A wave of anecdotes from industry figures and onlookers has pushed XRP into everyday talk in some circles, but the picture is mixed.

Related Reading

According to a recent podcast episode featuring several crypto commentators, guests flagged “mania signals” as a way to spot when an asset is going mainstream.

Some guests said they are now hearing XRP mentioned in casual settings, while others point to counterexamples that suggest the trend is not universal.

Uber Drivers Talk Crypto

Based on reports from the Unchained podcast and social posts, one guest said they had taken multiple Uber rides where drivers were trading XRP.

That comment was later amplified on social media, with others sharing similar encounters.

Reports have disclosed that another well-known community figure said Uber drivers in Nevada and Michigan even recognized him as “that XRP lawyer guy” after his advocacy in the Ripple–SEC case. Those anecdotes add color to claims of growing retail chatter.

I’ve had 2 different Uber drivers in 2 different states (Nevada & Michigan) bring up XRP to me during the last 3 months.

They said: “You look familiar” and “I know you.”

I replied: “I ran for U.S. Senate against Elizabeth Warren.”

Both quickly responded: “No that’s not it -… https://t.co/hsmppCsXRt

— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) August 14, 2025

Small Survey Finds Little Uptake

A separate, small experiment tested the idea directly. A commentator took 25 Uber rides in Ontario and asked each driver whether they held XRP.

Most drivers were confused or said they did not own any crypto. One driver reported holding XRP, having bought at $1.67, and said they planned to hold long-term.

Based on that sample, the experiment’s author concluded that the “Uber driver” story is overstated, or that early buyers may have already cashed out.

Retail Buzz Versus Real Adoption

Analysts differ on what these encounters mean. According to a Bloomberg ETF analyst cited in reports, institutional demand for a possible XRP ETF may start modest while retail interest could be greater.

Other researchers in the community argue that institutions might be quietly building positions even if many retail investors remain unaware.

Both lines of argument can be true at once: pockets of strong recognition can exist while broad adoption lags behind.

Interesting, trades reporting how Polymarket odds of XRP ETF approval went down to 62% after the votes were disclosed showing Crenshaw voting no, but a) she’s gonna vote no on EVERYTHING and b) it’s meaningless, she’s outnumbered = we haven’t changed our odds, still at 95%. https://t.co/TamMn8DHVh pic.twitter.com/Ip9G748HrU

— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) August 7, 2025

Anecdotes Need Hard Data

What matters next is measurable breadth. Watchers say to track search trends, wallet activity, and consistent reports from many cities rather than isolated meetings.

Related Reading

If mentions of XRP keep appearing across unrelated places, that would be stronger evidence. For now, though, the mix of big-signal stories and low-hit surveys means the claim of wide mainstream recognition is still unproven.

These first-hand accounts are compelling because they are simple and human. They make a tidy headline and spark debate online.

Reports so far say they are not yet a substitute for consistent, verifiable data. Some people are clearly talking about XRP in daily life. But the jury is still out on whether that talk has crossed into broad mainstream awareness.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Analysts are increasingly calling for the start of altseason as Ethereum posts massive gains and a wave of altcoins surges across the market. Over the past days, bullish momentum has pushed many digital assets higher, with price structures showing clear signs of strength. For many traders, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for—the long-anticipated shift where altcoins outperform Bitcoin and deliver outsized returns.

Related Reading

Ethereum’s recent breakout above key resistance levels has added fuel to the narrative, with large-cap and mid-cap altcoins following in its footsteps. The market’s renewed optimism has sparked speculation that the altseason cycle, where capital rotates from Bitcoin into the broader altcoin market, may already be underway.

However, not all experts are convinced. Some point to Bitcoin’s continued dominance and the fact that most altcoins remain well below their all-time highs as reasons for caution. Historical altseasons have typically seen aggressive outperformance across the board, something the market has yet to fully confirm.

Altseason Still Waiting For Its True Breakout

According to top analyst Darkfost, the much-anticipated altseason hasn’t truly begun. By examining a comparative chart of Bitcoin, large caps (top 20), and mid/small caps, Darkfost notes that the current cycle is showing the weakest altcoin performance so far. While altcoins have made notable moves in recent weeks, their gains still pale in comparison to Bitcoin’s dominant run.

The last instance that resembled a genuine altseason occurred in early 2024, when altcoins—particularly mid- and small-cap projects—outpaced Bitcoin over a short but intense period. That surge marked a clear capital rotation away from BTC into the broader market, delivering outsized returns for altcoin holders. However, the present market conditions suggest that kind of broad-based outperformance has yet to materialize.

