NFTs used to raise funds for displaced Afghan families
With the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan capturing headlines around the world, Jack Butcher, the founder of New York-based graphic design agency Visualize Value, has partnered with the Cooperative for American Remittances (CARE) humanitarian charity to launch a non-fungible token fund to provide “care packages” to displaced Afghan families. Fast facts The NFT care packages are […]
Alibaba launches new auction service as it doubles down on NFTs
Accessibility of Alibaba Auction through Tencent’s WeChat service hints at closer relationship between two longtime rivals.
How NFTs could be the future standard for trading and investing
Non-fungible tokens are taking the art and collectibles world by storm. But more valuable uses for NFTs lie just around the corner, writes Ilja Laurs of Dappscape.
U.S., Indonesia drive NFT wave, DappRadar report shows
A new report by DappRadar shows that interest in NFTs has come mainly from the United States and Indonesia, and that Russia and India have a presence in the market as well. Fast facts DappRadar, an NFT and decentralized finance and decentralized app store and a data provider, revealed this month in its user behavior […]
Tencent unit QQ Music sells first NFTs
Chinese tech giant Tencent’s music streaming arm, QQ Music, has jumped on the non-fungible token bandwagon and over the weekend sold out its first NFT featuring popular Mando-pop singer Tiger Hu. Fast facts QQ Music, one of China’s major music entertainment platforms, plans to roll out a slew of music NFTs. Over the weekend, all […]
Poly Network recovers assets; Rario launches cricket NFT platform
Poly Network recovers assets meanwhile Rario launches cricket NFT platform
Chinese payment giant Alipay finds buyers for new NFTs
Alipay, one of China’s major payment apps, has again rolled out non-fungible token artworks designed as wallpapers for users’ payment code pages, with a total of 80,000 copies of two editions combined having sold out within a day. Fast facts Alipay yesterday started selling two editions of artworks — built on its own Ant Chain […]
Cricket NFT platform Rario launches on Polygon
Rario, an officially licensed cricket non-fungible token startup built on the Polygon blockchain, has announced its integration with Polygon’s NFT platform, Polygon Studios. Fast facts Polygon Studios, an NFT-focused gaming and metaverse hub, was launched last month by Indian Ethereum scaling platform Polygon to facilitate Web 3.0 gaming and fuel mainstream adoption of NFTs. It […]
NFT trade takes off. Tether’s bankable reserves. Tencent targeted in China.
Top blockchain and crypto news: NFT wave buoys OpenSea. Are dollars and sense a lifeline for Tether? Tencent gets a target on its back.
NFTs and the music industry: K-pop’s new token economy | Part 2
K-pop superstars Brave Girls, Se7en and A.C.E. are among the latest to jump on the non-fungible token bandwagon. Are fans buying it?
HK artists embrace NFT’s; NFTs new top K-Pop merchandise
Hong Kong artists embrace NFTs. NFT’s to become must-have merchandise for K-Pop fans. And an Indonesian resort offers NFT timeshares. We’ll have more on that story — and other news shaping the cryptocurrency and blockchain world — in this episode of The Daily Forkast, August 10th. Transcript Welcome to The Daily Forkast, August 10th 2021. […]
Hong Kong artists embrace NFTs as OpenSea trading volume explodes
Despite speculation that the NFT market is cooling, OpenSea continues to post record transaction volumes, and Hong Kong artists are getting in on the action.
Axie Infinity NFT market trade tops US$1B as player numbers surge
Axie Infinity’s founder has announced that the company’s non-fungible token market trading volume hit US$1 billion this morning, having already announced that it had more than 1 million daily active players last Friday. Fast facts DappRadar shows the Axie NFT market now has a trading volume of US$1.126 billion, ranking first among all markets. It […]
Ripple expands XRP into NFTs amid escalating legal battles
As court grants CEO request to obtain info from Binance to bolster defense in SEC lawsuit, Ripple seeks to expand use cases for XRP Ledger.
Taxing times for crypto. Ethereum hard fork takes knife to fees. Tencent bets on NFTs.
Top blockchain and crypto news: Is Ethereum’s price flatlining on eve of revolution? Uncle Sam wants pay to play. China’s Big Tech toes the line with NFTs.
United Nations-associated NFT art project builds on Polkadot to fight climate change
The DigitalArt4Climate NFT initiative aims to promote art via blockchain technology to inspire environmental activism around the world.
Hong Kong crypto crime surges; Tencent launches NFT platform
Hong Kong crypto crime surges as Tencent launches NFT platform.
Tencent climbs aboard NFT bandwagon with new trading app
Chinese internet giant Tencent is making a foray in the world of non-fungible tokens, launching an NFT trading platform named Huanhe. Fast facts The tech conglomerate has rolled out the Huanhe app — built on the company’s own Zhixin chain — on its Android application platform. Its debut sales feature 300 audio NFTs created based […]
China maintains crypto market pressure; J-Pop stars offer NFT advice
China maintains crypto market pressure. On the other hand, J-Pop stars offer NFT advice.
