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AI Agents to Redefine Economies

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Bitcoin’s monumental rise past the $100,000 milestone has cemented its role as a central player in the global financial space. As the crypto market watches the next move with bated breath, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has released its annual list of tech predictions, anticipating the transformative potential of blockchain technology in 2025.

These predictions highlight the innovations poised to shape the crypto ecosystem and beyond, from AI-powered agents to on-chain government bonds.

The Dawn of Autonomous Digital Economies

According to Carra Wu, a partner on the a16z crypto investment team, AI agents are set to transition from passive tools to autonomous network participants. Armed with their own wallets, signing keys, and crypto assets, these AI agents could revolutionize industries.

For instance, decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) might see AI agents operating and verifying nodes. This could enable more efficient energy distribution or even the creation of AI-operated blockchains.

“These agents won’t just be participants, they’ll be creators and operators, driving entirely new economic models,” Wu noted.

The concept gains traction as AI agents already demonstrate their ability to transact using cryptocurrencies. This evolution could unlock high-value applications, from gaming to managing decentralized assets.

Decentralized Chat Bots

Dan Boneh, a16z crypto senior research advisor, and colleagues introduce the idea of decentralized autonomous chatbots (DACs). The concept pushes the boundaries of AI autonomy. Running on a trusted execution environment (TEE), these chatbots could manage their own assets, generate income, and operate independently.

“This isn’t just about novelty. DACs could redefine digital interaction, potentially becoming billion-dollar autonomous entities,” Boneh explained.

However, the autonomy of such systems raises questions about regulation, ethics, and security. While the technology holds promise, it may also necessitate strong oversight to prevent misuse.

Stablecoins and On-Chain Government Bonds

The adoption of stablecoins and tokenized government bonds is expected to accelerate in 2025. Eddy Lazzarin, the chief technology officer for a16z crypto, predicts that enterprises, especially small and medium businesses, will adopt stablecoins for their cost-efficiency in payments.

“Stablecoins could add 2% directly to the bottom line of enterprises by dis-intermediating payment providers,” he said.

On a broader scale, Brian Quintenz, the Head of Policy for a16z crypto, envisions governments issuing bonds on blockchain platforms. Tokenized bonds could unlock new collateral sources for decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols while increasing transparency and efficiency in the traditional bond market.

The UK and the US are already exploring these possibilities, with regulatory sandboxes paving the way for innovation.

Proof of Personhood

In an era of deepfakes and digital impersonations, proof of personhood emerges as a critical need. Lazzarin emphasizes the importance of creating privacy-preserving, unique digital identifiers to verify interactions with real individuals.

“This is about raising the cost of attacks. Linking content to people privately and securely can protect the integrity of digital networks,” Lazzarin asserted.

Such advancements could fundamentally shift the balance in combating fraud, especially as AI-generated content continues to proliferate.

The Evolution of Prediction Markets

While prediction markets gained traction during the 2024 US elections, Scott Duke Kominers, a Research Partner at a16z crypto, foresees their utility expanding far beyond politics. These platforms could evolve into sophisticated tools for aggregating and analyzing information across sectors, from community governance to finance.

“Prediction markets are just the beginning. We’re heading toward more robust mechanisms for real-time information aggregation and decision-making,” Kominers explained.

Blockchains will likely play a central role, enabling decentralized, auditable, and incentive-driven systems to thrive.

Reimagining User Experience in Crypto

A16z partners also highlight the need for user-friendly crypto solutions. Mason Hall, a partner on the a16z crypto investment team, predicts that developers will focus on designing intuitive experiences, abstracting away complex infrastructure.

“Users shouldn’t need to understand blockchain intricacies to benefit from the technology,” Hall stated.

Similarly, Chris Lyons, president of Web3 Media at a16z crypto, advocates for “hiding the wires.” He compares the next wave of decentralized applications (dApps) to the simplicity of Spotify or email.

Liquid Democracy and Decentralized Governance

Andrew Hall, a consultant to the a16z crypto research team, envisions blockchain-powered governance systems taking root. With secure voting mechanisms and the implementation of liquid democracy, local governments could pioneer new forms of participatory decision-making.

“Crypto-enabled governance isn’t just for online communities. We can reimagine how physical-world governance operates, starting with local pilots,” Hall suggested.

As crypto infrastructure matures, 2025 may witness a confluence of technological, financial, and societal innovations. From tokenizing unconventional assets to adopting decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations (DUNAs), the ecosystem is changing to meet diverse needs.

