The Business And Technology Network

Today, we’re diving into how you can use Gemini 2.0’s Multimodal Live API to build applications that interact with users through voice, visuals, and even screen sharing, all in real-time.

Learn how to build a visual search tool using Google’s Multimodal Embeddings API and explore how to apply this technology for searching images, slides, and more.

Buyers Pour Millions into BlockDAG as its ‘6th Mystery Chest’ Goes Viral! More on Ethereum ETF News & LTC Holders’ Bullish Momentum

The latest Ethereum ETF news is shaking up the crypto world, signaling a pivotal moment in the industry. Institutional adoption of Ethereum is reaching unprecedented heights, as evidenced by $2.2 billion in net inflows in just a single week.

Meanwhile, dedicated long-term Litecoin holders are holding strong, fueling anticipation of a breakout rally that could redefine its “Digital Silver” reputation.

But that’s not all—in the presale crypto market, BlockDAG (BDAG) has revealed a surprise sixth chest in its BDAG250 bonus system, igniting massive excitement across the crypto community.

This announcement has sent the presale skyrocketing, with BlockDAG raking in over $171.5 million in its presale and selling over 17.4 billion coins.

Ethereum ETF News: $2.2B Net Inflows Signal Growing Adoption

The recent Ethereum ETF news is sparking a buzz in the crypto world, with analysts highlighting its transformative potential. Over the past seven weeks, Ethereum ETFs have shattered records, drawing in an unprecedented $2.2 billion in net inflows during the last week of November alone.

This surge signals sustained institutional confidence, backed by staking’s 3.35% annualized yields, which promise passive income potential for investors. Experts like Nate Geraci predict Ethereum ETFs could mirror gold’s performance and even surpass Bitcoin’s dominance. Recent U.S. SEC approval for dual Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs further amplifies expectations, solidifying the latest Ethereum ETF news as the hottest development set to transform crypto markets by 2025.

Will Litecoin Holders Drive the Next Big Crypto Rally?

Long-term Litecoin holders are displaying remarkable resilience, fueling optimism for a potential LTC surge past $200. These holders, who account for 78% of Litecoin addresses, typically accumulate during bear markets and sell during peaks.

Recent data from IntoTheBlock shows a less pronounced reduction in holdings compared to past cycles, signaling that Litecoin holders are betting on higher valuations. Mirroring patterns from late 2020, Litecoin’s post-election price volatility aligns with expectations of a strong rally in early 2025. The buzz surrounding a potential Litecoin ETF filing by Canary Capital Funds is fueling optimism, with sentiment among Litecoin holders continuing to build. This suggests a bright future for the “Digital Silver” of cryptocurrencies.

Crypto’s Biggest Bonus: BlockDAG’s Sixth Chest Sparks Excitement

BlockDAG has taken excitement to a whole new level with the reveal of a surprise sixth chest in its wildly popular tiered bonus system. Accessible only to buyers who have unlocked the first three mystery boxes using the BDAG250 code, this unexpected twist has sent shockwaves through the crypto community.

As the BDAG250 code expires on January 8th, traders are racing to capitalize on this unique opportunity. The offer’s viral success has made it a sensation, drawing in crypto enthusiasts eager to claim their share of BlockDAG.

The presale stands as a testament to BlockDAG’s status as one of the top crypto assets. Having raised over $171.5 million and sold over 17.4 billion coins, the project’s growth trajectory is nothing short of phenomenal. Priced at an accessible $0.0234 in batch 26, early buyers have received an impressive 2240% ROI since the first batch, with the next batch rapidly approaching.

BlockDAG’s ability to engage its community and deliver out-of-the-box rewards is unmatched, fueling its reputation as the must-have crypto of 2025. The sixth chest isn’t just a reward—it’s a statement of BlockDAG’s commitment to rewarding its buyers and creating unparalleled value. As the BDAG250 bonus countdown ticks away, the window to join this extraordinary journey is closing fast.

Key Takeaways: The Top Crypto Assets

The Ethereum ETF news continues to dominate headlines, with $2.2 billion in inflows highlighting its potential to reshape institutional crypto adoption. Litecoin holders are holding strong, signaling a potential surge for LTC as optimism builds for the “Digital Silver” of cryptocurrencies.