NFT market OpenSea transaction volume hits record high
Non-fungible token marketplace OpenSea’s July transaction volume reached a new high of almost US$325 million, a 118% increase from an historic high attained in June. Fast facts The new numbers make OpenSea the most active NFT marketplace. OpenSea’s July NFT transaction numbers and transaction fees were also records, at 457,700 and US$21.78 million, respectively, breaking […]
How NFTs can track patient consent for clinical trials and give you greater control over your own health data
A new NFT platform built on Hedera Hashgraph aims to give patients greater control over their health information. How does it work?
Stoner Cats cause trouble on Ethereum as NFT cartoon goes live
Sales of non-fungible tokens for “Stoner Cats,” the new adult cartoon featuring Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin alongside Hollywood A-listers, resulted in losses totaling 344.6 ETH (US$790,000) to fans yesterday due to the influx of buyers who overwhelmed the Ethereum network and failed transactions, according to data from Dune Analytics. Fast facts The show, which sold […]
Amber Group launches CreatorFi NFT initiative to bridge traditional, crypto worlds
Hong Kong-based crypto financial services company Amber Group wants to bridge the gap between creators, collectors and platforms looking to get into NFTs and the crypto space.
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin to star with Mila Kunis in NFT-based show
As non-fungible tokens make their way into TV with a new funding model and method of building community, who better to lead a project than the head of Ethereum himself?
NFTs, smart contracts come to ADA as Alonzo mainnet debut approaches
Wolfram Blockchain Labs and Cardano are set to host a livestream event in which items from Wolfram’s computational universe will be “Liveminted” as NFTs on the Cardano network. Details of the event were shared on the website of Cardano’s parent company, Input Output Hong Kong recently, which said it would take place on July 28. […]
Seoul museum to sell NFTs of historic Korean alphabet book
Seoul’s Kansong Art Museum has announced a plan to turn Hunminjeongeum, a book documenting the principles of the Korean alphabet — a national treasure in South Korea — into a limited edition of 100 non-fungible tokens that will be sold for around US$87,000 each. Fast facts On July 22, the Kansong Art and Culture Foundation […]
NFT platform Mintable to auction collection of comics legend Stan Lee
Mintable — a Singapore-based, Mark Cuban-backed non-fungible token platform — today announced the launch of a limited-edition NFT collection featuring comic book legend Stan Lee. Fast facts The collection, which includes three paintings by artist Rob Prior and a selection of photographs and videos of Lee taken by his friend and later caretaker, will be […]
Hyper-realistic virtual influencer Rae mints NFTs
It’s not only real-world idols that look to earn a profit from issuing non-fungible tokens. Rae — a virtual influencer in Singapore rendered through computer-generated imagery and powered by artificial intelligence — is selling “her” first NFTs on Mintable. Fast facts Rae — whose creators’ identities remain mysterious — has dropped her first NFT series […]
NFT buzz continues as OpenSea raises US$100M
OpenSea, the world’s second-biggest non-fungible token marketplace by trading volume, has raised US$100 million in a series B funding round led by venture capital firm A16z, the company has announced. Fast facts The new funding raises the company’s value to US$1.5 billion, making it a unicorn — a start-up with a valuation of more than […]
Blockchain gaming unicorn Animoca Brands and Brinc launch NFT accelerator
Hong Kong-based blockchain gaming company Animoca Brands and global venture accelerator Brinc have launched Launchpad Luna, a new accelerator program to identify, mentor, and invest in promising blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFT) startups, according to a company statement. Fast facts Projects accepted into the accelerator program will receive training, end-to-end support and funding of up […]
Blockchain platform Enjin joins UN Global Compact to further sustainable NFT goals
Singapore-based Enjin, a non-fungible token and gaming blockchain platform, today announced it is joining the United Nations Global Compact corporate sustainability initiative as part of its efforts to develop a sustainable NFT ecosystem. Fast facts The Global Compact is a voluntary sustainability initiative for companies working towards implementing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Through its […]
Chinese e-commerce giant Taobao sells NFTs at annual shopping festival
Demand for non-fungible tokens appears insatiable as industry distances itself from crypto sector to avoid crackdown.
