If you have been around Blockchain or cryptocurrencies for a while, you've likely heard about Web 3.0. A game-changer for the internet, creating new possibilities and potentials in conjunction with a tremendous upside. For context, let us discuss the preceding versions of Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. Web 1.0, also known as Syntactic Web, covers from 1991 to 2004, when the Web was mainly informational and contained stagnant contents without dynamic links or interactivity such as; logging in users, posting personal items, and even commenting on blogs. To break it down, this was a 'read only' internet where users' roles were limited to reading the information provided by the content producers. If you are reading this blog, you are an avid user of Web 2.0. Also referred to as Social Web or read-write web, the provenance of this internet reads from 2004 till date. Fondly called the 'read-write' Web, this Web version brought about a foundational shift to an internet where people could share their perspectives, opinions, thoughts, and experiences through various online tools and platforms. While the Web 2.0 wave is in vogue and still bearing fruit, we are starting to catch a glimpse of growth emerging from the subsequent revolution in internet applications - the web 3.0. Web 3.0 - What Does This Mean? Web 3.0 is a form of internet powered by Blockchain or a condition of the internet not attainable before the eruption of Blockchain. This next iteration of the internet, also referred to as the 'read-write-execute,' is a type that leverages machine learning, artificial intelligence, and Blockchain to help websites and apps process information in a smart human-like way. By combining the decentralized, community-governed standards of Web 1 with the advanced functionality of Web 2, this next stage of web evolution would upgrade with features like; open and permissionless and native money. One example of Web 3 apps is the Axie Infinity app, a gaming metaverse that connects gaming and decentralized finance (DeFi). How Will Web 3.0 Disrupt Our Society? As this new internet becomes increasingly decentralized, you won't have to have a different account for every platform like Twitter or Amazon. Instead, tools like metamask and trust wallet will allow anyone to access decentralized applications(DAPPS), from anywhere, without being required to hand over any sensitive information. Instead, our web3 apps and tools would run on smart contracts rather than getting overly optimistic on human intermediaries. This internet would reduce monopolistic behaviors like shutting down competitive sites and services or unsolicited access to people's private data. Many of today's web services ask the user to provide personal data to enjoy the benefits of the service adequately. This issue has proven significant, as users automatically lose control of their data and who has access to them. Juxtaposing the centralization of the quotidian internet to Web 3.0, Web 3.0 would guarantee that users have total control over their data, thereby galvanizing a more secure and safe system than their centralized counterparts. The essential evolution enabled by web 3.0 is the depreciation of the trust required for interaction on a global scale. Trust would be implicit and automatic – leading to the inevitable end of middlemen utilization. To better understand this new concept, it is necessary to understand what this Web version would constitute. Features of Web 3.0 1. Semantic Web: Web 3.0 will harness the possibilities of semantics, enabling gadgets and computers to generate, share and analyze data herded by the ability of those technological gadgets to understand the significance of the words directed at them instead of using keywords and numbers. 2. AI and Machine Learning: Considering the ability of these new Web to fathom human-centric exertions, Web 3.0 machines uphold their intelligence by being capable of automatically fulfilling users' demands. 3. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: Through revolutionized 3D, Web 3.0 will corporealize the 3D virtual world into our physical world, where anything can be possible, even teleporting. 4. Ubiquity and Connectivity: Thanks to semantic metadata, information will be more connected to the internet, granting easy access and usage of the Web. Contents will be within reach by diverse applications and can function everywhere. 5. Native Currency: Since all Web 3 will operate on Blockchain, exchanges will be in crypto, providing a tamper-proof, transparent, and efficient means of trading. For all intents and purposes, and as a Blockchain enthusiast, I give credence to Web 3.0 as a revolutionary change that will improve the internet landscape while synchronously helping users regain ownership over their data and identity. This paradigm shift on the internet brews the potentials of fueling the new ownership economy that holds numerous possibilities of large scale that could transform the internet. With these in mind, do you feel Web 3.0 is a good idea or another concept that might blow up in our faces? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

Recall the last time you utilized a vending machine. Have you ever thought about the complexities behind the operation of an automated electronic system? Depending on pre-programmed rules and instructions, you can put money in this machine and choose what you want. It will only release your order if you press a button, enter a code, and the machine checks that the order follows the machine's specified rules and instructions. Smart contracts function similarly to vending machines. When the predefined conditions and rules are met, these contracts automatically enforce themselves, leaving both parties satisfied without the interference of an intermediary. This way, the only ones concerned would be both point-blank parties involved in the contract. This instance means there won't be any need for go-betweens like the involvement of a financial institution, notary, or lawyer. Consulting with a lawyer before getting your snack(s) from a vending machine will be super weird! Now that you have a rudimentary knowledge of what smart contract is all about let's dive into what these digital contracts or software are. What Is A Smart Contract? Smart contracts are a set of computer codes that automatically facilitate the execution of an agreement when prerequisite conditions have been met or verified and are encoded into an immutable distributed ledger - the Blockchain. In the context of this blog, the executed agreement or actions could include: · Allowing businesses to streamline business processing by applying business rules such as. · Transfer of funds between two parties. · Sending notifications. · Even issuing a ticket. Encoded into the blockchain technology gives this software a decentralized feature, galvanizing the disposal of the intermediaries. This action is possible because the code automatically takes the position of an enforcer, thereby making the role of, for example, a lawyer dispensable in properly executing contracts. With the smart contract, only the computer code can determine when a contract has been fully or partially executed, thereby espousing these protocols' smart' nature. Like any legally binding contract, the smart contract, referred to as 'Chaincode,' replicates all the notions of a regular contract but is highly automated and effectively stored in a blockchain like cryptocurrencies. How does Smart Contract Work? If you have seen the Sci-Fi movie "The Matrix," you cannot easily forget the "Oracle," who knows everything and discloses to Neo details about the world beyond the fictional world of the matrix. Most smart contracts function like Oracle because external applications feed them with every possible data and instruction to fully utilize and adequately respond to transaction initiations. These data and instructions follow an objectively simple and specific input parameter, the "If/when…then…" logic, espousing the initiation and execution command. In other words, if "X" happens, execute "Y," for instance, moving an amount of cryptocurrency from party