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Bitcoin OG Sells Another 4,000 BTC To Buy Ethereum – Capital Rotation Intensifies

Bitcoin OG Sells Another 4,000 BTC To Buy Ethereum As Capital Rotation Intensifies

by admin August 25, 2025

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

After setting a new all-time high of $124,500, Bitcoin is now battling to hold the $115,000 level as support. The bulls, who dominated just days ago, are struggling to spark a fresh rally, leaving the market in a delicate phase. While fundamentals such as institutional adoption and strong holder demand continue to support the broader uptrend, capital flows suggest a new dynamic is at play.

Several analysts note signs of capital rotation from Bitcoin into altcoins, a pattern that often marks transitions between phases of the market cycle. Ethereum, in particular, is emerging as a major destination for this shift.

Adding to the intrigue, on-chain intelligence firm Lookonchain has been tracking the movements of a long-dormant Bitcoin OG whale, who has reawakened with extraordinary activity. On Friday, the whale deposited 300 BTC ($34.86 million) into Hyperliquid to sell for Ethereum. His bold strategy is paying off: he’s now sitting on over $100 million in unrealized profits.

The whale currently holds a 135,265 ETH ($581M) long position at a $4,295 average entry, up $58 million, and also accumulated 122,226 ETH ($535M) spot at a $4,377 average, up $42 million. This aggressive rotation underscores a pivotal moment—one where Bitcoin consolidates, but altcoins, led by Ethereum, may capture the spotlight.

Bitcoin OG’s Bold Rotation Into Ethereum

According to Lookonchain, the mysterious Bitcoin OG whale continues to dominate market headlines with aggressive on-chain moves. Most recently, he transferred another 4,000 BTC (~$460 million) into exchanges, where the funds were converted into Ethereum. This marks yet another large-scale repositioning that has captured the attention of analysts and investors alike.

Bitcoin OG Transactions | Source: Lookonchain

So far, the whale has accumulated a staggering 179,448 ETH (~$806 million) at an average price of $4,490, alongside a 135,265 ETH ($581 million) long position that remains open. These bold allocations underscore a decisive rotation strategy away from Bitcoin and into Ethereum, suggesting a bet on ETH’s outperformance in the coming phase of the cycle.

The implications are significant. On one hand, such a massive capital shift highlights growing institutional-style conviction in Ethereum as it pushes through all-time highs and challenges Bitcoin’s dominance. On the other hand, it raises concerns about short-term volatility.

Analysts warn that despite the bullish outlook, a shakeout may occur before sustained gains materialize. With leverage in derivatives markets climbing and liquidity thinning in spot trading, sharp pullbacks could easily flush out overextended positions.

Bitcoin Vs. Ethereum: Weekly Chart Analysis

The ETH/BTC weekly chart shows Ethereum gaining significant ground against Bitcoin after a long downtrend that lasted from mid-2022 to early 2025. ETH has now rallied to the 0.041 BTC level, posting strong bullish candles and reclaiming key moving averages. The 50-week SMA (blue) has just been broken to the upside, and price is testing the 100-week SMA (green), an important resistance zone. If ETH manages to sustain momentum above this level, the next key target lies near the 200-week SMA (red) around 0.055 BTC.

Ethereum shows strength against BTC | Source: ETHBTC chart on TradingView

This rotation is especially important because ETH has been underperforming Bitcoin for over two years. The recent surge signals a potential capital rotation from BTC into ETH, a trend reinforced by large institutional buys and whales shifting positions into Ethereum.

On the downside, if ETH/BTC faces rejection at the current resistance, the pair could retest support around 0.035 BTC, which aligns with previous consolidation. However, momentum indicators suggest strength is currently with Ethereum.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

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.

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August 25, 2025 0 comments

Strategy signals another Bitcoin buy on June 2

Crypto Trends

Strategy’s Michael Saylor Signals Impending BTC Buy For Treasury

by admin August 24, 2025

Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor signaled an impending Bitcoin (BTC) purchase, and, if completed, the transaction will mark the company’s third BTC acquisition in August.

The company’s most recent Bitcoin buy occurred on August 18, when Strategy purchased 430 BTC for $51.4 million, bringing its total holdings to 629,376 BTC, valued at over $72 billion at the time of this writing.

Data from SaylorTracker shows Strategy is up over 56% on its BTC investment, representing over $25.8 billion in unrealized gains at current prices.

Strategy’s history of Bitcoin purchases. Source: SaylorTracker

The company’s BTC acquisitions in August have been relatively slim. Strategy typically acquires thousands or tens of thousands of BTC in every purchase, yet it has only acquired 585 BTC so far, in two separate transactions, this month.

Strategy leads the charge in corporate BTC acquisition and is the largest BTC treasury company by a wide margin. Saylor continues to advocate for Bitcoin by orange-pilling individual investors and financial institutions, sparking a movement in corporate finance.

Related: Are struggling firms using crypto reserves as a PR lifeline?

Strategy is not directly impacting Bitcoin market prices with its acquisition plan

Shirish Jajodia, the company’s corporate treasurer, recently told podcaster Natalie Brunell that Strategy does not move the BTC market with its purchases.

The company acquires BTC through over-the-counter transactions, private agreements between parties that occur outside of spot exchanges, and other methods that do not impact market price.

Institutional investors hold BTC long-term, which raises the floor price of Bitcoin over time. However, other factors, like price speculation and traders, have a more immediate impact on the short-term market price of BTC, Jajodia said.

“Bitcoin’s trading volume is over $50 billion in any 24 hours — that’s huge volume. So, if you are buying $1 billion over a couple of days, it’s not actually moving the market that much,” he added.

Price action of Strategy’s stock. Source: TradingView

Strategy continues to accumulate BTC for its corporate treasury, even amid sinking share prices, which have impacted most Bitcoin treasury companies in the second half of 2025.

The company’s stock sank to its lowest point in nearly four months on Wednesday, hitting a low of about $325 per share, levels not seen since April. However, the price rebounded to around $358 per share on Friday.

Magazine: Scottie Pippen says Michael Saylor warned him about Satoshi chatter

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Solana price path to $200 stalls as transactions and addresses jump

GameFi Guides

Coinbase hacker uses stolen crypto to buy 38,126 Solana

by admin August 24, 2025

The hacker behind a recent Coinbase breach has surfaced with a 38,126 Solana purchase worth approximately $7.9 million, made with funds stolen from the exchange’s customers.

According to blockchain analyst Ember CN, the hacker converted 7.957 million DAI to USDC, then bridged these funds to the Solana network to purchase Solana (SOL) at an average price of $208.7.

The purchase comes as Solana trades up over 17% in the last 30 days, though the token remains down 29% from its all-time high of $293 reached in January.

This marks the third significant asset allocation move by the hacker behind the Coinbase breach in May.

