ways – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:07:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 ways – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 Less Hype, More Utility: 5 Ways NFTs Are Rebuilding in 2025 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/less-hype-more-utility-5-ways-nfts-are-rebuilding-in-2025/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/less-hype-more-utility-5-ways-nfts-are-rebuilding-in-2025/#respond Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:07:28 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/less-hype-more-utility-5-ways-nfts-are-rebuilding-in-2025/

After watching the NFT market balloon, implode, and now start to quietly reassemble itself, I’m not here to tell you that NFTs are going to save the internet. I’m also not going to pretend the last two years weren’t tough. But something’s shifting—slowly, unevenly, and maybe for the better. The days of speculative mania are fading, and a new phase rooted in functionality and relevance is emerging.

If NFTs are going to matter again, it’ll be for reasons that look nothing like what got us here in the first place.

Key Takeaways

  • Real-world asset NFTs are gaining traction by tying tokens to tangible value like real estate, treasuries, and carbon credits.

  • Art remains relevant, but the NFT space is shifting toward utility—especially in gaming, ticketing, and access-based applications.

  • AR/VR and AI experiments are evolving NFT experiences, though mainstream adoption still lags behind the hype.

  • Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, but enforcement is moving toward case-by-case treatment—especially for investment-style NFTs.

  • Community still matters, even if it’s smaller—projects built around participation and ownership are driving long-term engagement.

1. Real-World Assets Are Giving NFTs a Shot at Legitimacy

Let’s be honest—most people got burned. The 2021 hype cycle inflated the idea that digital art and monkey JPEGs would somehow rewrite the financial system. They didn’t. What we’re seeing now, though, is something different: NFTs that actually tie to real‑world assets—things like real estate, bonds, and treasuries.

These aren’t speculative collectibles—they’re tokenized representations of tangible value. And they’re starting to gain structure, regulation, and purpose.

Plume Network is a blockchain built entirely for real‑world assets. It lets developers tokenize things like mineral rights, carbon credits, and government bonds, and plug them directly into DeFi. The NFTs in this model aren’t art—they’re proof of ownership or access to yield‑bearing products.

Redbelly Network takes a similar approach, focusing on compliance and real identity. It supports NFTs tied to things like private equity and carbon offsets, with on‑chain rules that prevent fraud or wash trading.

This is a big shift. NFTs used to represent hype. Now they’re starting to represent real things. That’s the kind of foundation the space always needed.

2. From Art to Access: How NFTs Are Shifting from Expression to Utility

Art was the launchpad—and to be fair, some of it still deserves credit. I’ve been quick to criticize the speculative mania, but I can’t ignore how NFTs gave independent artists real autonomy.

Platforms like SuperRare and fxhash still host thoughtful, boundary-pushing work. The frenzy is gone, but the core collector base remains. And in some ways, the art has actually improved without the noise.

That said, the conversation has shifted. The only NFTs worth building around now are the ones that do something. I’m watching more attention flow to utility-driven use cases—especially in gaming and access. Illuvium and Star Atlas are launching beta-access ecosystems where NFTs are core to in-game economies.

Ticketing is another area I’m watching closely. NFT-based passes offer real advantages: resale royalties, better security, and dynamic updates. Ticketmaster’s NFT pilots for select events and Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) tokens are gaining traction for fan engagement. But let’s be honest—mass adoption hasn’t landed.

Nike and Starbucks, once seen as bullish corporate players, have pulled back. Their exits underscore a bigger truth: mainstream brands aren’t going to carry NFTs across the line. If this space grows, it’ll be because the tools actually work—not because big names are involved.

So yeah, art might stick around. And utility has legs. But neither can coast on hype anymore. The bar’s higher now—and maybe that’s the point.

3. Tech Hype Is Outpacing Real Impact

If I had a token for every time someone said “metaverse” or “AI NFTs” in 2022, I’d be rich. But buried under the jargon are a few ideas that might actually matter.

AI-powered NFTs that evolve or personalize themselves could make digital assets feel more alive. The same goes for AR/VR integrations that aim to give NFTs experiential value—virtual concerts, 3D galleries, immersive wearables.

Apple Vision Pro suggests there’s infrastructure forming, even if user demand hasn’t kept pace. Reebok’s AR-based NFT drops and Spatial.io’s virtual galleries hint at what this future could look like.

The billions poured into immersive tech tell us someone believes there’s a future here. Whether it’s one people actually want is still unclear.

The reality? Adoption is lagging behind innovation. Platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox boast impressive features but struggle to attract daily users. NFTs may be the right foundation—but only if there’s something real to build on top.

4. Regulation Is a Pain, But a Necessary One

If you were paying attention during the last couple years, you saw how unregulated chaos attracted bad actors. Platforms like OpenSea got hit hard—with lawsuits, delistings, and regulatory heat.

While NFTs haven’t been universally declared securities, the SEC has targeted specific projects—like Impact Theory and Stoner Cats—under the Howey Test. OpenSea even received a Wells notice in 2024, prompting fears that NFT marketplaces might be treated like unregistered securities exchanges.

But in early 2025, the SEC dropped its investigation, and a newly formed crypto unit is now focusing more on fraud than on sweeping enforcement. That signals a shift toward a more nuanced, case-by-case approach.

OpenSea’s reboot—with its SEA token and OS2 platform—is part of this regulatory recalibration. OS2 includes tools for dividend payouts, asset splitting, and voting rights—features that echo financial instruments, but also show a deliberate move toward transparency and compliance.

Institutional investors are circling back, and yes, these preemptive efforts are helping. However, I’ve spoken to enough people in the space to know that trust won’t be rebuilt overnight.

5. Community Is Still the Soul of the Space (Even if It’s Smaller Now)

I’ve always believed that the best NFT projects weren’t just about tokens—they were about belonging. Bored Apes and Pudgy Penguins built cultures; many faded, yet some still have staying power.

But the communities that stuck around—often without huge financial upside—are the ones giving the space its durability.

Sound.xyz continues to thrive as a platform where musicians drop limited-edition NFT tracks, organize mint-time listening parties, and reward loyal fans with exclusive content. It’s helping artists connect directly with listeners—no middlemen, just community.