Even though Ethereum has broken above multi-year highs and several altcoins are posting impressive gains, the rally appears selective rather than widespread. Large caps are recovering steadily, but mid- and small-cap coins—often the hallmark of an explosive altseason—are still lagging. This disparity suggests that institutional and retail capital remains concentrated in more established assets.

For a confirmed altseason, analysts will be watching for a sustained breakout in mid- and small-cap performance relative to BTC. Until that shift occurs, the current market may be better described as a strong altcoin rally within Bitcoin’s dominant phase rather than the start of a full-scale altseason.

Related Reading

Altcoin Market Nears Key Resistance

The Total Crypto Market Cap excluding Bitcoin (TOTAL2) is showing strong bullish momentum, currently sitting at $1.57 trillion after a sharp 13.21% weekly surge. This rally brings the market close to retesting its 2025 highs around the $1.6 trillion level, a critical resistance zone that has capped altcoin gains in previous attempts.

The chart reveals that the market has been in a sustained uptrend since early 2024, with price action consistently holding above the 50-week moving average (blue line) and maintaining bullish structure. Both the 100-week (green) and 200-week (red) moving averages are trending higher, reinforcing long-term support and signaling healthy market conditions.

Related Reading

If the breakout occurs, TOTAL2 could target the previous all-time high zone near $1.75–$1.8 trillion, marking a potential acceleration in capital rotation from Bitcoin into altcoins. Conversely, failure to clear this resistance could lead to a short-term pullback toward $1.4 trillion support, which aligns with the 50-week MA. The coming weeks will be crucial for determining whether altseason truly ignites.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s new Crypto Task Force will begin a cross-country tour this month to meet with small crypto startups and expand the number of people who are heard in crypto policymaking.

Led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, the task force plans to visit 10 cities from August to December, it announced in a press release.

The sessions are primarily aimed at crypto-related projects with fewer than 10 employees and under two years in operation. Meetings will be held in cities including Berkeley, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and New York.

“We want to hear from people who were not able to travel for the roundtables that took place this past spring in Washington, D.C.,” Peirce said in a statement.

“The Crypto Task Force is acutely aware that any regulatory framework will have far-reaching effects, and we want to ensure that our outreach is as comprehensive as possible.”

The Crypto Task Force was launched in January under acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda, in a bid to develop clearer regulations for the cryptocurrency industry.

Read more: SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce on the New Crypto Task Force

The world of cryptocurrencies may seem complex, especially for those holding modest amounts. It is natural to wonder if additional precautions are necessary when investing smaller sums. However, using a dedicated bitcoin wallet brings undeniable advantages regardless of portfolio size. This approach gives individuals direct control over their assets and introduces enhanced security, flexibility, and practical features into everyday crypto management.

What exactly is a bitcoin wallet?

A bitcoin wallet does not actually store coins; instead, it holds the private keys required to access, buy, sell, or transfer digital assets. In essence, it acts like a vault, ensuring that only the rightful owner can authorize transactions on the blockchain. These wallets come in various forms, each tailored to different needs and preferences.

Unlike traditional wallets that physically hold cash, a crypto wallet safely generates and manages cryptographic keys. Since private keys are fundamental to all crypto transactions, storing them securely directly impacts financial safety. Both newcomers and experienced enthusiasts benefit from understanding these basics before deciding where to store or trade crypto.

Types of bitcoin wallets

Selecting the appropriate kind of bitcoin wallet plays a crucial role in keeping funds both secure and accessible. Various solutions exist, each offering distinct levels of security, usability, and versatility.

Wallets are generally categorized based on how they handle private keys and connect to the internet. Grasping these core differences helps small investors make informed choices about safeguarding their digital assets.

Mobile and desktop apps: convenience at your fingertips

Applications for mobile devices and computers provide quick ways to send, receive, and monitor bitcoin balances. Seamless integration with other services, such as exchanges, allows users to buy, sell, and trade crypto directly within the wallet interface.

This portable option appeals to small investors because of its ease of use and simple setup. With multisignature capabilities and multi-coin/multichain support, app-based wallets enable the management of various types of digital assets together. Despite this convenience, risks increase if devices are lost or compromised.

Hardware wallet: offline security and peace of mind

For those prioritizing security and protection, hardware wallets offer a superior solution. Unlike software wallets connected to the internet, a hardware wallet stores private keys completely offline, shielding against malware and online attacks. By generating and keeping keys out of reach from the web, these wallets ensure sensitive credentials remain safe—even if computers become infected.

