. 

## Conclusion

Big crypto companies have weathered innumerable storms in the past few years and kept pushing the envelope with each step they take. We know that this resilience has been made possible due to the solid framework that blockchain technology itself is built on, but that doesn’t mean every organization involved in crypto will go on to thrive in the future. It takes vision to build and use the technology in this space. Those who keep improving on the existing infrastructure and evolving along with the needs of the public will be the ones standing at the top once crypto becomes a part of our daily lives. 

The Latest Developments in Leading Crypto Companies 

## Introduction

The mention of NFTs in 2023 undoubtedly conjures up images of highly divisive digital artwork. It’s completely understandable considering how they make up nearly a fifth of the global fine art market. However, there is more to NFTs than absurdly expensive Bored Apes and CryptoPunks. The real value of NFTs is hidden within the name itself. It’s the ‘non-fungible’ nature of these tokens that truly gives them the power to shape our global markets. 

## A Unique Approach to Ownership

If you swap one Bitcoin for another, or a dollar bill for a different one, there is no real change in what you own. That’s because they are fungible assets. When it comes to resources like these, their individual units are completely interchangeable. With NFTs, however, it’s an entirely different story. 

Each NFT is treated as a unique entity by the blockchain where its stored. This distinction not only helps in proving ownership, but also makes it impossible to create counterfeits. Thus, when paired with Web3/5/X™ tools like the Pyxis Wallet, NFTs have the ability to provide unparalleled utility. 

## The Tool of Many Trades

A quick look into the history of NFTs shows us that they were always meant for more than just minting art pieces. The first instance of this technology can be tracked all the way back to the early 2010s, with the invention of colored coins. These were essentially Bitcoins that were modified for non-monetary transactions. 

If we study the following uses of these coins, we can clearly see how they evolved into the NFTs of today. 

_Digital Collectibles:_

This is perhaps the function of colored coins that most closely resembles the present cultural zeitgeist of NFT collections. Coins were modified to denote ownership of resources such as e-books, songs, trading cards, etc. Transactions of these assets were recorded on the blockchain and unique cryptographic keys were used to identify each rightful owner. 

Present day NFTs operate on a similar basis but the categories of collectibles under this umbrella have expanded greatly over the years. Tweets, blogs, memes, and other such pieces of intellectual property can now all be traded over the blockchain. 

_Joint Ownership Ventures:_

Even during the early days of this technology, companies used colored coins to issue shares. This would help with hassle-free distribution, tracking, and payment of dividends. People could leverage the Bitcoin infrastructure to use their shares for voting. 

This has come a long way, and now manifests itself in the form of new concepts such as governance tokens. The blockchain makes it easy for multiple people to exercise their respective ownership of an asset. With features such as multi sig wallets, it’s very intuitive for groups to interact with their shared NFT possessions. 

_Property Purchase:_

Companies would release colored coins to represent their properties, which would be used and transferred as digital keys that signified possession. NFTs expand on this use with added security and functionality.  

In 2022, the first NFT purchase of a real-world home took place in Columbia, South Carolina. This historic purchase set the precedent for the real estate industry to delve into blockchains. Since NFTs are essentially an upgraded version of a basic contract, they can be used to buy anything ranging from a plot in the metaverse to a car in the real world. 

The technology in this field is constantly evolving to bridge the gap between our physical and digital spaces. Tools such as PyxelChain’s Human Readable Smart Contracts™ will create the sweet spot between safety and accessibility that’s needed for mass adoption of these agreements. Under such a system, the signees will have access to plug-and-play smart contracts that they can easily understand and subsequently fill out without any nuisance. 

## Looking Past the Obvious

While the economic applications of NFTs are responsible for their rising popularity, the true potential of this invention goes far beyond simple transactions. The non-fungibility of this space lends itself perfectly to the creation of an information repository that cannot be adulterated by any means. NFTs allow us to store and share more than just coins and pictures. They can be used to chronicle entire sections of human history. 

Ukraine’s NFT museum stands as a testament to this. They have used blockchains to immortalize the experiences of their people during a time of great historical significance in their country. Narratives may shift over the next couple of decades, but the events of this era will forever remain enshrined in the form of NFTs. 

## Conclusion

As the technology evolves, people will find more and more uses of NFTs with each passing day. But we must expand our current awareness of the medium in order to reap all its benefits. In the near future, we will be using blockchains to sign our contracts, buy our houses, and handle our data in a safer and more reliable way than ever before. So, we might as well start preparing for that day by learning as much about NFTs as we can right now. 

The Application of NFTs Beyond Art and Entertainment

## Introduction

The world is currently standing on the brink of an economic revolution. We have finally reached a tipping point where governing bodies all across the globe realize the role that cryptocurrencies will play in shaping the future. How they react to this realization will determine where they stand once the dust settles. Countries that embrace blockchain technology during its early years will get a jump-start on hashing out policies that bring the best aspects of crypto to their people. Brazil, based on its current actions, hopes to be one of these nations. 