Farcaster, a decentralized social protocol on Optimism, is quietly redefining what NFT-native community can look like. Profiles are wallet-linked, usernames are tokenized, and access to certain channels or features can be gated through NFTs. It’s not about speculation—it’s about building trust, identity, and continuity in a way traditional platforms can’t.

Social media integrations help onboard new users, but most of that activity still feels surface-level. Real community is harder to fake—and harder to scale. But with platforms like Sound.xyz and Farcaster, NFTs still feel alive at their roots.

Are NFTs back? Not really. Not yet. But they’re not dead either. What we’re seeing now is a necessary comedown and recalibration. Less noise, more intent. I’m not betting the farm, but I’m paying attention. Because if this space comes back—and I think it might—it won’t look anything like the last time.

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Got an Android flip phone? These are my favorite ways to make the most of their cameras https://earlybirdsinvest.com/got-an-android-flip-phone-these-are-my-favorite-ways-to-make-the-most-of-their-cameras/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/got-an-android-flip-phone-these-are-my-favorite-ways-to-make-the-most-of-their-cameras/#respond Sat, 21 Jun 2025 18:44:21 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/got-an-android-flip-phone-these-are-my-favorite-ways-to-make-the-most-of-their-cameras/

There’s a lot to like about modern flip phones, but one of the biggest draws, at least for me, is the more versatile ways that you can utilize your cameras. With more traditional candybar-style smartphones, taking photos and selfies is a pretty standard experience. But thanks to the flip phone form factor and their ever-growing cover screens, that experience gets a unique upgrade.

Having reviewed a variety of Android flip phones for the past couple of years, I’ve noticed that people are always very elated to see how I use the cameras and cover screen. It’s one of the best ways to showcase what flip phones can do, so here are the ways I like to take advantage of the flip phone form factor to capture better photos and videos.

Taking the best selfies

The Motorola Razr 2025 in the Pantone Lightest Sky colorway.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

With traditional smartphones, taking selfies typically involves the front-facing camera. While this is generally fine, front-facing cameras usually have inferior quality when compared to the primary rear cameras. Smaller sensors and lower resolutions sometimes can result in noisier images that just don’t look as good.

Flip phones still have front-facing cameras on the display, but to be honest, I rarely ever use them, and if I do, it’s to hop on a video call. But if I ever want to take a selfie, I close the phone and turn on the camera. This way, not only can I view myself using the cover screen, but it lets me take selfies with the superior quality of the primary camera.

Taking a selfie in front of a ferris wheel

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

What’s great is that you don’t need an expensive flip phone to make it happen; even the cheaper ones with smaller cover screens normally provide a selfie preview. Of course, it’s just better with a larger cover screen so you can get the full effect.

The Razr also has a fun Photobooth feature that automatically takes four photos after a short countdown. Once it’s done, it’ll stitch them into a fun 4×4 collage.

Capturing your best angles

Taking a picture of me taking a picture of the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 with its cover screen camera viewfinder active

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

One of the worst things is to have your picture taken by someone else, only for it to come out badly or show you at an awkward angle. You’re pretty much at the mercy of whoever is capturing the photo, and you just have to hope that at least one of the voters that they’re taking comes out good enough to post on Instagram.

With most flip phones, this becomes a thing of the past. With their expansive cover screens, phones like the Motorola Razr and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip allow you to turn on a preview of the viewfinder. That way, when you’re taking a photo of someone, they can see themselves and angle themselves appropriately, ensuring that you’re capturing their best side.

I use this anytime I take photos of friends, and they always comment on how cool and useful it is that they can see themselves.

This one’s for the TikTokers

The Auto Zoom on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

(Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

If you’re a TikToker or content creator, this one’s for you. Instead of buying a tripod or another accessory to prop your phone up while recording a video, you can just take a flip phone, set it down somewhere, and fold it at an angle. With the cover screen viewfinder, you’ll be able to see yourself while you record your videos. And again, since you’re not using the front camera, the quality should be much better than with a traditional smartphone.

This is one of my favorite ways to take hands-free “selfies” that don’t look like selfies and appear to have been taken by someone else. This works great when paired with Air Gestures, which activate a short countdown when you hold your hand up at the camera. And for video, the Razr Ultra also lets you control videos in a similar fashion, letting you start, pause, or end video recording by showing your palm or fist.

The Motorola Razr Plus 2025 on a paddleboard

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

However, it can also be a great way to capture footage of not just yourself, but also of other things. Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich recently took a Motorola Razr Plus 2025 with him while he was paddleboarding on a lake. He set the phone down in front of him on the board and just started recording. It’s nice because he was able to capture video of his time on the lake with the Razr while his hands were focused on navigating the paddleboard (with the Razr secured to the board, of course).

And if you have a Galaxy Z Flip 6, you can take advantage of a cool auto zoom feature. While using the cover screen viewfinder, the camera will automatically zoom in or out depending on how close you are to the camera, something you would normally need to do manually.

Bring out the filmmaker in you

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 in Camcorder Mode

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Recent Razr and Galaxy Z Flip models introduced a pretty cool feature that makes it easier to record videos, particularly if you’re holding the phone. Camcorder Mode essentially turns your phone virtually into a camcorder when you fold the device at a 90-degree angle while the camera is turned on.

With Camcorder Mode, the UI transforms so the viewfinder is on the forward-most portion of the device while the half of the phone that you’re holding is simplified with little to no buttons and a large touch pad. While you’re recording, you can drag your thumb across this touchpad to zoom in and out with ease. You can also flip the video vertically or horizontally, depending on the type of video you’re taking.

Motorola Razr Plus 2024 Auto Camcorder Mode UI

A screenshot of the full Camcorder Mode UI on a Motorola Razr. (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

The benefit of Camcorder Mode is that you have a much firmer grip on the phone, which allows for smoother movements when compared to how you would normally hold the phone. And of course, you can still utilize the cover screen so that anyone being recorded can see themselves in the viewfinder.

Making funny faces so you don’t have to

Razr+ camera cartoon

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Taking photos of small children can be a challenge. It’s not always easy to get them to look directly into the camera, especially babies. Fortunately, this is something Motorola has thought of with what it likes to call the camera cartoon.