Hacker’s strategic trading pattern spans over months

The Coinbase hacker has shown methodical trading behavior since gaining access to customer funds on at least two occasions:

In May, the hacker sold 26,347 Ethereum (ETH) for 68.18 million DAI. The sale was done at a price of $2,588.
Two months later in July, the hacker repurchased 5,513 ETH with 14.865 million DAI at $2,696.

X post by analyst EmberCN

The $208.7 purchase price aligns with analyst predictions that SOL could rally toward $360.

Technical analysis from trader Ucan indicates that Solana is currently moving within a rising channel, following the formation of a rounded bottom pattern.

Key resistance levels include $215 for initial resistance, $227 for breakout confirmation, and $242 as a strong upside target. The channel top sits at $251.

The hacker’s timing coincides with bullish sentiment around Solana, with prominent trader Ali recently asking to hold SOL until $360.

$SOL | Technical Analyses

Solana is moving within a rising channel after forming a rounded bottom. 👀

Key levels to watch 👇

• $215 – first resistance
• $227 – breakout confirmation
• $242 – strong upside target
• $251 – channel top

As long as $190 support holds, the… pic.twitter.com/mmdVSeH2Yl

— 𝖀𝖈𝖆𝖓 (@Ucan_Coin) August 23, 2025

Coinbase hack impact continues to unfold

The May Coinbase breach affected nearly 70,000 users through a coordinated social-engineering attack. Cybercriminals bribed overseas customer-support contractors to extract user records between December 2024 and May 2025.

The attack compromised personal data, including full names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, masked bank account numbers, and government-issued ID scans.

Coinbase disclosed the incident publicly after receiving a $20 million ransom demand, which the company refused to pay.

CEO Brian Armstrong pledged to reimburse affected customers. Additionally, he offered a $20 million reward for information leading to an arrest. The breach triggered an estimated remediation cost of up to $400 million for the exchange.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Crypto Trends

Pepe price nears big move as whales buy 650 billion coins

by admin August 24, 2025

Pepe price rebounded, helped by the dovish Jerome Powell speech, surging Ethereum, and increased whale accumulation.

Summary

Pepe price is on the verge of a surge as whales buy.
Whales have bought 650 billion coins in the last 30 days.
The coin will benefit from the ongoing Ethereum price surge.

Pepe (PEPE), the second-biggest meme coin in Ethereum (ETH), jumped to $0.000015 on Saturday, Aug. 23, up sharply from this week’s low of $0.000009850.

Pepe to benefit from whale buying

Whale have continued to accumulate Pepe tokens in a sign that they expect the price to keep going up. Nansen data shows that these investors now hold 8.79 trillion coins, up by 650 billion from where they were on July 23.

The top 100 Pepe holders have also boosted their holdings such that they now hold 306.84 trillion tokens, up from 300 trillion tokens last month. This accumulation has pushed the tokens in exchanges to a multi-month low of 253.40 trillion.

These actions mean that Pepe has a robust demand from investors. More data shows that the weighted funding rate for Pepe coin has remained in the green this month.

The funding rate looks at the fees paid by bulls and bears in the perpetual futures market. With the figure being in green, it means that bulls are paying bears a small fee as they expect the price to keep soaring.

Pepe price will also benefit from the ongoing Ethereum price surge. As ETH jumps to a record high, it is likely that the top-quality tokens in its ecosystem will rebound too.

Pepe price technical analysis

Pepe price chart | Source: crypto.news

The daily timeframe shows that the Pepe Coin price formed a highly bullish double-bottom pattern at $0.000009850. It is slowly nearing its neckline at $0.00001265. A double-bottom is one of the most common bullish reversal patterns in technical analysis.

This pattern has coincided with the formation of the symmetrical triangle pattern, whose two lines are nearing their confluence level, where most breakouts happen.

Therefore, the Pepe Coin price will likely have a bullish breakout in the coming days or weeks. The widest part of the symmetrical triangle is about 52%. Measuring this distance from the potential breakout point gives it a target of $0.00001890, up by 65% from the current level.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

FED Chair Jerome Powell Hints at September Rate Cut – Top 3 Cryptos to Buy Now

GameFi Guides

Best Crypto to Buy Now as FED Chair Jerome Powell Hints at September Rate Cut

by admin August 24, 2025

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

FED Chair Jerome Powell spoke at Jackson Hole on August 22, addressing rate cuts, inflation, and the labor market.

Powell’s Friday appearance turned out to be a bonanza for intraday stock traders and crypto investors, as both the NASDAQ and major cryptos surged after he hinted at a possible September rate cut.

Powell noted that the balance of risks is shifting in the U.S. economy. While inflation remains a concern for the Fed, the latest labor market data is now a bigger worry.

Job growth, for instance, has slowed dramatically: from 168,000 new jobs in 2024 to just 35,000 in the latest figures. At the same time, unemployment has held steady at 4.2%.

This slowdown is partly due to reduced demand and supply in the job market, temporarily influenced by weaker immigration flows.

Powell warned that the labor market remains in a delicate position, and a wave of layoffs could make conditions worse.

Read on as we unpack Powell’s September rate cut hint, what’s driving it, and how you can ride the brewing risk-on sentiment among investors by loading up on the best cryptos to buy now.

Powell’s Rate Cut Hint Could Spark the Next Crypto Rally

Inflation is still around 2.6% to 2.9% above the Fed’s 2% target, largely due to Trump’s tariffs, which are expected to gradually push prices higher.

However, the Federal Reserve views this as a one-time bump rather than the start of an inflation spiral.

Speaking on interest rates, Powell noted that current levels are now closer to neutral – a zone that neither slows nor boosts the economy – and described the Fed’s stance as a little restrictive.

He added that while there’s room for a rate cut, the Fed intends to move carefully based on incoming data.

Here’s the kicker now: although Powell didn’t commit to a September cut, he admitted it’s certainly a possibility.

Wall Street celebrated the remarks, with the NASDAQ surging 1.39% in just 15 minutes. Crypto markets also rallied, as Bitcoin climbed 4%, once again crossing the $115K mark.

Traditionally, rate cuts are bullish for risk-on assets like crypto. Why? Because cheaper borrowing often pushes investors toward alternative ‘high-risk, high-reward’ investments like cryptocurrencies.

That’s why the prospect of a September rate cut is being viewed as a potential major catalyst for another broad-based altcoin rally.

If you’re looking to cash in on this opportunity, now may be the best time to scoop up promising low-cap, high-upside.

To help you out, here are our top picks for the next cryptos to explode.

1. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) – Next-Gen Bitcoin L2 Bringing Fast Transactions & Web3 Compatibility

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is the world’s first Bitcoin Layer 2 solution that brings Solana-like speed and scalability to the Bitcoin blockchain.

Despite being the biggest cryptocurrency in the industry, Bitcoin has long struggled with slow transactions, increasing traffic, and zero Web3 compatibility.