Meanwhile, BlockDAG’s exciting BDAG250 bonus system and the surprise sixth chest reshape how projects engage and reward their communities, driving unprecedented presale momentum. BlockDAG’s record-breaking presale currently stands at a staggering $171.5 million, with over 17.4 billion BDAG coins sold.

As the BDAG250 bonus nears its final days, now is the time for traders to secure their position by buying BDAG coins, which is shaping up to be one of the top crypto assets of all time.

• Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network
• Website: https://blockdag.network
• Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial
• Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here.

The post BDAG Bonus Reveals 6th Mystery Chest; Litecoin & Ethereum See Surge appeared first on The Merkle News.

Hannah and Nathan are reunited – for daughter Liv’s wedding – but there are raw emotions and secrets close to the surface. Here’s how to watch “The Split: Barcelona” from anywhere.

FinTech company Branch said Monday (Dec. 23) that it will defend itself “vigorously” against a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lawsuit filed against the company and Walmart.

The CFPB sued Branch and Walmart Monday, alleging that the companies illegally opened accounts for gig economy delivery drivers without their consent, required drivers to receive their pay through those accounts, collected junk fees from the drivers, and did not deliver the “instant access” to pay that they had promised.

The CFPB’s complaint centers on Walmart’s Spark Driver program, which includes gig economy drivers making last-mile deliveries from Walmart stores, and Branch’s deposit account that is accessible through a digital app and debit card, the CFPB said in a Monday press release.

“Walmart made false promises, illegally opened accounts, and took advantage of more than a million delivery drivers,” CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said in the release. “Companies cannot force workers into getting paid through accounts that drain their earnings with junk fees.”

Reached by PYMNTS, Branch said in an emailed statement that the CFPB’s lawsuit misstates the law and facts and ignores the quick and easy access to funds that Branch provides to Walmart and the drivers.

The company added that it stands behind its model and services and that it will “defend this action vigorously.”

“Despite the company’s extensive cooperation with its investigation, the CFPB refused to engage with Branch in any meaningful way about this matter, instead rushing to file a lawsuit,” the statement said. “This approach makes clear that this litigation has nothing to do with the law or protecting workers and everything to do with the media attention garnered by a lawsuit involving one of the world’s biggest retailers.”

Walmart did not immediately reply to PYMNTS’ request for comment.

The CFPB said in the press release that its lawsuit seeks to stop the companies’ unlawful conduct, provide redress for harmed consumers and impose a civil money penalty that would be paid into the regulator’s victims relief fund.

Spark Driver, a loosely organized network of freelance drivers who use a Walmart-designed app to fulfill deliveries, plays a crucial role in Walmart’s ability to compete with Amazon deliveries, PYMNTS reported in November.

Businesses are looking to make their payments as fast as possible because individuals have been primed by eCommerce to expect instant satisfaction, Branch Chief Financial Officer Brian Whalen told PYMNTS in an interview posted in June 2023.

“In business, the trend is clearly toward getting everyone paid as soon as possible,” Whalen said when interviewed for the PYMNTS Intelligence report “Accounts Payable Payments: Solving Common Business Challenges.” “The companies that are moving faster in this direction have also created a real competitive advantage.”

The post CFPB Sues Walmart and Branch Over Accounts for Gig Economy Drivers appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

The Nordstrom family now owns the department store chain bearing their name.

Erik, Pete and Jamie Nordstrom and other members of their family, along with Mexican retailer Puerto de Liverpool, announced a deal Monday (Dec. 26) to acquire all of Nordstrom’s outstanding common stock.

The buyers pegged the value of the all-cash transaction valued at approximately $6.25 billion, giving the Nordstrom Family a majority ownership stake in the now-private company. The transaction was approved unanimously by the Nordstrom board, with Erik and Pete Nordstrom — both executives with the company — recusing themselves.

“For over a century, Nordstrom has operated with a foundational principle of helping customers feel good and look their best,” Erik Nordstrom, the company’s CEO, said in a news release. “Today marks an exciting new chapter for the business. On behalf of my family, we look forward to working with our teams to ensure Nordstrom thrives long into the future.”