## Ground Zero- The Creation of Pix

Digitizing their infrastructure is not really a new concept for the Brazilian government. In 2020, they created an instant payment service called Pix. This was meant to provide an alternative to traditional banking, and facilitate quick payments and bank-to-bank transfers.  

With over 6 billion transactions till date, it is safe to say that Pix was a huge success. People quickly saw the benefits of digital payment over cash transactions. The speed, convenience, and versatility of this medium led to its mass adoption and public acceptance. 

While Pix is a step in the right direction, it’s still a very traditional form of digitalization that doesn’t make use of the benefits of blockchains. Transactions were made easier, but they remained subject to government overreach and corporate manipulation. This system still allows banks and payment institutions to freely define merchants' costs both for transfers and receiving funds. So, at the end of the day, Pix didn’t really change how money is handled. It just switched the medium. 

## A National Crypto Framework

With the unprecedented growth of crypto, countries now realize the rising need to create a framework to address this new technological leap. And that’s exactly what Brazil did in December of 2022. They were one of the first nations to add regulatory clarity to their stance on the matter. 

The Brazilian government has officially signed a bill that legalizes the use of cryptocurrencies as a payment method into effect. Moreover, they also plan to launch their own central bank digital currency (CBDC). These steps not only indicate the government’s awareness of the benefits offered by blockchain technology, but also their willingness to invest into a future of widespread crypto usage. By 2024, Brazil seeks to join the ranks of the Bahamas, Nigeria, Eastern Caribbean, and Jamaica as nations with their own CBDCs. It’s only a matter of time till other countries follow suit and pass laws that allow their own citizens to reap the benefits of cryptocurrencies. 

## The Road to True Decentralization

We here at PyxelChain™ are thrilled to see this thriving international dialogue around cryptocurrencies. While the world gets acclimated to the concept of blockchains, we are preparing to launch Web3/5/X™ tools that will put the power of blockchain in your pocket™, for every single person around the globe. Digitalization is just the first step on the long journey we see ahead of us and, at the end of this road, we envision a world with true decentralization. 

Now with nationwide digital currencies and Central Banks with their own coins and tokens, the need for systems like PyxelChain™ is greater than ever before. We refuse the notion that authoritarian hegemony is the only way to provide safety in a blockchain-based tomorrow. That’s why our team is building features such as the WebX Security Bridge™, 4th Factor Authentication™, and Human Readable Smart Contracts™. 

Since the safety provided by governing bodies is subject to the whims of those in power, our goal lies in securing the digital ecosystem itself. A person using our Pyxis Wallet will be able to enjoy the convenience of mechanisms such as Brazil’s Pix, while also avoiding the pitfalls of a centralized economic power structure. 

## Conclusion

Brazil’s budding interest in cryptocurrencies is indicative of a larger global shift in attitudes towards fundamental economic functions. By now, blockchain technology has proven itself to be the next natural step in our digital evolution; the only doubt that remains is in how we should implement it. And like all big questions, this one doesn’t have one easy answer that everyone can agree on. 

That’s why the burden now lies on each individual to join the public discourse and help shape their nation’s plans for crypto. The original goal behind decentralization was the democratization of power. As long as we remember that, the inclusion of cryptocurrency in government planning will always be a net positive. 

The Brazilian Government Backs Up its Faith in Crypto

## Introduction
At the tail end of 2008, in the wake of one of the worst financial crises in recent history, the world was introduced to a new technology that could protect the future from any further catastrophes caused by centralized power. This was the birth of Bitcoin. Nearly a decade and a half since then, in 2023, this dream of global decentralization seems more real than ever. Blockchain technology itself has advanced at an incredible pace, with fresh new names and ideas taking the field further every day. This rapid growth has done a lot more than just make everyone acknowledge the potential of cryptocurrencies. It has opened the door to the approval and integration of blockchains on a global scale. 
 
## The Crypto Timeline
From adoption rates, to market caps, to the emergence of new players; the world of cryptocurrencies has seen unprecedented progress in a very short amount of time. While there have been periods of decline in the decentralized market, they hardly more than a footnote in an otherwise meteoric rise. If we take a step back and view the statistics over a long enough period, we can clearly see how the world has already adopted a decentralized future. 
 
#### Bitcoin Price History by Year (2014-2022)

2014: High-$457.09, Low-$289.30

2015: High-$495.56, Low-$171.51

2016: High-$979.40, Low-$354.91 

2017: High-$20,089.00, Low-$755.76 

2018: High-$17,712.40, Low-$3,191.30 

2019: High-$13,796.49, Low-$3,391.02 

2020: High-$29,244.88, Low-$4,106.98 

2021: High-$68,789.63, Low-$28,722.76 

2022: High-$48,086.84, Low-$15,599.05 

As the first and largest cryptocurrency in circulation, the rise in Bitcoin’s value is indicative of the growth of the market as a whole. And when we see an increase of over 10,000% between the peaks of 2014 and 2022, the burgeoning influence of blockchains becomes quantifiably clear. 