A's wallet to party B's wallet after specific parameters are satisfied. So, how can a smart contract be created or signed using technology? The Ethereum cryptocurrency dubbed the "Smart contract's Pen and Paper" is used in creating these algorithms. Each contract is executed on the EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) with this currency and is completed when payments are made using the ether cryptocurrency. The 'Gas Fee,' as it is known, limits the influx of overly complicated and a slew of smart contracts. The 'Solidity smart contract' is an example of a smart contract that leverages the Ethereum platform. Benefits of Smart Contract Independence: Smart contract disintermediates transactions. This contract implies that there won't be any need to depend on third parties or intermediaries. Due to this decentralized nature of Blockchain, you wouldn't have to worry about intrusion from anybody. Trust: If you are familiar with Blockchain's capabilities, you know the technology's trustworthiness and immutability. There is no way to modify an individual's data for personal gain because there is no involvement of a third party. Security: The CEO & Co-founder of Yousign asserts that "Smart contracts further limit IT security risks. Currently, it is easier to 'hack' a conventional human contract than to hack an encrypted uninterpretable code. Speed & Efficiency: Since Blockchain monitors this contract, there is zero need for tampering or reconciling errors, producing instant, secure and accurate results. Finally... These escrow-like codes are not just limited to the finance sector. As you can imagine, they are applied in governmental activities, indemnity/insurance, healthcare, education, and even real estate. Anyone can theoretically use smart contracts in any situation that needs the exchange of goods for services. These contracts would simplify commercial negotiations, making trading more accessible, efficient, and profitable for all parties involved. Wouldn't it be marvelous! To live in a world where every business has a Smart contract application? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

Have you played a video game and got rewards for completing a task or a complicated adventure? Recall some of the most enjoyable and noteworthy games you've played. Whether it is platforming across the screen in Super Mario or succeeding in defending your map in the multiplayer battle arena video game LOL (League of Legends), the core loop is primarily responsible for the myriad of emotions you experience in those moments. Think about the Scrabble game where several letters were arranged correctly to earn points from words created. How did you feel when you eventually got all your words right? Did you feel empowered to keep playing? Blame it on the Core loop. You may have asked, what is a Core Loop, and why are they so imperative in the gaming stratum? This week's blog outlines the core loop and channels its various applications in business and education. Core Loop- Meaning An oversimplified description would be a series of repeated patterns that evoke a user's engagement or further investment in a game. This mechanism comprises main activities that structure the game design, tempting the players to commit and dedicate their time to repeatedly engage in a looping sequence. To develop a captivating gaming experience, developers channel their skills into creating a compelling core loop. The 'core' loop, as the name implies, is the heart of every game. This tool is the element of a video game that many players commit to memory. These fundamental elements help build systems that reward and incentivize players to feel satisfied for having experienced diverse adventures associated with a particular game. The game core loop is an innovative application that plays an integral part in keeping a high retention rate and setting the seal on users returning to a supposedly appealing experience. Some examples of core loop actions: · Playing a turn in words with friends · Playing a hand in Texas Hold 'em Poker · Pinning on Pinterest Or a lucid example of a higher-level loop effect pattern would involve; · Discover and enter a new room or space · Kill all the enemies · Redeem rewards. · Start a new game. A core loop has continuously replicated steps: Trigger, Action, Reward, and Expansion. As the loops repeat, investment emerges and intensifies the user's commitment to the game or product. Agate's own Levio utilizes these mechanics, where users get to preview their assigned missions before accessing the learning material. After revising this material, they would attempt a task, and if completed, the users earn reward points and treat to an enticing visual of their in-game avatars. Ultimately, the reward points would then be traded for a new sequence triggering new missions the users can attempt. There are as many archetypes of core loops as there are games. The following applications will help you acclimate to the different arrays and possibilities of core loops available in this blog's context. Core Loop Application in Business Now and then, enterprises can add new features to a core loop to sustain their business growth. In businesses, the loop is a valuable framework that creates a compounding effect, where customer retention is possible by the creation of really enticing value which is pleasurable enough to ensure they return. An example is the Starbucks app, where customers: · Buy Coffee · Earn Points for buying coffee · Get a free coffee. The core loop considers actual user behaviors and motivational factors in its business application, thereby brewing investments in a product and creating a sense of dedication within the consumers. The core loop considers actual user behaviors and motivational factors in its business application, inspiring consumers to invest in a product and cultivating a sense of commitment. Integrating the core loop with the gamification strategy, known as the 'Gamification core loop' in a unified sense, is one closely linked or necessary technique businesses must use. This unification demonstrates how game design can instill habitual behavior in customers' minds. The Core Loop Strategy, For All Its Worth! As a digital solution provider, I believe the Core Loop is an excellent approach to attracting and engaging gamers, students, or a company's client base. People will inadvertently give you a chance to entice or entertain them, and if the main mechanics are not intuitive enough, you'll miss them in a minute or max two, simple as that. As a game developer integrating a well-designed, smooth, and exciting loop would do well to keep users engaged. The same applies to businesses who look to incorporate this strategy; they will derive value from instilling feelings of achievement, empowerment, and motivation in their customers! Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

Ever heard of the technology that is reinventing the cloud? No? You might have just envisaged a fictional machine possessing some astronomical capabilities like revamping the skies. This technology is none other than Blockchain. Due to its decentralized, immutable, and verifiable features, distributed ledger technologies such as Blockchain have attracted much interest recently. Over time, the meteoric rise of digital technology has synchronously incited new challenges around data security, thereby requiring a solution that would help re-architect and solve security loopholes, especially in malicious attacks. Blockchain has risen to the challenge of global privacy and data protection concerns, causing its databases to be secured with mechanisms that allow on-demand disclosure. Let's look at how Blockchain works and how it may be considered one of the most secure data protection solutions. How Does Blockchain Work to Protect Your Data? To verify numerous transactions and secure the Blockchain from any double-spending attack, a process called "mining" comes to play. In a technical sense, Crypto mining is a procedure that utilizes cryptographic processes to solve and record data to a Blockchain network, thereby helping to secure the data stored in these