Ledger stands out as a trusted hardware wallet, supporting thousands of coins while remaining user-friendly. Using a specialized crypto wallet provides added security, making it easier for even small investors to safeguard and manage their digital portfolios without extensive technical know-how. With secure elements and intuitive interfaces, even small investors find it easy to set up and manage their portfolios without advanced technical skills. This provides peace of mind by reducing the risks tied to leaving crypto on exchanges or personal devices. Importantly, Ledger is a hardware wallet—not a cold wallet—designed specifically to generate and store keys offline for maximum safety.

Why should small investors embrace self-custody?

Even limited investments can be vulnerable, and statistics show hundreds of millions lost each year due to exchange hacks, scams, and phishing attempts. Relying on third-party custodians shifts asset control outside the investor’s hands. Practicing self-custody by moving private keys into a personal wallet greatly enhances security and grants full autonomy. Every holding, no matter how small, deserves careful attention. Bitcoin’s underlying philosophy centers on decentralization and ownership, emphasizing the importance of protecting one’s keys. Managing assets independently ensures neither loss nor account freezes can occur through intermediary platforms.

Security and protection for every portfolio size

The level of protection should never depend solely on the amount held. Cyber threats persist regardless of portfolio value. Using a dedicated bitcoin wallet shields investors from common cyberattacks, helping to prevent losses or breaches. By choosing secure storage methods, individuals avoid unnecessary reliance on digital exchanges, which can sometimes lack robust safeguards.

Since hardware wallets generate and store private keys entirely offline, risks decrease significantly. Attackers targeting online accounts encounter an unbreakable barrier—the keys cannot be accessed without the physical device. Even beginners with small holdings benefit from strong defenses without needing deep technical expertise.

Practical benefits beyond just security

A crypto wallet offers more than protection alone. Owners gain unified tools for sending, receiving, and monitoring a wide range of coins and tokens. Additional features often include simple conversion options, transaction history tracking, integrated buying and selling, and compatibility with DeFi services via desktop or mobile applications.

Furthermore, strong community support and regular firmware updates help wallets adapt to new threats and emerging digital currencies over time. Investors stay aligned with market developments without being tied to a single service or platform for upgrades.

Key features modern bitcoin wallets provide

Modern wallets meet both the security requirements and functional expectations of today’s investors, regardless of investment size. Choosing a product with reliable support and solid construction prevents future issues.

The expanding ecosystem around bitcoin wallets means a single device or app can now handle complete management of all digital assets. This focus on efficiency saves time and creates a consistent experience across different investment categories.

• Self-custody: Gain total control over every asset by holding private keys personally, instead of relying on external parties.
• Multi-coin and multichain support: Manage diverse sets of tokens and blockchains on a single device for convenient and reliable access.
• Buy, sell, and trade crypto: Built-in features allow for secure purchases, sales, and instant transfers whenever needed.
• Store and manage digital assets: All balances synchronize seamlessly, placing oversight firmly in the hands of the individual.
• Compatibility with mobile and desktop apps: Cross-platform accessibility combines convenience with robust security protocols.
• Offline key generation/storage: Only hardware wallets effectively generate and keep private keys beyond the reach of online threats.

When is the right time to switch to a dedicated bitcoin wallet?

Transferring assets from exchanges or basic online storage to a specialized wallet is advisable at any stage of a crypto journey. Small investors, in particular, benefit from developing strong habits early—moving even test or learning funds onto protected devices reduces exposure to avoidable risks.

Major life changes, portfolio growth, or evolving regulations may prompt re-evaluation, but proactive action typically proves wiser than waiting for problems to arise. Early adoption fosters familiarity with essential wallet operations, ensuring preparedness for emergencies later on.

Step-by-step guidance: setting up a hardware wallet

Setting up a hardware wallet is now remarkably straightforward, encouraging more users to take control of their holdings. While models vary slightly, the main steps usually include:

1. Order the hardware device directly from the manufacturer to minimize tampering risks.
2. Connect the hardware wallet to a mobile or desktop computer and launch the official companion app.
3. Follow instructions to initialize the device, including generating private keys and noting a recovery phrase by hand (never digitally).
4. Transfer existing digital assets into the wallet using clearly displayed public addresses.
5. Verify access with small test transactions before transferring larger amounts.

With built-in multi-coin/multichain support and native integration of purchase, sale, and transaction histories, modern hardware wallets provide smooth experiences—minimizing friction at every step. Ongoing maintenance mainly involves installing updates and practicing secure backup routines.

Summing up the value for small investors

Cryptocurrency’s decentralized nature encourages everyone—not just large investors—to keep assets personally secured and fully under their own control. Adopting a bitcoin wallet, particularly a hardware version, empowers individuals to manage their finances confidently, regardless of initial stake size.