Market capitalization is another great indicator for tracking the growth of cryptocurrencies over the years. At its peak, in November of 2021, Bitcoin had a market cap of $1.2 trillion (with the overall market cap of all cryptocurrencies at $3 trillion). For perspective, the market cap for Bitcoin in May of 2013 was only $1.2 billion (with the overall market cap of all cryptocurrencies at $1.3 billion). This shows not only the parabolic growth of Bitcoin in under a decade, but also the emergence of competitors during that time. While still remaining as the largest entity in the field, and the gold standard that all BlueChips and Alts follow, Bitcoin has relinquished control over more than half of the market over this period. 
 
## The Bigger Picture
The rise in popularity of decentralization has made people all over the world stop and take notice. What started as a niche technology born in the aftermath of a financial crisis has now become a global force that caused major economic changes. We can see the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies at multiple levels, with individuals and government bodies alike being drawn towards the incredible new possibilities of blockchains. 

As of 2023, there are over 420 million crypto users worldwide. However, it’s not just individuals who have seen the advantages of a decentralized currency. Major companies such as Microsoft, PayPal, Whole Foods, and Starbucks have all started accepting popular cryptocurrencies as forms of payment. As more and more organizations join in, the incentive for mass adoption will increase exponentially. 

Cryptocurrencies also provide safety against large scale problems such as hyperinflation. When a country’s currency is irreparably damaged, and they don’t have easy access to more stable foreign currencies, they turn to crypto. A prime example of this phenomenon is Venezuela, where the Bolivar (their national currency) could no longer be used for day-to-day transactions due to its extreme drop in value. This caused a widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies among their people, who now use it in their everyday lives. 
 
## So, What’s Next?
With an increase in the conventional use of cryptocurrencies in day-to-day operations, there is a growing need for better decentralized tools. Web3.0 has laid the groundwork for the future of economic independence, but PyxelChain™ has its vision set on taking this concept even further. Our answer to the evolving needs of tomorrow come in the form of Web3/5/X™ and the integration of its concepts into the Pyxis Wallet. 

In order to create a world where cryptocurrencies are used as freely as cash or debit/credit cards, we need to make their storage and transactions as intuitive as possible. Crypto needs to be safer and easier to use than its alternatives. We can’t just make a basic digital payment platform and call it a day. A Web3/5/X™ tool needs to evolve beyond single sig wallets, rudimentary contracts, and other simple features that are already in circulation. There is a need to create revolutionary new technology that will add the final push towards making crypto mainstream. And that’s exactly what the team at PyxelChain™ is doing.  

With features such as the Web3/5/X™ Security Bridge and 4 Factor Authentication™, the Pyxis Wallet is set to be more secure than traditional digital wallets and its Web3.0 predecessors. We also look to demystify the blockchain for those who have been nervous about adopting a new technology. Integrations such as the Human Readable Smart Contract™ will go a long way towards making newcomers feel welcome in this space. 
 
## Conclusion
The world has already become aware of the benefits of cryptocurrencies. But in order for everyone to make full use of this technology, our tools must match our ambitions. We need instruments that will bring these benefits to the masses. Only then can we fully manifest our decentralized destiny. PyxelChain™ is hard at work to put the power of the blockchain in your pockets. A future where every transaction can be completed with crypto is not far at all. 

The Global Adoption of Cryptocurrencies 

### Introduction
The online world is constantly evolving. Even though new tools are continually developed to make each digital era easier and more intuitive, this ever-shifting landscape remains daunting to navigate. But if we want to predict the next big change, all we need is a peek into the past. A thorough examination of the history of the internet shows us clear patterns, which in turn become our key to decoding the future. 

That future is Web3/5/X™ 

### Web1.0- The Origins
If we go back to the very beginning, the Web (now known as Web1.0) was little more than a repository of information. This alone was an incredible tool for its time, but while everyone on the internet could access its content, very few could actually add to it. In order to become the revolutionary technology that we use today, Web1.0 needed to become something more than just a digital storage space. That’s where Web2.0 came in with its model of user participation. 

### Web2.0- Setting the Tone
Web2.0 added crucial functionality that allowed the internet to develop from a platform that only provided information into one that also facilitated communication and connection. This is what separated it from all the systems that came before it. People could now freely interact within the space, with the ability to add content instead of just consuming it. Under Web2.0, we saw the birth of incredible new things such as social platforms with instant feedback loops, easy cross-border communications, and digital stores with access to worldwide customer bases. But despite this unprecedented freedom, the Web was still subject to the same unbalanced power structures that plagued the analog world. The incredible new tools that empowered users were still owned and operated by faceless monolithic bodies.  

