Bitcoin Price maintained its position above $115,000 on Friday as Binance, the world’s largest Bitcoin and crypto exchange, partners with Spain’s BBVA Bank to provide third-party custody services and explores key steps towards institutional grade security.

The partnership allows Binance customers to store assets in US Treasury securities held by BBVA, Spain’s third largest bank, and the exchange accepts them as a margin of trading. This arrangement effectively separates trading activities from assets custody and provides an additional layer of security for investors involved in exchange risk.

The move comes as a $4.3 billion settlement with US regulators in 2023 continues to restructure the trust following the $4.3 billion settlement over money laundering violations. The exchange implements more stringent controls and clearer disclosures about fund management, such as allowing clients to use third-party custodians such as Sygnum and Flowbank.

BBVA is increasingly active in the Bitcoin and crypto sectors, launching crypto trading and custody services through this year’s mobile app. The bank also takes a bold attitude by advising private clients to allocate up to 7% of their portfolio to Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency, reflecting the growing institutional trust in crypto.

The custody arrangement addresses one of the main concerns that emerged following the collapse of FTX in 2022. Under the new structure, if Binance faces operational or regulatory challenges, Treasury securities under the control of the BBVA will safely insure customer funds.

This partnership represents a new standard for Bitcoin and crypto exchange security. The integration of traditional banking infrastructure with Bitcoin and crypto trading platforms could accelerate institutional adoption by providing a familiar, regulated framework.

The development is amid accelerating adoption of Bitcoin by companies, with the number of public companies holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets rising to over 200.

Market analysts suggest that the Binance and BBVA partnership can set precedents for similar arrangements between Bitcoin and Crypro exchanges and traditional banks. The move could effectively bridge the gap between traditional finance and Bitcoin and attract more institutional investors who are hesitant to enter the Bitcoin market due to custody concerns.

The volume of major Bitcoin and crypto exchanges remains stable following the news, with Bitcoin prices continuing to trade between $115,000 and $116,000. A calm response in the market suggests that as the Bitcoin and the crypto industry matures, the development of the institutions is increasingly normalised.

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Kazakhstan’s National Bank (NBK) has begun designing what could become the country’s first sovereign crypto-asset reserve, signalling a shift from piecemeal digital-asset oversight toward full-fledged strategic portfolio management. In a written response to a parliamentary inquiry, NBK Chairman Timur Suleimenov confirmed that “work is underway on the development of its formation and management concept,” adding that one option under review is to lodge the reserve inside an NBK-controlled subsidiary that already handles alternative investments.

Kazakhstan To Build Crypto Reserve

Suleimenov’s letter frames the reserve as a financial-stability instrument rather than a speculative bet. “International practice shows that the sources for such a reserve may include confiscated crypto-assets, as well as cryptocurrencies mined by a crypto miner partially owned by the government,” he wrote, stressing that feasibility studies are benchmarking global models of sovereign crypto reserves.

While Suleimenov’s language was cautious, the central bank’s house view is hard-edged. A separate note released through state news agency Kazinform says the NBK “stands for an institutionally sound approach,” grounded in the transparency norms used by traditional sovereign wealth funds. The same communication highlights the need for centralised custody inside a secure state structure “to ensure the sustainability (safety) of the state crypto-reserve.”

Turning concept into law will require parliamentary action. According to the NBK chief, amendments are needed to define the reserve’s legal status and set procedures for deposit and withdrawal. Draft language is already circulating, and the NBK says it “is ready to discuss relevant amendments with MPs.”

Kazakhstan’s Ambivalence Towards Crypto

The legislative push is unfolding against an aggressive clean-upof Kazakhstan’s grey crypto market. Since a 2024 ban on bank-mediated payments to unlicensed platforms, regulators have blocked 15,800 suspect transactions worth about $3.07 million in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Suleimenov has also flagged an upcoming bill that would attach administrative and criminal liability to off-exchange dealings and curb digital-asset advertising.

Even as the NBK sketches out a reserve, its public messaging to retail investors remains sceptical. Earlier this month Suleimenov warned that cryptocurrencies are “complex assets from a financial perspective… not like a deposit, where you go to a bank, put your money in for a year and earn interest.” He argued that “people get the impression that it’s some kind of magic wand,” a perception exploited by “scammers and Ponzi schemes.”