$HYPER aims to fix this through the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) integration, which allows developers to execute smart contracts and build dApps on the Bitcoin network – something that was never possible before.

At the heart of this ecosystem overhaul is a non-custodial, decentralized canonical bridge. In plain English, it locks up your Layer 1 $BTC and mints an equivalent amount of Layer 2 $BTC tokens.

These L2 tokens can then be used for Web3 interactions, including staking, lending, swapping, NFT transactions, DeFi trading, and much more. Once you’re done, simply use the bridge to swap back your L2 tokens for L1 Bitcoin.

The $HYPER presale has already gained strong traction, raising $11.53M so far.

Even better, this includes sizable institutional investments, with whale purchases of $75K, $54K, $38K, $19.6K, and $13.2K, underscoring big-money interest in the project.

Currently priced at just $0.012785 apiece, our $HYPER price prediction suggests it could surge to $0.32 by the end of 2025, delivering a potential 2,400% return.

Want in on the project? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy $HYPER.

For more information, visit Bitcoin Hyper’s official website.

2. Best Wallet Token ($BEST) – Native Cryptocurrency of a Privacy-First and User-Friendly Crypto Wallet

Best Wallet Token ($BEST) is the in-house cryptocurrency of Best Wallet – a multi-chain, non-custodial crypto wallet built with a focus on user security.

Here, you hold the private keys, leaving no room for foul play by malicious third parties. On top of that, the app uses Fireblocks MPC security tech, biometric logins, and scam protection to keep your funds safe.

One of the most exciting features, though, is the Presale Aggregator section, which helps you load up on the best new meme coins in presale before they hit the mainstream.

Plus, being a multi-chain wallet, Best Wallet already supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon, and BNB Smart Chain, with 50 more blockchains coming soon.

This means you won’t have to jump between multiple wallets to manage your crypto portfolio – everything is accessible from one easy-to-use interface.

Why buy $BEST?

According to our $BEST price prediction, the token could hit $0.62 by 2026, delivering a potential 2,500% return.
Reduced trading and gas fees on the platform
Staking rewards, currently yielding 89%
Early access to the best crypto presales
Voting rights on key project decisions

The $BEST presale has been a massive success, to say the least, having already raised over $15M from early investors.

Currently priced at just $0.025515 per token, the next price increase is only a few hours away, so this could be your last chance to grab it this low.

Check out Best Wallet Token’s official website for more information.

3. Bertram The Pomeranian ($BERT) – A Philanthropic Meme Coin Eyeing New All-Time Highs

Bertram The Pomeranian ($BERT) is a Solana meme coin that goes beyond being just another character-driven hype asset.

Inspired by Bertram, a famous Pomeranian dog influencer with millions of followers, $BERT is tied to a noble mission of global pet care through WOOFHub.

WOOFHub, by the way, is an AI-powered startup dedicated to raising awareness about dog shelters, enabling real-time adoption alerts, and helping with lost pet tracking.

It also sells NFC-enabled smart dog collars, allowing owners to keep tabs on their pets’ locations at all times.

It’s worth noting that the project has already donated over 5 tonnes of dog food worldwide, further reinforcing its socially conscious mission.

On the market side, $BERT recently hit a $70M market cap after surging 40% in the past seven days. And it’s now trading at around $0.07095.

Its recent listing on BloFin injected fresh liquidity, fueling an 61% spike in trading volume within the last 24 hours alone.

Combined with strong technicals, including a robust MACD histogram and neatly stacked, fanning EMAs, $BERT looks poised to extend its parabolic bull run in the weeks ahead.

Conclusion

Fed Chair Jerome Powell has delivered positive signals for the U.S. economy, from slowing inflation and historically low unemployment rates to a relatively neutral stance on interest rates.

Most notably, he hinted at the possibility of an interest rate cut in September, which helped propel both the NASDAQ and crypto markets higher.

If you want to ride this bull run, utility-driven tokens like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), Best Wallet Token ($BEST), and $BERT could be among your best bets.

That said, remember that crypto markets are highly volatile and subject to significant risks. Always do your own research before investing. This article is not financial advice.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Best MacBooks (2025): Which Apple Laptop Should You Buy?

by admin August 24, 2025

The bigger change is in how many external displays the M3 MacBook Air can support. While the M4 model can power up to two 4K external displays, the M3 MacBook Air can only do that if the lid of the laptop is shut. But if that isn’t a hang-up for you, you’ll likely be very happy with the cash you save going for an older model, especially if you opt for a refurbished or renewed version.

The Cheapest MacBook

Courtesy of Apple

Apple

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Apple doesn’t typically keep older MacBooks in its lineup officially. But for a few years now, the company has allowed Walmart to exclusively sell new versions of the MacBook that started it all: the M1 MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2020. This laptop with the original M1 chip is still a pretty powerful laptop at its lower price. It’s not the snazziest Apple laptop, but it lasts more than a full workday, with the battery hitting 22 percent after I ran it almost nonstop from 9 am to 7 pm using Safari and work apps like Slack.

Walmart recently dropped the price to $599, which is a configuration that comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. That’s not the most impressive machine in the world, admittedly. Just keep in mind that while this M1 chip supports Apple Intelligence, it may struggle with some tasks due to the limited memory. Also, if you push it with too many browser tabs and apps running simultaneously, you may run into some slowdowns. Other downsides? The 720p webcam isn’t great, and the M1 only supports one external monitor.

This is an easy choice for students, although a recent rumor might make you want to wait if you’re not in a rush. Multiple reports indicate that Apple may announce a 12.9-inch budget MacBook that will retail for $599, very much taking the place of the M1 MacBook Air. This new MacBook will reportedly use the iPhone’s A18 Pro chip, a newer and faster processor than the M1.

A Breakdown of Each M-Series Chip

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All of Apple’s processors are scattered throughout different MacBook models. While Apple only currently sells M4 MacBooks, you can find older models at specific third-party retailers online either completely new or refurbished. If you do stumble upon its older chips (which came out four years ago), you might be wondering how they compare to other options. We break down the differences between each one.

M4 Series

M4: The M4 is the current entry-level chip and has a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Apple claims it delivers 1.8 times faster CPU performance and 2.2 times faster GPU performance than the M1. Meanwhile, the neural engine is over three times faster than the original and twice as fast as the M3. It also starts with 16 GB of unified memory, which will help power Apple Intelligence (the company’s suite of artificial intelligence features) a lot more smoothly. It’s available on the 14-inch MacBook Pro (2024), iMac (2024), and MacBook Air (13-inch and 15-inch, 2025).

M4 Pro: The M4 Pro has a 14-core CPU (which Apple claims is up to 1.9 times faster than the M1 Pro) and up to 20-core GPU, with up to 64 GB of unified memory. Built on a second-generation 3-nanometer process, it also supports enhanced GPU features like mesh shading and ray tracing—the latter of which is now twice as fast as on M3 chips. You’ll find it on the latest MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) and Mac Mini (2024).