### Web3.0- The Start of a Revolution
With the problem of accessibility addressed, the Web now needs to confront its next major obstacle- ownership of data. The same institutions that provide all the incredible new services in Web2.0 also exercise control over their users’ information. While these entities are only supposed to be the custodians of this data, in reality they can (and many of them do) use it for their own benefit, exposing a glaring problem in the current state of the internet. 

On top of this, all transactions across Web2.0 have to be executed through intermediaries. Such a system facilitates an unhealthy centralization of power. Organizations can impose arbitrary rules whenever they want, making the “freedom” of Web2.0 seem hollow. 
This is where Web3.0 steps in with its major reforms. It introduces concepts such as blockchains and distributed ledger technology, which will tackle the issues that have plagued the online world for over three decades. With its help, user data can now be handled without third-party overseers. 

Switching over to a distributed data handling system also opens up incredible possibilities in the fields of AI, machine learning, 3D visualization, and human-computer interactions. But the main driving force behind developing Web3.0 is still the same as that which led to the birth of Web2.0- a desire to increase individual autonomy on the internet. 

### WebX.0- What the Future Holds
Since every stage in the evolution of the Web has been marked by the need to hand over more power to the individual user, it’s only logical to conclude that the future will be determined on the same grounds. However, the next steps are more than simple, incremental upgrades. They will be the culmination of everything that came before them. This future takes shape in the form of Web3/5/X™. 

Despite the breakthroughs it provides, Web3.0 is not yet a perfect incarnation of a decentralized system. One of its major problems is the sheer number of companies and products jostling for space in the same category. With innumerable blockchains already on the market, and many more being created every day, it’s difficult for developers to create tools and applications that work universally. Web3/5/X™ seeks to promote a blockchain-agnostic environment that can mitigate this issue. Moreover, the development of decentralized identifiers and web nodes on Web3/5/X™ double down on the effort to create unique online identities that are not dependent on external authorities or government bodies. 

### Conclusion
The idea of a truly free internet is no longer held out of reach by corporate monopolization and authoritarian scrutiny. Since the very first stages of Web evolution, every step we’ve taken has been leading to this moment. Web1.0 gave birth to an information highway with unlimited potential, while Web2.0 added a level of user participation that bridged the world in the blink of an eye. Then along came Web3.0 in an attempt to realize the dream of an internet that belongs to its users, but it still needed one more technological leap to actually achieve that. Web3/5/X™ is that final piece to the evolutionary puzzle. From day one, Web3/5/X™ is what the internet was destined to be. What we are about to witness now is the rise of a decentralized space that shall never compromise personal autonomy. 

Is Web3/5/X™ the Decentralized Destiny of the Internet?

The popularity of IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) and ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) has exploded over the past few years, with each of them offering investors a unique way to get involved with exciting projects early. But what exactly are IPOs and ICOs?

  

This blog covers everything you need to know about these two terms and how they differ.

  

**What are IPOs?** 
-------------------

  

**IPOs**, or **Initial Public Offerings**, refer to the process where a private company transitions to a public company and offers shares to the general populace in a new stock allocation, with shares being listed on a centralized stock exchange. Investors can then purchase the newly available shares with real-world money such as US dollars, euros, pounds, yen, and more.

  

This allows companies to raise equity capital from public investors, governments, and established corporations. This transition is also a crucial moment for any private investor. They can be sure their shares will go up as more public-facing investors and venture capitalists start throwing their hats in the ring.

  

**How do IPOs work?**
---------------------

  

Before a company runs for an IPO, it is private, even if they post publicly. A pre-IPO private company's business presence usually grows from the involvement of a small group of industry connections, friends, and family that genuinely believe in the project. Thus, for any further growth, going public is the next natural move.

  

It is a big step in the right direction for a private company to become an IPO, giving them room for a more remarkable ability to grow and expand with access to more significant funding. This stage in a company's life cycle usually occurs when they reach a valuation of approximately $1 billion, also known as **unicorn status**. 

  

Private companies can still achieve an IPO stature if their technology or products are future-proof. However, the company and its capabilities should meet specific listing requirements to gain this position.

  

**What are ICOs?**
------------------

  

ICOs primarily sell tokens to the public, while the founders remain as sole owners of their project. The second difference lies in reliability. Unlike IPOs, in which a company must see a certain degree of success before going public, an ICO can act as a "pre-sale" initiative for a project that has not even been launched yet.  There are, however, two major differences that can set them apart. The first is that ICOs don't necessarily grant the public any ownership of the project.