blocks from external attacks. This process involves the following: Node Transaction Verification: Transactions between parties are the basis or foundation of Blockchain. In this stage, a requested transaction is authenticated (Proof of Work) or POS (Proof of Stake) consensus protocol is initiated to validate transactions effectively while solving complex math problems needed to add data to the Blockchain effectively. Formation of BLock: This entails adding a given data or information to a new block that is subsequently joined to previously published and confirmed block entries. Forming a new block completes the verification process, validating the transactions and making the record immutable. Addition of Hash of Blocks: Cryptographic hashing works to espouse the immutable nature of Blockchain technology in ensuring that stored data doesn't get exfiltrated. Data is converted into an irreversible condensed code or a digital signature that gives every transaction a distinct authenticated and abridged feature during this deterministic process. Block's Hash Arrangement/Verification: After the hashes are created, they are subsequently arranged in a Markel tree, encodes blockchain data more efficiently and securely by proving the integrity and validity of the data. This way, if an attempt is made to alter transactions, there must be the need to change all the succeeding blocks' hashes. For a hacker to penetrate or alter a block, they would have to change the hash value of every block ahead of the targeted block. This process requires an outrageous number of calculations to facilitate, therefore asserting the capability of Blockchain to secure data effectively. Confirmation & Publishing: At this stage, the block is added to pre-existing blocks, and this new update is subsequently published across the entire Blockchain, certifying the ability of Blockchain to help in data protection by delivering transparency in a scalable way. Finally... Blockchain, against all odds and numerous contingencies, has continued to gain exponential popularity due to its promising and revolutionary technological details. The architectural design and nature of blockchain systems have made data protection attainable. This way, our data can't be easily modified or changed once saved on the Blockchain. Due to its unique structural design, this technology makes it elusive for malicious attacks to 'simply' find their way into the system, unlike traditional data networks where data is stored in a single repository, which leaves them vulnerable and highly susceptible to attacks. As a technology that has sprung into one of the most revolutionary technologies in the recent era, Blockchain has proven it is the ideal platform for businesses to store their bulky data. Hopefully, this blog has given you a better understanding of how Blockchain works and why its methods for dealing with security, privacy, and verification issues make it one of the most trustworthy data protection systems. What are your thoughts on the matter? Do you believe Blockchain has the potential to provide us with the data security we have long imagined? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

Burgeoning from the upswing of social networks and traction of our smart devices, every internet user leverages the participatory culture and features of the web. Technology is evolving and has experienced some innovative tweaks in the intervening years that theoretically gravitate towards a user-centric disposition. The Metaverse, SocialFi (Social application for Digital currency operating on Blockchain), DeFi (Lending to Earn), and GameFi (Play to Earn) are all examples of decentralized inventions that combine the notion of motivating, protecting, and connecting internet users. Today’s blog will demystify SocialFi - one of Blockchain's leading revolutions. What is Socialfi? Simply put, SocialFi is an abridged form of 'Social Finance' - a fusion of social networking and Finance advancements. This novel phenomenon evinces a blended variant of Web 3.0, finance, social tokenization, and the Blockchain, which serves as the internet's value layer. Through these permutations, SocialFi effectuates an environment where users -both entrants and established celebrities- are unbiasedly empowered with the capacity to earn from their diverse interactions. Given the maniac-headlining of NFTs, Altcoins, and GameFi in 2021, SocialFi, currently on the verge of explosion, has theoretically shown the potential to significantly impact cryptocurrencies, Blockchain, and how people interact socially around the globe. Essentially, this new social application is paving the way with its novel approach to fostering a productive social networking culture centered on helping users leverage and maximize the Blockchain. With the emergence of the SocialFi ecosystem at its nascent stage, this social paradigm rectifies myriads of potential opportunities and conventional inadequacies. Opportunities/Benefits of Socialfi Data ownership SocialFi relies massively on the authenticity and tamper-proof feature of the Blockchain, which is exceptional for tackling quotidian issues of data access confirmation. SocialFi has become a relatively new crypto niche sharing a similar perspective to DeFi, where users wield proprietary rights to their assets. Reward distribution As more internet users become interested in the content creation business through daily interactions, this disruptive user-centric social program rewards users with "financialization and tokenization" of their online social exploits. You could earn incentives from reporting, commenting, creating content, or any form of online engagement. How cool is that! Decentralization SocialFi espouses decentralization and is set to combat one of the biggest daily problems in these social systems - Monopolies. Social media agents pave the way for billions of users to gain traction but still dictate and control values generated by our social paraphernalia behind closed doors. Big guns in the social media industry like Meta invariably give room for established content creators to dominate and almost vanquish various attempts by upcoming creators, thereby heralding a monopoly for value generation. With SocialFi, there won't be a need for these middlemen in social interactions, and users are empowered to control all the values generated by the system. Privacy and Security Being centered on blockchain technology, SocialFi imbibes pseudonymity or anonymity in users' identity and information, thereby safeguarding the confidentiality of its users. New entrants and already established celebrities won't be required to provide identification for any sign-ups or account registration, thereby circumventing the various vulnerabilities associated with many operators' back-end data repositories. To summarize…. The emergence of SocialFi will effectively provide a safe, decentralized, and less rigorous entry of more people into the crypto creative space while incentivizing existing content creation unbiasedly. In essence, by utilizing SocialFi, users would have the opportunity to tokenize and monetize their influence - irrespective of their prominence - through post-to-earn dynamics. Looking at this innovative blockchain mechanic's trajectory, many believe it would be a great addition to the technology industry and a great way to ensure users' interest in the Web 3.0 virtual space. Judging from the promising growth of Web 3.0 and its components, SocialFi should not come as a surprise when it eventually becomes mainstream. What do you think? Do you believe SocialFi can be an integral part of the Metaverse ecosystem in the future? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