This feature uses the cover screen to display a colorful series of animated faces that it cycles through in order to grab a child’s attention. That way, you can grab the perfect shot without constantly having to flail around behind the camera, and the faces should hopefully get a smile or laugh out of the kid.

Fewer cameras, more versatility

Pantone icon on the Razr Ultra 2025 camera

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

One of the main complaints about flip phones is that they often come equipped with only two cameras. Compare that to similarly priced Android flagships that normally have at least three cameras, and it may seem like flip phones aren’t worth it for the “gimmick” of a folding display and cover screen. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

In fact, thanks to their foldable form factor and cover screen, flip phones manage to make their dual camera systems more versatile than traditional smartphones, and in ways that their non-folding counterparts can’t really replicate. It’s part of what makes them so unique, and a key reason why you should consider buying a flip phone.

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Michael Saylor presents 21 ways to wealth in Bitcoin 2025 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/michael-saylor-presents-21-ways-to-wealth-in-bitcoin-2025/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/michael-saylor-presents-21-ways-to-wealth-in-bitcoin-2025/#respond Fri, 30 May 2025 10:30:47 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/michael-saylor-presents-21-ways-to-wealth-in-bitcoin-2025/

Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman of Strategy, gave a keynote speech at Bitcoin 2025 entitled “21 Ways to Wealth.” He said: “This speech is for you. I traveled the world and told the specific spirit of the nation, institutional investors, and even the children’s children why they need Bitcoin. This is every individual, every family, every small business.

He began clearly. “The first way to wealth is clear,” he said. “The moment you realize that Bitcoin is the capital, there is transparency. For Saylor, every thoughtful individual on the planet ultimately seeks such an untouched capital, and all AI systems like it too.

The second pass is belief. Bitcoin will appreciate it faster than all other assets because it is designed for performance, he said. “It will grow faster than real estate and collectibles. It is the most efficient and valuable repository in human history.”

The third way is courage. “If you’re going to get rich in Bitcoin, you need courage,” he warned. “Wealth stands for those who accept intellectual financial risk. Some people get left behind. Others juggle it. But the bold ones feed the fire.

The fourth will cooperate. “If you have full support for your family, you are stronger. Your child has time and potential. The secret is to transfer capital to their hands. A family that moves united and moves cannot be stopped.”

The fifth is the function. “Master AI,” he said. “Everything you can imagine in 2025 is at your fingertips – surprise, analysis, creativity. Ask AI, discuss it, use it. You will become a super genius. Don’t put your ego first – cast your interest first. Your family will appreciate you.”

The sixth way to Saylor’s wealth is composition. Expand your strategy and build legal entities that protect your assets. “Ask AI and understand it. You can work hard. Or you can work smarter. This year, everyone should act like the most sophisticated billionaire family office.”

The seventh is citizenship. Choose your financial nexus carefully. “A place of residence where sovereignty respects your freedom,” he said. “This isn’t just this year, it’s this century.”

The eighth is politeness. “We respect the world’s natural force structure. We respect the power of nature,” he explained. “If you want to generate wealth in the Bitcoin universe, don’t fight unnecessary. Find a common ground. Inflation and distraction are your enemies.”

The ninth is a corporation. “A well-structured company is the most powerful wealth engine on the planet. The family is strong. Partnerships are even stronger. But companies can expand globally. What is your car? What is your path?”

The tenth method is focus. “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should,” he warned. “If you invest in Bitcoin, you have a 90% chance of success in five years. Don’t confuse ambition with achievement. Come up with a strategy and stick to it.”

The 11th is fair. “Share your opportunities with investors who share your risk,” he said. It noted that MicroStrategy’s own rise will rise from a $5 billion market capitalization to a $5 billion market capitalization by working with stock partners who believe in the Bitcoin mission.

The 12th is credit. “In a world that fears the future, we want small yields, certainty. We provide that. In exchange for capital, we convert creditor security into fuel, and turn risk into yields by investing in Bitcoin.”

The 13th is compliance. “Create the best companies you can within the rules of the market. Learn the rules of the road. If you know them, you can drive faster. You can expand legally and sustainably.”

The 14th method is capitalized. “Speed ​​combines wealth,” Saylor said. “Up and reinvest as quickly as possible and often. The faster and more productive Bitcoin strategy your money moves to. The more it increases.”

The 15th is communication. “Talking with Candor. Be transparent and repeat your message frequently,” he urged. “Making wealth with Bitcoin is easy, but only if people understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.”

The 16th is commitment. “Don’t allow yourself to be distracted,” he said. “Don’t chase your own ideas. Don’t feed the trolls. Keep committing to Bitcoin. It’s the biggest idea in the world. The world probably doesn’t care about your ideas, but when you win it, you’ll care.”

The 17th method is ability. “You’re not competing with noise. You’re competing with people who are focused on lasers. “You need to provide consistent, accurate, reliable performance. That’s how you win.”

The 18th is adaptation. “Status changes. Every structure you trust today will ultimately fail. The wise man is ready to abandon his baggage and adjust his plans as needed. Stiffness is doom.”

The 19th is evolution. “Build on core strengths. You don’t have to start over again. You need to level up. Do your best already and expand through Bitcoin and advanced technology.”

20 years old is advocacy. “Invite others to walk the Bitcoin path,” he said. “Become an evangelist for economic freedom. Show others what this revolution really means. Show them the way.”

Finally, the 21 ways are generosity. “When you succeed, and you will succeed – you will expand happiness. Share security. Deliver hope. The light within you will shine.

When he was finished, Saylor smiled and cited all its origins:

“It might make sense to get some in case it catches up.” – Satoshi.

In Michael Saylor’s worldview, Bitcoin is not a rich Quick scheme. This is the ultimate long-term play. It is the foundation of generational wealth, an engine of personal and institutional freedom, and a tool for people bold enough to lead humanity into a more sovereign and safe future.

You can see the full panel discussion and the rest of the Bitcoin 2025 meeting day 3 below.