Today’s central-bank initiative builds on groundwork laid by the Ministry of Digital Development, which in May floated a crypto reserve capable of “respond[ing] more quickly to changes in the global financial system.” The ministry drew an explicit parallel to the National Fund — the country’s commodity-backed stabilisation vehicle — calling the prospective crypto reserve “a similar function, but in a digital dimension.”

Policy momentum also reflects pressure from legislators. Mazhilis member Olzhas Kuspekov recently proposed a fund inside the NBK that would warehouse crypto assets seized in criminal cases, though Deputy Governor Berik Sholpankulov countered that existing asset-forfeiture rules already channel such property to the budget.

For now, Kazakhstan’s central bank is working with law-enforcement and other state bodies on what Suleimenov calls the “specific mechanisms” of reserve construction — from custody architecture to valuation and risk-management protocols. No timeline has been published, and officials have yet to disclose which digital assets might qualify. What is clear is that the NBK wants its reserve — if created — to look less like a speculative vault and more like an institutional buffer that sits comfortably beside the country’s gold-and-FX war chest.

At press time, Bitcoin traded at $107,645.

Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

Web3 gaming is evolving fast—and with it, the way players and developers connect. Pixels Staking Rewards is part of that shift. Instead of just playing a game or holding a token, this program lets you support the games you care about and earn $PIXEL along the way. Whether you’re a daily player or just someone interested in the ecosystem, it’s a simple method to get involved and help shape what’s next.

Key Takeaways

• Players can earn $PIXEL by staking to eligible games, with rewards tied to engagement and game success.

• Staking is accessible both in-game (for active players) and via an on-chain dashboard (for all holders).

• Farm Land NFT owners receive a 10% reward boost per NFT held.

• Sleepagotchi, the first Telegram game in the program, expands staking access to mobile and casual audiences.

• The phased rollout supports developer onboarding and future token integrations. For now, only $PIXEL earns rewards.

What Are Pixels Staking Rewards?

Pixels Staking Rewards is a community-driven program that lets players stake their $PIXEL tokens to specific games within the Pixels ecosystem. This action directly influences a game’s visibility and potential success. Rewards are distributed based on each game’s performance and how actively its community engages.

This model reflects a broader Web3 principle—shifting power from centralized platforms to users. It gives communities the ability to guide which games succeed, while promoting transparency and aligning incentives.

Source: Pixels

How to Participate: A Practical Walkthrough

The staking system offers two distinct paths:

• In-Game Staking: Available to active players with at least 100 $PIXEL. This path encourages gameplay while rewarding participation.

• On-Chain Dashboard Staking: Open to any $PIXEL holder, regardless of gameplay activity. This broadens access and encourages passive participation.

Rewards distribution is influenced by:

• The total amount of $PIXEL staked

• Game-specific engagement metrics

• Farm Land NFT ownership, which grants a 10% reward bonus per NFT

• Player reputation, which affects the “Farmer Fee” charged on withdrawals

Fees collected from withdrawals are redistributed to the staking community, creating a circular value system.

Where You Can Stake: Games and Platforms

Pixels is actively expanding its ecosystem, starting with a core lineup and moving into broader platform integration. Below are the games currently eligible for staking:

• Pixels (Web – Ronin): Flagship farming MMO that anchors the Pixels ecosystem.

• Pixel Dungeons (Web – Ronin): A classic dungeon crawler offering fast-paced action.

• Forgotten Runiverse (Web – Ronin): An immersive fantasy MMORPG with community-driven lore.

• Sleepagotchi LITE (Telegram, LINE, Web): The first Telegram-based staking game focused on wellness and casual gameplay.

The inclusion of Sleepagotchi is particularly notable, as it opens the door to Telegram’s extensive audience—making staking accessible beyond traditional Web3 platforms.

Why This Matters: Impact and Innovation

Pixels Staking Rewards isn’t just about earning tokens—it’s also a way for the community to have a real say in which games get supported. When players stake their $PIXEL, they’re showing which games they believe are worth paying attention to.

To help guide this process, the platform uses a metric called Return-On-Reward-Spend (RORS). It looks at how well games turn those rewards into actual engagement—things like active players and meaningful interaction.

This metric plays a key role as the ecosystem transitions through multiple rollout phases.

The rollout includes four phases:

• Phase 1: A beta stage with fixed monthly rewards for hand-picked games.

• Phase 2: Rewards scale dynamically based on how much $PIXEL is staked to each game.

