Crypto

Bitmain has declared the launch of two internet routers which will mine Dash and Siacoin. In a tweet shared online, the company said the new miners, called the Antrouter R3-DASH and Antrouter R3-SIA, can perform as internet routers which will mine cryptocurrencies at the same time using the devices� idle processing power. The routers are models from Bitmain�s R3 series of products, which already includes the R3 Litecoin Mining Router. Earlier this year, canaan creative, the second largest manufacturer of mining equipment in the world launched the AvalonMiner insider, a smart TV that doubles as a bitcoin mining device with the capacity to process 2.8 trillion hashes per second. As expected, the capabilities of these dual-purpose miners are limited compared to professional miners. It also looks to be targeted at amateur miners who are not after creating profits, but love the concept of mining cryptocurrencies. The product page of the Antrouter R3-DASH�s shows the specifications of the ro...

The government is considering launching crypto tokens for monetary transactions within the country, even as the present ban on cryptocurrencies is probably going to continue, sources said. A committee studying the utilization of crypto assets is functioning on a group of rules, and specific actions, including a roadmap for permitting cryptocurrencies in future. Once the draft rules are prepared and lawfully vetted, it'll be tabled before Parliament, sources said. Unlike virtual or cryptocurrency, that is treated as a similar of cash, crypto token may be a representation of cash. It cannot be utilized in place of fiat money. Crypto tokens are supported block chain application. "The committee is examining if crypto tokens will be used to replace smart cards such as metro cards in the public sector to begin with. Similarly, in the personal sector, it can be utilized in loyalty programmes like air miles wherever its use is restricted to purchasing the next ticket and cannot be con...

A member of Ukraine�s Electoral Commission disclosed in an Aug. 7 Facebook post that they're working with NEM on a blockchain voting pilot. Oleksandr Stelmakh, head of the State Register at the Central Electoral Commission of Ukraine, appeared happy with the continuing tests, writing in the post that they're �continu[ing] a series of experiments applying blockchain technology within electoral voting.� Stelmakh noted that they created a test vote using twenty eight nodes with the NEM blockchain �several weeks ago,� adding that �voting remains open and anyone can participate it in.� The trial, which occurred as a results of a partnership with the local NEM Ukraine, completely involves a testnet with test NEM tokens �kindly given by a representative of the NEM Foundation in Ukraine,� Anton Bosenko. On the basis of current rates, Stelmakh calculated the value of installing blockchain voting in each police station in the country would be around the equivalent of $1,227 per implement...

Software giant Microsoft has debuted a brand new Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) product that permits businesses across industry verticals to deploy a versatile instance of Ethereum tailored specifically for enterprise environments. Announced on Tuesday, Ethereum Proof-of-Authority on Azure allows enterprises to create applications on an Ethereum blockchain that's not secured by a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus algorithm and consequently doesn't need mining � features that are better suited for networks in which participants don't trust each other. PoW �works nice in anonymous, open networks wherever cryptocurrency promotes security on the network,� said Azure global software engineer Cody Born. �However, in private/consortium networks the underlying ether has no worth.� Born explained that, since all participants on an enterprise blockchain network are known and reputable, governance can be separated from network operation. Proof-of-Authority allows network administrators t...

Bitmain, the world�s largest bitcoin miner and mining instrumentation maker has declared construction plans for a new blockchain data center and cryptocurrency mining facility in the town of Rockdale in Milam County, Texas. CCN earlier reported that the company released plans to construct a data center in Texas as a part of an ongoing North american expansion drive. The facility is part of a projected $500 million investment into the area, and it's expected to bring in up to 400 new jobs, which will make up a key part of what locals hope is a rebirth in an area devastated by de-industrialization and job losses. Re-Industrialization in America�s Rust Belt According to a statement from Bitmain, the facility, which will commence operations in early 2019 and become totally operational within 2 years, represents an investment of over $500 million over an initial period of seven years into the local, county, and statewide economies. Opened inside an abandoned Alcoa aluminium smelter plan...

Starbucks' jump into cryptocurrency is "the biggest news of the year for bitcoin" as a result of it paves the way for a bitcoin ETF, according to Bk Capital Management founder Brian Kelly. Starbucks, the intercontinental Exchange, Microsoft and BCG, among others, declared on Friday they're working to launch a new company known as Bakkt. Along with enabling  consumers to use bitcoin and alternative cryptocurrencies at Starbucks, Bakkt will leverage Microsoft's cloud to make an open and controlled, digital asset ecosystem, ICE said. "They'll currently have a U.S.-regulated exchange, and they have a licensed warehouse, which is how commodities are keep, and that's going to create it plenty easier for an ETF to come through," Kelly, a bitcoin enthusiast, said on CNBC's "Fast money." Starbucks and a major exchange taking cryptocurrency seriously might help bitcoin break through as a mainstream international currency. It may also help boo...

Contrary to reports in mainstream media, Starbucks has clarified that it'll not be accepting direct bitcoin payments at coffee shops. As reported  by CCN on Friday, Starbucks is part of a new cryptocurrency venture with Microsoft and also the intercontinental Exchange (ICE) dubbed �Bakkt�, a regulated Wall Street platform that might basically bring cryptocurrencies like bitcoin into the mainstream. �We are collaborating to create an open platform that helps unlock the transformative potential of digital assets [cryptocurrencies like bitcoin] across world markets and commerce,� Bakkt chief executive officer Kelly Loeffler told following the announcement. It�s a groundbreaking development for the cryptocurrency sector, enough for ICE founder and chief executive Jeff Sprecher to claim bitcoin �has the potential to become the first worldwide currency�. Several mainstream media outlets lapped up the story with the likes of CNBC running with the headline �New Starbucks partnership with M...