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As a new parent, here are 12 ways my Apple Watch helps me through the day https://earlybirdsinvest.com/as-a-new-parent-here-are-12-ways-my-apple-watch-helps-me-through-the-day/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/as-a-new-parent-here-are-12-ways-my-apple-watch-helps-me-through-the-day/#respond Sat, 03 May 2025 21:11:30 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/as-a-new-parent-here-are-12-ways-my-apple-watch-helps-me-through-the-day/
An Apple Watch Series 10 user reviews their app Library

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

As a new parent, I’ve discovered that my Apple Watch is low-key the most helpful thing I own (besides an espresso machine). It’s like having a tiny, wearable command center strapped to my wrist, keeping me organized, connected, and just barely ahead of the chaos. Below are the most frequent ways I use my smartwatch to manage my new roommate.

1. Noise App

An Apple Watch user checks the volume of their environment with the Noise app.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Starting strong with the Noise app, the Apple Watch is surprisingly clutch when trying to set up a safe sleep environment. As tempting as it might be to drown all household sounds so the baby can sleep, there are limits to how loud a sound machine should be. I use the Noise App to set mine to a baby-safe volume (below 50 decibels while sleeping) to protect those impossibly tiny eardrums. On the flip side, it’s always demoralizing when you receive a noise alert because a newborn is crying in your face.

2. Alarms & Sleep Tracking

In a shared bedroom with an occupied bassinet, a silent, haptic-only alarm is the most important thing happening in my life right now. My Apple Watch alarm is the only way to ensure that I, and only I, am woken up when I carve out time to prep bottles, chug coffee, or just stare into the darkness in silence. Sleep tracking, meanwhile, is less about improvement and more about proof. It’s both validating and oddly satisfying to track just how little you’re sleeping during this “magical” time. (Spoiler: it’s not much.)

3. Organizational Apps (Reminders, Calendar, Timers)

Babies have more scheduled events and to-dos than a floor manager. From feedings to naps, Vitamin D doses to doctor’s appointments, they’re high-maintenance little tyrants, and I’ll take all the help I can get to stay organized. The Apple Watch puts details an arm’s length away, which doesn’t mean I’ll be on time, but at least I’ll know I’m running late.

4. Activity & Fitness Tracking

An Apple Watch displays a users' struggling activity rings.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

I will be the last person to urge any new parent to revisit their fitness goals right out of the gate, but there are definitely real benefits (both mental and physical) to staying active. Even when my regular fitness routine is on pause, the watch’s activity rings give me a little nudge to keep moving, whether it’s a refreshing stroller walk or 47 midnight trips up and down the hallway to rock the baby to sleep.

5. Do Not Disturb & Focus Modes

As much as I appreciate Grandma’s enthusiasm for FaceTime, newborns don’t need distractions from notifications or calls during a nap or feeding. Focus modes let me temporarily shut out the world, when one mistimed ding can cost me an entire hour of my life (and a considerable amount of my sanity). Do Not Disturb is perfect for protecting fragile, hard-won moments of peace.

6. Third-Party Apps

An Apple Watch Series 10 displays the app library.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

One of the Apple Watch’s biggest strengths is its unrivaled third-party app support. There’s a wild world of baby-focused apps out there, from baby monitors to feeding logs, and having them synced to my watch means I can input or check data without fumbling for my phone. I’m also an avid user of the Remote app for controlling the TV when the real remote deep dives between the couch cushions.

7. Find My Friends

Not to sound like a stalker, but it’s comforting to know where your partner is, especially when they’re doing a solo run to Target (which is, let’s be honest, a time warp). The Apple Watch makes it easy to see if they’re almost home or still stuck in aisle K12 looking for size 1 diapers.

8. Find My iPhone/Control Center ping feature

An Apple Watch user's iPhone displays the Find My Phone Alert.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Likewise, when I’m not looking for my partner, I’m almost certainly looking for my phone. Whether it’s buried under laundry, lost in the glider, or somehow in my own pocket, the ping tool saves me from several daily existential crises.

9. Siri, Messaging, Calls & Notifications

An Apple Watch user sets a timer using Siri.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Hands-free communication is a game-changer when my arms are full of baby (or baby’s gear). Siri sets my timers. I exclusively answer calls from my wrist. I also dismiss the notifications I vowed to disable, and text back the group chat that never ends, all without needing to pull out my phone (because let’s be honest, where is my phone?). Meanwhile, using my watch means less screen time for the little one, who can spot a retina display from 20 feet away.

10. Apple Pay

Whether I’ve accidentally left the house without my wallet, or I just don’t want to dig into the abyss of my diaper bag to find it, contactless payment support makes errands (read: coffee runs) a lot smoother. Outings can already feel like an Olympic sport with a baby in tow, Apple Pay shaves off a few hurdles.

11. Maps

From walking the baby to sleep to breaking up the day with a change of scenery, Maps is my ride or die companion for an endless carousel of stroller treks. I use it to navigate new neighborhoods, find shaded parks, and locate the nearest take-out locations I can hit on my way home.

12. Photo watch face 

A user's Apple Watch displays a photo watch face.

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Because all sarcasm aside, I’m a big fan of my new little roommate. I have roughly 7.4 million photos to utilize, and the photo watch face is the perfect medium. Having their smiling (or scowling) face on my wrist is a small, joyful reminder of why sleep is overrated anyway.

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5 Ways the SEC Can Embrace Innovation https://earlybirdsinvest.com/5-ways-the-sec-can-embrace-innovation/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/5-ways-the-sec-can-embrace-innovation/#respond Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:34:48 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/5-ways-the-sec-can-embrace-innovation/

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has long been the world’s most influential financial regulator, helping to ensure our capital markets are the deepest, fairest, and most accessible in the world. But its continued relevance will depend on whether it can do more than merely respond to innovation — it must proactively foster it.

For nearly a century, the SEC has adapted to evolving markets, new technologies and greater retail participation. In its best moments, the agency has embraced innovation in service of transparency, investor protection, and capital formation. But in recent years, it has strayed from that legacy — nowhere more visibly than in its approach to crypto and blockchain.

Tuongvy Le is a speaker at Consensus 2025 in Toronto May 14-16.

The good news is, with a change in leadership and a more open posture emerging, the SEC has a chance to course-correct. But the bigger question is: how do we make that change permanent? How do we build innovation into the SEC’s DNA so that the next promising financial technology isn’t strangled in its crib?