• Phase 3: Open access—any game that meets a minimum activity threshold becomes eligible.

• Phase 4: Additional tokens like USDC may be introduced for specific use cases, though $PIXEL remains required for earning staking rewards.

What is $vPIXEL?

Alongside staking, Pixels is also launching a spend-only token called $vPIXEL. This token can be used for in-game purchases and other ecosystem utilities, but unlike $PIXEL, it can’t be withdrawn or sold.

One key benefit of $vPIXEL is that it lets players spend without incurring “Farmer Fees,” which typically apply during $PIXEL withdrawals.

For example, if you’re transferring tokens to spend in Pixel Dungeons, using $vPIXEL allows you to bypass the fee entirely.

Conclusion

Pixels Staking Rewards puts players and community members at the center of how the ecosystem grows and evolves. By staking your tokens, you’re not only earning rewards—you’re signalling which games deserve attention and investment. As the ecosystem grows, this kind of active support could help decide which projects rise to the top. It’s a small action that could make a big difference.

Bitcoin revolutionized the concept of digital money with the help of blockchain technology. The cryptocurrency introduced a peer-to-peer approach for financial transactions, which created a decentralized electronic cash system. Most of the discussions about the remarkable functionality of Bitcoin revolve around blockchain technology and its identity as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system. The objective of this Bitcoin scripting guide is to help you dive deeper into the core of Bitcoin transactions, the Bitcoin Script. Crypto enthusiasts, as well as seasoned crypto experts, must know how the Bitcoin Scripting works to understand the true potential of Bitcoin.

Advance your career with in-demand Bitcoin expertise—enroll in the Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP) Certification today.

The Concept of Programmable Money

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about Bitcoin? Most of the answers would be about Bitcoin being a decentralized approach to send cash from one person to another electronically without any intermediaries. You should know that the core objective of Bitcoin was to create an electronic cash system that empowered the Bitcoin owners. The answers to “What is scripting in Bitcoin?” provide a new perspective to Bitcoin transactions. Bitcoin Scripting is almost similar to introducing smart contract functionalities in the Bitcoin Blockchain.

The Bitcoin Script is a stack-based programming language that helps in creating more complex transactions that involve specific conditions. Bitcoin scripts are small programs which define the conditions in which a specific amount of Bitcoin tokens can be spent. You can send Bitcoin to someone with a locking script which describes how the Bitcoin can be redeemed in future. The recipient must use an unlocking script corresponding to the locking script for spending the received Bitcoin tokens. 

Working Mechanism of Bitcoin Scripting

The best way to understand how Bitcoin script works is through learning about the concept of stacks in programming. Have you heard of the LIFO data structure? It stands for Last-In, First-Out structure in a database. Think of a stack of plates in which you can add a plate only at the top and remove a plate only from the top. 

The Bitcoin script working mechanism is almost similar to the LIFO data structure. The validation of a Bitcoin script transaction involves combining the locking script and unlocking script and executing them on a virtual machine. It is important to remember that the locking script comes from the output of the previous transaction and the unlocking script comes from the input of the current transaction.

Build your identity as a certified blockchain expert with 101 Blockchains’ Blockchain Certifications designed to provide enhanced career prospects!

Technical Details of How Bitcoin Script Works

The overview of the working mechanism of Bitcoin scripting only offers a simple way to understand the technology. You should also learn about the technical aspects of Bitcoin script execution process to familiarize with how it works. The following steps in the Bitcoin scripting process will shed more light on its significance in the crypto space.

The primary essence of the Bitcoin scripting language in blockchain is all about the two scripts that define Bitcoin scripting. The locking script or the ScriptPubKey is a part of information from the output of previous transaction. It provides the conditions that should be followed to spend the Bitcoins sent in the transaction.

The unlocking script or the ScriptSig includes part of information from the input of the existing transaction. The ScriptSig offers descriptions on the operations and data required to satisfy the requirements of ScriptPubKey. You can notice that the locking script serves as a lock on the Bitcoin tokens sent in a transaction while the unlocking script is the key to unlock the tokens. 

• Combining and Executing the Scripts

The next crucial step in the working of Bitcoin Script is the concatenation process. The Bitcoin node verifying a transaction will take the ScriptSig from the input and combine it with the ScriptPubKey of the output it wants to spend. Execution of the combined script in a step-wise manner on the stack defines a crucial aspect in how Bitcoin scripting works.