M4 Max: This chip has a 16-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU with support for up to 128 GB of unified memory. Apple says the CPU is up to 2.2 times faster than the M1 Max, while the GPU is up to 1.9 times faster. As with the M4 Pro, it packs support for mesh shading and ray tracing. The M4 Max is currently the most powerful chip you can get in a MacBook, and is available on the latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro. You can also get it as an option in the current Mac Studio.

M3 Series

M3: The M3 is available on the 14-inch MacBook Pro (late 2023), 13-inch MacBook Air (2024), 15-inch MacBook Air (2024), and 24-inch iMac (2023). It packs an 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU with 24 GB of unified memory. When compared to the M1, Apple claims CPU performance is up to 35 percent faster and GPU performance is up to 65 percent faster. The company says the CPU and GPU are both 20 percent faster than the M2. As with the M1 and M2, it’s great for basic tasks like word processing, sending emails, using spreadsheets, and light gaming. With the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air, you also have support for two external displays (one display with up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz and another with up to 5K resolution at 60 Hz).

M3 Pro: With a 12-core CPU and an 18-core GPU, Apple claims the M3 Pro’s GPU is only up to 10 percent faster than the M2 Pro—making this a marginal upgrade from its predecessor. Compared to the M1 Pro, however, the M2 Pro is up to 40 percent faster in GPU performance and 20 percent faster in CPU performance. It’s available on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2023. It’s the ideal in-between for those who need a chip that’s more powerful than the M3 but won’t utilize the full power of the M3 Max.

M3 Max: This is the next step up from the M2 Max and the most powerful of the three chips (but still not as powerful as the M2 Ultra). It has a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, and up to 128 GB of unified memory. According to Apple, the CPU performance is up to 80 percent faster than the M1 Max and up to 50 percent faster than the M2 Max. As for GPU performance, it’s said to be up to 50 percent faster than the M1 Max and 20 percent faster than the M2 Max. The M3 Max is available on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro (late 2023).

M3 Ultra: While the M3 lineup was introduced in 2023, Apple announced an M3 Ultra in 2025. It’s confusingly the most powerful chip in the M-series lineup—even better than the latest M4 Max. It has an up to 32-core CPU (with 24 performance cores) and a GPU with up to 80 cores. Apple claims it’s up to 2.5 times faster than the M1 Ultra. It also comes with 96 GB of unified memory, with the option to upgrade up to 512 GB, while SSD storage can be increased to 16 GB. This chip is currently only available on the 2025 Mac Studio.

M2 Series

M2: You might think the M2 is better than the M1 Pro or M1 Max, but you’d be wrong. It’s an entry-level chip like the M1, with slightly more processing power. It packs an 8-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU (two more GPU cores than its predecessor), along with support for up to 24 GB of unified memory. Apple says the second-generation chip has an 18 percent faster CPU and a GPU that’s 35 percent more powerful. The M2 is great for daily tasks like word processing and web browsing, but tasks like editing multiple streams of 4K footage and 3D rendering should be reserved for the M1 Pro or M1 Max (or the next two chips). It’s available in the MacBook Air (13 inch, 2022), MacBook Air (15 inch, 2022), and MacBook Pro (13 inch, 2022).

M2 Pro: The M2 Pro is the next step up from the M2. It has up to 12 cores in the CPU and up to a 19-core GPU, with up to 32 GB of unified memory. Apple claims performance is up to 20 percent faster than the 10-core M1 Pro and graphics are 30 percent faster. We recommend this chip for intermediate video and photo editors. It’s a marginal upgrade compared to the M1 Pro, but it’s the best option for those who want a more future-proof processor. You’ll find it in the MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) from early 2023 and Mac Mini (2023).

M2 Max: The M2 Max packs up to a 12-core CPU and up to a 38-core GPU (with support for up to 96 GB of unified memory). According to Apple, graphics are 30 percent faster than the M1 Max. The M2 Max is an excellent choice for those who work with graphics-intensive content, including graphic design, 3D modeling, and heavy-duty video footage. But as with the M2 Pro, it’s an incremental upgrade if you’re coming from an M1 Max. It’s available in the MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) that came out early in 2023 and Mac Studio (2023).

M2 Ultra: This is the successor to the M1 Ultra. It’s available on the second-generation Mac Studio and the Mac Pro (2023). Composed of two M2 Max chips, using Apple’s UltraFusion technology, the M2 Ultra has a 24-core CPU and a GPU configurable with 60 or 76 cores. Apple claims the CPU delivers up to 20 percent faster performance and a 30 percent faster GPU than the M1 Ultra. This is the chip to get if you’re working with extremely heavy-duty content that you believe the M1 Ultra, M2 Pro, or M2 Max simply won’t be able to handle. You’ll know if you need a chip this robust.

M1 Series

M1: This is the first custom silicon Apple debuted for its MacBook Air in 2020. It has an 8-core CPU and up to an 8-core GPU. Originally, there was support for up to 16 GB of unified memory (RAM) at an extra cost, but nowadays you can only purchase the 8-GB model. It’s much faster than any previous Intel-powered MacBook Pro, and it is the practical choice for most people, as it’s in the most affordable MacBook Air you can buy (from third-party retailers). It packs more than enough processing power to get you through common day-to-day tasks—even light gaming—and it can handle more intense jobs like photo editing.

M1 Pro: Next step up is the M1 Pro. It has up to 10 cores in the CPU and up to a 16-core GPU, with up to 32 GB of unified memory. Apple says performance and graphics are both twice as fast as on the M1. We found it to be considerably more capable than the base chip, ideal for anyone who works heavily on MacBooks for music production or photo and video editing. Only the MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) from 2021 use this chip.

M1 Max: Like the M1 Pro, the M1 Max has a 10-core CPU but a heftier 32-core GPU (with support for up to 64 GB of unified memory). Apple says it’s four times faster than the M1 in terms of graphics. As proven in testing, this chip is extremely powerful and handles every heavy-duty task with ease. It was the go-to choice if you needed computer that could handle multiple streams of 8K or 4K video footage, 3D rendering, or developing apps and running demos. You probably already know whether you need this much power. It’s available in the MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) from 2021.

M1 Ultra: The M1 Ultra is the second-most powerful of them all. It’s two M1 Max chips connected with a technology called UltraFusion. It packs a 20-core CPU, 64-core GPU (which can be configured with up to 128 GB of unified memory), and a 32-core neural engine—complete with seven times more transistors than the base M1. Even with the M3 Ultra now available, the M1 Ultra remains powerful and a solid option for anyone who needs a heavy-duty processor for working with intense visuals and graphics. It was available only on the first-generation Mac Studio.

Which MacBooks Are Compatible With MacOS Tahoe?

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Apple announced macOS Tahoe at its keynote at WWDC 2025. The update comes with a host of new features, including a visual redesign, a spruced up version of Spotlight, and a new Games app. The public beta will be available to download in July, with an official release later this fall.