I spent nearly six years at the SEC, first as a Senior Counsel in the Division of Enforcement and then as Chief Counsel in the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. I’ve since held senior legal and policy roles in crypto firms across the ecosystem. From both perspectives, one thing is clear: the SEC can fulfill its mission more effectively — and maintain its global leadership — only if it becomes a proactive partner in financial innovation.

The SEC at Its Best

The SEC has a proud history of embracing change to the benefit of investors and markets alike. In the 1990s, it digitized corporate filings through EDGAR, replacing paper documents with searchable databases. It later approved Regulation ATS, enabling the rise of alternative trading systems that increased competition and liquidity. ETFs, which were once novel, are now mainstream products that offer low-cost, diversified exposure to a wide range of assets. More recently, fractional-share trading has empowered millions of retail investors to own a slice of companies they once could only admire from afar.

One especially relevant example as the SEC thinks about how to regulate crypto is the agency’s treatment of asset-backed securities. In the 1980s and 1990s, the SEC recognized that these complex financial products didn’t fit neatly into existing disclosure regimes. After years of study and no-action letters, it developed a tailored disclosure framework in 2004 — refined further in 2014 — that balanced innovation with investor protection. And it didn’t need to bring hundreds of enforcement actions to do it.

When the SEC Fell Behind

There are also times the SEC failed to adapt, to the detriment of both investors and markets. It was slow to respond to the rise of high-frequency trading, contributing to the 2010 Flash Crash. It took years to implement the crowdfunding rules authorized by the JOBS Act. It lagged on digital reporting standards, delaying broader access to market data.

And, for much of the last few years, its stance on crypto veered from caution to outright hostility. Instead of issuing clear rules for digital assets, the agency pursued a scattershot enforcement campaign — often against firms that were seeking to comply in good faith. Many of these actions didn’t even involve fraud or investor loss. Meanwhile, American crypto companies fled overseas, and a global industry flourished without us.

Even the SEC’s grudging approval of spot bitcoin ETFs in 2024 came only after it was forced by a federal court. And while the agency at one point talked about creating a crypto disclosure framework akin to what it did for ABS, it never followed through.

Innovation Isn’t the Enemy

Crypto may be new, but the SEC has faced this challenge before. It knows how to modernize its rules to meet new realities. What’s different now is the opportunity to leverage innovation — not just regulate it.

Take blockchain technology. It could enable near-instant trade settlement, reducing risk and freeing up capital. It could improve market transparency through immutable records and real-time transaction data. It could lower operational costs by reducing intermediaries. And tokenization could expand access to private markets and hard-to-reach asset classes, benefiting both issuers and investors.

Ironically, the SEC hasn’t seriously explored how blockchain could improve its own market oversight. That’s a missed opportunity. But it’s not too late.

A Blueprint for the Future

So what would it look like to build innovation into the SEC’s core mission?

  • Revise the SEC’s Mandate: Congress should amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to explicitly include the promotion of innovation and modernization, alongside investor protection, market integrity, and capital formation.
  • Rethink Metrics of Success: The SEC shouldn’t measure success solely by the number of enforcement actions or penalties collected. It should also look to capital formation, investor confidence, and the safe adoption of new technologies.
  • Create an Innovation Office: A dedicated, empowered team should engage with entrepreneurs, technologists, and academics to guide responsible innovation — just as similar offices in the U.K. and Singapore have done.
  • Adopt Risk-Based Regulation: Not every new product or platform needs full regulatory treatment on day one. Pilot programs, safe harbors, and regulatory sandboxes can help innovators test ideas while maintaining appropriate guardrails.
  • Invest in Education and Training: SEC staff need better fluency in emerging technologies. Cross-disciplinary expertise should be rewarded and cultivated.

These are not radical ideas — they are proven tools drawn from the SEC’s own playbook.

In a global race to define the future of finance, the SEC has a choice: lead or fall behind. Its greatest strength has always been its credibility and ability to adapt.

The next generation of investors and entrepreneurs won’t wait around for 20th-century rules to catch up to 21st-century innovation. Nor should they have to. If the SEC wants to remain the gold standard, it must adapt once again — not just to the present, but to what comes next.

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6 Ways Web3 Is Changing Online Communities https://earlybirdsinvest.com/6-ways-web3-is-changing-online-communities/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/6-ways-web3-is-changing-online-communities/#respond Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:56:37 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/6-ways-web3-is-changing-online-communities/

Web3 technologies, built on blockchain foundations, are reshaping how online communities form, interact, and govern themselves by emphasizing transparency and user ownership. The shift from centralized to decentralized digital spaces is changing everything from governance models to incentive structures, creating communities where members have real influence and control over their digital experiences.

Key Takeaways

  • Decentralized Governance through DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) enables community members to participate directly in decision-making rather than following top-down leadership.

  • Token-based incentive systems reward user contributions with actual ownership stakes, transforming passive participants into active stakeholders.

  • Web3 empowers users to control their personal data, ending reliance on central platforms that monetize user information without compensation.

  • Blockchain transparency creates trust through verifiable transactions and community-governed processes rather than centralized authorities.

  • Token-gated communities and NFT memberships are creating new models for exclusive collaboration and content creation.

1. Decentralized Governance Through DAOs

What is a DAO in Web3? A DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) is a community-led entity with no central authority, where members collectively make decisions through token-based voting systems. By mid-2023, over 12,700 DAOs had been created, with 6.8 million people holding governance tokens.

Unlike traditional organizations with rigid hierarchies, DAOs operate on transparent rules encoded in smart contracts. Members can propose changes, vote on initiatives, and directly influence the project’s direction. This democratic approach distributes power across the community rather than concentrating it at the top.

Interestingly, despite their decentralized structure, data shows that 65% of DAO proposals come from just 10% of active DAOs. This highlights how even decentralized systems develop natural leadership patterns, though with far greater transparency than traditional models.

The beauty of DAO structures is that they can adapt to virtually any purpose – from investment groups pooling funds to media organizations collaborating on content. Each member’s voting power typically correlates with their token holdings, creating a system where those most invested have proportional influence.