  

Cryptocurrency, in its current state, is similar to the wild west. There is gold in the mountains, but little regulation around who gets to mine, sell or trade it. And scammers will go to extreme measures to get a hold of your gold. Anyone can create an ICO, make a pretty website, slap a whitepaper on top of it, and create false advertising across the web to siphon money from potential investors.

  

This indicates how many ICOs can make false promises and rug-pull (withdraw all of the money invested, causing the coins' value to go down to 0) entire communities without batting an eye. So, you should always be mindful before investing in an ICO, and do enough research on factors such as the team members, intentions, goals, and project longevity beforehand.

  

In short: Buying into an ICO rewards you with crypto coins in return for your money. The price of these coins can rise drastically as the company follows through on its promises, roadmaps, and technology, resulting in a good return on your investment. At the same time, the price can also significantly decline if the project fails in its initiatives or if its funding gets pulled.

  

### **Best practices before investing in an ICO:**

  

*   Look at the product leads' history and the company's crypto wallet (aka "Dev Wallet").
*   See if team members are real people with social media accounts or a credible portfolio of prior work or projects, and check if they are who they say they are.
*   Check whether the coin or company has registered with the SEC or other verified crypto resources like Certik Audit.
*   See if the company has followed through on the roadmap present on their website, and do thorough checks online for product updates and company reviews.
*   Go on the company's community groups like Telegram and discord, and ask the admins or community managers ask questions. Usually, if you receive short-winded answers, or if they come across as defensive, then you're in the wrong place and should take your money elsewhere. Transparency should be your top priority when dealing with an ICO.

  

ICOs offer investors a way to get involved with startups early, providing a higher potential return on investment compared to larger, more established companies. Additionally, ICOs often offer discounted rates on tokens, making them globally accessible with a low barrier to entry.

  

But beware: ICOs will always be susceptible to scammers and fraud due to their ease of creation. So always do enough research and fact-checking before investing.

  

**Conclusion** 
---------------

  

IPOs and ICOs are great ways for investors to get involved in startups, with a few key differences separating the two. IPOs offer more stability and are often associated with well-established companies. In contrast, ICOs offer discounted rates on tokens and provide a low barrier to entry for investors from all over the globe. Remember to always do your research, ask a lot of questions, and make informed choices before investing.

  

_\*All blogs are opinion pieces and do not necessarily reflect the views of PyxelChain™ Technology Corporation_

What are ICOs and IPOs?

The Ethereum Merge that took place on September 15, 2022, heralds a massive upgrade to the blockchain network and addresses pertinent environmental concerns that have been building up around the crypto space for quite a while. 

  

The switch from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS) also has great potential to boost the value of Ethereum, which is currently facing a period of economic uncertainty. With this change, Ethereum transactions can now be faster and cheaper than ever before. 

  

**Proof-of-Work (PoW)** is a system that requires some work from the person trying to mine the cryptocurrency. This work is verified by other people on the network, and once that is done, the miner is rewarded with cryptocurrency.

  

**Proof-of-Stake (PoS)** is a system that replaces the mining involved in Proof-of-Work with a process where people can “stake” their Ethereum and various other cryptocurrencies or NFTs, to qualify for rewards.

  

This move is unsurprisingly accompanied by its own set of controversies, the biggest of which is the possible centralization of power within the Ethereum network. Volatility is expected in the coming days as experts weigh in on the impacts of this monumental change.

  

### A brief history of Ethereum:

  

*   Ethereum was launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, a 19-year-old Russian programmer interested in improving on the fundamental concepts of Bitcoin.
*   It quickly caught on and became the second most valuable cryptocurrency (after BTC) in market capitalization by January 2018, with a value of $1,151 per ETH.
*   Over 3,000 decentralized applications (also referred to as “dapps”) are now running on the Ethereum blockchain, with some of the biggest ones being UniSwap, Chainlink, Axie Infinity, and MakerDao.

  

Why did the Ethereum Merge Happen?
----------------------------------

  

The Ethereum Merge was proposed to address the environmental concerns around proof-of-work cryptocurrencies, with the switch to proof-of-stake intending to reduce the network’s energy consumption by around 99%. Ethereum’s shift to this less-energy-intensive method of operation is viewed as a significant advance towards a greener future for crypto.

  

What’s going on with the current price of Ethereum?
---------------------------------------------------

  

Cryptocurrencies are known for their high volatility, which makes it difficult to predict how the markets will react after each major event. The Ethereum Merge is no exception. Experts are still trying to understand the full implications of this change, so it’s natural that there will be some skepticism in the days ahead. However, in the long term, we believe this Merge will benefit both the Ethereum blockchain and the overall cryptocurrency market. It is a positive step forward for the Ethereum network and is expected to bring more users and applications to the platform.