Chinese fireworks artist Cai Guoqiang auctions first NFT for $2.5M
Chinese fireworks artist Cai Guoqiang has entered the world of non-fungible tokens, recently auctioning off his first NFT work for US$2.5 million. Fast facts Cai’s work “Transient Eternity — 101 Ignitions of Gunpowder Paintings,” commissioned by the Rockbund Art Museum in Shanghai, was auctioned on TR Lab for US$2.5 million after a 48-hour bidding period […]
Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post to make NFTs to preserve history
Hong Kong newspaper the South China Morning Post is making a foray into the world of non-fungible tokens in the latest move by a Hong Kong publisher to preserve content through blockchain technology. Fast facts The SCMP today released its “ARTIFACT” lite paper, a project designed to advocate “a standardized metadata structure for recording accounts […]
Bitcoin interest declines; Rolling Stone gets into NFTs
Bitcoin interest declines while Rolling Stone gets into NFTs.
Rolling Stone launches first NFT of cover featuring pop star Tones and I
Music magazine Rolling Stone Australia is releasing a cover as a non-fungible token to coincide with the release of the debut album by pop star Tones and I, according to a company blog post. The album is out today. Fast facts The cover on offer, which features the singer-songwriter, is Rolling Stone Australia’s debut cover […]
Has the NFT bubble burst? The data says otherwise
Axie Infinity, Meebits and Bored Ape Yacht Club are some of those keeping the market for non-fungible tokens alive.
India seeks crypto advice; K-drama joins NFT bandwagon
India seeks crypto advice meanwhile K-drama joins NFT bandwagon
U.S. basketball player’s game-worn shoes go on sale as NFT
Ever wanted to own a piece of game-worn NBA merchandise, but without that well-worn fragrance? Now you can. Brooklyn Nets star Spencer Dinwiddie is selling a pair of shoes he has worn in-game as a non-fungible token, Forkast.News has learned. Fast facts The shoes on auction are from Dinwiddie’s K8IROS clothing range, and all proceeds […]
Grayscale’s Bitcoin bounty. Circle’s SPAC listing controversy. NFTs for thieves.
Top blockchain and crypto news: Crypto markets await Bitcoin fund release. USDC issuer opts for the back door. In China, NFT copyrights and wrongs.
Chinese viral news photo debacle shakes confidence in NFTs
Proliferation of copycat non-fungible tokens based on media image sparks fresh concerns over authenticity, creators’ rights.
C.R.E.A.M. Finance’s Iron Bank and PleasrDAO execute $3.5M loan with NFTs as collateral
C.R.E.A.M. Finance’s Iron Bank today announced that it has facilitated a US$3.5 million loan with cypto art collective PleasrDAO using high-value non-fungible tokens as collateral, according to an announcement shared with Forkast.News. Fast facts Taipei-based C.R.E.A.M. Finance, part of the Yearn finance ecosystem, is a decentralized lending protocol for individuals, institutions and protocols to access […]
Thai faithful pay up for religious trinket NFTs
Non-fungible tokens have gained traction across Asia, but in Thailand, the phenomenon has taken on a distinctive local twist: amulets featuring a revered abbot of a Buddhist monastery that believers say ward off evil spirits. Fast facts Crypto Amulets is a company that develops NFT amulets on the Ethereum blockchain. Founded in March, it offers […]
Warner Bros., Nifty’s release ‘Space Jam’ movie NFTs
Non-fungible token platform Nifty’s has announced a partnership with Warner Bros. to launch a giveaway of limited-edition NFTs of characters from the upcoming film “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” Fast facts Space Jam is one of the first major films for which collectible NFTs have been offered. Warner Bros. will give one limited-edition NFT to […]
NFTs and the music industry: Token gesture or transformative technology? | Part 1
In the first of a four-part series, Forkast.News looks at how non-fungible tokens may be changing who calls the tune in the recording business.
South Korean regulators, developers face off over blockchain game NFTs
Regulators in South Korea clashed with blockchain game developers yesterday at an event entitled “The Future of Blockchain Games in Korea,” at which arguments centered on whether incorporating blockchain into gaming could lead to speculation and whether game developers were being discriminated against. Fast facts Blockchain games in South Korea include in-game items represented in […]
TWICE, 2PM K-pop agency JYP plans foray into NFTs
JYP Entertainment, a South Korean entertainment conglomerate that counts K-pop acts including 2PM and TWICE among its stars, has unveiled a plan to partner with blockchain company Dunamu to set up a non-fungible token platform dedicated to K-pop. Fast facts JYP’s partnership with Dunamu, the operator of Korea’s biggest crypto trading platform, Upbit, will involve […]
Building construction meets blockchain, Binance launches NFT platform | The Daily Forkast
Construction meets blockchain in Australian and Binance’s NFT marketplace is open for business.
Binance NFT marketplace launches with auction of Dali, Warhol
Crypto exchange Binance is launching a non-fungible token marketplace, auctioning NFTs of artworks by Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.
South Korea’s Upbit sued for patent violation, Alipay launches NFT platform | The Daily Forkast
Another legal challenge faces cryptocurrency exchange Upbit. In China, Ant Group is getting into the NFT game — through Alipay.
