Some have simplistic features that are easier to learn while others have been designed with a more professional focus in mind. Depending on what you need the app for there are many alternatives that might suit your needs. 

Image: Microsoft Teams

Settling on the Best Video Chat Apps Available in 2024

Texting, calling, emailing—there are many ways to communicate with those in your life, but there is something distinctly convenient about using video conferencing apps to make your interaction more personal and detailed. Some of the top video calling apps take away the impersonal nature of other digital forms of communication and give us a face to go with the voice, even when you communicate with someone you’ve never met before. 

Not only do they add a human element to the interaction, but many of them also provide a way to add more details with screen sharing, allow us to take turns speaking, help get all of our reactions in one place, and most importantly, they keep us more engaged than a text or email ever could.

Their versatility is something to appreciate and considering how they’re becoming a common element in a large majority of work settings, it won’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the best apps available for video calling.

1. Zoom 

Available on: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS

Free version: Available; 40-minute time limit 

Paid Plan: Pro plan for 1-9 users is $12.49 USD per month per user and the Business plan for 10-250 users is  $18.32 USD per month per user.

Zoom was one of the biggest winners of the pandemic and despite some initial struggles with security issues, the app has established itself as one of the best video chat apps around. The app’s free plan is more than sufficient for users who need to set up meetings occasionally but don’t have a need for an elaborate messaging system, although there is a team chat available as well. Zoom meetings are exceptionally easy to set up and features like screen sharing and whiteboard make it very versatile as well. 

Zoom even allows users to create up to 50 breakout rooms in a single meeting so if you’re someone who has the need to break down groups into smaller teams, you can have up to 100 members on call and then divide them with ease. If you need to extend the time limit further, then a simple personal Pro plan might be of good use to you. It also comes with additional cloud storage if that’s of importance to you. Because the app does a little bit of everything and doesn’t gate-keep essential features, it is one of the top video call apps to have on hand. 

2. Webex

Available on: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, web

Free version: Available; 40-minute time limit 

Paid Plan: The Webex Meet plan is $14.50 USD per user/month and the Webex Suite for 10-250 users is priced at $25 USD per user/month.

Cisco Webex has had a long and reliable history of being a tech provider, allowing you to have a comprehensive kit of tools at your disposal, albeit at a price. The video quality with Webex is one of the best among video chatting apps. The app is better suited for professional settings and has all the necessary features like screen sharing, whiteboard, local meeting recordings, breakout rooms, etc. The Closed Caption and post-meeting transcript on the paid plans are quite useful and help exceptionally with team meetings, although it is only available in a few languages. From our experience, these features are much more efficient and accurate compared to other platforms that offer transcripts, which is our main reason for recommending this app.

3. Microsoft Teams

Available on: Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android

Free version:  Available; 60-minute time limit for group meetings 

Paid Plan: The Microsoft Teams plan starts at $4 USD per user/month. Microsoft 365 Business Basic with access to starter Microsoft apps is priced at $6.00 USD per user/month. Finally, Microsoft 365 Business Standard costs $12.50 USD per user/month.

When it comes to the best video conferencing apps for organizations, Teams is one of the most worthwhile alternatives for a comprehensive suite of services. It’s one of the best apps for video calling during work for quick discussions about projects and while the incoming call notification has become something of an instant nightmare for many, that has more to do with how many organizations have adopted Microsoft Teams as their chosen platform. It has all the video calling features mentioned in the other apps but its groups and chats that come in tow make the platform more useful. 

The app is easy to navigate and while the side panel can start to feel cluttered at times, it doesn’t get too cumbersome. The direct integration of OneDrive and all the Microsoft 365 apps is extremely convenient and makes it a significantly more comprehensive tool to use for internal communication at any organization. 

Image: Discord

4. Discord

Available on: Android, iOS, Linux, WindowsOS, MacOS, Xbox Live, and PlayStation Network

Free version: Available

Paid Plan: Discord Nitro Basic is priced at $2.99 USD per month and Discord Nitro is priced at $9.99 per month.

Not all video chat apps are designed strictly for boring work conversations and business deals. Discord is one of the best video chat apps on the market when it comes to gaming and finding a community. If you want to build your own community of players who enjoy similar games or set up servers where you can game with your friends, Discord is the right service for you. The app has its own app and website and is quite seamlessly integrated with other apps to create a single space to chat about everything your online life involves.

Most use it to communicate with their teammates during and after games but you can also create private servers to hold conversations about anything you want—the sky’s the limit. Creating and joining servers and channels is quite easy and you can streamline all your online groups quite effortlessly, however, the user interface is not for the faint-hearted. The dashboard can feel extremely cluttered to the uninitiated but you’ll quickly learn to navigate around the platform.

5. WhatsApp (also Telegram)

Available on: Android, iOS, Linux, WindowsOS, MacOS, iPadOS, Wear OS

Free version: Available

Paid Plan: Available for Businesses that want the marketing feature

Meta has a strong hold on its varied audiences through its many platforms and unsurprisingly, WhatsApp has quickly become one of the most popular messaging services for users to keep in touch with their loved ones. The platform is constantly updating and adding to its new features but that isn’t why we have it on the list of the best video chat apps. Due to the large number of users who are on the app, it is the easiest way to call a contact or make a group call with your friends and family. The video quality isn’t perfect and adding in more contacts to the call can be quite the ordeal, but it provides a very instantaneous way of staying in touch with those around. 

When you already have the app on your device to text your contacts, it helps to have the service double up and help you switch to video chatting as well. Telegram is a good alternative to WhatsApp, but from our experience, not as many people use the app, which defeats the purpose of using it.