If you came across the terms 'GameFi' or Play-to-Earn (P2E) for the first time, you would probably think to yourself, "It's just a game/a game bot," or wonder what all the commotion is about.' On the other hand, the GameFi and Play-to-Earn concepts aren't just for games. The reality is that there's more to them than their collocative implications, and these game-changing developments can be traced to the infancy of cryptocurrency, the advent of Bitcoin. Some years ago, intending to incorporate Bitcoin into the Minecraft server, gaming applications like Bitquest integrated Bitcoin as a currency in their virtual gaming world. Such efforts to homogenize gaming and crypto, as Bitquest attempted, were the first steps close to the GameFi concept. This blog will aptly answer the much-anticipated question about GameFi and its functionalities. What is Gamefi? GameFi is simply a hybrid amalgam of the words "Game" and "Finance - Decentralized Finance." Through the convergence of Blockchain technology and other unique Blockchain applications like Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), DeFi, and Algorithmic stablecoins, GameFi's Decentralized Application (DApps) gives gamers the option to be the exclusive and verifiable owners of their games' virtual elements. Unlike the Pay-to-Win approach in the conventional game industry, where gamers purchase in-game assets they don't entirely control and don't possess any significant value in the real world, GameFi revolutionizes the gaming experience by integrating the Play-to-Earn approach. Play-to-Earn, synonymous with GameFi, empowers players to incentivize their skills and strategies instead of paying to acquire virtual assets. For instance, GameFi apps like Alien Worlds - an NFT metaverse - support NFTs in their virtual space. This way, players who verifiably own any in-game asset still possess those assets even when the game server is turned off. The concept of GameFi is ushering the world to a new futuristic application of cryptocurrencies by building an economic model for making money(tokens) while playing your favorite games. Unlike traditional games, no centralized authority or 'developer' regulates this ecosystem - the primary reason for GameFi's looming success. How Does Gamefi Work? Most GameFi campaigns, though presently diversifying to other base layers (Polygon, Polkadot, Solana, Wax, and BSC), operate on the smart contract-enabled blockchain network Ethereum. These digital tokens subsequently serve as rewards for players' feats. These games have a few commonalities. The player can purchase items like coins, lands, weapons, extra lives, custom characters, outfits, accessories, and avatars 'directly' from the game's blockchain network's ledger and not from the game's developers, thereby espousing decentralization. These acquirable assets are mostly represented as NFTs, which corroborates the sense of authenticity and ownership of these digital items. How to Earn GameFi Rewards… Players can stake their in-game asse,,) Serums vs. Concentrates to earn active or passive rewards through blending decentralized Finance (DeFi), NFTs, and other Blockchain features. The in-game tokens made from completing battles and quests in these GameFi projects can be 'Token swapped' for other cryptocurrencies or even flipped to fiat currency. Unlike the orthodox gaming experience, GameFi's DAO feature would empower players to make decisions about the game's dynamics and earn benefits as stakeholders. These decisions can determine future game updates, game rewards, and trajectory. Bottom line... With GameFi, a whole multiverse of possibilities has been flung open! This immersive gaming mechanic has out of nowhere initiated a new revenue system that rewards players for the time and resources spent in playing games. Users can now increase their earning potential by leveling up and upgrading their game characters, with all their information saved on the Blockchain. In essence, players can benefit from this token economy because they, not the gaming operator, own all assets, thereby adding real-world value to their in-game purchases. At this point, GameFi and the NFTs are gravitating towards becoming a rallying point for DeFi. What are your thoughts? Do you think GameFi can be the ultimate passport to broader crypto adoption? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

The intersection of Blockchain and AI brings new value to the tech world and a transformative impact on society. Over the decades, humans have experienced the transcendence of the tech world, which has simmered into a stew of life-changing innovations and possibilities, all culminating in bringing our age-long human dystopia into existence. Unlike in the Matrix motion picture, which depicts a symbiotic relationship between humans and machines, the concept of artificial intelligence goes beyond just an encompassing system of machines and tubes that expeditiously attend to our physical or emotional needs. Blockchain has proven to be quite a powerful innovation: improving virtually every sector or industry in it has been implemented - a simulacrum of efficiency. This blog will help demystify all you should know about this perfect matching of Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. Defining Blockchain & AI (Artificial Intelligence) What is Blockchain? Blockchain is a synergistic immutable ledger that enables an expeditious, mutual, and transparent exchange of encrypted data and transactions effectuated through smart contract compliance. Since its inception, Blockchain has undoubtedly become an essential part of the financial community, gaining prominence due to its immersion in technology and rapidly moving to the forefront of new technology trends. This technology enables smart contracts, government service, decentralized autonomous entities and transactions, and a freely dispersed global network that substantially impacts how we use the internet. What is AI? AI (Artificial Intelligence) are forms of technology that use computers, data, and occasionally machines to replicate the human mind's problem-solving and decision-making abilities. These technologies house and possesses the temerity to listen to human limitations and the audacity to transcend them through incorporating machine learning and deep learning. There are three major aspects of this technology; Big data, Algorithms, and Computing Power. To homogenize these various aspects, Big data generated from different media like the Internet of Things is essential for training the algorithm to obtain a codification standard by effectively harnessing computing power. Integration of Blockchain & AI These two technologies are invariably complimentary and reciprocate for their various benefits. Blockchain for AI Blockchain and AI amalgam can become a mutual relationship that influences many aspects of the tech stratum, including security - the confluence of these two technologies promises immutability and double-shield security against tampering or cyber breaches. In juxtaposition to the Blockchain, the AI technology has a 'Centralized' nature, considering how its data is centrally operated and reposited. While utilizing the guaranteed integrity of Blockchain to effectively address the shortcomings, errors, and risks associated with Artificial Intelligence, the AI tech also imbues the immutability, decentralized reliability, and transparency of Blockchain to underpin sharability, security, and trusted digital analysis. AI for Blockchain AI technology also assists in augmenting the Blockchain functionalities by implementing its huge computing power and efficient algorithmic standards. For instance, when a new block is added to the catenated Blockchain, and nodes are expected to attain a consensus, a given period and fee - Gas fee - are required to effectuate the entire process. The AI's automatic nature and infallible algorithmic standards provide an expeditious experience in curbing Blockchain vulnerabilities and compensating for the shortcomings in Blockchain smart contract algorithms. In essence, the confluence of Blockchain and AI augments the functioning of applications by intensifying their inherent features like the security of blockchain applications, adjusting dynamic modalities for scalability, and providing effective customization and administrative mechanisms. Synopsis of the values of Integration of Blockchain and AI Authenticity & Proprietary Functions: Since Blockchain keeps track of records on a well-distributed ledger, the provenance of AI data would be well accounted for. Using Blockchain internalities to store and distribute AI data provides a good audit trail and guarantees data security. Augmentation: AI can expeditiously encode, decode and correlate data without gas wars and time consumption. Blockchain manages data use dynamics and sharing, thereby hypostatizing the augmentation feature Blockchain and AI bring to the table. Automation: Automation implies the embedded AI technology in the Blockchain to effectively and autonomously monitor and control transactions through the imbibition of pre-programmed standards. In sum, the amalgamation of Blockchain and Artificial intelligence provides solid insights and actions in stepping up to human limitations by creating what is perhaps the world's most reliable technology system that is practically tamper-proof, highly secure, and efficient. So, from your discernment, do you think the blend of Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence is the ultimate revival of interest in augmenting human abilities? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