Chinese payment giant Alipay starts selling NFTs
Chinese payment app Alipay has started selling non-fungible token artwork, finding buyers for a combined 8,000 editions of two artworks within one day.
How NFTs can increase efficiency in trade finance
Better known for uses in art and collectibles, non-fungible tokens can also improve supply chains and prevent fraud. Richard Crook of LAB577 explains how.
More regulation for SK crypto exchanges; NFTs kick-start K-pop comeback | The Daily Forkast
Self-published tokens get barred from South Korean exchanges as Hong Kong’s air quality recording meets blockchain technology.
Beyond the NFT hype: Why NFT technology is flawed and buyers must beware
What does it mean to own an NFT, and why are some NFTs vanishing? Alexander Hobbs of Zenotta explains the weaknesses in NFTs’ underlying technology.
Thailand tightens rules for crypto exchanges and bans meme, fan, NFT tokens
Thailand’s securities regulator has announced new rules for cryptocurrency exchanges in the country, including a ban on utility tokens and meme tokens.
Algorithm-generated NFT artwork sells at Sotheby’s for US$11.8M
Auction house Sotheby’s has sold a non-fungible token of a digital artwork known as “CryptoPunk, Alien #7523” for US$11.8 million.
Cross-chain NFTs coming with Polkadot’s Unique Network and RMRK
Unique Network, an NFT chain for Polkadot, and NFT protocol RMRK announced today that they are partnering on expanding the functionalities of NFTs across blockchains.
How NFTs are redrawing Asia’s art scene from artists to galleries
From Phillips auction house in Hong Kong to Art Fair Philippines, non-fungible tokens are redefining how Asia appreciates, buys and profits from art.
Taiwan boy band star Van Ness Wu praises NFTs, prepares for charity selfie sale
California-born singer looks to rekindle relationship with his fans as he pledges to donate the proceeds from his NFT sale to a Taiwan-based NGO.
Binance launching NFT platform with ‘100 Creators’ campaign
Binance today announced a “100 creators” campaign featuring creative talents from around the world as part of the launch of its non-fungible token marketplace on June 24.
NFT sales slump amid May crypto crash
The market for non-fungible tokens took a beating in May amid turmoil in the cryptocurrency sector, according to industry data.
WazirX launches India’s first NFT marketplace
WazirX launched the country’s first NFT marketplace on Tuesday, featuring artists from India and other South Asian nations.
Polygon and Aleph.im partner to protect NFTs from disappearing
Fast-growing Ethereum scaling platform Polygon and decentralized storage network Aleph.im join forces to ‘supercharge’ Polygon’s NFT ecosystem.
How NFTs could trigger lawsuits and anti-money laundering regulation
Non-fungible tokens may be a boon for art and sports collectibles, but the technology is also spawning a host of thorny regulatory and legal issues.
Crypto market rebound; Sotheby’s next NFT auction eyes millennials | The Daily Forkast
The crypto market has rebounded after one of its biggest crashes. Bitcoin is a ‘safe haven’ for many investors.
NEM’s Symbol blockchain launching NFT footballer collectibles
NEM Group is launching NFTs with former Liverpool footballer and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish and current Manchester City player Riyad Mahrez.
‘Fear’ gets the best of Bitcoin; ‘Charlie Bit Me’ is now an NFT | The Daily Forkast
FUD has taken over Bitcoin’s FOMO sentiment as iconic YouTube video ‘Charlie Bit Me’ gets immortalized as an NFT.
Audience fave ‘Charlie bit me’ video to be auctioned off as NFT
The home video that has been viewed more than 880 million times is set to be sold as NFT to highest bidder — and then deleted forevermore from YouTube.
NFT player Animoca hits unicorn status with $89 million capital raise
Animoca Brands’ valuation tops US$1 billion as it charges forward in the NFT and blockchain gaming space with $88,888,888 in new funding.
How fractionalized NFTs could be the next frontier of investing
Where is the NFT market headed, and has the bubble burst? Consider a world where any asset could be tokenized and sold fractionally to investors.
Boxer Tyson Fury teams up with HoDooi to sell NFTs
‘Gypsy King’ looks to blockchain-powered marketplace to tap demand for celebrity collectibles Two-time world heavyweight champion boxer Tyson Fury is partnering with HoDooi.com to launch his brand as a collectible in the non-fungible token market. HoDooi.com was founded by Matt Luczynski, who is also the co-founder of the blockchain travel business Travala.com. Commenting on the […]
Over 800 limited edition Star Wars collectibles in NFTs
Do you want to own a piece of Hollywood history? More than 800 limited edition collectibles from one of the most storied movie franchises in history are now up for auction in the Starcoll NFT marketplace beginning Tuesday (May 4), Starcoll announced on its website. “Over 800+ limited edition Star Wars collectible will be released […]