Bitcoin’s sustained rally above $100,000 symbolizes not just market confidence but also the broader adoption of blockchain technologies. With a16z’s predictions providing a roadmap, the crypto industry stands on the brink of a transformative era.

“The future of crypto isn’t just about ownership; it’s about usability, accessibility, and global impact,” said Sam Broner, partner on the investing team at a16z crypto.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Pi Network Struggles, On Track for New All-Time Low

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Pi Network continues to struggle in the market as its price remains on a downward trajectory. Despite earlier optimism, investors have been increasingly skeptical of the coin, contributing to a prolonged downtrend. 

The uncertainty around its value suggests Pi Network may be headed for a new all-time low (ATL).

Pi Network Witnesses Outflows

The ADX (Average Directional Index) has recently crossed the 25.0 threshold, indicating that the current bearish trend is gaining momentum. This is a concerning signal for Pi Network’s price, as the rising bearishness suggests that it will be increasingly difficult for the cryptocurrency to recover in the short term. With the ADX pointing towards sustained negative market forces, the pressure on Pi Network’s price will likely intensify as the token nears its previous ATL.

The growing strength of the bearish trend is compounded by investor uncertainty, with many questioning the token’s long-term viability. This uncertainty can lead to further selling and a lack of fresh buying support, making it even harder for Pi Network to find a solid foundation for recovery.

PI Network ADX
PI Network ADX. Source: TradingView

Pi Network’s macro momentum also paints a grim picture for the altcoin. The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) indicator, which measures the volume of money flowing into and out of a coin, has been deeply negative. Although there has been a slight uptick, the indicator remains in the negative zone, signaling that investors are still reluctant to buy into the token.

The slight increase in CMF reflects minor capital inflows, but this could be short-lived if the skepticism persists. With investors hesitating and outflows continuing, Pi Network’s price faces significant challenges. The current trend suggests that more outflows could occur if the coin reaches a new ATL.

PI Network CMF
PI Network CMF. Source: TradingView

PI Price Nears New Low

Pi Network is currently trading at $0.70, just above its ATL of $0.62. The altcoin saw a 12.8% decline over the past 24 hours after failing to reclaim $0.87 as support. This failure to regain previous support levels shows the continued lack of investor confidence.

If the bearish trend persists, Pi Network is likely to fall through the $0.62 support level, potentially dropping to $0.50. A new ATL could be set as the market sentiment continues to weigh heavily on the price, leading to further losses for existing investors.

PI Network Price Analysis.
PI Network Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

The only way to reverse the bearish outlook is for investors to change their approach and capitalize on low prices. Increased inflows could potentially drive Pi Network’s price back above $0.87, and if it surpasses the $1.00 level, it would reclaim critical support and signal a possible recovery for the altcoin. 

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Bitcoin Mining Faces Tariff Challenges as Hashrate Hits New ATH

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The Bitcoin mining industry is becoming increasingly competitive as the network’s hashrate reaches an all-time high (ATH). At the end of March 2025, Bitcoin’s hashrate hit 850 million TH/s.

However, alongside this impressive growth, the industry is struggling with rising production costs and new tariff barriers, particularly in the US. These factors are putting significant pressure on mining companies and could reshape the sector’s future.

Hashrate Surges, Mining Costs Soar

Bitcoin’s hashrate measures the total computing power used by miners to secure the network and validate transactions. It is expressed in terahashes per second (TH/s), representing the number of hash calculations the network performs every second.

According to Blockchain.com, Bitcoin’s hashrate surpassed 850 million TH/s in March. This increase reflects a rise in miners joining the network and growing confidence in Bitcoin’s value and security.

Bitcoin Hashrate
Bitcoin Hashrate. Source: Blockchain.com

“Each time the network gets stronger, Bitcoin becomes harder to attack, harder to ignore, and more justified in commanding a higher valuation. This isn’t just code. It’s economic gravity. Bitcoin has become the most secure monetary network humanity has ever seen. And it’s only getting stronger.” — Thomas Jeegers, CFO & COO of Relai commented.

Despite this surge in hashrate, mining profits are not rising accordingly. According to a report from Macromicro, the cost of mining one Bitcoin has doubled since early 2024, now reaching $87,000. The main drivers behind this increase are rising electricity prices and the high operational costs of specialized mining hardware (ASICs).