All in all, these may be some of the top video call apps, but they aren’t the only ones on the market. Wire is a great service for those who want a really secure messenger service and BOTIM is an app that is popular for reaching users in the UAE as internet calling is more restricted in the region. Depending on your needs, there are a huge variety of video conferencing apps out there that you could use to make your life easier.

The post Final Call—Revisiting the Best Video Chat Apps in 2024 So Far appeared first on Technowize.

Further exploring the historical records of blockchain advancement, let’s shed light on the trails blazed by other trailblazers:

Vitalik Buterin: As the co-creator of Ethereum, Buterin has held a crucial position in propelling blockchain technology beyond its primary uses, advocating for smart contracts and decentralized applications.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ): The originator and head of Binance, CZ has played a significant role in moulding the terrain of cryptocurrency exchanges, making substantial contributions to global acceptance and usage.

Brian Armstrong: As the co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, Armstrong has been instrumental in making cryptocurrency trading accessible and understandable for the masses, thereby democratizing the world of digital currency.

Satoshi Nakamoto: The enigmatic figure behind the creation of Bitcoin, Nakamoto’s revolutionary concept of a decentralized digital currency has fundamentally altered the financial landscape.

Jed McCaleb: The co-founder of Ripple and Stellar, McCaleb’s work has been pivotal in facilitating fast, low-cost international money transfers, thereby transforming the remittance industry.

Elizabeth Stark: As the co-founder and CEO of Lightning Labs, Stark has been a driving force in developing scalable, fast, and low-cost payment solutions on the Bitcoin network, thereby enhancing its practical usability.

Charles Hoskinson: The co-founder of Ethereum and Cardano, Hoskinson’s work has been instrumental in advancing blockchain technology, with a particular focus on interoperability, scalability, and sustainability.

Nick Szabo: A computer scientist, legal scholar, and cryptographer, Szabo is known for his research in digital contracts and digital currency, laying the groundwork for the concept of smart contracts.

Fueling the Passion for Digital Sovereignty

Trouw’s journey into the realm of blockchain technology is rooted in a profound understanding of the internet’s origins. Reflecting on its inception, he notes, “The Internet was founded on peer-to-peer networking between computers, mainly based on Bulletin Boards Systems (BBSs) that predated them. Sovereign and uninterruptible ideals drove this vision.” Trouw is deeply passionate about the value of data, particularly one’s own data, emphasizing control, access, and freedom of expression tied to personal information.

In a world where the internet has evolved into Web 2.0, marked by centralization and compromise of original ideals, Trouw envisions a return to the roots. “It’s important to pursue security through transparency as an alternative to privacy as the primary method of protecting personal data rights,” he asserts. Blockchain technology and cryptography, according to Trouw, offer a resurgence of peer-to-peer networking and generalized digital sovereignty. His personal mission aligns with the goals of XY Labs and XYO Platform – to be at the forefront of achieving digital sovereignty by developing tools and products that uphold these principles.

Overcoming Blockchain’s Costly Challenges

The journey toward blockchain’s widespread adoption is not without its hurdles. Trouw identifies a critical challenge shared with other technologies: showcasing value against costs. He points out the inefficiencies in current blockchain and cryptography implementations, noting their impact on cost, design, and speed. To address this, Trouw advocates for a synthesis of the best elements from Web 2.0 and Web 3.0, merging the efficiency and performance of the former with the sovereignty of the latter.

“The only way to achieve widespread adoption of blockchain, cryptography, and other sovereign technologies is for those systems to be less than their equivalent Web 2.0 systems or to have such a marginal cost that the value of their implementations is clear,” Trouw insists. Drawing a parallel with Secure Sockets Layers (SSLs), he emphasizes the need for the benefits to outweigh the costs for users to embrace these technologies willingly.

Blockchain’s Societal Impact: A Paradigm Shift

Blockchain technology is a catalyst for profound societal and industrial transformation. Trouw reflects on its multifaceted impact, stating, “Blockchain tech is transforming the ways we hold big tech and financial institutions accountable.” It’s not merely about accountability; blockchain optimizes user experiences, resolves longstanding issues related to transaction times and cross-border transactions, introduces new engagement models, and records engagements transparently and indelibly. Crucially, it prioritizes users’ data sovereignty, a fundamental aspect of Trouw’s vision for a sovereign internet.

Charting the Course: Predictions for the Blockchain Future

Looking ahead, Trouw offers insightful predictions that delineate the future trajectory of blockchain technology. In the near term, DeFi (Decentralized Finance) is poised for significant growth, driven by user-friendly features and increased accessibility through digital wallets. Trouw foresees its expansion into sectors like decentralized lending and trading, with integration into traditional finance intensifying, albeit with a cautionary note on the risk of decentralization erosion due to new regulations.

Zooming into 2024, asset tokenization emerges as a key trend, converting tangible assets into digital tokens on the blockchain. This not only streamlines investment opportunities but also fosters transparency and security across blockchains. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), according to Trouw, will experience a resurgence, extending beyond traditional sectors to represent ownership of real-world assets like real estate and intellectual property rights.

Sovereign layer-one networks, as Trouw envisions, will explore cost-efficient ways to achieve blockchain goals with higher technical performance in 2024. The overall landscape suggests ongoing advancements in DeFi, asset tokenization, NFTs, and sovereign layer-one networks, shaping a dynamic and innovative environment in the rapidly evolving blockchain space.

As Arie Trouw and other pioneers lead the charge, the future of blockchain is not just a technological evolution but a societal and economic revolution. Trouw’s commitment to digital sovereignty stands as a guiding light, driving the industry toward a future where the internet once again reflects the sovereign ideals on which it was built. In this era of transformation, these pioneers forge the path, navigating the frontier of blockchain evolution with a resolute vision for a decentralized and sovereign digital future.

