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SEC OFFICIALLY APPROVES SPOT ETHEREUM ETF TRADING

ANY NEAR-TERM REBOUND IN CRYPTO MARKET LIKELY TO BE TEMPORARY: JPMORGAN

JPMorgan anticipates that any near-term rebound in the crypto market will be short-lived, as Bitcoin's current price is deemed too high relative to its production cost ($43,000) and its volatility-adjusted comparison to gold ($53,000). Bitcoin and gold may gain from a potential Trump election win due to perceived crypto-friendly policies.

OKX LAUNCHES BITCOIN PRICE GUESSING GAME 'OKX RACER' AS TELEGRAM MINI-APP CRAZE CONTINUES

OKX, one of the largest crypto exchanges, launched the free-to-play ‘OKX Racer' game as a Telegram mini-app. The game, which has users guess Bitcoin price movements every five seconds, is the first from an established company to leverage Telegram's app ecosystem and its 900 million potential users. There is an expectation, but no confirmed plans, that the TON blockchain will be integrated.

TOKENIZED ASSET MANAGER SUPERSTATE DEBUTS NEW FUND TO PROFIT FROM BITCOIN, ETHER 'CARRY TRADE'

Blockchain-based asset management firm Superstate has launched a new tokenized fund that employs a "cash and carry" investment strategy to generate yield for investors. Superstate buys spot bitcoin and ether while simultaneously taking equivalent short positions in BTC and ETH futures. This fund is for qualified investors and emphasizes a highly-regulated, low-risk approach to generating yield.

BITCOIN LAYER 2 REPORT | Q2 2024

This report analyzes 12 L2s and sidechains. CORE had almost 9x more unique addresses (19.2M) than second-place BounceBit. BSquared, CORE, and BOB had the most transactions. Merlin and Bitlayer are tied for the highest TVL at slightly below $400M. These chains are still in their infancy and actively developing their ecosystems.

KEY CHARTS FROM BINANCE'S H1 REPORT

Binance's H1 2024 Research Report highlights key trends in the cryptocurrency market, including the rise of Bitcoin dominance, the impact of BlackRock's ETFs, and the surprising performance of runes and sequencers. It also discusses the growth of decentralized exchanges on Solana, the challenges faced by zk-rollups, and the enduring strength of DeFi on Ethereum.

WHAT IS POLYMARKET? DECENTRALIZED PREDICTION MARKETS EXPLAINED

Polymarket is a decentralized prediction market on Ethereum and Polygon that allows users to bet on outcomes like elections or sporting events without using traditional intermediaries. It has increased liquidity and privacy compared to more centralized markets and is arguably more financially accessible (uses crypto), although it faces regulatory challenges as it is decentralized.

ETHEREUM'S PECTRA UPGRADE: A SHALLOW DIVE

The new EVM Object Format (EOF) optimizes the developer experience and increases the EVM's speed. PeerDAS improves Ethereum DA by allowing blobs to be sharded across nodes. BLS12-381, a new signature aggregation scheme, improves multisigs and proving things on the execution layer, while historical block hashes in the state will move validators toward verifying a transaction without needing all the data. Other upgrades include increasing the Ethereum validator maximum balance and smart contract account capabilities for regular wallets.

A BRIEF LOOK INTO BINANCE REWARDS

Users automatically qualify for four types of rewards by "subscribing" BNB to Simple Earn: APR on holdings, new project tokens through Launchpool, exclusive airdrops through Megadrop, and historical balance-based airdrops with Hodler Airdrops.

ATARI LAUNCHES ONCHAIN ARCADE ON BASE

Atari has launched an onchain arcade on Base. Its first game is Asteroids.

ETH IS THE HIGH QUALITY LIQUID ASSET (HQLA) OF CRYPTO

ETH is the most suitable candidate for a natively digital High Quality Liquid Asset (HQLA) in the crypto world due to its superior liquidity, economic fundamentals, low inflation, and positive real yield.

THE NUFFLE FAST FINALITY LAYER (NFFL)

The Nuffle Fast Finality Layer is an EigenLayer AVS aiming to bring finality and interoperability to L2s.

META FILES A PATENT TO COPY VISION PRO'S EYESIGHT FEATURE

Meta has filed a patent for a feature similar to Apple's EyeSight. The feature displays a virtual image of the user's eyes and may include health sensors in the face interface, differentiating it from Apple's version. Patent law permits companies to patent their methods, allowing Meta to develop this feature despite its similarity to EyeSight, which Apple may drop in a more affordable Vision model due to its lackluster reception.

FRAMER ANNOUNCES TEXT EFFECTS

Text Effects, a new feature from Framer, enables dynamic animations for characters, words, lines, and graphic elements. It includes real-time previews, pre-built presets, and customizable properties like scale and blur. Text Effects enhance interactivity and engagement with triggers based on page load or user interaction, creating unique and immersive web experiences.