MacOS Tahoe is the final version of macOS to support some Intel-based Macs. Specifically these are the last Intel-powered Macs to get macOS Tahoe:

MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
iMac (27-inch, 2020)
Mac Pro (2019)

You won’t find these Macs on our recommended list below, but if you already own one, you’ll get one more big update this year, along with three years of security updates. All Macs with M-Series chips, going back to 2020, are compatible with macOS Tahoe.

Which Macs Support Apple Intelligence?

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With Apple’s current version of its operating system, macOS Sequoia, you’ll have access to Apple Intelligence—the company’s artificial intelligence features that are also available in iOS and iPadOS 18. Apple launched the first set of features with macOS Sequoia 15.1, including Writing Tools, an overhauled Siri, Smart Replies, and Mail Summaries, and Clean Up in Photos. However, Apple Intelligence is exclusive to Macs with the an M-series chip. This includes the following:

MacBook Air (M1, M2, M3, M4)
MacBook Pro (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M3, M3 Pro, M3 Max, M4, M4 Pro, M4 Max)
iMac (M1, M3, M4)
Mac Mini (M1, M2, M2 Pro, M4, M4 Pro)
Mac Studio (M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2 Max, M2 Ultra, M3 Ultra)

Get AppleCare+ to Protect Your Devices

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None of Apple’s MacBooks are cheap, and replacement parts are nightmarishly expensive. Since the entire computer is fully integrated into Apple’s tightly designed aluminum chassis, you’re one coffee spill away from a shockingly large repair bill. This is why Apple’s AppleCare+ might be worthwhile. Remember, you have to purchase it within 60 days of purchasing your MacBook.

Apple offers the choice between monthly or yearly payments. Both include unlimited accidental protection along with 24/7 telephone support. If your MacBook has screen damage or enclosure damage, you’ll have to pay a $99 service fee, while other accidental damage will cost $299. The monthly payments vary depending on the specific MacBook you buy:

MacBook Air (13-inch): $7 per month or $70 per year
MacBook Air (15-inch): $8 per month or $100 per year
MacBook Pro (14-inch): $10 per month or $60 per year
MacBook Pro (16-inch): $15 per month or $150 per year

Take Advantage of Apple’s Education Discounts

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Apple always offers small discounts on hardware for students and teachers. All you need to do is purchase something through Apple’s Education Store, choose the product you want (you should see the discounted pricing), and go through the motions to place the order like normal. You don’t need to show any proof that you’re a student at the time of purchase, but you should be honest, as Apple can ask you at a later date for verification. It’s worth noting that the discounts are not as good as what you’ll find on Amazon and sometimes other retailers like Walmart, so be sure to check prices.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy?

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Yes. Apple released a 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M4 chips in late 2024. The 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air received the M4 treatment in March 2025. It’s also fine to buy M3-powered MacBooks if you can find them on sale, just make sure it’s the model with at least 16 GB of RAM.

Although the MacBook Pro has been updated each fall for the past few years, recent rumors indicate that the M5 MacBook Pro might be delayed until 2026. Neither the Pro or the Air are rumored to receive a significant overhaul in this next generation though, so now’s a safe time to buy.

The one caveat is that a cheaper, 12.9-inch MacBook is rumored to launch later this year. While it’s still just a rumor, multiple independent reports have now predicted the announcement, which is for a $599 MacBook powered by an A14 Pro chip. If you’re shopping at that price, it might be worth waiting a few months.

Other MacBooks to Consider

Apple releases new MacBooks at a quick pace, so you might feel inclined to buy the latest and greatest. These slightly older models are still good options, as long as you find them on sale for the right price. Apple no longer sells them directly, but we recommend checking third-party retailers (like Amazon, Best Buy, or B&H). Just cross-check the price with the latest models and make sure you’re spending less.

Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch, Late 2023): The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are powered by the M3 series chips. You can configure the 14-inch MacBook Pro with all three, while the 16-inch version can be paired with M3 Pro and M3 Max. The M3 is ideal if you want a few of the “Pro” features but don’t want to spend nearly $2,000 to get them, while the M3 Pro or M3 Max are great for tasks like editing 4K videos, rendering 3D models in CAD, and producing music.

MacBook Air (15-inch, 2023): The 15-inch MacBook Air M2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) packs all the same features as the 13-inch version, plus a larger screen. The M2 also offers great performance and good battery life (we squeezed about 10 hours out of it). The only problem is that it is sometimes only sold for marginally less than the M3 model, and sometimes only comes with 8GB of RAM. Keep that in mind as you consider pricing.

MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch, Early 2023): If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on the latest 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends), the M2 Pro and M2 Max (which launched early in 2023) are more than capable of handling intensive, graphically demanding production work. In our testing, both the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Max delivered smooth performance and playback after being put through stress tests (like editing 4K and RED Raw footage, as well as adding 3D effects). I recommend only snagging this one for around $1,500 or less.

MacBook Pro (14-Inch and 16-Inch, 2021): These MacBook Pro models (8/10, WIRED Recommends), powered by the M1 Pro and M1 Max, were the start of a new era for Apple’s high-end machines. The company introduced a redesigned chassis with more ports, a 120-Hz refresh rate, and a MagSafe port. Even though these launched in late 2021, you don’t have to steer clear of them—both processors are still plenty powerful. In our testing, we found the M1 Max felt one-to-one with the $6,000+ older Mac Pro. It didn’t struggle at all while editing heavy-duty footage. However, it’s growing increasingly tough to find in stock at third-party retailers. If you do manage to locate one, I advise purchasing it only if it’s on sale for around $1,100 or less.

Great MacBook Accessories

Photograph: Baggu

There are a lot of MacBook accessories to enhance your experience, including cases and chargers for on-the-go and peripherals to use at your desk. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our top recommendations, but you can find more in our Best MacBook Accessories guide.

Incase Hardshell Case Dots (16-inch MacBook Pro) for $40: This is currently our favorite case for the MacBook. It has precise cutouts for all the ports, rubberized feet that keep it from sliding, and ventilation to help prevent the MacBook from overheating.

Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve for $32: This puffy laptop sleeve is adorable and protective. The Velcro enclosure is also strong enough that you don’t have to worry about your laptop accidentally sliding out.

Photograph: Branch

Branch Adjustable Laptop Stand for $65: This is our top pick in our Best Laptop Stands guide. It’s sturdy enough that it won’t bounce or shift while using it, lifts your screen to 7 inches high, and adjusts to any viewing angle. It also has a nice, clean look to it.

Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk for $180: This is a great solution if you constantly work on the go but prefer using an external keyboard and mouse with your laptop. The Casa Pop-Up Desk comes with a keyboard and trackpad that fit into a compact case that doubles as a laptop stand.

Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (USB-C) for $149: Crafting a workstation around your MacBook? A stand-alone keyboard is a nice upgrade. It comes equipped with a Touch ID button, so you can use it to log in, download apps, and pay for purchases. It also has the same function row keys as M-series MacBooks, including a dedicated Do Not Disturb button, playback buttons, and a Mission Control key.

Photograph: Logitech

Logitech Lift for Mac for $80: This ergonomic mouse is an excellent choice if you spend a lot of time at your desk and deal with wrist pain. It has great battery life too—I’ve gone over a year without needing new batteries. You can program the buttons with Mac-specific features. Read our Best Ergonomic Mice guide for more.

Satechi USB-C Multiport 8K for $100: This hub is our top pick in our Best USB Hubs guide. It packs several USB-C ports, all of which are nicely labeled by their maximum speed. It can also handle intensive tasks in minutes, such as transferring hundreds of GBs of 6K footage. It’s worth noting, however, that it doesn’t have any USB-A ports.

BenQ 27-Inch IPS Monitor (GW2786TC) for $250: There are cheaper 1080p monitors, but none that accessorize MacBooks in such a classy way with its simple white design. You can connect up your MacBook while charging it at the same time, and it even has a 100-Hz refresh rate.

Dell 32 Plus QD-OLED for $850: If you’re in the Mac ecosystem as a creator, you need a monitor that’s designed for media and content creation. The Dell 32 Plus (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the first OLED monitors that isn’t outrageously expensive while still being a proper HDR monitor and maintaining excellent color performance. On top of that, it’s a gorgeous and would look great next to a MacBook.

Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

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August 24, 2025 0 comments

GameFi Guides

‘No Reason to Buy Bitcoin’: Ether Supporters Celebrating ATH

by admin August 23, 2025

Ethereum (ETH) price hits ATH, community celebrates
Ethereum’s (ETH) next step: Price discovery ahead?

Yesterday, on Aug. 22, 2025, Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, finally hit an ATH over $4,885 on major spot exchanges. The Ethereum (ETH) community in CT is mocking its opponents and guessing the potential targets of ETH’s price rally.

Ethereum (ETH) price hits ATH, community celebrates

With Ethereum (ETH) smashing through its 2021 high, there’s no reason to buy Bitcoin (BTC) any longer. Ethereum (ETH) is at the same time more decentralized and represents a better store of value, long-term ETH proponent Anthony Sassano says on X.

There is no reason to buy BTC instead of ETH.

Ethereum is more decentralized than Bitcoin and ETH is a much better store of value than BTC.

You either accept this now, or be forced to accept it when ETH flips BTC.

The choice is yours.

— sassal.eth/acc 🦇🔊 (@sassal0x) August 23, 2025

According to him, cryptocurrency community members should either accept it now or when Ethereum (ETH) finally flips Bitcoin (BTC).

Meanwhile, the ETH/BTC ratio surged from 0.017 to 0.041 in just four months. Ethereum (ETH) outperformed Bitcoin (BTC) by more than 2.5x since.

Mocking Ethereum (ETH) bears is another hot topic on X today. With $468 million in liquidated short positions, yesterday’s session was the most brutal for Ethereum (ETH) bears in weeks.

ETH bears with short positions liquidated at ATH frantically pulling up the validator exit queue chart to hold on to one last piece of FUD and seeing that it has peaked & started decreasing. pic.twitter.com/YUtpbielOf

— Jrag.eth (@Jrag0x) August 22, 2025

After peaking on Aug. 20, Ethereum (ETH) unstaking queue started clearing. The period of unstaking dropped below 15 days for the first time in weeks. Normally, this is also a signal of growing interest in Ethereum.

Ethereum’s (ETH) next step: Price discovery ahead?

Ethereum (ETH) supporters are sure that after revisiting the previous ATH, Ether is set to start a price discovery period.

Fundstrat’s Tom Lee, one of the vocal Ethereum (ETH) proponents in this cycle, is sure that Ethereum (ETH) has all chances to surpass Bitcoin (BTC) by market cap.

As covered by U.Today earlier today, Raoul Pal, a seasoned economist and investor, expects the altcoin season to peak by mid-2026.

Ethereum Treasury SharpLink to Buy Back Up to $1.5 Billion in Stock

by admin August 23, 2025

In brief

SharpLink Gaming unveiled $1.5 billion in potential stock buybacks.
The company traded at a slight premium to its Ethereum holdings.
SharpLink’s stock price surged more than 15% on Friday to $20.83.

SharpLink Gaming can repurchase up to $1.5 billion worth of common stock under a newly authorized repurchase program, the Ethereum treasury firm said in a blog post on Friday.

With a market cap of $3.5 billion, that would be almost half of the company’s value, but Co-Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chalom described the program as a potential resource for instances when the company’s shares trade a discount to its Ethereum holdings.

“In this scenario, the accretive course of action may be to repurchase our common stock,” he said in a statement. “This program provides us with the flexibility to act quickly and decisively if those conditions present themselves.”

SharpLink shares surged more than 15% on Friday to $20.87 amid a wider upturn in crypto-focused stocks, according to Yahoo Finance, as investors turned optimistic about the prospects of an interest rate cut following remarks by U.S. central bank Chair Jerome Powell. But SharpLink’s stock price has swooned 24% over the past month even as Ethereum has gained ground.

Ethereum was recently changing hands at $4,813, jumping more than 13% over the past 24 hours, according to crypto data provider CoinGecko. Earlier Friday, ETH set a new record high of $4,879 before retreating. The asset’s price has increased about 35% over the past month.

Like most crypto treasury firms, SharpLink seeks to maximize shareholder value by growing the amount of Ethereum it owns per fully diluted share. When SharpLink shares trade at a premium to its crypto holdings, it can issue common stock to increase that ratio.

Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, has used the tactic for years, but its premium has been substantially greater and existed far longer. On Friday, SharpLink had a so-called mNAV of 1.08, reflecting a slight premium, according to Ethereum Strategic Reserve.

SharpLink owned 740,000 ETH worth over $3.5 billion, as of Friday. Its corporate stash was around half the size of BitMine Immersion Technologies’, which owned 1.5 million ETH that were worth around $7.3 billion.

In the press release, SharpLink noted that the timing and amount of shares repurchased under its newly approved program will depend on market conditions. It’s not obligated to purchase any shares whatsoever, and the initiative can be suspended at any time, it added.

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August 23, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

The Best Google Pixel Phones of 2025, Tested and Reviewed: Which Model to Buy, Cases and Accessories, Feature Drops

by admin August 22, 2025

You get all the same software features as the Pixel 9 series, but there are some extras to take advantage of all the screens. Made You Look, for example, plays a cute animation on the outer screen to make sure your kiddo stares at it when you’re trying to capture a photo. When you’re on a Google Meet call, you can now utilize all the screens so that everyone around you can see the person you’re speaking with, and that means using all the cameras too, so the person on the other end doesn’t have to see just your face.