  

What does this mean for Ethereum Miners?
----------------------------------------

  

Ethereum miners will need to switch from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake to continue thriving on the network. This will be a complex transition, and it is not yet clear how it will ultimately impact Ethereum’s mining community. Some experts believe the transition could lead to the consolidation of power among a small group of miners, while others think it will create opportunities for new entrants into the Ethereum mining space.

  

How will the Ethereum Merge impact the Ether you Hold?
------------------------------------------------------

  

According to the Ethereum Foundation, if you already hold Ether (ETH), you don’t need to do anything to accommodate this Merge. But watch out for scams. If an application, crypto exchange, or crypto wallet sends you instructions or recommendations, be sure to verify the sources.

  

The foundation has also advised everyone to be careful when interacting with Ethereum applications and services. Scammers have targeted Ethereum users in the past, and these scams (particularly phishing) will likely increase in the wake of the Ethereum Merge.

  

Conclusion
----------

  

Overall, despite the current state of volatility it has caused, the Ethereum Merge is a step in the right direction. It not only allows the network to increase its potential user base and applications, but also paves the way for others to follow a more energy-efficient path.

  

_\*All blogs are opinion pieces and do not necessarily reflect the views of PyxelChain™ Technology Corporation_


Everything you should know about the Ethereum Merge

**What Are NFTs?**
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are a type of digital asset that cannot be replicated— each being the only one of their kind.


These tokens have a unique signature, called a smart contract, that legitimizes their value and authenticity on the blockchain and marketplace on which they get minted. After minting, these NFTs exist on the NFT marketplaces that we've come to appreciate over the past few years.

  

Several sites already cater to the buying and selling of NFTs, with some of the most popular ones being OpenSea, Rarible, Magic Eden, and SolSea, among others.



**What Is An NFT Marketplace?**
The primary function of an NFT marketplace is for people to buy, sell, and engage with NFTs. These digital stores record transactions and facilitate the transfer of funds.

  

Several NFT marketplaces are based around specific blockchains that support the assets they sell. Most NFT markets like Coinbase NFT, Async Art, and Makers Place are based on the Ethereum blockchain. In contrast, others like Binance NFT, Magic Eden, and Cardano operate on BSC, Solana, and Cardano. To purchase an NFT from a marketplace, you must have appropriate storage space for it and the specific type of currency required for the transaction. That's where crypto wallets come in.  

  

**How Does It All Work?**
To purchase, sell, or mint an NFT, you must own the appropriate cryptocurrency and a digital (crypto) wallet to ensure you buy the correct native cryptocurrency for the NFT marketplace. Then you have to create an NFT market account that trades in your choice of the coin you want, allowing you to search NFTs by what you're interested in according to rarity, artists, cost, trends, and more.

  

Remember that there are two main ways to buy NFTs: at a set price or an auction. Both purchasing options require a transaction fee, called the gas fee, which is additional to the listing price. Once the exchange has been made, you are the sole owner of that NFT, as verified by the smart contract attached to your digital asset. You can either keep your NFT within your marketplace account (on the exchange) or move it to a digital wallet for storage and safekeeping purposes.  

  

**Minting NFTs**
For an NFT to become a tradable store of value, it first needs to be minted. This is the process of converting a digital file into a crypto collectible, which often comes with a transaction fee. The price of fees depends on the network, file size, conversion costs, and listing costs to mint.

  

It represents a democratic approach to ownership. Each buyer is given access to an NFT's history and the identity of the artist who minted it, making it extremely difficult to forge fake assets.

  

**How are NFTs Valued?**
The overall value of an NFT currently depends on several factors, but for this article, we'll list the three most common.

  

1) **Notoriety of the Artist** 
Are they well-known for previous, non-NFT art? Are they a celebrity, famous singer, or successful business owner? If yes, the price for a particular digital asset created or owned by these individuals will increase if the project has high utility and the creator of the project follow through on their promises.

  

2) **Utility** Since NFTs are a type of smart contract, they can perform functions such as being video game collectibles or a lifetime ticket purchase, as seen in the recent case of Coachella stepping into the cryptospace.

  

3) **Liquidity** This refers to how quickly an asset can be converted into cash. NFTs with high trading volumes fall under the category of investments with relatively high liquidity.  

  

NFTs are a fun way to bring personality to any digital portfolio, as they can be used in themes, profile pictures, and other creative ventures. We hope this article has helped you discover the potential of NFTs and their existing market spaces.

  

Don't forget to ensure you are trading in the cryptocurrency the NFT has been minted for. Check out artists and support them through your purchase of NFTs. Remember that investing comes with risks, so make sure to do your research before deciding to buy a stake in any venture.

  

Have fun, stay safe, and keep exploring the promising new world of NFTs!

  

_\*All blogs are opinion pieces and do not necessarily reflect the views of PyxelChain™ Technology Corporation_

What is an NFT Marketplace?