• Data Elements and Opcodes

The most important highlight in any Bitcoin scripting guide is about the utility of opcodes and data elements. Since Bitcoin Script is a stack-based programming language, it relies on predefined commands, known as opcodes or operation codes. The operation codes help in performing different actions on the data pushed on a stack. It is also important to acknowledge the use of data elements like signatures, hashes, and public keys in Bitcoin scripting.

The validity of a transaction depends on successful execution of the Bitcoin Script. You can confirm a successful execution when the top item on the stack at the end of execution is a non-zero value. On the other hand, an error or a ‘FALSE’ result upon completing execution means that the transaction is invalid.

Enroll now in the Bitcoin Technology Course to learn about Bitcoin mining and the information contained in transactions and blocks.

Example of Bitcoin Scripting Transaction

After learning the technical aspects of Bitcoin scripting, you might be curious to know an example. The most popular Bitcoin script example is the Pay-to-Public-Key-Hash or P2PKH transaction script. P2PKH involves the simplest Bitcoin transaction in which you send Bitcoin to another Bitcoin address. This Bitcoin script sequence ensures that only the person with the private key for the public key hash can unlock the transaction to spend Bitcoin tokens.

Diverse Ways to Use Bitcoin Scripts

Bitcoin Scripts don’t provide a single option to send Bitcoin from one address to another. You can explore many other use cases or variations of Bitcoin Scripts that showcase the utility of programmable money. Bitcoin Script offers the opportunity to adopt the following use cases of Bitcoin at a large scale.

The list of different use cases of Bitcoin scripting also draws attention towards the possibility of using Bitcoin in time-locked transactions. You will find two types of Bitcoin scripts for time-locked transactions, such as CheckLockTimeVerify and CheckSequenceVerify. The two scripts help in locking Bitcoin tokens or funds for a specific time or until a specific block height is achieved.

The CLTV Bitcoin Script follows the BIP65 standard and locks funds for a specific time period or block number limit. It uses a timestamp or block number as the conditions for unlocking the script. CLTV script is the best pick for creating wills and special payment channels or locking funds to allow them to mature over time. 

The CSV script created with the BIP68 standard is almost the same as CLTV. CSV finds applications in advanced layer-2 protocols such as the Lightning Network to ensure contract fairness and enforcing expiration. 

Even if the Bitcoin script working mechanism does not show any signs of Turing completeness, it can manage conditional logic. Therefore, Bitcoin scripts can be the best picks for conditional payments where a key or a secret can unlock funds.

The Pay-to-Script Hash or P2SH is a BIP15 standard Bitcoin Script which is ideal for complex payments. It helps in relieving the burden of the full script from the shoulders of the sender. The sender can only send tokens to the hash of the script and the recipient can reveal the actual script during spending. The P2SH script represents complex transactions as standard address payments, thereby reducing transaction size and enhancing privacy. 

Want to get an in-depth understanding of crypto fundamentals, trading and investing strategies? Enroll now in the Crypto Fundamentals, Trading And Investing Course

Why is Bitcoin Script Not Turing Complete?

The discussions about Bitcoin Script also draw attention towards possibilities of similarity with Solidity, the programming language of Ethereum. To no one’s surprise, Bitcoin Script is largely different from Solidity as it is not Turing complete. Why has Bitcoin Script omitted a common trait of expressive programming languages? The use of Bitcoin scripting language in blockchain does not involve execution of complex conditional statements and arbitrary loops. While many of you may think that this is a limitation of Bitcoin Script, it is extremely important for the security of Bitcoin.

Malicious actors can use scripts that run infinite loops to create transactions that take up a huge share of computational resources of the network. The predictable and finite execution path of every Bitcoin script ensures that nodes can easily verify different transactions. As a programming language with fewer complexities, Bitcoin Script will ensure reduced number of potential vulnerabilities and bugs. 

Advantages and Limitations of Bitcoin Scripting

Bitcoin scripting introduces the possibilities for using smart contracts on the Bitcoin blockchain. Despite its simplicity, the Bitcoin scripting process offers various advantages. The foremost benefit of Bitcoin scripting is the assurance of better security and flexibility to execute sophisticated transactions. Most important of all, Bitcoin scripting will expand the room for innovation with the Bitcoin blockchain. However, it is also important to address the notable limitations of Bitcoin scripting such as debugging challenges and larger size of transactions. 