The post Building Bases with Blockchain Technology: XYO CEO Arie Trouw appeared first on Technowize.

Launched in 2022, Harpie, a company that provides on-chain crypto security solutions, has been one of the good guys looking out for the consumers’ safety needs online. Backed by leading Web3 names like Dragonfly Capital, Coinbase Ventures, and OpenSea, Harpie’s services help defend against security vulnerabilities that you might not even know to look out for, from bait and scam sites to phishing attacks that could cause big losses before you even realize it’s happening.

From the humble beginnings of a college student with an understanding of a gap in the crypto industry, the company has worked hard to build up trust in its services with time. Daniel Chong, CEO and Co-founder of Harpie, has helped the company grow its services and steadily reach more investors, providing crypto security to ensure their wallets remain safely in their possession where no straying hands can make a malicious attempt at accessing their data. We were able to get a quick interview in to hear all about his experience with Harpie and the expansive world of cryptocurrency.

On Harpie and the Future of Crypto Security

Technowize: Beyond preventing theft and scams, how does Harpie envision evolving into a broader security suite for Web3?

Stopping theft and scams will always be our core focus but as we grow, how we do that will evolve. We’re not necessarily going to grow by piling on features, but by making our product really accessible and helping people understand its necessity.

Right now, we are very focused on investor education. Most people understand that they should have wallet protection once they know that it’s available–but they don’t necessarily feel the urgency to put it in place right now. That typically comes only after direct experience of a scam or accidental transfer–and by then, it’s too late.

Near term, we want to do more outreach and onboarding, helping people get started with Harpie and showing them how easy it is to add meaningful protection for their self-custodied assets. In the long term, we aim to strengthen our enterprise relationships so that users don’t even have to proactively install Harpie themselves. If these tools are built directly into wallets, everyone can rest a bit easier.

Technowize: With the increasing institutional adoption of crypto, where do you see Harpie catering to their unique security needs?

We have the most advanced security tools in the market, but right now, we’re all about protecting individual investors. Banks, hedge funds, and other institutional actors need very specialized tools, which isn’t our current development focus. Still, we’re watching the enterprise space. If we see an opportunity to address their challenges with our technology, that could be a part of our evolution.

Technowize: The on-chain firewall concept is cutting-edge. How are you planning to stay ahead of constantly evolving crypto-threats?

The crypto scam economy does evolve rapidly–but those mutations take place at the social engineering level. Bad actors are constantly innovating ways to get people to click on the wrong link or accept the wrong smart contract–but once they do, the asset transfer mechanisms remain the same. Our technology is futureproof, to a certain extent, because it’s a low-level service operating very close to the blockchain itself.

Harpie detects when assets are being moved to an unknown or suspicious wallet and prevents the transaction from executing. No matter how sophisticated the scam, that trigger remains simple and hard to defeat.

Technowize: How do you see regulations impacting the landscape of crypto security in the coming years, and how is Harpie preparing for it?

The crypto industry as a whole is watching global regulators very warily right now but crypto security companies are unlikely to be directly impacted by any current or pending regulation. Scam and theft prevention are unambiguously good: regulators don’t have any reason to interfere with what Harpie is doing.

Still, in a rapidly changing landscape, it is important to diversify. We have developed multiple different methods of on-chain asset protection. If an unforeseen new regulation suddenly made one method untenable, we have other, proven solutions ready to fill that gap.

On Entrepreneurship and Leading in the Crypto Space

Technowize: You started Harpie while still studying at Duke. What unique challenges and advantages did this present, and what advice do you have for aspiring crypto entrepreneurs?

Starting Harpie while studying at Duke was a difficult and unique challenge because let’s face it: I was a college student building a security company. Security requires a lot of trust, and I had no money, no connections, and no track record. It was, frankly, really hard.

I am fortunate, however, to have an excellent support network including Duke—a world-class institution that enthusiastically supports entrepreneurship. It was also an advantage to be operating in the crypto space, where youth isn’t automatically seen as a liability. If you can talk the talk and walk the walk, the crypto community will treat you as a peer—even to the point of offering support and funding.

 To other young tech entrepreneurs, my most valuable advice is to focus on the problem you are solving for your customers first and foremost, rather than improving some marginal technical disadvantage. A lot of people get very excited about technical capabilities and optimization, but none of that matters if your customers don’t have a reason to care.

Build a clear picture in your mind: Whose problem are you solving? Where are you going to solve that problem? How will you price your solution? You won’t have everything figured out right away, but seeking and refining these answers is even more important than writing your code.

Technowize: Harpie has secured funding from renowned investors. How did you navigate the early fundraising stages in the dynamic crypto market?

A lot of startup entrepreneurs have a pedigree that they rely on to get funding. That wasn’t me—so instead of a pedigree, I offered proof.

My co-founder and I built a prototype web app entirely under our own steam as a side project. It wasn’t perfect, there were outages and growing pains, but we found an audience. People used the app, which brought in some advertisers, and eventually allowed us to transition to a paid subscription model. By the time we were seeking funding, we had proof that we could build a product people actually wanted and were willing to pay for. That is more than what a lot of more seasoned, well-connected entrepreneurs offer.

One of the lessons here is that if you have a good understanding of what problem you want to solve and how; you don’t need much else to get started. You don’t need huge amounts of funding to create a proof-of-concept for a blockchain project: I knew what I wanted to build, so I learned the skills required and built it. If you have a great solution, the funding will follow.

Technowize: Leading in a fast-paced, often volatile industry like crypto comes with its own set of pressures. How do you maintain a work-life balance and ensure sustainable growth for Harpie?