By choosing a comprehensive crypto wallet solution that combines unmatched security and protection with multi-device compatibility, confidence and independence naturally grow. This strong foundation supports future portfolio expansion, increased engagement with blockchain services, and ultimately a safer crypto experience from the very start.

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*All investment/financial opinions expressed by NFT Plazas are from the personal research and experience of our site moderators and are intended as educational material only. Individuals are required to fully research any product prior to making any kind of investment.

Decentralization is the future.

President Donald Trump is reportedly intensifying his pro-crypto agenda with plans to expand access to trillions from retirement funds and ease taxation for everyday crypto use.

According to a June 17 report by the Financial Times, sources familiar with the matter say the President could soon issue an executive order allowing 401(k) retirement plans to invest in cryptocurrencies, gold, and private equity.

This initiative would mark a major shift in US retirement policy. Traditionally, 401(k) plans are limited to conventional assets like stocks and bonds. By including crypto and other alternatives, the White House aims to modernize investment options and tap into the growing appeal of digital assets.

A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement plan in which US employees contribute a portion of their wages to an investment account. The new executive order is expected to direct federal regulators to evaluate and revise existing rules that currently restrict access to alternative assets.

If implemented, the move could lead to policies supporting direct crypto ownership, exposure through ETFs, and investments in blockchain-focused companies.

Omar Kanji, a partner at crypto venture firm Dragonfly, called the development the “biggest unlock” for the digital asset sector.

He noted:

“US retirement assets sit at $43 trillion, with $9 trillion in 401ks. With Trump opening the flooodgates, if crypto sees just a 1% allocation from 401ks, that’s ~$90B in fresh inflows. The retirement market is enormous, and the real party is about to get started.”

Bitcoin tax relief

In a separate development, the Trump administration is exploring a “de minimis” tax exemption for small crypto transactions. This would remove capital gains tax obligations for minor purchases made with digital assets like Bitcoin.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is actively considering the policy as part of its strategy to promote crypto usage.

Currently, US tax law treats every crypto transaction as a taxable event that requires reporting of even small profits. The proposed exemption would mirror existing rules that waive taxes on foreign currency gains under $200, reducing the administrative burden for users making low-value purchases.

Custodia Bank CEO Caitlin Long emphasized the magnitude of this potential change, stating that it could surpass the impact of the GENIUS Act, a recently approved pro-crypto legislation.

If enacted, the exemption could accelerate Bitcoin’s role as a functional payment method rather than just an investment vehicle.

Mentioned in this article

Something to look forward to: Amazon managed to revolutionize e-commerce with fast and affordable shipping, but it isn’t resting on its laurels. The Seattle-based online retailer recently announced plans to further expand the reach of its same-day and next-day delivery services to tens of millions of additional customers in the US by the end of the year.

Once the calendar rolls over to 2026, Amazon’s speedy delivery options will be available in more than 4,000 smaller cities and towns across the country. The company said the expansion goes beyond speed, and is more about transforming daily life for those living in rural communities that typically live further away from brick-and-mortar retailers and face longer wait times when ordering goods online.

That said, speed really is the key here – especially when it comes to ordering everyday essentials like paper towels or dog food. These are the types of goods you often don’t realize you need more of until you run out, and having to wait two days or longer for delivery isn’t exactly convenient.

Amazon is confident the investment – totaling more than $4 billion by the end of the year to triple the size of its delivery network – will pay off, and they have the data to prove it. In the more than 1,000 small communities where Amazon has already started offering faster delivery, customers are said to be purchasing essentials at a “meaningfully higher” rate. Among the top 50 repurchased items for same-day delivery in these regions, more than 90 percent are everyday essentials.

In addition to expanding the reach of the delivery network, Amazon is also working to convert existing rural delivery stations into hybrid hubs that can serve multiple functions. They’re also using AI to predict which items will be most popular among locals, and prioritizing inventory as to not run out.

Prime subscribers in select communities have access to unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $25. According to the product page, same-day orders are delivered as fast as five hours. Prime subscriptions start at $14.99 per month or $139 annually, and include a host of additional perks. Young adults and those on select government assistance may qualify for a reduced rate.

At a glance

Expert’s Rating

Pros

• Super slim
• Super small
• Super colors
• 10K is 15W QI2

Our Verdict

The compact PicoGo is somewhere in between its nearest competitors in quite a sweet spot of size and performance—the 5K model equals the record for lightest power bank we have tested.

Price When Reviewed

This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined

Best Pricing Today

Price When Reviewed

$35.99

Best Prices Today: Baseus PicoGo Ultra-Slim 5K Magnetic Power Bank

$35.99

Lithium-ion scientists must have been busy lately, with magnetic power banks getting slimmer and smaller but just as powerful.