Final Thoughts 

Bitcoin scripting is a perfect example of using innovation to enhance the Bitcoin blockchain. The Bitcoin Script is not only a programming language but also a way to introduce the concept of programmable money with Bitcoin. One of the notable things you can learn from this Bitcoin scripting guide is the fact that Bitcoin Script is not Turing complete and that guarantees a lot of benefits. The biggest thing to know about Bitcoin scripting is that it will transform Bitcoin from a store of value to an electronic cash system with diverse utilities. Learn more about Bitcoin Script and discover new insights on its use cases right now.

*Disclaimer: The article should not be taken as, and is not intended to provide any investment advice. Claims made in this article do not constitute investment advice and should not be taken as such. 101 Blockchains shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this article. Do your own research!

XRP previously traded within a symmetrical triangle

In a new post for X, analyst Ali Martinez spoke about where XRP is heading next, based on technical analysis (TA) patterns. The pattern in question is a symmetrical triangle. This is formed when assets merge between two trend lines approaching each other with approximately equal opposite slopes.

The top row of the triangle connects the highest values ​​at the bottom of the consecutive bottom, and the one high and low value at the bottom. Like other TA integration patterns, the former trendline may provide resistance during retest, while the latter does. Getting out of any of these lines could mean a continuation of the trend in that direction. Naturally, the escape above the triangle is bullish, but the one falls below it is bearish.

Once prices are integrated inside a symmetrical triangle, their range narrows over time until they shrink to the point of vertex. Therefore, if the asset moves towards the end of the triangle, you are more likely to find a breakout.

Symmetric triangles are not just the types of triangles that exist in TA. The other two common variations are the rising and falling triangles. This appears when one of the trend lines is parallel to the time axis. As the names of these patterns already suggest, they each involve consolidation towards net profits and shortcomings.

Well, here’s the charts shared by analysts. This shows a symmetrical triangle that XRP was traded internally for years before the breakout.

As shown in the graph above, XRP was approaching the vertex of this long-term symmetric triangle last year. This means that there was a greater chance of a breakout. And certainly, during the final months of the year, at Bull’s rally, Coin managed to find a break on the pattern.

In general, breakouts caused by patterns of triangles are assumed to be the same length as the height of the triangle itself. Based on this symmetrical triangle height, a potential bullish target could be around $15 for cryptocurrency.

Naturally, this target is only preserved if the trajectory currently followed by XRP is really based on this symmetrical triangle. In the scenario where the pattern is ultimately governance and the coin observes bull runs up to this level, it would have increased by more than 500% from the current price.

XRP Price

At the time of writing, XRP was around $2.45, an increase of about 3% over the past seven days.

Editor’s take: Modern PC peripherals are jam-packed with features and customization options, so they usually require bloated software tools to express their full potential. Corsair, one of the worst offenders in the bulky software business, is now offering an alternative – at least when it comes to updating a device’s firmware.

Corsair recently introduced a web-based utility for installing newer firmware versions for PC peripherals. The Firmware Update Utility allows users to “effortlessly” update a device’s microcode using a browser, eliminating the need to install complex companion software.

Corsair Vice President Tobias Brinkmann said they developed the new tool in response to customer feedback. The web-based installer is lightweight and flexible – though accessing a device’s low-level hardware over the internet might sound counterintuitive to many.

Corsair already offers its iCUE software suite for customizing keyboards, mice, and other compatible gear, including RGB lighting effects. The last time I updated iCUE to tweak the lighting on my Corsair K70 Lux mechanical keyboard (Cherry MX Brown switches), the installer was a hefty 430MB – so it’s safe to assume the software has only gotten more bloated since.

Those looking to keep their device’s firmware up-to-date will likely never force themselves to suffer the iCUE ordeal. The new web-based tool lets customers access the latest firmware directly from Corsair servers. It even has an option to register via email and get notifications when a new firmware version is available.

Corsair describes the firmware update tool as convenient, accessible, and portable – so feel free to give it a shot if you’re comfortable letting a web browser mess with your hardware. The company shared a list of currently supported devices and promised to add new and existing peripherals over time. Eventually, the web tool might get additional features, too, meaning the bloat will remain on your browser instead of your computer.

The Firmware Update Utility currently works with select Chromium-based browsers – Chrome, Edge, and Opera – but doesn’t support Firefox or Safari yet. PC World notes that it can detect connected devices and check for available firmware updates. Still, installing firmware directly from a web app feels strange, no matter how convenient it sounds.