I don’t allow myself to get caught up in the CEO “grindset.” Many tech entrepreneurs think they have to set an example of constantly working 12 to 16 hours a day so they can hold their staff to the same standard. I don’t believe that’s fair, sustainable, or necessary. There are diminishing returns for long hours: I suspect that very few of those 16 working hours per day are actually productive.

I aim to keep my working hours steady. Periods of heavy work and overtime happen: That’s part of the nature of any startup. You have to prepare by giving yourself time and space every other day. By maintaining a steady, manageable schedule most of the time, I preserve my own capacity and my team’s for those all-in moments.

Technowize: What are some of the biggest misconceptions you face as a young CEO in the crypto space, and how do you address them?

Actually, working in the crypto sector, I haven’t been faced with many misconceptions or prejudgments. I view it as one of the major advantages of this industry: I’ve always been respected as a young CEO in crypto, which I can’t imagine would be true in many other fields.

Exploring the Broader Industry and Web3

Technowize: Harpie focuses on empowering investors. How do you see individual ownership and responsibility evolving in the Web3 world?

I hope to see the conversation shifting from individual to communal responsibility for preventing scams and thefts. Right now, there’s a lot of finger-wagging at anyone who is the victim of a crypto scam, but is that really fair? Crypto consumers can receive 10 scam texts per hour—we are asking people to take on a massive burden of research and responsibility.

I believe crypto security is everyone’s problem. The social platforms the community uses have a responsibility to crack down on bots and fraudulent accounts. Security providers need to educate users about both risks and live threats. Security tools need to be more ubiquitous and built into more platforms. We need to make it possible for people to use crypto securely without themselves being crypto security experts.

I also see self-custody emerging as the best way to hold and transfer value in the developing world. In the Western market, there are a lot of options for holding money securely – but in the growing market, a crypto wallet is the best option, especially with respect to receiving aid or sending income to family members across borders.

Technowize: Decentralization is a core tenet of Web3. How do you ensure Harpie maintains its own neutrality while providing robust security solutions?

Decentralization is an important value for a lot of organizations, but it’s not always the highest possible good. Harpie values transparency and agility above decentralization. That is why we are a centralized company, and always will be.

As a centralized company, we can make decisions, respond to threats, and communicate our actions quickly without needing to navigate voting processes or community guidelines. When it comes to security, that degree of responsiveness is essential.

Technowize: Do you see a future where centralized and decentralized security solutions co-exist and complement each other in Web3?

It’s difficult to imagine what a successful decentralized security solution would look like—that aspect of Web3 will likely always rely on centralized organizations. However, solutions like Harpie do protect both decentralized and centralized assets and will continue to do so. Both have their place in the market.

Technowize: Looking beyond crypto, what other areas of Web3 do you find most exciting and ripe for disruption, and why?

I believe NFTs are a really interesting technology, and that we will see a resurgence in their use—albeit in a new form. What an NFT does really well is signify membership in a community. Up till now, these have tended to be speculative investment communities, but they don’t have to be. An NFT could signify your professional credentials, association memberships, union affiliation, and more.

I find digital identity in general to be a really interesting space. We need identity solutions that can be shown publicly while protecting privacy and can’t be lost or spoofed. Blockchain-based digital identity could accomplish all of that, improving safety and privacy online and in the real world.

Bio: Daniel Chong is the CEO and co-founder of Harpie, the crypto security platform. Daniel began using Bitcoin in 2012 and has been developing on Ethereum since 2018. While pursuing a Mathematics degree at Duke University, Daniel worked as a development and security consultant for a variety of crypto companies, leading award-winning projects to victory at conferences including ETHDenver. After closing a funding round in 2022, Daniel left Duke to focus on Harpie full-time. He’s dedicated to ending the threat of crypto theft and making smart contracts safe and accessible to all.

The post Cracking the World of Crypto Security: Q&A with Harpie CEO Daniel Chong appeared first on Technowize.

Exploring the newest Kindle models of 2023, Technowize delivers a comprehensive overview of each device to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a Kindle with a big screen, or one that’s perfect for audiobooks, we’ve got you covered. 

Choosing The Best Kindle 2023

When deciding on the best Kindle for your needs, there are a few factors to consider. 

(Image Courtesy – Freepik)

The basic Amazon Kindle 2022 is a great option for most readers, providing an affordable and reliable eReader. If you enjoy reading in water-prone environments, such as the bathtub or beach, the Kindle Paperwhite’s water resistance feature is a must-have. 

If you want maximum storage capacity for your eBooks and audiobooks, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is worth considering. For those who prefer a larger screen size, the Kindle Scribe offers an immersive reading experience. Lastly, if you want a premium device with premium features, the Kindle Oasis is the ultimate choice.

We have curated a list of the best Kindle eReaders of 2023 below.

Best Overall: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2023

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite takes the top spot as the best overall Kindle eReader for 2023. This eReader strikes a perfect balance between price and performance. With a better screen than the basic Kindle and a more affordable price tag than the Oasis, the Paperwhite is a popular choice among avid readers. 

The battery life is excellent, lasting up to ten weeks, and it now has USB-C charging for added convenience. The Kindle Paperwhite is also water-resistant, making it a versatile device that can be used in various settings.

Best Kindle For Reading: Amazon Kindle (2022)

If you’re on a tight budget, the Amazon Kindle (2022) is a great choice. While it may lack some of the advanced features of its pricier counterparts, this budget-friendly Kindle still provides a satisfying reading experience. 

The screen is sharp with a resolution of 300ppi, ensuring that text and images appear crisp and clear. While it doesn’t have waterproofing like the Paperwhite, the Kindle (2022) is lightweight and easy to hold, making it a suitable option for reading on the go. With 16GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of space for your favorite books.