With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating, many mining companies risk operating at a loss unless they optimize their efficiency. This challenge is particularly severe for smaller miners, who lack the scale advantages or access to cheap electricity that larger firms enjoy.

Tariff Challenges and Dependence on Chinese Hardware

Another major obstacle for Bitcoin miners is trade restrictions, particularly in the US. According to CoinMetrics, ASIC miners produced by Bitmain, a Chinese company, account for approximately 59%–76% of Bitcoin’s total hashrate.

Estimated Dominance by ASIC Mainer. Source: CoinMetrics.
Estimated Dominance by ASIC Mainer. Source: CoinMetrics.

Bitmain has long been a dominant player in mining hardware, with popular models like the Antminer S19 and S21 known for their high efficiency. However, in early 2025, some US mining companies experienced delays in receiving Bitmain shipments due to tighter customs controls and new tariffs on Chinese imports.

“With Bitmain accounting for a majority of Bitcoin’s network hashrate, reliance on a single manufacturer, despite having distributed supply chains, presents a potential risk. Since Bitmain is primarily based in China, its dominance highlights how geopolitical dependencies can affect the stability of mining operations,” CoinMetrics reported.

These tariffs are not new. According to SCMP, the US has imposed duties of up to 27.6% on imported mining equipment from China since 2018.

However, recent measures indicate increasing regulatory scrutiny and trade pressures, further raising import costs for mining hardware. This inflates operational expenses for US-based miners and disrupts supply chains, limiting their ability to scale as global hashrate rises.

Recently, Hut 8 Corp., a Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing infrastructure firm, partnered with Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. to establish American Bitcoin Corp.

The company aims to become the largest and most efficient pure-play Bitcoin mining operation globally while building a strong strategic Bitcoin reserve. This move highlights the increasing interest from US institutional investors in the competitive mining industry.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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3 Altcoins to Watch in the First Week of April 2025

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As the crypto market enters Q2 2025, both investors and traders are anticipating a shift from bearish to bullish momentum. This change is essential for altcoins to recover, as many are currently facing challenges in bouncing back. However, growth potential remains for select tokens in the short term.

BeInCrypto has analyzed three altcoins to watch closely as April begins, highlighting the catalysts that could influence their price movements.

THORChain (RUNE)

RUNE’s price is currently at $1.117, hovering just above the $1.110 support level. For a potential rebound, the altcoin needs to reclaim $1.198 as support. Investor sentiment will play a crucial role in whether this upward movement materializes, leading to possible gains for THORChain (RUNE).

THORChain’s 3.4.0 upgrade is scheduled to take place this week, bringing significant improvements to the network. The upgrade could drive positive market sentiment, helping RUNE reclaim $1.198 as support. This momentum may push RUNE towards $1.396, aiding in recovering recent losses and supporting continued price growth.

RUNE Price Analysis.
RUNE Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

If the support at $1.110 is broken, RUNE may fall to $1.021, pushing it closer to losing the critical $1.000 level. A failure to maintain support could signal a bearish trend, invalidating the bullish outlook. 

Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET)

FET price saw a 20% decline over the last five days, dropping to $0.452 after losing the support of $0.458. This decline puts the altcoin under pressure. However, the doors for potential recovery are open due to upcoming developments within the network.

The Artificial Superintelligence Alliance network is set for a mainnet upgrade this week, bringing new features to the ASI-1 Mini. This upgrade is expected to act as a catalyst for the price, pushing it toward the key resistance levels of $0.524 and $0.572 to recover recent losses.

FET Price Analysis.
FET Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

If the bearish trend continues, FET could fall further to $0.400, which would invalidate the bullish outlook and lead to extended losses. The price would need to hold above critical support levels to avoid deeper declines.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum’s price is nearing a 17-month low of $1,745, following a 13.42% drop after failing to break through the $2,141 resistance. This recent price action suggests the altcoin king is struggling to regain momentum. The market conditions remain unfavorable for a quick recovery at this point.

Despite the current market downturn, Ethereum could see some recovery as investors look to capitalize on low prices. A short-term bounceback is possible if ETH successfully flips $1,862 into support, potentially pushing the price above $2,000. This would mark a significant recovery attempt from the recent drop.

ETH Price Analysis.
ETH Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

If bearish conditions continue, Ethereum’s price might fall below $1,745, testing the next support at $1,625. A failure to hold this level would invalidate the bullish outlook and open the door for further declines, extending the recent losses.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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