The XRP price is showing signs of a strong bullish reversal, with a crypto analyst predicting a potential rebound toward $3.5 and even higher. After experiencing significant volatility and undergoing a consolidation due to recent price declines, technical indicators now show support for XRP’s bullish outlook. As a result, the analyst has provided a short—and long-term price target for the cryptocurrency. 

XRP Price Projected To Reverse To $3.5

According to ‘Setupsfx’, a crypto analyst on TradingView, XRP is now in a bullish reversal phase, meaning its price is expected to break out of its recent downturn and rise to new highs. Based on the expert’s chart analysis of XRP, the cryptocurrency is predicted to see an explosive increase to $3.5 following the end of its consolidation phase.

Related Reading

The chart indicates that the price of XRP is expected to rise to $3.5 in the coming months. However, from a fundamental analysis perspective, the analyst believes XRP is not limited to this bullish price target and could potentially surpass it to exceed current all-time highs of $3.84.

While the TradingView expert’s analysis of XRP maintains a neutral stance, implying uncertainty in the trend, he has also emphasized the cryptocurrency’s strong potential for growth. Hence, XRP could experience significant upward movement if market conditions align favorably and investor sentiment and confidence strengthen.

For his short-term price target, the crypto analyst forecasts that XRP could rally to a level above $3.5. He advises traders who intend to hold their positions for a short period to aim for this price level, as it could be a strategic exit point before a potential pullback. 

Notably, the analyst’s long-term price target for XRP has been set at $4.0 or higher. Considering XRP’s price is currently trading at $2.09, a surge to $4 would represent an almost 100% increase in its price.

Technical Elements Supporting Bullish Reversal

In his chart analysis, Setupsfx highlights XRP’s price action in a 12-hour time frame, showcasing key movements, trends, and technical elements that support his bullish projection. These elements include liquidity and IMB zones, which are areas where price action is expected due to pending orders. 

Related Reading

The analyst also highlights an accumulation phase, as XRP has been consolidating at lower levels, signaling the possibility of a potential breakout. The appearance of strong low wicks further indicates that buyers are regaining control of the market. 

Finally, the TradingView analyst has indicated that the altcoin has already undergone a three-point trendline rejection, which means it has tested and rejected a resistance level multiple times. The expert’s price chart also provides an ideal entry point for both short and long-term traders, marked at $1.8. A stop loss has also been placed significantly lower around $1.2 to minimize potential losses.

Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com

What you need to need to know

• Google really wants more people to use Palm Timer, as evidenced by two new references to the feature this month.
• There’s a new community post that reminds Pixel owners that Palm Timer can be used on both the front and rear cameras.
• This comes shortly after Pixel Camera 9.8 rolled out with tweaked wording for the Palm Timer setting.

This month, Google has taken multiple steps to let Pixel phone owners know that the Palm Timer in the Camera app works with both the front and rear cameras. First, the company updated the Pixel Camera app with version 9.8 to include that distinction in the settings menu. Google also created a new community post this week to explain the feature and reinforce the point that it works with multiple cameras.

For those unfamiliar, Palm Timer is a Pixel-exclusive feature that can automatically start a photo timer when you show your palm to the camera. It was originally introduced with the front-facing camera and the Pixel Fold in mind, but now works with the Pixel 6 and newer, and with both cameras.

It’s easy to see that Palm Timer works with the front-facing camera, since users get visual confirmation in the viewfinder. Even though there’s no visual cue that a Palm Timer photo was taken using the rear cameras on a non-foldable, Google wants to point out that it does indeed work.

“Say goodbye to awkward selfie sticks and the stress of racing to beat the timer. With Google Pixel’s Palm timer, you can easily capture everyone in your selfies or your group from a distance,” the community post explains. “Not only does it work with the front camera, but you can also use it with the rear camera. When you’re ready, simply raise your palm to start the countdown. Easy peasy!”

Google says that to start a Palm Timer, simply hold up your hand toward the camera. A waving motion will do the trick, and when you’re ready, lower your hand to start a timer. This is a way to initiate a photo on your Pixel phone without physically pressing the shutter button, so it’s great for when your Pixel is set on a flat surface or tripod far away.

Palm Timer is enabled by default, but it can be disabled by opening the Pixel Camera app. From there, navigate to Settings > More settings > Palm timer. There, you can turn it off if you’d like.