At the end of the day, this is still a $1,799 smartphone, and that’s just too high a price to pay. But if you have the cash and love folding phones, especially when paired with a Pixel’s smarts and camera prowess, this is one of the best options available.

How Long Is Your Pixel Supported?

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The Pixel 10 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9a, and Pixel 8a will get seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates. The 2023 Pixel 7a will receive three years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from the date of launch, the same as older Pixels. Google has a page you can check to see exactly what month your Pixel phone will stop receiving updates. Security updates reduce the risk of malware, keep your phone bug-free, and make it more secure. Android version updates introduce new features—cosmetic and functional—that improve the OS as a whole.

Pixel phones also happen to be the first to receive any kind of Android update, so as soon as Google releases a new version, like Android 16, you can download it immediately by heading to Settings > System > System Update > Check for Update. You can also test beta versions of Android, but you’ll need to enroll your device. (Make sure to back up your phone first!) Pixels are also privy to the feature drops Google issues every few months, which include features from newer Pixels coming to older models and brand-new features for the latest devices.

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Google Pixelsnap Charger With Stand

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There are a few other Pixel phones worth considering if you don’t want any of the above choices. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends) are available through official channels and third-party retailers (until supplies last). The key is to not pay more than $500 or $600 for either of them; otherwise, you may as well put that money toward the Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 series.

I do not recommend you buy any older Pixel devices. Several Pixel A-series phones have been put under a battery performance program to mitigate the risk of overheating or swelling batteries. These software updates have crippled the battery life on those phones, and Google has provided customers with battery replacement options or Google Store credit for a new Pixel phone. These potential issues mean it’s just not worth the risk of buying a Pixel 7a or Pixel 6a. The Pixel 8a (8/10, WIRED Recommends) doesn’t seem to show problems yet, but I’d still throw caution to the wind.

Pixel A-Series Battery Issues

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In 2025, some Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a owners have received mandatory updates that purposefully degrade the performance of the battery to prevent overheating. Your phone may have been working fine before, but Google issued these updates as a preventative measure, and not every device was affected. Similarly, some Pixel 7a devices may encounter battery swelling issues.

If your phone has been affected, you have two options. You can get a free battery replacement—Google has a registration page for the Pixel 4a, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a. If that isn’t going to work for you, you can get Google Store credit for the Pixel 4a and Pixel 6a to put toward a new Pixel phone.

These issues seem to have only affected some batteries in the A-series phones, suggesting it’s likely a supplier issue. What about the newer Pixel 9a? Here’s a statement a Google spokesperson provided to WIRED: “Google continuously improves Pixel testing based on user feedback and thoroughly investigates reported incidents for all components, including batteries. With Pixel 9a, we delivered the largest and longest-lasting battery of any A-series yet. We’ve been encouraged by its reception so far and are confident in the phone’s longevity and durability.”

Ideally, this battery issue has been rectified in the latest model, but we’ll be monitoring it over the next few years.

What Does Pixel Care+ Include?

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When you purchase a Pixel from Google, you’ll see the option to add Pixel Care+ for protection. It’s only available in the US through the Google Store and Google Fi. The monthly option can run for up to 60 months, whereas the fixed pricing is for a 2-year term. Here’s what you get.

Pixel Care+ starts at $9 per month or $179 and includes unlimited accidental damage protection, $0 screen and battery repairs, replacements that ship in a day, and priority support from Pixel experts. That pricing is for the Pixel 10, and it goes up for the pricier devices. For example, the Pixel 10 Pro will cost $13 per month, or $239 for the 2-year term. There’s no Pixel Care+ option for the Pixel 9a.

Pixel Care+ with Loss and Theft starts at $10 per month or $199 and includes the same protections as mentioned above but includes two claims of loss and theft every 12 months. Weirdly, Loss and Theft coverage is not available in New York state.

You Can DeGoogle Your Pixel Phone

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Love Google’s Pixel phones but want to get away from using Google services? It’s a little ironic, but you can actually use a different operating system with the Pixel instead of the built-in Android. We’ve tested and really like /e/OS, a privacy-first operating system that’s based on the Android Open Source Project. While you can install it yourself, it requires a bit of technical know-how, you can buy a refurbished Pixel from Murena with /e/OS installed already. If you’re interested, we have more details about /e/OS here.

The Best Pixel Cases and Accessories

I’ve written a broader guide on the Best Pixel 9 Cases and Accessories here, but here are a few selections for your perusal. We’ll be testing cases for the Pixel 10 series soon.

Official Google Case

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

This silicone case lets you match your Pixel phone’s color. It’s durable and nice to touch, with raised edges on the front to protect the screen. It’s made with recycled plastics, and while the older cases attract lint and dust easily, this revamped case does a better job of resisting them. I also like that it keeps the back flush, so the camera bump isn’t so obvious. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold case is made of a hard-shell polycarbonate, but it’s fairly slim and lightweight compared to third-party cases I’ve tested. Access to the buttons is open, and I like how it gives you an easier way to unfold the phone.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

This is our favorite case overall for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8A series. It has clicky buttons and incredibly grippy edges (hence the name). It feels robust yet fairly slim, and you can choose a snazzy design. Just know that you have to apply this “skin” to the back of the case. There’s a lot of room for error here, so be careful, and watch Dbrand’s installation video for tips. There’s MagSafe support so you can use your Pixel with MagSafe accessories, and it worked exceptionally in my testing.

Peak Design Everyday Case

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

This is hands-down the best case if you frequently attach your Pixel to the handlebars of a bike or an electric scooter. Peak Design’s mounting system lets you magnetically affix the phone to its Universal Bike Mount ($50), and it stays put. After nearly a year of testing, I’ve yet to have a phone fall off my ride using this mounting system. It makes use of Apple’s MagSafe system, so it works with plenty of MagSafe accessories, even wireless chargers. The company also has several other magnetic accessories, like a car vent mount. The case itself is nice; I just wish the edges were raised more for better screen protection. It comes in more colors than ever.

This charging adapter is all you need to recharge your Pixel, whichever model you have. The newest high-end Pixel phones don’t come with chargers in the box, so if you don’t have any spare USB-C chargers, it’s worth picking one up. This one’s prongs fold up, so it’s great for travel too.

Dbrand Screen Protector

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Dbrand gives you two screen protectors in this package, and when I initially tested it, there was no application tool, so I had to freehand the installation. The current Prism 2.0 version thankfully now comes with a tool, so it should be much easier to align. You get all the other tools in the box to wipe down your phone and ensure there are no specks of dust on it before you install the protector.

Our Favorite Pixel Software Features

Pixels have many great software features, but some need to be toggled on. It can also be hard to remember that all these features exist, so here are most of the top ones.