2. Token-Based Incentive Systems Transform Engagement

Web3 Communities have reinvented how online platforms reward participation through token-based incentive systems, with the total market capitalization of DAO tokens currently at $25 billion.

Unlike traditional loyalty programs offering points with limited value, Web3 tokens represent actual ownership stakes. Communities can reward various contributions such as:

  • Content creation and curation

  • Network participation through staking

  • Providing liquidity to decentralized exchanges

  • Bug hunting and code contributions

  • Community moderation and governance

Well-designed tokenomics balance token supply and demand through mechanisms like token burning (removing tokens from circulation) or vesting schedules that prevent market flooding. These systems ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem while aligning individual incentives with community goals.

The most effective Web3 communities create virtuous cycles where participation earns tokens, tokens grant governance rights, and governance improves the platform, making tokens more valuable.

3. Reclaiming Data Sovereignty

Blockchain Technology is enabling a fundamental shift in how digital identity and personal data are managed online. Through Decentralized Identity (DID) systems, users can maintain control over their personal information rather than surrendering it to corporate platforms.

In traditional online spaces, users trade personal data for “free” services, while companies generate billions in advertising revenue. Web3 flips this model by letting users:

  • Store personal data in encrypted, self-sovereign wallets

  • Grant temporary, specific permissions via smart contracts

  • Directly monetize their own data

  • Verify credentials without revealing underlying information

This shift threatens the multi-billion dollar market currently dominated by big tech companies that profit from user data, like Google reporting over $260 Billion in ad revenue in 2024 alone.

Instead of surveillance capitalism’s extractive model, Web3 creates user-centric systems where individuals decide when, how, and at what price their data is shared.

For example, a user might grant a retailer temporary access to their purchase history in exchange for tokens, rather than having that data harvested without consent or compensation.

4. Community-Owned Funding and Development

Web3 has transformed fundraising through token-based crowdfunding that bypasses traditional financial gatekeepers. Startups can issue digital assets directly to supporters, raising capital without banks, venture capitalists, or crowdfunding platforms taking substantial cuts.

The differences between Web3 and traditional crowdfunding are significant:

  • Global accessibility: Anyone with an internet connection can participate

  • Instant liquidity: Tokens can often be traded immediately on decentralized exchanges

  • Governance rights: Contributors become stakeholders with voting power

  • Transparency: Funds and milestones are tracked on public ledgers

Web3 projects actively incorporate community feedback into their development process, and this collaborative approach builds stronger communities while producing products that are better aligned with user needs.

5. Building Trust Through Transparent Blockchain Systems

Decentralized Governance in Web3 communities replaces trust in central authorities with trust in transparent code and cryptographic verification. This “trustless trust” seems contradictory but actually means systems that don’t require participants to trust each other or central intermediaries.

Blockchain’s public ledgers provide immutable records of all transactions and governance decisions, making manipulation or fraud immediately detectable.

This transparency delivers multiple benefits:

  • Reduced operational costs

  • Lower fraud risk due to immutable transaction records

  • Real-time auditing capability rather than periodic reviews

  • Elimination of gatekeepers who might censor or control access

For example, in decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contracts automate lending, borrowing, and trading without requiring trust in a bank or broker. The code itself guarantees the execution of agreements, with all transactions recorded permanently on the blockchain.

6. Community-Driven Content and Collaboration

Web3 has transformed how communities create, share, and monetize content through decentralized collaboration tools and incentive systems.

Rather than being passive consumers, Web3 community members become active participants through:

  • NFT-based membership systems granting exclusive access

  • Token-gated Discord channels for focused collaboration

  • On-chain voting for content direction and curation

  • Direct rewards for valuable contributions

Discord, in particular, has become the “town square” for many Web3 projects, hosting live chats, AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions), and collaborative workshops.

NFT memberships, meanwhile, introduce digital scarcity with concrete perks like exclusive merchandise or early access to content. Because members truly own these NFTs, they have a vested interest in growing and supporting the community.

The Future of Web3 Communities

The evolution of Web3 communities continues at a rapid pace, with several emerging trends poised to further transform online interaction:

  • Cross-chain communities that span multiple blockchains

  • AI-enhanced governance to handle increasing proposal volumes

  • Integration with traditional platforms for broader adoption

  • More sophisticated reputation systems beyond token holdings

  • Real-world asset integration with on-chain governance

As Web3 technologies mature, we’re likely to see increasing hybridization where traditional communities adopt decentralized features while Web3 natives streamline user experiences for mass adoption.

The continued growth of DAOs and token-based systems signals a fundamental shift toward community ownership across digital spaces. While challenges remain in scalability, user experience, and regulatory clarity, the direction is clear: online communities are moving from centralized platforms to user-owned ecosystems where members share in both governance and economic value.

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6 ways to boost your Mac’s storage without paying Apple’s insane upgrade prices https://earlybirdsinvest.com/6-ways-to-boost-your-macs-storage-without-paying-apples-insane-upgrade-prices/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/6-ways-to-boost-your-macs-storage-without-paying-apples-insane-upgrade-prices/#respond Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:49:56 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/6-ways-to-boost-your-macs-storage-without-paying-apples-insane-upgrade-prices/

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Don't Want to Rely on Crypto Mining? 5 More Efficient Ways to Make Money https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dont-want-to-rely-on-crypto-mining-5-more-efficient-ways-to-make-money/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dont-want-to-rely-on-crypto-mining-5-more-efficient-ways-to-make-money/#respond Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:45:12 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/dont-want-to-rely-on-crypto-mining-5-more-efficient-ways-to-make-money/

Cryptocurrency investment has enormously evolved during the past few years, providing better solutions for earning passive income. Crypto staking and crypto mining are the two most common passive income sources. Although mining has been around since the inception of Bitcoin, the arrival of staking crypto introduced a new, more efficient, and sustainable way of earning rewards. As there is increasing discomfort about energy consumption and equipment costs, staking crypto is proving to be the better alternative for investors seeking good returns. 

Crypto Mining (Cloud Mining) vs. Crypto Staking

Cryptocurrency investors often have a conflict between selecting cloud mining and staking as ways to earn passive income. While both involve earning rewards, There are different principles and with distinct advantages and risks in both cloud mining and staking. Here is a detailed chart below comparing Cloud Mining vs. Crypto Staking to help investors make an informed decision.