The application of Blockchain technology has advanced and is still extending far beyond its initial proposition. With Blockchain expectations getting surmounted daily, You have probably wondered if technology can ever breach the looming gap between digital and physical assets. Well, the gap is not just getting interfaced; it's, as I'd like to say, 'getting harmonized'. Every day, new paradigms get continually built around the Blockchain. For instance, most industries are starting to embrace the enormous potential of the token economy. This new adoption has dramatically altered the dynamics of investments in the financial market, laden with centralized and illiquid investments worth trillions of dollars, with slim and elusive chances of democratization. In other words, retail investors have the only option of investing in debt or equity markets, both volatile and risky. Blockchain, through its distributed ledger, decentralized and immutable features, has enabled the tokenization of assets to combat the precarious nature of financial investments. This Blockchain-enabled innovation would see steep assets or properties broken down into smaller acquirable units, encouraging a fairer market. To explicitly demonstrate how this innovation would create an enabling environment for anyone (even with meager amounts in the capital), I would provide a detailed overview of 'Asset Tokenization' and its decisive impact on investments. And that spawns the pending question, 'What is the asset tokenization?' Asset Tokenization Defined Asset tokenization is digitizing physical and intangible assets to effectively break them down into smaller, achievable units called tokens. These tokens, also known as security tokens, denote proportional units of the digitized asset, which can list for sale. Blockchain exploits its ubiquity when listed by letting anyone acquire these fractionalized tokens irrespective of location. The most interesting fact about tokenized assets is that the procurer of any asset-backed token automatically shares proprietorship with the asset's original owner. Depending on the agreement, these ownership rights often have some perks. Like every other investment, asset-backed tokens appreciate concurrently with their underlying asset. In other words, as the asset appreciates, the token does the same. To illustrate, imagine you own a condo worth a hundred thousand dollars. You can decide to dissect your building into many facets so that your already digitized asset would comprise 100 tokens, with each token worth as little as a thousand dollars - compared to the actual fee. With this small entry ticket, anyone can automatically access this property once they purchase one of the tokens, creating a highly liquid decentralized market. Progressively, profits and revenues generated from this property would proportionally get distributed among the token holders. The disruptive traits of Blockchain technology have consummated such new iterations as seen in asset tokenization, which continues to create a wide range of benefits. Let's get a detailed insight into the benefits… Benefits of Asset Tokenization Increased Efficiency: The precedence of Blockchain technology in this innovation helps remove the need for third-party interference and contingencies. Circumventing the plights of intermediaries through automation expedites the entire transaction process and significantly reduces transaction costs. Furthermore, due to the immutability trait of the Blockchain, personal data continues to be protected and tamper-proof. Improved Liquidity: Tokenization tends to open any asset to global investment. By allowing the fractioning of any asset into smaller acquirable parts, asset-backed tokens provide a stargate to trading previously illiquid assets. Real estate tokenization companies are helping a wider range of people - who never envisaged the possibility - invest and acquire properties in the real estate industry. Shared Economy: An investor or token-holder would always have a share in the revenue generated from the asset model, be it rented, leased, or outrightly sold. Or, token-holders can decide to luxuriate in their property by sharing the use of the asset within themselves. For example, token-holders of a beach house might decide to spend their downtime or vacation in the house - another way of espousing a shared economy. Blockchain Efficiency: Since Blockchain is the underlying technology, this innovation also promises Blockchain's inherent benefits. These benefits include; security, transparency (visibility and traceability), interoperability, immutability, and decentralized structure. Facilitated Innovation: Fractionalized real estate, liquid revenue share agreements, dynamic ETFs, and other previously unmanageable offerings can benefit from using programmable contracts and shared ledgers in asset tokenization. Final Thoughts As new solutions and innovations continue to plunge into the financial market, Asset tokenization has categorically gravitated toward creating a legal bridge between assets and distributed ledger technology. This revolutionary innovation is poised to restructure the metrics of asset management. By democratizing access to assets, I would say the presence of various asset-token media and asset–token companies have contributed to a reasonable new financial alternative that conveniently consolidates digital liquidity with hard asset values. As asset-backed tokens continue to gain traction, Do you think asset tokenization is an improved alternative to the current financial landscape built around traditional assets? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

Over the years, we have seen widespread beneficial innovations using Blockchain technology. Through novel innovations, this disruptive technology has become a vanguard in creating new, productive business models for most industries. The invention of the crypto tokens is one of the notable factors that have immensely contributed to the success of the Blockchain stratum. These tokens have been serving a vast range of functions while maintaining the decentralized, open-source, distributed, and trustless nature of Blockchain technology. In the Blockchain ecosystem, maximalists mostly gravitate toward convenience and the utility of these tokens. The aptly named 'Utility tokens' we will discuss in this blog is one effective crypto token that continues to serve as a tool for driving human behavior using incentives. To effectively elicit these value-laden tokens' effectiveness, I would delve deeper into 'Utility tokens,' what they mean and how aspiring custodians can acquire them. What Is A Utility Token? To understand what utility tokens are, let us, first of all, take a look at tokens as a general concept. Tokens depict fungible, non-fungible (NFTs), and tradeable cryptocurrencies representing tangible assets, utilities, or specific use cases on a Blockchain. Except for Bitcoin and Ethereum (though still technically tokens), tokens generally signify ‘asset rights’ managed through a smart contract and on an intrinsically distributed ledger. In essence, Utility tokens are simply