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Japan is evolving to accommodate crypto

Japan’s regulatory environment has been evolving to accommodate crypto adoption. The country has implemented clearer guidelines for crypto businesses, and Japan’s Financial Services Agency recently proposed significant updates to the Payment Services Act, introducing new regulations for stablecoins and cryptocurrencies.

The aim is to diversify stablecoin reserves, allowing trust companies to hold up to 50% of reserves in term deposits and government bonds while maintaining a one-to-one backing. This would enhance investor protection by enabling regulators to mandate onshore custody of spot digital assets and stablecoins by exchanges, addressing concerns raised by past exchange collapses.

The bill also introduces a new category of intermediaries that can act as brokers between clients and crypto exchanges without registering as exchanges themselves, streamlining the process while maintaining regulatory oversight on asset and risk disclosures.

At the same time, a proposal is being discussed by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) that would introduce a 20% tax rate for crypto investments, aligning them with stocks and other financial products.

As more established companies like Open House embrace cryptocurrencies and government policies continue to pursue a more crypto-friendly stance, it could pave the way for wider adoption and use cases in Japan’s property market and beyond.

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What you need to know

Gemini Extensions are now “Apps,” although everything works the same, just with a fresh name.
“Apps” now replaces “Extensions” everywhere on Android, iOS, and web.
Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental is also the new tech under the hood, promising a faster, smarter experience.

Google has swapped out the name “Gemini Extensions” for something simpler and snappier: “Apps.” Along with the new name, these apps are also getting a boost with a version of Gemini 2.0 that makes them faster and more efficient.

If you’ve been using Google Gemini on your phone or computer lately, you might’ve noticed that the old “Extensions” menu is now called “Apps.” Google confirmed the switch in its latest Workspace Updates blog.

Google has made it clear that this name change is just a surface-level update. This means that everything works the same as before, so your experience won’t really change.

That said, a bit of an adjustment period is inevitable as people get used to the new label. So, if you find yourself pausing for a second to spot the “Apps” menu, you’re not alone—it’ll just take a little time to feel familiar.

Gemini Apps give Google’s AI chatbot the ability to connect with all sorts of web services and mobile features, going way beyond just answering questions. From pulling up your calendar to summarizing videos or kicking off an audio stream, it’s designed to handle real-time tasks that go beyond basic information lookup.

Google has fully rolled out the name switch on Android, iOS, and web. You’ll see “Apps” popping up everywhere now, replacing “Extensions” in settings, account menus, and all the main features of the platform.

The Mountain View-based company is no stranger to renaming and reshuffling its services, but this change seems more intentional. This latest shift feels like a move to make these features feel more like a natural, built-in part of the Gemini ecosystem.

On top of the name change, Google is rolling out something new under the hood: Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental. Google says it’ll give users a smoother, smarter experience, especially if you’re someone who leans on these tools a lot.

Google has been steadily evolving its reasoning models. It started with the first release in December, then rolled out an improved version for developers in January. Last month, the Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental made its way to all Gemini users, whether you’re on the free plan or paying for premium.