Welcome to daily tech news roundup, delivering the latest developments from the world of technology. We bring you significant updates from various sectors, encompassing blockchain, cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, and more.
1. Ubisoft is now a validator on the XPLA blockchain
Ubisoft, known for gaming hits like Assassin’s Creed, has joined XPLA blockchain as a node validator, aligning with its Web3 pursuits. XPLA, a Tendermint-based blockchain, aims to revolutionise gaming towards a “play to own” model. (Cointelegraph)
2. Bitcoin miner Bitfarms purchases additional 51,908 ASICs amid bull market
Bitfarms, a Canadian bitcoin miner, exercised an option to acquire 51,908 Bitmain ASIC miners, anticipating hardware price hikes. This move aims to boost the firm’s hash rate to 21 EH/s, securing its position in bitcoin mining. Bitfarms also announced a $375 million equity offering program. (Cointelegraph)
3. Tether stablecoin USDT is coming to Celo blockchain
Tether, a leading stablecoin provider, extends its USDT token to the Celo network, known for its efficient payment solutions. This integration leverages Celo’s fast, low-cost transactions, with fees as low as $0.001, enabling microtransactions. (Cointelegraph)
4. DeFi protocol Unizen to provide ‘immediate reimbursement’ after $2.1M hack
Unizen, a DeFi protocol, pledges to reimburse users for losses incurred in a recent compromise, aiming for swift resolution. The breach, flagged by PeckShield, led to approximately $2.1 million in lost funds. Unizen promptly engaged security measures and offered a 20% bounty for the return of remaining stolen funds while collaborating with authorities. (Cointelegraph)
5. Binance Pay launches March promotions with ACH rewards and discounts
Binance Pay kicks off March with enticing promotions, featuring up to 5,070 ACH tokens in rewards and up to 50% discounts. The campaign, running from March 11 to 31, aims to boost adoption of Binance’s payment technology. (Blockchain.News)
6. Alphabet spin-off SIP launches Verrus, a data centre concept built around battery ‘microgrids’
Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP), an Alphabet spinout, introduces Verrus, a pioneering data centre energy management concept. Verrus employs advanced battery-based microgrids and sophisticated software to optimise energy allocation for diverse computing tasks. (Tech Crunch)
7. Fed up with OneDrive in Windows 11? Microsoft clarifies that you can easily remove the cloud storage app
Microsoft updated its support document to clarify that Windows 11 users can uninstall OneDrive, dispelling any confusion. Previously, the document only referenced Windows 10, potentially misleading users. By addressing both operating systems, Microsoft ensures users understand they have the option to remove OneDrive from Windows 11 as well. (techradar)
8. Wipro partners with Nutanix to launch a new Nutanix business unit; new biz to accelerate hybrid multi cloud innovation
Wipro Limited expands collaboration with Nutanix Inc., establishing a dedicated business unit to enhance hybrid multi-cloud solutions. This partnership aims to expedite clients’ digital transformation and optimise Nutanix Cloud investments. (Microsoft Start)
9. Reddit targets up to $6.4 billion valuation in much-awaited US IPO
Reddit targets a valuation of up to $6.4 billion for its U.S. IPO. It plans to offer about 22 million shares, priced between $31 and $34 each, aiming to raise up to $748 million. The IPO follows over two years of preparation, amid a fluctuating IPO market recovery in 2024. (Reuters)
10. Nvidia is sued by authors over AI use of copyrighted works
Nvidia faces a lawsuit from three authors alleging the unauthorised use of their copyrighted books to train its NeMo AI platform. Brian Keene, Abdi Nazemian, and Stewart O’Nan claim their works were included in a dataset of around 196,640 books used by NeMo, which was later removed due to reported copyright infringement in October.
11. Samsung’s new midrange Galaxy A55 arrives with improved security and materials
Samsung introduces the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 to its popular midrange A-series lineup, known for bestselling models. Both devices feature Samsung’s Knox Vault, enhancing security by isolating sensitive data from potential attacks. (The Verge)
12. AI-generated recipes won’t get you to Flavortown
In a notable culinary experiment, cakes were baked using AI-generated recipes from ChatGPT and Bard (now Gemini). Ethical concerns arise as these recipes closely mimic conventional ones. While AI-driven content poses challenges, its impact on human creators in the culinary realm remains uncertain. (The Verge)