Best Kindle 2023 For A Big Screen: Amazon Kindle Scribe

For those who prefer a larger reading screen, the Amazon Kindle Scribe is the ideal choice. With its expansive 10.2-inch display, the Kindle Scribe offers a unique reading experience. 

While it is marketed as a Kindle you can write on, the standout feature of this device is undoubtedly its large screen size. The text appears sharp and readable, making it perfect for individuals who enjoy reading larger fonts or graphic-heavy books. While it may come with a higher price tag, the Kindle Scribe is worth considering if you value a bigger screen.

Best Kindle eReader for Audiobooks: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

If you’re a fan of audiobooks, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the perfect Kindle for you. This device offers a few upgrades over the standard Paperwhite, including wireless charging and an auto-adjusting light. 

With 32GB of storage, it provides ample space for storing audiobooks. The larger 6.8-inch screen size enhances the reading experience, and the long battery life ensures that you can enjoy hours of audiobook playback without worrying about running out of power.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) takes the top spot as the best overall Kindle for 2023, providing an excellent reading experience at a reasonable price. However, the best Kindle for you ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the features that are most important to you and choose the Kindle that aligns with your reading habits.

The post The Best Kindle 2023: Which Amazon eReader Should You Buy? appeared first on Technowize.

(Image Courtesy – Freepik)

Technowize has compiled a comprehensive guide for all your Bitcoin ETF basics and queries. 

What is a Bitcoin ETF? Bitcoin Futures ETF Explained

In our introduction to Bitcoin ETF basics, let’s first delve into the pecuniary glossology of what is Bitcoin ETF (BTC Futures ETF). 

A Bitcoin Futures ETF, also known as a Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund, is an investment vehicle that allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without actually owning the cryptocurrency. It is a financial instrument that tracks the price of Bitcoin futures contracts rather than the underlying asset itself. These ETFs are based on derivatives rather than the actual cryptocurrency.

A Bitcoin ETF can also be traded on traditional stock exchanges, just like any other stock, and its value fluctuates by the price movements of the Bitcoin futures contracts it holds. Investors can easily buy and sell shares of the Bitcoin ETF through their brokerage accounts, providing them with a convenient and regulated way to invest in Bitcoin.

How Does A Bitcoin Futures ETF Work?

A Bitcoin Futures ETF is managed by a firm that purchases and holds Bitcoin futures contracts on behalf of the ETF. Bitcoin futures are financial derivatives that allow investors to speculate on the future price of Bitcoin. These contracts obligate the buyer to purchase Bitcoin at a predetermined price and date, providing exposure to the cryptocurrency’s price movements without the need for physical ownership.

The price of Bitcoin Futures ETF is closely tied to the performance of the Bitcoin futures contracts it holds. As the price of Bitcoin fluctuates, the value of the ETF’s shares will rise or fall accordingly. Investors can buy and sell shares of the ETF on the stock exchange, providing them with liquidity and flexibility in managing their investments.

The approval of a Spot Bitcoin ETF will prove to be a game changer for the crypto industry, should the regulatory agencies allow it. A Spot Bitcoin ETF is designed to track the price of actual Bitcoin (spot price) by holding physical Bitcoin. 

What Are The Benefits Of Investing in a Bitcoin ETF?

Up next on our Bitcoin ETF basics, we’ll delve into the intrinsic worth of investing in BTC Futures ETF. Investing in a Bitcoin Futures ETF offers several benefits for both retail and institutional investors.  

1. Convenient Access To Bitcoin

One of the main advantages of a Bitcoin Futures ETF is the convenience it provides. Investors can gain exposure to Bitcoin without the need to set up a cryptocurrency wallet or navigate the complexities of crypto exchanges. Instead, they can simply buy and sell shares of the ETF through their brokerage accounts, making it accessible to a larger range of investors.

2. Regulated, Transparent Investment With Liquidity

Bitcoin Futures ETFs are regulated by the relevant financial authorities, providing investors with a level of oversight and protection. These ETFs must adhere to strict guidelines and disclosure requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability. This regulatory framework helps to build trust among investors who may be wary of the notoriety of the unregulated nature of the cryptocurrency market.

Bitcoin Futures ETFs trade on traditional stock exchanges, offering investors liquidity and flexibility. Shares of the ETF can be bought or sold at any time during market hours, giving investors control over their decisions.

3. Diversification And Risk Management

Investing in a Bitcoin Futures ETF allows for diversification within the cryptocurrency space. Rather than putting all their eggs in one basket with direct Bitcoin ownership, investors can spread their risk by holding shares of an ETF that tracks Bitcoin futures contracts. This diversification helps to mitigate the volatility and inherent risks associated with investing in a single cryptocurrency.

What Are The Risks Of Investing In A Bitcoin ETF?

While a Bitcoin Futures ETF offers attractive benefits, it is essential to understand the risks associated with it just as every investment option hoards.

1. Volatility of Bitcoin

Bitcoin is known for its extreme price volatility, and this volatility extends to Bitcoin Futures ETFs as well. The value of the ETF’s shares will rise and fall in line with Bitcoin’s price movements, which can be unpredictable. Investors must be prepared for the potential for substantial gains or losses in their investments.

2. Counterparty Risk

When investing in a Bitcoin Futures ETF, investors are exposed to counterparty risk. This risk arises from the fact that the ETF relies on third-party institutions to hold and manage the Bitcoin futures contracts. If these institutions face financial difficulties or fail to fulfill their obligations, it could hurt the ETF and its investors.

3. Regulatory And Legal Uncertainties

The regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies is still evolving regarding the legal status of Bitcoin. Changes in regulations or unfavorable legal rulings could affect the viability and performance of Bitcoin Futures ETFs. 