DEADPOOL AND XBOX LAUNCH AN *AHEM* ERGONOMIC LIMITED EDITION CONTROLLER WITH A 'CHEEKY' DESIGN

Teaming up with Marvel Studios, Microsoft has introduced a playful limited edition controller boasting a contoured design inspired by Deadpool's thighs and costume. This unique accessory, available through a sweepstakes competition, includes a custom Series X console and themed stand. Fans can enter by following Xbox on X and reposting the company's sweepstakes post between July 17 and August 11.

CRAFTING THE VISUAL IDENTITY FOR CONFIG 2024

Figma's Brand Studio designed Config 2024's visual identity, which uses a shape-based language and a modular system of geometric shapes to create an immersive experience for attendees. The event featured large-scale structures and installations at Moscone Center, translating the digital language into a physical experience with dynamic motion and a flexible color palette to ensure consistency across all brand assets.

UNDERSTANDING THE EYE-MIND CONNECTION

The connection between the eye and the mind is crucial for understanding perception and interaction, with vision relying on the brain for consciousness. Design exploits the gap between function and perception, using intuitive principles and studies showing that vision and memory can operate subconsciously, as seen in digital advertising, where eye movement predicts clicks.

CO-OP REVEALS NEW IDENTITY WITH REIMAGINED LOGO REFLECTING MEMBER OWNERSHIP

The Co-op has unveiled a refreshed identity by design studio SomeOne featuring a deconstructed logo called 'Membershapes' to emphasize individual ownership. This new branding includes a bespoke typeface and aims to highlight the cooperative's principles and member focus and address consumer confusion about its cooperative nature.

FONTS NINJA

Fonts Ninja allows designers to identify, test, and purchase fonts. It supports type designers and foundries, promotes ethical practices, and fosters a collaborative community.

TYPE EMOJI BLAZINGLY FAST

Catering to emoji enthusiasts, Emoogle is a desktop app with a fast emoji picker, a powerful search engine, an extensive glossary, and customization options.

CSS GRID GENERATOR

Easily create custom CSS grid layouts by customizing columns, rows, and gaps, then dragging, resizing, and positioning elements. Copy the generated HTML and CSS code once you're done.

DESIGN WITH INTENT: CRAFT YOUR PORTFOLIO WITH VISUAL STORYTELLING TOOLS

A UX/UI portfolio should be crafted as a captivating story utilizing typography, color schemes, and layout. In this article, Morgane Peng, Design Director at Societe Generale CIB, highlights the importance of visual hierarchy, readability, the emotional impact of colors, and the use of high-quality images. Every visual element must support the professional narrative, leaving a solid impression on hiring managers and aiding in landing interviews.

A GUIDE TO UX DESIGN SPECIALIZATIONS

Specializations like UX research, UI design, illustration, motion design, UX writing, UX lead, UX manager, design system specialist, and product manager allow designers to focus intensely on specific areas. Specialists are in demand in larger companies, while generalists fit well in startups. You must choose a path based on your interests and strengths.

WELLBEING IN THE ARTS: FOUNDER ADAM BAMBROUGH ON NURTURING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Adam Bambrough, an actor-turned-advocate, founded Wellbeing in the Arts to offer accessible mental health support, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and proactive approaches to workplace well-being in the creative industry.

HAYLEY DETI'S SENTIMENTAL DRAWINGS ARE INSPIRED BY SCRAPBOOKS, TRINKETS, AND LOONEY TUNES CARTOONS

The Seattle-based artist is savoring the simple joys of the present in her illustrations of goofy characters, dogs, creatures, and ordinary objects.

SANTA CRUZ LOGO: HOW DESIGN SHAPED SKATEBOARDING HISTORY

Santa Cruz's iconic logos and graphic design propelled the brand to global fame, shaping skate culture.

THE VIRAL 'HUMAN INTELLIGENCE' LOGO TREND IS A GLORIOUS REBUTTAL OF AI ART

Started by illustrator Beth Spencer, the 'Human Intelligence' logo trend celebrates human-made art as a response to AI art's rise.

GOOGLE CANCELS PLANS TO KILL OFF COOKIES FOR ADVERTISERS

Google announced it will no longer phase out third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, citing the need for more comprehensive solutions that balance user privacy and industry requirements. This decision comes after multiple delays and feedback from advertisers and regulators indicating that the transition was more complex than anticipated. Instead, Google will implement a new system that allows users to make informed choices about their web browsing privacy settings.

AMAZON, BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU FILE JOINT LAWSUIT IN FIGHT OVER FAKE REVIEWS

Amazon and the Better Business Bureau have filed a joint lawsuit against a site that is allegedly selling fraudulent positive reviews on Amazon product pages and Better Business Bureau profiles to “bad actors”.

DRIVING PAID TRAFFIC TO A LANDING PAGE VS. PRODUCT PAGE: WHAT IS BETTER?