the type of tokens that enable future access to the products or services offered by a company (first dibs on limited edition products, discounts, or first access to brand new services). The proceeds from these digital assets are used as an escrow bond to finance a network and encourage particular behavior. Unlike the security tokens, whose main objective is to create expectations of generating financial benefits for the holder, Utility crypto tokens, like the name connotes, aim to offer specific utilities. In other words, custodians of these crypto tokens are offered a guarantee of easy access to the products of the financial establishment in exchange for their tokens. Let us take the Basic Attention Token(BAT), for instance. This token is a Blockchain-based digital token that tracks and pays publishers for their content and users' attention. This Utility token also provides value for advertisers in return for their ads. Like the BAT Token, there are other Utility tokens examples, including Chainlink, Binance Coin, Zilliqa, Aurora, and 0x. How to Get Utility Tokens? Financial establishments leverage this disruptive innovation by disbursing their unique utility tokens in Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) to generate development funds. Through these offerings, a company can create unique utility tokens and decide to sell them for a product still in its nascent stage. Startup projects offer utility tokens to users who invest in them during such offerings before launch. Ultimately, the company manages to raise funds for its growth, while its token custodians get great future post-launch benefits. To circumvent the impression of engaging in a security offering, businesses that offer these utility tokens are increasingly avoiding the term "ICO" in favor of terms such as "Token Generation Events" and "Token Distribution Events." So, the next time you invest in some Utility tokens, ensure you are convinced it's a genuine project and try to look up the relevant terms instead of merely ICOs. To amplify your erudition on the practical nature of these tokens, I would emphasize further the use cases and privileges utility tokens can accord us. Other Roles of Utility Tokens The token owner has various privileges, such as the ability to use or own a product. Utility tokens enfranchise the holders, especially when it comes to crucial decisions. Utility coins allow you to store data in a decentralized manner. These tokens serve as a medium of exchange for the services they deliver. In the Blockchain, utility tokens serve as money. In subsequent years, it may also be used as a substitute for fiat currency. Users can gain more access to the blockchain infrastructure or a decentralized service. Finally, Utility tokens help to develop a thriving economy within the system. Civic token is an example of a financial institution incentivizing its users to double-check and make attestations within their Blockchain ecosystem. The Takeaways In recent times, many incumbent businesses that do not develop their blockchain strategy are at high risk of watching their business models become uncompetitive, especially as futuristic innovations continue to emerge. In the future, we will see more traditional processes embrace Blockchain or most startups developing equity from venture capitalists through adopting successful utility tokens. Finally, as a blockchain enthusiast, I reckon it's only a question before utility tokens go mainstream. What do you think? Are they poised to become the future of financial institutions? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

If till now, you are asking the questions "What is a DAO?" or "Why do I even need to bother what DAO means?" You need not bother; these are technically very fair questions, which this blog will help you demystify. In traditional companies today, there are always laid out rules, dynamics, and most importantly, contracted members who are legally bound to maintain their allotted roles. These companies operate on a centralized management system where company owners often want all control and hegemony over their organization's ecosystem. That form of authority in some situations can extend to as much as even the verticals built on top of those ecosystems. Contrary to traditional establishments and their administrative dynamics, the Blockchain and its evolving applications like DAO – also known as Decentralized Autonomous Organization- have kept justifying the idea of a democratized approach to organizational management. To demonstrate how the DAO concept is considered one of the most innovative Blockchain-based concepts, I would provide a detailed expository on this revolutionary iteration and how it can impact our lives. What is a DAO? P.S: Most people complain about the ambiguity or confusion surrounding the DAOs as either an organization or DAO as a protocol. The truth is both of these concepts are radically interwoven. Let me explain how. DAO as an Organization A Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) is a democratized Blockchain-based entity, collectively owned and managed by 'members,' who can make decisions without human interference and monopoly. In this type of organization, decision-making is governed by proposals and a public polling system that ensures every member has a say in policy-making. To be considered a bonafide or enfranchised member, one should have the DAO token of the DAO project they belong to or wish to join. Holding this asset or a DAO ICO (DAO's Initial Coin Offering) generally gives users or members a fair opportunity and power proportional to their holdings. Also, DAO members occasionally enjoy a considerable latitude of earning token incentives for assertively contributing to their organization's welfare. All of these occur without the need for a CEO to orchestrate activities based on their whims or even try to manipulate the entity's data. Now, that's all about DAO as an organization; let us look at DAO as a protocol. DAO as a Protocol When like-minded strangers on the Internet decide to collaborate in achieving an overarching goal, they can decide to adopt a DAO software or protocol to regulate their activities. This built-in programmatic treasury would contain every member's data with encoded predetermined rules and regulations for the group. Since this open-source blockchain protocol houses all the rules, there's never a need to interpret the programs as they always self-execute when predefined conditions are met. Haven gained insight into DAO's definition; I would further expound on this terminology by eliciting how a DAO works, plus Why and where we need DAO. How does DAO work? To create a DAO, one has to pass through three stages: Smart contract creation: The mainstay of a DAO or DAO protocol is its Smart contract. Like the ERC20 contracts, DAO smart contracts formalize and automate the entire process. In this creation stage, a developer generates and encodes the smart contract for the DAO. Funding: After launching the smart contract, members and prospective members determine modalities for increasing their stakes in the organizations by buying the tokens. As we discussed, these tokens give members the right to enact governance by voting and sending in proposals for reinforcements. Deployment: Finally, these stipulated rules and code of conduct, all embedded in the contract, are deployed on the Blockchain for adequate functionality. After execution, the application becomes tamper-proof and immutable, which interprets the encoded rules only being changed or altered through a consensus post-launch. Why & Where do we need DAO? High trust, low costs: It is hard to trust anyone you have only interacted with on the Internet. The technology answers how we can exchange values in a trusted environment while cutting costs in an expeditious process. Efficient and Decentralized: Apart from eliminating the need for a third party and bureaucratic hassles, even voting in DAOs, unlike conventional organizations, would only take seconds and minutes. Transparency: With DAOs, you only need to trust the smart contract, which is 100% transparent and confirmable. Anyone