Key Differences: Cloud Mining vs. Crypto Staking

HTXMining: A Reliable Platform for Crypto Earnings

It is important to choose the right platform for those who are interested in maximizing their crypto earnings. HTXMining is one of the Best Crypto Staking Platforms for staking and mining cryptocurrencies. Crypto staking involves putting your crypto assets to work directly within a blockchain network and cloud mining is based on utilizing the computer energy from far-off data centers to mine cryptocurrencies. 

HTXMining Liquidity Mining: Maximizing Returns with Stability

HTXMining Liquidity Staking: Unlocking the Future of Crypto Staking

HTXMining offers a cutting-edge liquidity staking solution, allowing users to earn passive income while maintaining flexibility over their staked assets. HTXMining is a top-tier platform for crypto enthusiasts looking to maximize their staking rewards, with a maximum dynamic return (DR) of up to 5.5% and a total value locked (TVL) exceeding $84 billion.

HTXMining Bonus and Affiliate Program

HTXMining offers attractive bonuses and rewards such as affiliate programs to their users. This program will help the users with boosting their assets while participating in Crypto staking. No matter if you’re putting your assets on the line or bringing in friends, HTXMining offers various methods to boost your rewards and make some easy money.

HTXMining Affiliate Program: Earn by Referring Friends

HTXMining’s Affiliate Program provides a better way to maximize its assets by bringing new users to the platform.

How It Works:

1. Join the Program – Connect your wallet and get a unique referral link.

2. Invite Friends – Upon signing up, you will receive a unique referral link and share the link with friends or else with your social media networks.

3. Earn Commissions – Get a percentage of your referrals’ staking rewards and investments.

4. Level Up for More Rewards – You can grow your assets by referring more users to the platform.

HTXMining Welcome Bonus: Kickstart Your Staking Journey with Extra Rewards

Considering the new users welcomed by HTXMining with welcome bonuses, make sure to take the sign-up bonuses on this platform, including extra staking rewards or a bonus deposit when you start the staking. This bonus will be a kickstart for beginners to start their crypto-staking journey.

HTXMining Million Bounty Program: Earn Big Rewards for Your Engagement

The Million Bounty Program of Htxmining is focused on maximizing the funds of investors by participating in promotional activities. This program will help you to generate extra income while contributing to the HTXMining ecosystem.

How to Participate in the HTXMining Million Bounty Program?

1. Register

Connect the wallet and complete the mentioned tasks to earn rewards.

Ready to earn by completing the tasks.

2. Complete Promotional Tasks

Participants can earn rewards by completing the tasks, such as managing the groups, and posts, and sharing among the others using social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit. Other than that, the users can write articles or create videos to engage with more people.

3. Earn Rewards Based on Your Contribution

You can earn higher bounty rewards by engaging with more people.

Key Features of HTXMining

HTXMining has become a leading platform among crypto investors, offering various benefits that cater to both newcomers and experienced traders. Here are some special features available on the Htxmining platform:

1. Multiple Crypto Staking Options- Users can deal with several cryptocurrencies when dealing with HTXMining. Here are the popular cryptocurrencies used in Htxmining Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Polkadot (DOT). The crypto staking rewards you earned through Htxmining are based on network usage and the crypto amount staked.

2. Highly Secure – Security is a top concern in crypto staking, and HTXMining consists of advanced security measures to protect your funds.

3. Expert Team – HTXMining has an expert team of blockchain experts and cryptocurrency staking pros to support you with crypto staking and mining since 2022 to the press.

4. 7×24H Customer Service – HTXMining has a dedicated customer support team to support you with any issue related to the Htxming platform. Ensuring 24/7 assistance whenever you need it, and their support ensures that users receive immediate help.

5. User-Friendly Platform- HTXMining has a user-friendly interface where anyone can easily track their staking rewards and mining earnings.

Conclusion

For investors seeking a stable and profitable way to earn crypto rewards, staking crypto is the better choice. It provides predictable returns, lower risks, and an environmentally friendly approach compared to cloud mining. Platforms such as HTXMining provide a safe and effective means of engaging in staking and mining, offering users flexibility according to their desires.

If you’re interested in maximizing your earnings with crypto-staking rewards, consider exploring HTXMining’s staking options and take advantage of one of the best crypto-staking platforms available today.

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7 Ways to Get Rich with Cryptocurrency in 2024 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/7-ways-to-get-rich-with-cryptocurrency-in-2024/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/7-ways-to-get-rich-with-cryptocurrency-in-2024/#respond Fri, 28 Feb 2025 23:52:20 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/7-ways-to-get-rich-with-cryptocurrency-in-2024/

Cryptocurrency offers many ways for investors to make money and in 2024 the options are more plentiful and promising than ever. From passive income methods like staking to more complex activities like yield farming, these options are for new and old investors looking to grow their wealth. Of them is crypto staking which has become one of the most solid ways to make money without the hassle of trading or mining.

Let’s now dive into 7 ways to get rich with cryptocurrency in 2024, with a closer look at staking on STAKING AI—a top staking platform with a user-friendly approach and benefits.

1. Crypto Staking: A Reliable Path to Passive Income

Crypto staking allows investors to earn rewards by “locking” assets in a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain. Unlike mining which requires complex hardware and energy, staking allows users to support blockchain networks by simply holding and staking their tokens. Of the platforms available today, STAKING AI stands out for its features, secure infrastructure, and flexible staking options for all types of investors.

What Sets STAKING AI Apart?

$100 Staking Bonus: New users get a free $100 staking bonus upon signing up.

Multiple Staking Plans: From short-term plans like 1 day $100 free trial pool to long-term high reward plans.

Referral Rewards: Invite friends and receive lifetime commissions of 4% on their stakes. This creates a powerful income stream that grows over time provided they will continue to stake on the platform.

Easy Withdrawal: STAKING AI has easy withdrawal options and no hassle to get your rewards.

Flexible and Secure: Assets are locked within PoS networks, with consistent and secure returns for investors.