4. Lack Of Direct Ownership 

Investing in a Bitcoin Futures ETF means that investors do not have direct ownership or control over the underlying Bitcoin. They are reliant on the ETF and its managers to handle the purchase and management of Bitcoin futures contracts. This lack of direct ownership means that investors do not have the same privileges as those who hold Bitcoin in their own wallets.

Is A Bitcoin Futures ETF A Good Investment?

While it is a very subjective query, choosing BTC Futures ETF as an investment option depends on an individual’s risk tolerance, investment goals, and familiarity with the cryptocurrency market. Even though the Bitcoin Futures ETF offers an accessible and regulated way to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency itself, it is important to consider the risks involved. 

The post A Comprehensive Guide Into Bitcoin Futures ETF Basics appeared first on Technowize.

The annual tech job cuts scored 202,000 in 2022, but have landslided to a staggering increase by 40 percent. 2023’s tech layoffs surmount to 226,000 as of now, with January being recorded as the highest-grosser with nearly 90,000 furloughs. 

Unprecedented Layoffs In Tech Industry

The wave of layoffs this year has had a profound impact – resulting in the closure of numerous workplaces and earning 2023 the unfortunate and dire distinction of being the bleakest year on record for the tech industry. 

Only at a closer inspection of the dramatic numbers could one fathom the magnitude of the tech layoffs of 2023. Between the latter half of 2022 to the first two months of this year, an approximate 164,800 employees had to be let go. This number is 11 times higher than the 15,000 reported in the same period of 2022. 

Checkmated under the guise of ‘cost-saving measures‘. (Image Courtesy – Freepik)

But in January, nearly 75,000 people found themselves left with no employment security, raising the stakes for individuals who underwent trials and tribulations to protect their jobs, even at the cost of their sanity.

Despite the decline in the tech layoffs in the subsequent three months, the industry bore witness to a persistent trend, with about 73,000 workforce reductions during the timeframe. The latest job cuts toll has intensified to a cumulative total of 226,117 tech layoffs. 

A Grim Picture: Reasons Behind Tech Layoffs 2023

Following a common script, these massive job losses in the tech sector are reasoned as a discipline to seek profitability in the tumultuous macroeconomic environment. 

The non-truce flag bearers of distress at the forefront were prominent tech giants including Meta Platforms, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. The ripple effect has extended to smaller tech firms operating across various sectors such as retail, cryptocurrency, and transportation. These companies have been compelled to undertake cost-cutting measures, contributing to the highest level of layoffs ever witnessed in the tech industry. 

The layoffs in the tech industry are attributed to a range of factors. The obvious is inflation, as it has put indefinite pressure on companies’ bottom lines. Treading on an uncertain global economic landscape has forced businesses to resort to cost-saving measures such as decimating their workforce. The deceleration in revenue growth has made it quite a struggle for companies to make ends meet in their financial targets, and ongoing supply chain challenges have plagued the tech industry. 

As the tech sector continues to grapple with these challenges, it remains to be seen how the industry will recover and rebuild in the coming years. Like a ray of hope, the quarterly earnings reports of the big five have flourished – crafting a way for restoring employee balance and defunct workforce reductions.

The post Pink Slipping Into Oblivion: Diving Deep Into 2023’s Tech Layoffs appeared first on Technowize.

In this playful scenario, imagine an AI-powered visualization of a fictional cage fight between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. (Image Courtesy – Generated using Midjourney AI by artist @wild.trance)

What could the implications of the delinquent Musk Zuckerberg Cage Fight be? Will the Tesla-Facebook feud end?

Musk VS Zuckerberg: Musk Zuckerberg Cage Fight

Tracing back to their overlapping interests in the state-of-the-art tech industry, Musk and Zuckerberg have repeatedly clashed over their differing visions for the future of technology, often ending up in public verbal jabs. 

Surrounding Meta Threads app debut on July 5, Elon Musk slapped a lawsuit on Meta Platforms, alleging it a “copycat” app of Twitter, accusing the former of misappropriating trade secrets by hiring ex-Twitter employees. The talks of a ‘ring fight’ escalated after the disagreements reached a tipping point. Musk provoked and challenged Zuckerberg to a cage match. Zuckerberg reposted a screenshot of the tweet, making netizens feel that the feud was heading somewhere to reality. 

There wasn’t any clear further headway on the piddling Wrestlemania front, but on Sunday, Musk announced that 𝕏 would be live streaming the bout, albeit being devoid of a date. 

Zuck v Musk fight will be live-streamed on 𝕏.

All proceeds will go to charity for veterans.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 6, 2023

Zuckerberg had suggested August 26th as the date for the showdown but has also expressed his unwavering indifference about the cage fight taking place, stating that he was ‘not holding his breath’ for Musk’s confirmation. 

On the spectrum of charity, Zuck questioned the choice of X as the platform to stream the fight, with a screenshot saying, “Shouldn’t we use a more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity?”

Musk has proclaimed that he has been training rigorously for the cage fight but has cast a shadow of doubt on the specific date, citing a potential need to undergo surgery on his neck and upper back. On being interrogated over the purpose of the fight, Musk stated that it is a civilized form of war and that men love war. 

Implications Of The Musk Zuckerberg Cage Match

Facebook’s mogul trains in Jiujutsu, the Brazilian combat sport which is one of the core disciplines in mixed martial arts. The Musk Zuckerberg Cage Fight represents much more than just a physical showdown. It has certain stakes that neither of the feuding parties can shake off. 

It is a battle for pride and dominance – a chance to prove who is the superior tech titan. The outcome of the fight could greatly impact their personal reputations and influence within the industry. Both individuals have a lot riding on this cage match, and the world will be watching the Musk Zuckerberg cage fight live closely to see who emerges victorious.