Power banks are useful tools to carry around with you, and the smaller they get the easier they are to carry with you in a handbag, backpack compartment or in your jacket pocket.

Baseus has made some of our favorite battery packs in the past and we’re fans of its latest range, the PicoGo AM41 Ultra-Slim Power Banks.

While neither the very slimmest, lightest or smallest, the PicoGo AM41 hits a sweet spot somewhere in the middle of its nearest rivals.

Skinny models

The Baseus PicoGo AM41 Ultra-Slim is available in the two standard phone power bank battery capacities: 5000mAh (5K) and 10000mAh (10K).

The smaller of the two, the 5K PicoGo measures 3.9 x 2.6 x 0.36 inches (10 x 6.7 x 0.9cm) and weighs a mere 3.9oz (111g).

The smallest magnetic power bank we have tested is the $39 Infinacore M3 Mini Wireless 5K Power Bank, which is shorter and less wide than the 5K PicoGo but a little fatter; see our photo below.

The slimmest we have got our hands on is the Vonmählen Evergreen Mag 5000mAh Power Bank, also $39, which is longer and wider than the Infinacore but a smidgen thinner.

The Baseus PicoGo 5K is a tiny bit shorter and less wide than the Vonmählen but almost exactly the same slim depth and is 13g lighter. It is precisely the same weight (111g) as the Infinacore. That’s why we think it’s the sweet spot between the three.

The differences might appear minor but if you are seeking the smallest lightest and thinnest magnetic power bank, the fine margins still matter.

The larger capacity 10K Baseus PicoGo measures 4 x 2.7 x 0.6 inches (10.2 x 6.8 x 1.5cm) and weighs 6.2oz (175g). It’s about the same credit-card length and width but noticeably thicker in depth than the 5K, as you’d expect from a much more powerful battery pack.

Charge of the light brigade

Vital statistics for power banks don’t end on the measurements. Maybe most important of all is charging performance. The three rival power banks above are rated at 5000mAh battery capacity, but in our tests some perform better than others.

We let our test unit iPhone 16 Pro‘s battery run right down to zero, clamp on the magnetic power bank, and wait until the battery pack runs out and take note of the iPhone’s new battery percentage.

The Infinacore is cute but was let down by its recharge credentials, recharging the faded iPhone to 56%—enough to get you to the next charging station but lower than both the Vonmählen (70%) and Baseus (71%). That’s an extra quarter’s worth of charging power in the slightly larger but slimmer power banks.

Opt for the fatter 10K PicoGo and you’ll get exactly twice the charging performance (142%). Usually, 10K power banks aren’t as much as twice as powerful as their 5K equivalents so we were surprised that this was the case with the PicoGo range.

The 10K has another charging benefit: its wireless charging uses the Qi2 standard, giving it a speed of 15W compared to the merely MagSafe-compatible 7.5W wireless charging of the 5K model. For comparison, the 5K Infinacore is also rated at 7.5W while the Vonmählen 5K reaches 15W. The 10K’s 15W speed means the power bank will power up your phone faster when charging wirelessly.

For even faster charging you can attach the included braided USB-C cable and wire-charge the 5K PicoGo at 20W and the 10K PicoGo at 27W.

Power looks

The Baseus PicoGo has a sandblasted silicone finish to its aluminum alloy shell, making it quite strokable. The 5K and 10K models are each available in four colors: Space Grey, Nebula Pink, Natural Titanium, Cosmic Black.

Baseus is planning a version of the 5K PicoGo Power Bank with a kickstand, but this wasn’t available to us at the time of testing.

When you must recharge the power bank itself, input charging speed is 15W for the 5K and 20W for the 10K.

Combining wireless charging and wired to power two devices at the same time brings down the total speed to just 12W for each power bank.

Price

Prices for the 5K Baseus PicoGo Power Bank start at $34.99 / £34.99, and $45.99 / £47.99 for the 10K model. These prices are what we’d expect for a quality magnetic power bank and very reasonable for ones of this quality.

Compare the prices and test results of competing magnetic power banks in our roundup of the best MagSafe and magnetic power banks.

Should you buy the Baseus PicoGo AM41 Ultra-Slim Power Bank?

While it’s not the very slimmest or smallest, the compact PicoGo is somewhere in between its nearest competitors in quite a sweet spot and the 5K model equals the record for lightest power bank we have tested.

Both compare well on performance in our recharging tests, and look and feel great in hand. As such we would be happy to keep the PicoGo to hand when out and about to rescue us from a fading battery emergency.