With plans for Ethereum, Solana, and other popular tokens, STAKING AI gives users many options whether new to crypto or experienced stakers. The transparency and low-risk staking plans make it a great choice for wealth creation in 2024.

How to Get Started on STAKING AI

Getting started with STAKING AI is easy and beginner-friendly:

Register Now: Sign up with your email, username, password, and an optional referral code to get a $100 staking bonus to start.

Daily Rewards: STAKING AI’s platform has many staking plans and settles rewards daily, therefore you can see your earnings in real-time.

Referral Income: Invite friends and get a 4% lifetime commission on their stakes, creating a passive income that grows over time.

2. Trading Cryptocurrencies for Higher Returns

Crypto trading involves buying low and selling high of assets to take advantage of price movements. While trading can bring high returns it requires technical skills and market knowledge. Unlike staking which is predictable trading is riskier due to market volatility and you need to be conversant with it.

3. Yield Farming in DeFi

Yield farming in DeFi has become popular, where crypto investors earn returns by providing liquidity to various protocols. Through yield farming users earn rewards by “farming” interest on tokens provided as liquidity to DeFi platforms. While the returns can be attractive, yield farming comes with risks like impermanent loss and requires active management.

4. NFT Investments

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have taken the crypto world by storm, offering new ways to earn in digital assets, art, and virtual real estate. Investing in NFTs can bring high returns, especially with digital art pieces and gaming assets fetching high prices. But you need to know that the NFT market is unpredictable and is highly trend-based making it a volatile investment.

5. Mining Cryptocurrencies

Crypto mining especially of well-known assets like Bitcoin has been a wealth-building strategy since crypto’s early days. But mining now requires advanced hardware, high electricity costs, and technical skills making it less accessible. As environmental concerns grow, many investors and blockchain networks are shifting to staking which is more eco-friendly.

6. Airdrops

Airdrops are a way for blockchain projects to distribute free tokens, especially as part of marketing campaigns. While airdrops can give users quick returns, they are irregular and may be lower-value tokens making them more suitable for speculative investors rather than those looking for stable income.

7. Liquid Staking

Liquid staking is an exciting innovation in the staking space. Stakers get liquidity while their assets are locked in a PoS network. By offering synthetic tokens that represent staked assets, liquid staking allows stakers to use these tokens in DeFi protocols without sacrificing their staking rewards.

Why Staking on STAKING AI is Different

Compared to unpredictability in trading, NFTs, and airdrops, crypto staking offers a lower risk and higher reward solution. STAKING AI is well-positioned to help you achieve sustainable wealth growth with:

Stability and Predictability: STAKING AI settles rewards daily, allowing you to track and manage your returns.

Capital Protection: With a 100% capital back guarantee, you can sleep well knowing your assets are safe.

User-Friendly Access: Easy registration and flexible staking plans for all levels of investors.

Affiliate Program: With a lifetime commission of 4% on referrals, the affiliates enjoy an added income source.

Conclusion

If you want to grow your wealth with cryptocurrency in 2024, staking offers the most consistent and highest-returning option. STAKING AI makes it even better by providing a secure, transparent, and accessible platform. While trading, yield farming, and NFTs have their own advantages, staking on STAKING AI offers a balance of security, simplicity, and flexibility that makes it a better choice. Sign up now on STAKING AI and start a profitable way to build wealth.

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Zashi on GitHub & F-Droid: More Ways to Download https://earlybirdsinvest.com/zashi-on-github-f-droid-more-ways-to-download/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/zashi-on-github-f-droid-more-ways-to-download/#respond Fri, 21 Feb 2025 04:20:46 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/zashi-on-github-f-droid-more-ways-to-download/

Android users will be able to bypass Google by downloading Zashi from F-Droid or GitHub! Zcash offers financial privacy and sovereignty, and we want to ensure that Zashi upholds those values, giving users greater control over how and where they access the app. 

  • Zashi for Android is available on GitHub.
  • Zashi for Android has been submitted to F-Droid and is pending approval.

Why F-Droid?

F-Droid is an independent app store that prioritizes open-source, privacy-respecting software. Unlike traditional app stores, it does not track or profile users, and it allows for completely anonymous downloads. By releasing Zashi on F-Droid, we are giving Zcashers more control over their digital footprint, ensuring they can use their wallet without unnecessary data collection, and without being subject to centralized app store control.

  • Privacy First – No tracking and no unnecessary data collection.
  • Transparent & Open-Source – F-Droid only allows fully open-source apps, ensuring community oversight.
  • Alternative App Distribution – Android users can install and update Zashi without depending on a centralized app store.

The F-Droid build for Zashi is completely reproducible. We encourage the community to build it and verify our work. This helps identify and mitigate potential threats to our infrastructure and processes, including those we depend on.

F-Droid Release Caveats 

Because F-Droid requires that all apps be 100% open-source, the F-Droid version of Zashi does not include Coinbase and Flexa integrations at this time. Although the source for these integrations is available, they depend on API keys that can’t be published, and had to be excluded from this release.

The F-Droid and Google Play Store releases are separate apps and do not share wallet data. You can install and run both at the same time with different seed phrases. If you need to move a wallet from one app to the other, first back up the seed phrase, then restore it in the other app.

Want All Features? Download Zashi from GitHub.

For Android users who want to bypass Google, but want full functionality or simply don’t want to wait for the app to become available on F-Droid, a binary release of Zashi for Android is available on GitHub today.

This is the same release that we publish to the Google Play Store. It includes all of Zashi’s latest features and integrations and is perfect for users who want to opt out of Google but still want the full Zashi experience. To install it you will need to know how to side-load apk files, for which tutorials are available.

Why no GitHub version for iOS?

Although Apple is now required to allow side-loading of iOS apps for users in the European Union, this comes with significant restrictions—including a minimum of 1 million downloads in the past calendar year for web distribution. While it is technically possible to build versions of Zashi for iOS similar to what we’ve delivered for Android, Apple’s terms still impose limitations on distribution and installs. We are investigating whether Zashi for iOS can be distributed through alternative app marketplaces.

Choose How You Zashi

With these new download options, Zashi will be accessible to Zcashers that want to use the app on their own terms:

Your wallet. Your choice.

Happy transacting. 

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