Yet another aspect of the public interest that this feud between Musk vs Zuckerberg has gained, seems to have been blatantly ignored. This level of exposure presents unique marketing opportunities for both Tesla and Meta. The fight could serve as a platform to showcase their respective products and technologies, reaching a wider audience than ever before. By leveraging this event effectively, Musk and Zuckerberg could potentially attract new customers and investors to their companies.

Alas, beyond the personal stakes, this cage match has wide-ranging implications for their companies and the industry as a whole. As the world eagerly awaits the outcome, one thing is certain: the Musk Zuckerberg Cage Fight will go down in history as a defining moment in the battle for technological supremacy.

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The broader industry is stumbling with a malaise in sales and Apple’s financial downturn is privy to how the affluent patrons’ unmatched appetite for iPhones has been a saving grace. 

Apple’s Revenue Forecast: Q3 Revenue Decline

By the dint of Meta Platforms’ (Facebook) and Alphabet’s (Google) astounding double-digit profit expansions, Apple has boldly divulged its triumph in a mere 1 percent dip in revenue, settling at $81.8 billion in Q3. The spotlight is fixated on Apple’s quarterly earnings – a $19.88 billion surge in profit. 

However, Apple’s quarterly performance is mediocre, by the tech giant’s own standards. This miniature win describes the third sales decline of the fiscal year.

Surprisingly, let’s not paint this as a lackluster tale of waning fortunes. Apple’s revenue might be facing a few headwinds, but it has always outpaced even the most tempered Wall Street predictions, and that is the biggest testament to Apple’s resilient and buoyant nature. 

Apple’s latest foray into Mumbai, India. (Image Courtesy – Apple)

Apple’s financial results echo a broader trend in the tech domain. Nearly all the tech giants have regained their footing in the market after the murky turbulence last year. The big tech companies were feebly moving through most of 2022, owing to weakening e-commerce, digital ads, and computer sales. 

Amazon’s quarterly earnings have thwarted Wall Street’s wildest projections with unprecedented profits. Google’s and Microsoft’s meteoric success is contingent on resurgent digital ad sales. Almost all of the Silicon Valley giants had to resort to cost-cutting measures by enforcing furloughs and pruning away their legacy of perks. 

Apple stood out like an outlier – sidestepping the tidal wave of layoffs. And it was hit by another wave of an unforeseen surge in demand in the pandemic, as the need for remote work boomed. Apple’s iPad and MacBook sales were explosive then. But those sales have since taken a downturn. MacBook sales dropped by 7 percent to $6.84 billion, while iPad sales nosedived 20 percent to $5.79 billion.

But does this hint at a faltering Apple? Hardly. The hype around the iPhone hasn’t died down ever since the first iPhone was launched in 2007. Most smartphone contemporaries like Samsung and Vivo had to face the brunt of the plunge in sales, following mid-budgeted lineups, but Apple’s market share was snowballing like the sky’s the limit. 

Notably in China’s market, Apple’s iPhones weren’t just a luxury, but every deep-pocketed customer’s desire – being facilitated by convenient monthly payment plans. China’s smartphone market was plagued by a slump of 4 percent and in contrast, Apple was defying the economic gloom by soaring about 7 percent. 

Apple’s Quarterly Earnings: How The Tech Giant Is Swerving Into Success

To place Apple’s revenue under the magnifying glass, the company raked in a staggering $39.67 billion from iPhone sales, a trifling 2 percent drop from 2022. 

Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO, touted the company’s affordability programs as key contributors to their success. A majority of iPhones are now sold through innovative programs – trade-ins, installments, and financing – democratizing access to cutting-edge technology.

Amid device sales issues, the App Store and Apple Watch sales continued their ephemeral rise. Apple’s services business, encompassing Apple Music subscriptions, App Store transactions, and Apple Pay, boasts an incredible $21.21 billion in sales, an 8% upswing. Meanwhile, the wearables division, home to the iconic Apple Watch and AirPods witnessed a 2% surge, amassing $8.28 billion in sales.

Looking for a new revenue stream on its horizon, Apple has unveiled its newest product addition since 2014 – Vision Pro, a $3,500 high-tech pair of glasses that blend virtual reality with the real world. Albeit, it won’t go live until next year. Apple has forayed into uplifting budding markets to boost sales, after having a maiden entry into India, which paid off handsomely after eager customers thronged through. 

“While I’m pleased with our growth there, we still have a very, very modest and low share of the smartphone market. It’s a huge opportunity for us.”

– Tim Cook, CEO of Apple

Apple’s sales in India have doubled since last year, predicting a rich, billion-strong iPhone user base in the country by 2026.

The post Apple Revenues Fall by a Mere 1 Percent against a Profit Surge of $19.88 Billion appeared first on Technowize.

Twitter’s Name Changes To X: Rebranding 15 Years Of An Iconic Platform 

Elon Musk rebranding Twitter to X comes as no surprise to people apprised of his history for the letter insofar. Starting after midnight ET, Twitter’s leader said that he’s expecting to make the change worldwide as soon as Monday. 

The billionaire Tesla CEO has hosted a startup named X.com (presently known as PayPal) and a rocket company named SpaceX under his umbrella. Musk also tweeted his intentions behind purchasing Twitter – as an accelerant for building X, the Everything app. 

Our headquarters tonight pic.twitter.com/GO6yY8R7fO

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 24, 2023

Currently appointed as CEO, longtime NBC Universal executive Linda Yaccarino broached upon Twitter’s name change, dubbing it as another chance to transform people’s interactions.

“It’s an exceptionally rare thing to get a second chance to make another big impression. Twitter changed the way we communicate and X will now go further to transform the global town square.” 