Direct traffic to a landing page to match it with the audience seeing the off-site message. This increases the likelihood that visitors will be educated and primed by the landing page content to purchase the product. Traffic can be sent to a product-specific landing page or product page if the user is searching for a specific item or model number. This creates a seamless customer journey and moves shoppers through the funnel.

5 PLANNING PITFALLS GTM TEAMS SHOULD AVOID

GTM planning pitfalls include mathism, which over-relies on numerical analysis, and incrementalism, which stifles innovation with cautious steps. Departmentalism creates silos and undermines customer-centric strategies, while growthism prioritizes short-term gains at the expense of sustainable growth. Idealism results in unrealistic plans disconnected from current realities. This article presents 3 frameworks to address and overcome these issues: MOVE, CAT, and the 8-Pillar GTM Operating System.

SUMMER OF SEO: FREE 10-DAY EMAIL SERIES STARTING AUG 1

The Summer of SEO is a free email series that includes tips and insights to get you real results. Topics covered include category page SEO, audience & keyword research, link building, and more. Each email will feature insights from multiple SEOs. The series is sponsored by Screaming Frog and launches on August 1st.

HOW TO WRITE A WINNING TESTIMONIAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS + A TESTIMONIAL TEMPLATE

77% of shoppers specifically seek out websites with ratings and reviews before they commit to a business or product. Companies should reach out to customers to ask if they'll provide positive feedback to use on the website. Start by asking customers a series of questions to gather valuable information, rather than leaving it up to them to write the testimonial from scratch. This article provides a 5-point testimonial template that can be filled in with the information gathered from the questions.

BEHIND VIRAL FOOD BRANDS: DO TRENDS MATTER IN CPG DESIGN?

Brands like Graza and Fishwife are standing out with vibrant, Instagram-worthy packaging that breaks from past minimalistic trends. While visually striking designs can capture attention, blindly following trends may not foster long-term brand loyalty. Instead, successful brands focus on unique storytelling, understanding their audience, and differentiating themselves from competitors.

META FACES NEW CHALLENGE OVER ITS AD-FREE SUBSCRIPTION OFFERING

Meta's ad-free subscription service in Europe is facing regulatory issues as the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network finds it misleading. The service, designed to let users opt out of ads and data tracking for a fee, has been criticized for pressuring users and lacking clear information. The EU Commission has ruled that the plan does not comply with the Digital Markets Act, and Meta must address these concerns to avoid potential fines.

12 SEO MEETUPS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON YOUR RADAR

A list of 12 in-person SEO meetups taking place in the US, London, Singapore, India, and more.

THE WAY WE'VE DONE MARKETING FOR 20 YEARS IS ENDING (7 MINUTE VIDEO)

Rand Fishkin from SparkToro shares his POV on why clicks and attributions are dying.

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THE END OF INVESTORS' GENAI HONEYMOON

While GenAI has improved efficiency in areas like customer service and coding and has seen widespread use through bots like ChatGPT, its broader promises remain unfulfilled. Despite continued spending due to competitive pressures, the initial excitement is fading as customers seek tangible benefits from GenAI applications.

CRASHES AND COMPETITION

Unintended consequences of regulatory decisions required Microsoft to allow third-party security software kernel access, leading to significant issues like the recent CrowdStrike-induced Windows crashes. While open competition in security is valuable, sometimes regulatory decisions based on outdated assumptions can hinder progress and create systemic vulnerabilities.

CULTURE CHANGERS

The word "culture" comes from the root "cultivate," meaning to grow with intention. Deeply held beliefs naturally translate into actions, often subconsciously. Therefore, understanding the narrative team members have about success reveals their culture. Since culture is based on beliefs, which are dynamic and evolving like forests, it can be changed.

FROM GOOD TO GREAT IN PRODUCT MANAGEMENT

Product management goes beyond managing requirements, prioritization, and customer insights. Exceptional product managers leverage seven superpower skills daily: empathy, strong communication, resilience, discernment, prioritization, patience, and the ability to blend their skills effectively.

HOW TOP EXPERTS USE AI TO WRITE, CODE, AND RUN THEIR BUSINESS

This post discusses the evolving role of AI in writing and business management. It introduces the potential career path of "managers of AI models," noting how AI is reshaping the skills required for future jobs.

CRAFT ROADMAPS LIKE A PRO AND BUILD EFFECTIVE ENGINEERING PARTNERSHIPS

To avoid product roadmap failures like Microsoft's Vista, it's important to actively involve engineers from the start. Trust-building and frequent communication with engineers will ensure a feasible, collaborative roadmap, avoiding the pitfalls of isolated planning.

INSIGHTS ON PRODUCT ROADMAP SETUP PROCESS

This product roadmap setup involves a structured process starting with Mid-term Organizational Achievement Levels, revised quarterly product strategy, derived product goals, measurable outcomes, and eventual product roadmap development. Alignment ensures every team understands how their efforts contribute to overarching goals.