Graciano F. Guichard G., chair of Liverpool’s board, added that the retailer was thrilled to be “investing in a company that has meaningfully shaped the industry for nearly 125 years.”

Nordstrom put together a special committee in 2017 to consider a buyout deal and discussed the plan with several private equity firms. However, the committee rejected a bid as insufficient the following year.

Then, in March of this year, reports emerged that the Nordstrom founding family had again expressed its interest in going private. Erik and Pete Nordstrom told the Nordstrom board in April that they were interested in taking the company private. Sycamore Partners, a buyout equity firm that owns department store operator Belk, had also expressed interested in taking Nordstrom private.

In September, Nordstrom received a proposal from the family and Liverpool about a go-private deal.

Erik Nordstrom reported last month that both the company’s digital sales and enhancements to the overall customer experience had shown improvements during its most recent quarter.

“In the third quarter, our efforts to enhance the customer experience continued to resonate, enabling growth in net and comparable sales, margin expansion, and an increase in our customer base,” Nordstrom said during the company’s third-quarter earnings call.

“Both Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack delivered 4% comparable sales growth. We’re particularly encouraged that our online business sustained its momentum, with digital sales growth of over 6%,” he added. “Customers responded to newness in our selection of the brands that matter most to them, driving positive total company net sales growth for the fourth consecutive quarter.”

The post Nordstrom Founding Family Takes Retailer Private in $6 Billion Deal appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

Sonic SVM, the team behind SonicX and its popular tap-to-earn game, has announced plans to airdrop SONIC tokens to TikTok users. The announcement follows Sonic’s milestone of onboarding over two million TikTok users on the game.

The team built SonicX natively inside TikTok, similar to how earlier tap-to-earn games were integrated within Telegram via TON.

Airdrop Allocation and Incentives

The SONIC token will soon become central to Sonic’s ecosystem. Therefore, it will power in-app transactions, community-driven features, and future GameFi integrations.

According to Chris Zhu, CEO and Co-Founder of Sonic, the token’s purpose extends far beyond speculation.

“SONIC will act as the main currency within the Sonic SVM ecosystem. We aim to onboard billions of TikTok users into the Solana ecosystem and Web3 through our TikTok Chain,” Zhu told BeInCrypto.

The SONIC token allocation mechanics are still being finalized. However, Zhu noted that every eligible TikTok user will receive a base allocation, with additional rewards based on engagement levels within SonicX.

Meanwhile, factors such as time spent in the app, participation in campaigns, and interaction with specific features may influence bonus allocations.

“The goal is to reward meaningful user activity while keeping the onboarding experience simple,” Zhu continued.

This airdrop follows the success of SonicX, which surpassed one million players within its first month. The upcoming token generation event (TGE) will determine the snapshot date for eligible participants for the airdrop, with TikTok users still able to qualify by accessing SonicX via the official Sonic SVM account.

Sonic’s Onboarding and Distribution

According to the announcement, TikTok users can log in directly with their Sonic accounts, and Web3 wallets are automatically created. This approach eliminates the need for traditional wallet connections and provides a gasless transaction experience. So, it creates a familiar and accessible Web2-like environment for users.

Also, multiple Sonic executives, including Zhu, have prior experience at Bytedance, TikTok’s parent company. These connections have allowed Sonic to optimize its distribution strategy, including premium TikTok ads, creator partnerships, and branded challenges.

Sonic is potentially looking to develop its App Layer into a comprehensive TikTok Chain, which will allow other projects to integrate into its ecosystem. Already, three new games—Mahjong Meta, Hunting Field, and FoMoney—have joined SonicX.

“We’re creating unprecedented opportunities for developers and users alike. SONIC is far more than a speculative token—it’s the foundation of our economy,” Zhu said.

With TikTok boasting over one billion monthly active users, SonicX targets a largely untapped market for Web3 gaming. Statista projects TikTok’s user base will reach 2.35 billion by 2029. So, there is a significant opportunity for blockchain adoption through the popular social media platform.