Since cryptocurrencies aren't backed by governments or centralized exchanges like fiat is (yet), these decentralized exchange-based currencies derive their value from a list of sources that include (but are not limited to): 

  

**1\. Supply and Demand**
Just as with any other commodity, the value of cryptocurrencies depends on supply and demand. This means a currency's price increases if its demand increases faster than its total supply. Some cryptocurrencies "burn" their tokens to combat this inflation.

  

Demand can increase when a new product, service, or project that provides real utility comes to light and gets people excited. Moreover, a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies, leading to a wider audience getting involved in new tokens and projects, effectively causes a spike in demand and the stifling of supply.

  

**2\. Cost of Production**
Newly created crypto tokens go through a mining process, which involves a person using a computer to verify the next block on a blockchain. In most cases, verifying these blocks requires a lot of computing power and the help of expensive equipment such as Bitcoin Rigs that draw a large amount of electricity.

  

As mining costs increase, so does the value of the cryptocurrency that gets mined. Since miners won't work on crypto that doesn't offset their initial investments, the price will have to go up as long as there is demand for the blockchain.

  

**3\. Availability on Exchanges**
Mainstream cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) are on most, if not all, decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Like their centralized counterparts, cryptocurrency exchanges allow users to see which currency pairs are currently open for trade. When a lesser-known cryptocurrency starts to gain traction and adoption from more decentralized exchanges, it can quickly increase the number of investors willing to buy it, thus, increasing its demand.

  

**4\. Competition**
You can already find thousands of different cryptocurrencies across the internet, with new projects, tokens, and currencies launched daily. It causes constant value shifts, where investors often pull their funding to re-invest into other, more promising endeavors.

  

**5\. Governance**
Cryptocurrency networks and ecosystems all abide by their own unique set of rules. Some tokens, called governance tokens, empower their users and the community behind them to have a say in the project and vote on what developers should work on next. This causes a rise in the perceived value of a project.

  

**6\. Adoption**
One can argue that the value of Bitcoin is much like how we see the value of gold and other commodities in the real world. With Bitcoin and Ethereum being such vital players in the cryptospace, large-scale companies and eCommerce websites have already started to accept these currencies as payment methods. 

  

**The Six Vital Attributes to Identify any Cryptocurrency**

  

1.  Scarcity 
2.  Divisibility 
3.  Acceptability
4.  Portability
5.  Durability 
6.  Uniformity 

  

These key attributes allow a currency to be accepted and used by the masses as an agreed-upon economy or way of executing transactions. They also limit inflation and ensure that the currencies are safe and secure for public use. Throughout history, people have used precious metals and commodities as payment methods due to their relatively stable value. We try to emulate this stability in all our modern currencies.

  

Instead of carrying bags of coffee beans or corn to trade for livestock, societies eventually turned to minted currency as a more accessible alternative. Then fiat currencies like the Dollar and the Euro came along and made it much easier to assign a specific value to things. It is widely believed that the next natural step in this evolution is the rise of cryptocurrencies. They provide us with a decentralized means to execute payments, transactions, trades, and so much more, granting utility like never before.

  

Today, most global currencies are fiat, with most governments believing that fiat money is less susceptible to losing its value over time. However, this point of view is rapidly changing. 

  

**How does Bitcoin Work?**
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies don't rely on government authorities or a centralized banking system to control or monitor them. They are completely decentralized and autonomous. This means that a decentralized network consisting of independent nodes responsible for approving consensus-based transactions forms the fundamentals of Bitcoin.

  

**The Challenge of Valuing Bitcoin**
Bitcoin's value depends on how well it works as a medium of exchange. If Bitcoin doesn't succeed as a medium for people engaging with the cryptocurrency, it won't be helpful as a store of value. Since Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are virtual and only exist within computer networks, some people have difficulty grasping their scarcity and cost of production. 

 

**To Conclude**
Speculative interest has been a primary driver of Bitcoin's value appreciation. Although the future of Bitcoin is uncertain, its value will likely continue to stabilize as it receives more mainstream adoption.

  

There will always be resistance from traditionalists who cannot see the value assigned to a digital currency free from governmental control. However, the economics behind cryptocurrencies work far more intuitively than most people realize. As long as crypto has utility tied to it, public demand will ensure its growth.

  

_\*All blogs are opinion pieces and do not necessarily reflect the views of PyxelChain™ Technology Corporation_

What causes Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies to Fluctuate?

The traditional stock exchange as we know it has many similarities with the cryptocurrency market, sometimes causing new investors to refer to them interchangeably without thinking twice. Still, at a fundamental level, there are some critical differences between the two that are important to distinguish.

**What are Stocks?**
A stock represents partial ownership in the amount of equity a holder has in a company, meaning that you are the owner of your amount of shares and the value thereof.

