Top tech news today: January 2, 2025

Top tech news today: January 2, 2025 is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

1. Bitcoin price predictions for 2025

Experts predict Bitcoin could reach significant milestones in 2025, with potential gains as the market stabilizes post-2024 volatility. Source

<h2>2. Parafi aims to be public utility provider</h2>
<p>Parafi plans to transform into a public utility provider by expanding its crypto infrastructure to support decentralized finance and Web3 projects. <a href="https://blockworks.co/news/parafi-aims-to-be-public-utility-provider" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>3. Hedera price declines as bearish trend fades</h2>
<p>Hedera’s price continues to fall as the bearish market sentiment fades, though the token still faces challenges in gaining momentum. <a href="https://beincrypto.com/hedera-price-down-bearish-fading/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>4. Pepe token faces roadblock after Musk’s impact wanes</h2>
<p>Pepe’s price struggle intensifies as the influence of Elon Musk on the meme coin market diminishes, leading to a significant slowdown in growth. <a href="https://beincrypto.com/pepe-hits-roadblock-musk-effect-diminishes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>5. Dragonfly founder predicts AI agents surge</h2>
<p>Dragonfly’s founder forecasts that AI agents will surge in popularity, revolutionizing industries and redefining automation in 2025. <a href="https://beincrypto.com/dragonfly-founder-predicts-ai-agents-surge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>6. Bitcoin price pulls back amid volatility</h2>
<p>Bitcoin experiences a brief pullback, as the market grapples with fluctuating investor sentiment and global economic uncertainty. <a href="https://beincrypto.com/bitcoin-price-pulls-back/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>7. Fartcoin leads token price rise</h2>
<p>Fartcoin sees an unexpected price surge, taking the lead in meme token market rallies and drawing attention from investors. <a href="https://beincrypto.com/fartcoin-token-price-rise-takes-the-lead/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>8. Crypto venture capital to exceed $18 billion</h2>
<p>Crypto venture capital investment is projected to surpass $18 billion in 2024, signaling strong investor confidence in blockchain innovation. <a href="https://beincrypto.com/crypto-venture-capital-to-exceed-18-billion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>9. 2025 expected to be crypto’s best year</h2>
<p>Steno Research forecasts 2025 will be a breakthrough year for cryptocurrency, driven by adoption, innovation, and regulatory clarity. <a href="https://startupnews.fyi/2025/01/02/2025-will-be-cryptos-best-year-ever-steno-research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>10. Aave surpasses $33 billion in net deposits</h2>
<p>Aave reaches new heights with $33.4 billion in net deposits, surpassing its 2021 record and solidifying its position in decentralized finance. <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/aave-net-deposits-33-4-billion-surpassing-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>11. Ether ETF sees $2.6 billion inflow</h2>
<p>Ether ETFs report $2.6 billion in inflows for December, highlighting strong institutional demand for Ethereum-based products. <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/ether-etf-net-inflows-hit-2-6-b-december" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>12. Singapore licenses Web3 companies as blockchain leader</h2>
<p>Singapore leads blockchain innovation, issuing new licenses to Web3 companies, reinforcing its position as a global hub for crypto and blockchain businesses. <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/singapore-crypto-licenses-web3-blockchain-leader" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>13. BlackRock Bitcoin ETF tops competitors in 2024</h2>
<p>BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF surpasses competitors with record-breaking net inflows in 2024, signaling institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s future. <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/blackrock-bitcoin-etf-tops-rivals-2024-net-inflows" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>14. Crypto gaming year marked by Telegram clicker games</h2>
<p>Crypto gaming sees transformative growth, with Telegram clicker games and new releases like “Off the Grid” leading the charge. <a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/331470/crypto-gamings-transformative-year-highlighted-by-telegram-clicker-games-and-off-the-grid-release" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>15. XRP surges 11%, but rivals outpace gains</h2>
<p>XRP rises 11%, but faces stiff competition as other altcoins like Bitcoin and Ethereum outperform its growth trajectory. <a href="https://u.today/xrp-is-up-11-but-its-rival-is-dwarfing-its-gains" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>16. Bitcoin may guide stock market peak</h2>
<p>Market analyst McGlone suggests Bitcoin could act as a guide for the stock market peak, particularly when compared to gold. <a href="https://u.today/mcglone-bitcoin-may-be-guide-for-stock-market-peak-against-gold" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>17. Fidelity Ethereum ETF sees $318 million inflow</h2>
<p>Fidelity’s Ethereum ETF leads the pack with a $318 million inflow, surpassing even BlackRock’s similar offerings in early 2024. <a href="https://u.today/fidelity-outshines-blackrock-with-318-million-ethereum-etf-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>18. MicroStrategy moves $793 million Bitcoin</h2>
<p>MicroStrategy transfers $793 million worth of Bitcoin to new addresses, fueling speculation about its future investment strategy. <a href="https://u.today/microstrategy-allegedly-transfers-793-million-worth-of-bitcoin-to-new-addresses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>19. Internet governance body announces new plans</h2>
<p>ARIN announces new updates for the coming year, including improvements in network management and global coordination. <a href="https://www.arin.net/announcements/20241230/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>20. European subsea cable cuts raise concerns</h2>
<p>Suspicious cuts to European subsea cables raise concerns over network security and geopolitical tensions, with investigations underway. <a href="https://www.networkcomputing.com/network-management/tensions-rise-with-suspicious-european-subsea-cable-cuts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>21. Generative AI drives need for data security</h2>
<p>The rise of public cloud and generative AI technologies accelerates the demand for enhanced data security posture management. <a href="https://www.networkcomputing.com/network-management/public-cloud-and-generative-ai-drive-the-need-for-data-security-posture-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>22. Microsoft updates Edge security for 2024</h2>
<p>Microsoft introduces key security updates for Edge in 2024, improving user protection and enhancing browsing experience. <a href="https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/24/microsoft_edge_2024/?td=rt-3a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>23. Svardos DRDoS attack resurfaces</h2>
<p>Security researchers warn of a resurgence in Svardos DRDoS attacks, calling attention to the need for better network defenses. <a href="https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/23/svardos_drdos_reborn/?td=rt-3a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></p>

<h2>24. Starlink to offer direct-to-cell in Ukraine</h2>
<p>Starlink announces plans to provide direct-to-cell service in Ukraine, enhancing communication capabilities amid ongoing conflict. <a href="https://www.theregister.com/2025/