TON Total Value Locked (TVL). Source: DeFilLama

This is evidently a similar model to the recent expansion of Web3 games and apps through Telegram’s TON ecosystem. According to DeFilLama, the TON blockchain’s TVL reached a peak of over $760 million in June due to the hype of tap-to-earn games like Hamster Kombat.

However, TikTok has a much larger user base than Telegram, with a bigger influence on the GenZ audience. This is why projects like Sonic are viewing the platform as a more comprehensive and potentially successful gateway for Web3 adoption.

The post Sonic Plans Airdrop for TikTok Users Ahead of Token Launch appeared first on BeInCrypto.

In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) evolved from theory to practice in the retail industry, changing the way businesses interact with customers, manage operations and develop products. From inventory management to virtual shopping experiences, AI has become essential for retailers looking to stay ahead. Here are ten key ways it reshaped the industry this year.

1. Chatbots Take Over Customer Service

Retail giants like Amazon and Walmart expanded their use of AI assistants to improve customer service. Amazon’s “Rufus” offered tailored product recommendations. While effective overall, these tools faced occasional errors, underscoring the need for ongoing refinement.

2. Generative AI Drives Shopping Trends

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT played a significant role in holiday shopping, helping consumers find products and deals more efficiently. Retailers reported significant traffic growth from AI-powered searches, marking a shift from traditional search engines. This approach streamlined the shopping process and highlighted AI’s role in driving online retail engagement.

3. Agents Automate Shopping

AI agents in 2024 began handling complex retail operations autonomously, from managing supply chains to personalizing customer interactions. These agents acted as decision-makers, analyzing vast datasets in real time to adjust inventory levels, optimize delivery routes or recommend products. Companies like Skyfire Systems launched payment networks specifically for AI agents, enabling them to execute transactions without human involvement, further streamlining processes.

4. AI Optimizes Inventory Management

Predictive AI models enhanced inventory management efficiency in the retail sector. Retailers implemented tools like Gated Recurrent Units to analyze historical sales data, seasonal patterns and market trends, enabling more accurate demand forecasting. This approach reduced instances of stockouts and overstock, leading to better inventory control, minimized waste and improved profitability.

5. Smarter Analytics Improve Store Layouts

Retailers used AI-powered analytics to understand how customers interacted with their stores. Technologies like YOLOV8 tracked shopper movements, identifying high-traffic areas and pinpointing where customers spent the most time. This data enabled retailers to make strategic decisions, such as relocating popular items to easily accessible locations and streamlining aisle layouts to improve flow.

6. Black Friday Benefits from AI

AI tools were integral to the success of Black Friday, with U.S. online sales reaching a record $10.8 billion. Generative AI chatbots guided shoppers to deals and sped up checkout processes, helping retailers achieve higher conversion rates.

7. AI Streamlines Product Development

AI reduced the time and cost of developing new products by analyzing market trends and customer feedback. This allowed companies to roll out products more quickly and tailor them to specific consumer needs. Retailers using AI in product development gained a competitive edge by being able to respond faster to market demands.

8. Addressing Security Concerns

As AI became integral to personalization, retailers faced growing scrutiny over customer data use and security. Balancing the benefits of AI-driven insights with ethical data practices and compliance was a priority for many companies.

9. Visual Search Gains Traction

AI-powered visual search tools, like those offered by Pinterest and Google Lens, changed how consumers discovered products. By uploading images, shoppers could find visually similar items online. Retailers integrated these tools to improve product discovery and better align with consumer shopping trends.

10. AI Advances Sustainability Efforts

Retailers increasingly use AI to enhance sustainability in their operations. Algorithms optimized supply chains, reduced waste and monitored environmental impact, helping businesses meet both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations. AI’s role in sustainability also offered cost-saving benefits alongside ecological ones.

In 2024, AI’s role in retail shifted from experimental to essential. While its implementation presented challenges around accuracy, privacy and ethics, efficiency, engagement and innovation, its benefits were undeniable. As the industry looks ahead to 2025, AI will likely continue to evolve, further transforming how retailers operate and connect with customers.

The post How AI Reshaped Retail in 2024: 10 Key Developments appeared first on PYMNTS.com.