can see transactions, thereby circumventing dodgy practices among members. Most organizations and innovations today have long since been exploring the benefits of DAO through its application in their systems. DAO has, in turn, continued to put a whole new spin on its organizational dynamics and various purposes. With a particular emphasis on the NFT stratum, I would highlight the use case of DAO in this blockchain creativity industry. DAOs in NFTs There are a lot of DAOs brought to the NFT table. NFTs generally give a sense of ownership to creators, while DAOs help with the governance role, intrinsically creating a highly efficient financial organization. Take the BAYC NFT community, for example. Months ago, they launched their APE DAO where token holders can get to vote on governance and the use of the Ecosystem Funds. This DAO fractionalized 49 BAYC NFTs into a startling 1,000,000 tokens for prospective members to purchase. This process drastically reduced the Bored Apes' exorbitant cost, making them easy assets to procure by relatively anyone! The Blue chips NFT, among other new NFT projects, is also jumping on the DAO bandwagon. In these organizations, creators can sell the NFTs once created by the artist (music, digital arts, etc.) to the DAO. The entity purchases and mines the artwork with the organizational funds, and in the case of a liquidity event, the DAO shares the proceeds from sales to members or stakeholders. In essence, DAOs instill a paradigm-shifting effect in the NFT stratum by espousing these main perks: Collective ownership Community governance NFT creator collectives To Wrap up… DAO is not just a looming blockbuster innovation alongside DeFi and NFT. Instead, it has the potential to be at the heart of any successful cryptocurrency initiative, virtually always linked to a robust community. The current level of DAO power is just the tip of the iceberg. Over time, DAO is expected to become the 10,000x booster to overhaul the entire social coordination infrastructure, comparable to how the Internet changed the core postal delivery system. However, keep in mind that DAO is in its infancy. Onboarding barriers, centralized governance, numerous aspects of tooling, security, and legal and regulatory clarity are just a few obstacles we must overcome to achieve our ultimate goal. So, what are your thoughts? Do you think DAOs are poised to replace the traditional management system? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

Crypto projects are experiencing a quantum leap in new functionalities and potential for financial transactions. One of such functions is the introduction of crowdfunding techniques where crypto projects can leverage the Blockchain's Decentralized Finance (DeFi) while soliciting funds from their prospective customers. The Crypto Fundraising ecosystem has evolved from traditional options of getting financial loans and investments from banks, uploading website whitepapers to coin offerings, initial exchange offerings, and traditional seed rounds. This ecosystem's advancement has recently seen the emergence of Initial Decentralized Exchange Offering( IDO) - a preferred fundraising model that offers better liquidity and transparent trading. The crowdfunding model has been listed as an improved alternative to other antiquated models, from Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) to Security Token Offering (STO) and Initial Exchange Offering (IEO). I would now provide a more precise outline of an IDO, how it offers a more egalitarian crowdfunding model, and how it can benefit its custodians. What Is an IDO? An Initial Decentralized Exchange Offering (IDO) is a crowdfunding model where the newly established crypto project or issuer disburses IDO coins using liquidity pools on a decentralized liquidity exchange platform. This decentralized liquidity exchange is a crypto-asset exchange dependent on liquidity pools as a tool for token swapping among traders. P.S: Liquidity pools are tradeable crypto pairs comprising crypto assets and stablecoins, namely the pairing between USDT and ETH (USDT/ETH). Crypto traders leverage the unfluctuating nature of stablecoins to ensure and secure their volatile crypto assets by swapping them at their discretion or especially during the bear market. In its essence, IDOs are augmented successors to the ICOs and IEOs whose primary aim is to bootstrap crypto projects. With IDOs, tokens are automatically listed on a decentralized exchange(DEX) by anyone without any brokerage or third-party interference. Many of these Decentralized exchanges accommodate the launch of IDOs. Some of these exchanges include Binance DEX, Polkastarter, and Uniswap. To understand why IDOs are gaining traction among different startups and business establishments, let me elucidate how IDOs work. How Do IDOs Work? To provide an insightful idealization of this paradigm-shifting innovation, I will highlight the various steps required for an IDO to function effectively. They are as follows: Preparation: This stage is where the crypto project analyzes and describes the project they are about to commence. Often, this process involves launching a technical description of the product or offer. A professional whitepaper or even a Demo version of the offering is required to expound the project's competence to the public. Decentralized Generalization: To circumvent some of the lapses experienced by some previous crowdfunding models like the ICO - which was left vulnerable to dodgy activities like spam and outright scam - IDOs must be scrutinized and verified at this stage. The crypto project is sent to the chosen DEX startup platform for an IDO to get verified. External auditors vet and verify the project if they match their credibility criteria. Once verified, the given project is automatically bootstrapped to raise capital by installing it on a DEX launchpad. Presale: At this stage, project enthusiasts attempt to register on the whitelist by supporting the startup, primarily through signing up for their social network. Other times, this process is also determined through a lottery. Public Sale: Also conducted on the DEX platform, this process involves the raising of capital through the combination of ETH and stable coins (USDC, USDT, and DAI). The public sale can be carried out in two possible ways: The token-holder sells in batches, with the price of tokens rising with every batch. Investors are more interested in this technique because the first buyers can get tokens at a discount. Instead of selling tokens at a set price, the holder organizes an auction where supply and demand determine the selling price. MTA tokens are sold in this manner. Token Listing on the Cryptocurrency Stock Exchange: Funds are raised to build a liquidity pool at this stage, and the balance is provided to the team. Investors trade the tokens after the Token Generation Event (TGE), and the liquidity pair (LP) is customarily locked for a set time before being opened for trading. Liquidity Simulation: Though this stage is not obligatory, it is highly relevant. After crypto projects list their tokens, some create incentives for specific actions to stimulate investors' interest in their ecosystem. Closing Thoughts With their combination of simplicity, affordability, and accessibility, many new projects in the crypto market are now using IDOs as a regular financing technique. Token sales have even grown into a whole industry. Unlike some technology that oversees token auctions, IDOs are still in their infancy in a financial sector that is only 12 years old. Still, by bringing their benefits of Instant Liquidity, Instant trading, Lower costs, and Efficiency, these new offerings could become the most popular blockchain-based fundraising mechanism in the future. This results from IDOs having surmounted their other exchange counterparts like the IEO. As a blockchain enthusiast, I reckon IDOs have the potential to emerge as a frontrunner in the domain of fundraising mechanisms. What do you think? Would you adopt this service as a backbone in your portfolios or your next crowdfunding event? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!