X is expected to be the future of boundless interactivity, focusing on creating a global marketplace, not just with textual communication but even audio and video messaging, and payments/ banking. 

Twitter’s Logo Change Receives Mixed Reactions

Many Twitter users took up to the eponymous platform to voice their dismay at Elon Musk’s decision to change Twitter’s name. As a platform that understandably patented the verb ‘tweeting’, many users have raised questions about what the new verb will be called.

Over the past two decades, Twitter was solely the most successful social media platform outside of Meta’s vortex of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram and other origins of WeChat, Reddit, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat. A huge global mass of Twitter’s audience has already expressed their exasperation owing to the constantly dissatisfying changes being made to the platform. 

(Image Courtesy – Twitter @elonmusk)

In the latter half of 2022, his other company board members including Tesla and SpaceX were concerned that Musk was neglecting his duties in the wake of ownership of a new digital town square. 

After his takeover, Musk has been chastised for the course of actions being taken at Twitter, which have reasonably prompted advertisers and users to flee out of the mess. Many believe that Musk is undermining the influence that the users have over the app and is only keen on money-making strategies. Twitter’s revenue had significantly dropped after the billionaire took over and in a controversial attempt to revive the situation from bankruptcy, nearly three-fourths of the workforce was laid off.

Thousands of users had condemned Musk’s decision for a $8-per-month subscription fee for Twitter Blue but the latest rollout of tweet reading limits pushed everyone off the edge. 

“You completely blew it. Never seen anyone blow billions of dollars so ineptly. Instead of thinking of all the good you could have done in the world, you bought a globally recognized brand and changed everything (including the name, which is literally what you paid for).. to the point you could have built your own from scratch for 1/10,000th of the cost.”

It is almost as if Musk wants to be met with sharp criticism as a way of perpetually being spoken about. 

On the other hand, some users have lauded Twitter’s rebranding as apt. Having flourished for a short period with ‘free speech’ under Musk’s leadership, these users believe that Musk needs to craft his own legacy by transforming the social media platform completely, including Twitter’s name. 

“It’s an incredible time at X. Every decision, every line of code, every interaction forms a part of our rich history. This isn’t just about building a product but about crafting a legacy.”

The latest Twitter logo change and rebranding of Twitter comes as new competition arrived in the form of Meta’s Threads app, earlier this month. It has been observed as Twitter’s alternative. 

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But how can the full potential of the Wear OS watch be unlocked? Here’s a compilation of the 5 must-have Wear OS apps of 2023. If you’re in the market for a new Wear OS watch or if you are not sure of where to start with the best apps, Technowize is certain that the recommended Wear OS apps will give you an unparalleled experience and realize the features that the smartwatch brings to the table. 

Best Wear OS Apps: Top 5 Wear OS Apps Of 2023

1. SimpleWear

SimpleWear is straightforwardly an extension of your phone. One can harness multiple functions that a smartphone controls, without requiring the phone. It’s a game-changer app for motorcycle and car drivers as well as for ones who’ve left their phones on charge somewhere in their house and need to use it.

(Image Courtesy – SimpleWear)

Some of the features of this best Wear OS app are accessing the functions of locking the screen, turning on the flashlight, controlling media playback, selecting ‘Do not Disturb’ mode, switching off the ringer volume, and more. The advantage of SimpleWear as one of the must-have Wear OS apps is that it is available as a tile on the smartwatch and one can quickly access control over various functions of their phone. But the drawbacks of SimpleWear are that the media controls seem to be glitchy, the setup is a lengthy procedure, and that one must even install a complementary app to toggle Wi-Fi. 

2. Shazam

Shazam has been around for about two decades and has now made its place in the best apps for Wear OS as well. The utility of Shazam is to identify unknown music, movies, ads, and TV shows by just a small sampling and it is quite easy to use. In your WearOS, Shazam displays the song name and artist but is recorded in the phone’s app library.

(Image Courtesy – Shazam)

The only limitations of Shazam as a Wear OS app are that it cannot list songs that have been identified previously and Wear OS does not support ‘Auto Shazam’ mode yet.

3. AccuWeather

AccuWeather has been ruled as one of the best weather apps for smartphones. Entering the realm of smartwatches, AccuWeather can definitely be listed under the must-have Wear OS apps.

(Image Courtesy – AccuWeather)

Although the Wear OS version isn’t as wholesome as the phone app, on a single screen, AccuWeather can display the RealFeel temperature, and current temperature, and indicate any precipitation in the next hour. The important weather details are delivered crisply at a glance. Presently, there are no functions available like radars, daily forecasts, or checking the weather of another location but we think installing this recommended Wear OS app is a good fit. 

4. Google Keep

Running errands becomes easier with Google Keep. The note-taking app can be used to witness shopping lists, recipes, and reminders as well. The Wear OS app configuration resembles the phone app’s order but falls short at editing. While users can check off list items, archive or pin notes, and even set a single note as a tile, this top Wear OS app does not allow editing text and misses a search function.

(Image Courtesy – Shutterstock)

But the best part of Google Keep for Wear OS is that even with an on-screen keyboard, there’s a speech-to-text feature that works easier than creating notes by typing. 

5. Google Maps

Google Maps has been reigning over the geolocation market as one of the most popular apps inbuilt into most Android phones. As one of the best Wear OS apps, Google Maps pairs comfortably with the phone app and allows free map browsing with a simple double-tap to zoom in. It provides turn-by-turn directions which makes it convenient for the ones on the road to reach their destination via cycling, walking, or driving.

(Image Courtesy – Shutterstock)

The only setback for Google Maps for Wear OS is that it cannot access satellite view, nor can it display traffic information. We’re sure these features will be made available sooner than later.

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