Let's say you purchase a large portion of Amazon stock. That makes you a part-owner (also known as a "shareholder") of Amazon. Being a shareholder means you are entitled to a percentage of Amazon's assets and profits, proportional to how much stock you own.

If you had purchased a large amount of Amazon stock back in the 90s, that would make you a multi-millionaire by 2022. As a shareholder, your financial interests stay protected by centralized bank exchanges, SEC regulations, and other regulatory bodies that ensure your investments and assets are safe, with minimal risk of scammers. 

**What are Cryptocurrencies?**
Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that function across centralized and decentralized financial (DeFi) exchanges and blockchains that allow users to transact and invest in various digital goods. 

Unlike stocks, people who invest in crypto aren't part-owners or holders of the entity or company; They only own the individual units of the cryptocurrency. There are ways in which crypto benefits its owners that stocks can't, such as staking rewards, where a percentage of a company's profits gets paid out to shareholders via periodic distributions.

**Critical differences between Stocks and Crypto**

- **Regulations**
As a shareholder, traditionally, you can count on regulatory bodies to keep you and your assets safe. Companies that issue stocks to the public have numerous laws to ensure the security of their investor's assets. However, these regulations can negatively impact investors by manipulating the market or freezing your assets (as seen in January, 2021).

On the other hand, cryptocurrency has more speculative risk when it comes to credible and long-term investments. Many people have gained millions of dollars with crypto. But, at the same time, many people have also lost millions. Terra Luna, a cryptocurrency considered a stablecoin, recently plummeted and cost investors more than $40 billion. This is why cryptocurrency education is critical to navigating the space safely.

- **Volatility**
Assets in the cryptospace, compared to traditional stocks and centralized exchanges, can be highly volatile. Some digital assets and various cryptocurrencies have shifted more drastically in 24 hours than most stocks have in an entire year.

  Finding a cryptocurrency that is not volatile is challenging (if not impossible). The technology needed to back crypto exchanges is still developing to make cryptocurrencies a less risky investment for everyday people who don't have thousands of dollars to throw around.

- **Anonymity**
Every traditional stock market has some form of KYC (know your customer) backlinking your data to a centralized exchange. You must provide your full name, address, and taxpayer identification number during the signup process before creating your account. It ensures that government bodies and tax agencies know who you are, what you earn on your investments, and how much of those investments are taxable, should you ever choose to withdraw your earnings.

  With cryptocurrencies, this is rarely the case. Many decentralized exchanges aren't regulated, through which you can purchase cryptocurrencies without the need to give up any of your personal information. This anonymity can be good or bad, depending on how well you do your research on cryptocurrencies and platforms to not get scammed.

- **Security**
As mentioned before, people who are new to investing in cryptocurrencies, and don't spend enough time familiarizing themselves with this space, are most likely to get scammed or hacked. 

  Anonymity is the main reason behind the massive amount of malicious activity in the cryptospace. An individual could accidentally give access to their crypto wallet if they aren't careful, and scammers could move all their precious NFTs and assets to a different wallet. Because most crypto wallets don't offer a form of KYC, you wouldn't know who owns that wallet. This means users are primarily responsible for keeping their assets safe by taking several precautions.

**What Drives the Market?**
Both Stocks and Crypto represent ownership in the underlying company you put money into, where investors generally react based on future earnings expectations. When a company's developments look optimistic, investors typically buy more shares to reap a higher reward in the long run if the company follows through on its promises.

**Which of the Two is Better?**
In short, it depends on various factors, including your personal preference (DYOR: Do your own research), tolerance, risk, age of the company or asset, investment goals, and disposable income that you are willing to risk. Both stocks and cryptocurrencies allow investors to acquire various traditional or digital assets, meaning individuals can have investment portfolios that include both stocks and cryptocurrencies.

**Bottom Line**
History is proving that traditional stocks and cryptocurrencies are here to stay. In the face of recent market crashes, volatility, and economic meltdowns, cryptocurrency has remained remarkably resilient to the backlash of centralized exchanges, even though it's not perfect yet. Regarding sustainability, many cryptos have become much greener than the proof-of-work Bitcoin rigs people used back in the day. The new, energy-conscious approach to blockchains makes them an attractive alternative to traditional stocks.

Whether you invest in stocks or cryptocurrencies, it's always wise not to put all your eggs in one basket. Instead, diversify your portfolio and only risk what you can afford to lose.

_*All blogs are opinion pieces and do not necessarily reflect the views of PyxelChain™ Technology Corporation_

Decentralized Cryptocurrencies vs. Centralized Stocks

Here you will find free educational and informational material to help you learn about cryptocurrency. We understand the importance of knowing what you're investing in and figuring out how projects take different approaches to solving problems inherent in existing systems. That is why we're making an effort to share these resources with our users and the community. Our content has been cross-checked for clarity and readability, so whether you have years of experience or are just starting in the crypto space, you're guaranteed a good read.