Blockchain technology is gaining momentum by auguring its various applications and use cases. We are entering a unique era in the timeline of the world's first and most renowned cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. Bitcoin provides a low-cost method for sending remittances globally and serves as an alternative store of value. The Bitcoin network replaces financial intermediaries with computer code built on a decentralized ledger known as the Blockchain. Without the need for financial middlemen, Bitcoin has undoubtedly changed the dynamics of exchange for individuals and businesses worldwide. Despite all its upsides, Bitcoin has some technical issues, such as slow transaction speeds and data-intensive network operations. Bitcoin transactions require up to six subjective confirmations by the miners and nodes, depending on the amount transacted. This confirmation process can take a considerable amount of time. As the cryptocurrency ecosystem expands, the number of Bitcoin transactions will increase, resulting in network congestion. This affects transaction fees, confirmation times, and scalability of the Bitcoin network, especially for on-chain micropayment transactions. The Lightning Network, an off-chain solution, addresses these problems. The Lightning Network settles transactions at nearly the speed of light. Handling all transaction amounts off-chain, this scaling solution expedites and reduces costs for micropayments. Lightning users can quickly pay for a cup of coffee with minimal transaction fees. The Lightning Network provides an effective off-chain scaling solution for Bitcoin, reducing costs and increasing transaction throughput and settlement speed. Let's take a closer look at the Lightning Network to understand better how it operates, has additional functionality, and tackles the scalability downside of the Bitcoin mainnet. Lightning Network Explained The Lightning Network is a bidirectional layer 2 side chain that utilizes two-party payment channels to enhance transaction speed and throughput and also adds smart contract functionality to the Bitcoin network. A layer 2 network is a separate network or application built on top of an underlying network or application called the Layer 1. Scaled Blockchain networks should be able to handle millions or billions of transaction throughputs, also known as TPS (Transactions Per Second). In turn, because miners, computers that secure and verify transactions on the network, do not typically validate smaller transactions quickly, a scaled blockchain should also process all transactions quickly and efficiently regardless of the size or amount. Lightning network smart contracts automate this process, and transactions are only written to the Blockchain when lightning payment channels are finalized and closed. Next, let’s understand how the Bitcoin Lightning Network (BLP) operates and the additional use cases it provides to Bitcoin. How Does the Lightning Network Work? The Bitcoin Lightning Network enables the creation of peer-to-peer payment channels using the Bitcoin Blockchain for initiation and settlement. To create a Lightning channel, an initial transaction called the ‘Funding Transaction’ is paid into the channel in Bitcoin (BTC) by one or two parties. After the Lightning channel has been initiated, the parties involved are each given two sets of keys. The first key is typically held until the parties decide to close the Lightning channel. The parties exchange the second key to validate their 'Spending Transactions'. The two parties can then conduct unlimited, disinter-mediated spending transactions between their lightning nodes and other nodes in the Lightning network. Strike is one practical example of a platform that utilizes Lightning technology. Built on Bitcoin's Lightning Network, Strike - a digital Bitcoin payment platform - enables sending micropayments anywhere in the world, from your favorite restaurant or tipping from your socials like Twitter. Main Benefits of Lightning Bitcoin Network Instant Payments: Due to its ability to initiate Hash Time-Locked Contract (HTLC) multi-signature transactions without creating an on-blockchain transaction, the transactions are carried out instantly through lightning channels. Scalability: Due to the ever-growing number of Lightning payment channels, the network can handle millions and billions of transactions per second indiscriminately. Low Cost: By eliminating mining fees and settling transactions off-blockchain, the Bitcoin Lightning Network significantly reduces costs, and network fees are surprisingly low. Cross Blockchain: Cross-chain atomic swaps from an entirely different cryptocurrency can be facilitated by smart contracts. It is feasible to conduct transactions across Blockchains without intermediaries if the chains use the same cryptographic hash function. This allows for peer-to-peer decentralized cryptocurrency exchanges without needing a centralized authority. In Conclusion Human ingenuity coupled with a decentralized, open, and permissionless network of programmable money has created incredible functionality that delivers compelling utility to merchants and crypto users. Quoting Zap & Strike's CEO Jack Maller, the Lightning Network can be “One of the more impressive advancements in money as a technology in human history.” As the Bitcoin protocol continues to grow, a small volume of Bitcoin transactions can be offloaded to the Bitcoin Lightning Network, freeing up space on the Blockchain and reducing network congestion. This innovative remittance Blockchain network is becoming less cutting edge and more of a necessity for efficient financial transactions. What are your thoughts? Do you fancy the prospect of having a Lightning node any time soon? Follow my Twitter @JoyyuanWeb3 to learn about the trends of Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3!