There are some key features on Pixels that you won’t find on any other Android phone. Some of these are available only on select Pixels—the Tensor chip started with the Pixel 6, and currently, the Tensor G4 is in the Pixel 9 range. Here’s a breakdown:

Call Screen: When you get a call from an unknown number, Google Assistant will scan and flag it if it’s suspected spam or a robocall. If it’s simply a number you don’t recognize, you can have Assistant take the call. You’ll see a real-time transcription of what’s happening, so you can end the call right away if it’s a telemarketer or answer if it turns out to be a long-lost high school friend. If it’s someone important, you can give Assistant responses to recite if you’re unable to take the call—it offers up contextual replies now, too. Remember to turn it on by opening up the dialer app and heading to Settings (three dots on the top right) > Spam and Call Screen.

Wait Times.

Video: Google

Wait Times and Direct My Call: When you call a business in the phone app, you’ll see an estimated wait time until someone real picks up (it doesn’t work with every business). Google’s Direct My Call feature also transcribes the entire call and separates the menu options so you can see them without having to listen intently to the call. More recently, for some numbers, Direct My Call will cache responses so you’ll immediately see menu options without needing to wait for the automated response to go through every number. You can turn this on by going to the phone app’s Settings > Direct My Call.

Hold for Me.

Video: Google

Hold for Me: If you’ve been placed on hold with a business number, you can ask Google Assistant to take over. It will play a loud chime when the person on the other end is back. No need to listen to hold music! Toggle it on in the phone app’s Settings > Hold for Me. This feature is available on most Pixels but only works in select countries, including the US, Australia, Japan, the UK, and Canada.

Clear Calling: If you have a Pixel 7 or newer, you can turn on this feature to enhance the other caller’s voice and reduce their background noise. Head to Settings > Sound & Vibration > Clear Calling to toggle it on. It also works on Google’s Pixel Buds Pro.

Call Notes (Tensor G4 and newer; with 12-plus GB RAM): You can enable this in the dialer app by going to Settings > Call Notes and making sure the toggle is on. This doesn’t activate every time you’re on a call. Rather, you have to tap the More button when you’re on a call and tap Call Notes to start it. It more or less records the conversation (it notifies the other person that the call is being recorded), and at the end, it’ll give you a summary of important points from the call right in the call history log, such as price quotes, phone numbers, or addresses. Sometimes it gets information wrong, as the accuracy of the transcription depends on the call quality, but you can play back the entire recording yourself to double-check.

Scam Detection: This feature detects conversation patterns as you are on the phone with a suspicious number to warn you when someone is deploying a classic scam tactic. It also works in Google’s Messages app. You can turn it on by going to the phone app, then tapping the three-dot menu icon at the top right, and hitting Settings > Scam Detection.

Reverse Phone Number Lookup: Don’t recognize the phone number from an incoming call? In the call app, you can now quickly look up a number without having to manually run a search yourself.

Take a Message.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Take a Message (Tensor G5): Google is revamping voicemails with Take a Message. It’s similar to transcribed voicemails, though that feature doesn’t always work and may depend on your carrier. Take a Message bypasses the standard voicemail (your normal voicemail will only kick in with missed calls when your phone is off or out of network). The caller will be told to leave a message, and this recording will be auto-transcribed, visible right in the call history of the phone app. It’ll even offer actionable steps, like adding a reminder or an event to your calendar.

Pixel VIPs: This is a new widget that gives you one-tap access to your favorite contacts. But it’s more than that. Tap on one of your contacts and you’ll see a beautifully designed page that offers quick access to call the contact and message them on various platforms. It’ll show the last messages between you two, share location, weather updates, and the time for their area, and you can add notes if you want to remember specific things. You can access this the same way you add a widget; it sits under the Contacts app.

Transcription and Translation Features

Voice Translate over phone calls.

Courtesy of Joel Chokkattu

Translated Phone Calls in Your Voice (Tensor G5): You can translate a phone call in real time, but what makes Google’s approach unique is that the company will make the translated voice sound like your own (or the person on the other end). That way, it still sounds like you’re talking to someone you know, rather than a robotic voice. No audio is recorded, and data isn’t stored (it works on-device). It’s only available for a few languages, like English, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

Live Translate.

Video: Google

Live Translate: In select messaging apps, Pixels will automatically know when someone sends a message in a language other than your default. It’ll translate it (if you wish), and you’ll be able to respond in that same language. More than 50 languages are supported, though you’ll need to download the languages you want to see translated by heading to Settings > System > Live Translate.

Live Caption: Pixels can automatically transcribe any video playing on the screen. You can quickly toggle this on by tapping one of the volume buttons and tapping on the square button below the volume slider (or head to Settings > Sound and Vibration > Live Caption). If the video is in a different language, you can even see it translated (only on Tensor-powered Pixels), though you’ll need to download one of the supported languages. It can even caption phone calls.

Assistant Voice Typing.

Video: Google

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August 22, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

Best Crypto to Buy as Allianz Says Bitcoin is ‘Credible Store of Value’

by admin August 22, 2025

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

There’s no hiding the fact that Bitcoin’s performance over the past few years has turned even its most ardent critics into full-time believers.

The latest example is Allianz, a $2.5T asset manager, whose new report titled ‘Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency: The Future of Finance’ dubs Bitcoin a credible store of value.

What makes this even more striking is that back in 2019, Allianz explicitly advised against holding any crypto investments, citing regulatory uncertainty and volatility concerns.

Keep reading to discover not only the reasons Allianz now cites for Bitcoin’s impressive run so far, but also the factors fueling its explosive future.

We’ll also discuss how you can make the most of this brewing rally by loading up on the best cryptos to buy now.

Top Reasons Behind Allianz’s Bitcoin U-Turn

One of the biggest reasons behind Allianz now recognizing Bitcoin as a legitimate financial vehicle is the massive surge in institutional adoption.

The report notes how corporate treasuries (think Strategy, Metaplanet, and the like) have actually outpaced ETFs in Bitcoin purchases over the past few quarters.

In fact, public companies alone have scooped up over 240K $BTC since April.

Additionally, Allianz highlighted the following key factors fueling Bitcoin’s rise:

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell acknowledging Bitcoin as a digital counterpart to gold.
The growth of regulated exchanges like Coinbase, institutional custodians like Fidelity Digital Assets, and government-approved Bitcoin ETFs that have bridged the gap between TradFi and crypto.
Bitcoin’s 0.12 correlation with the S&P 500 and (-0.04) correlation with gold, which positions it as a strong diversification asset in traditional portfolios.

Allianz also pointed out that the growing trend of real-world asset tokenization and increasing DeFi adoption will ‘substantially expand crypto’s total addressable market.’

And as a final word of confidence, Allianz noted that ‘barring any unforeseen calamity or global collapse due to technological flaws,’ Bitcoin is on track to become a permanent pillar of the global financial system.

All in all, with big money players now openly legitimizing Bitcoin, this is the perfect time to fuel up your portfolio – not just with $BTC, but also with low-cap altcoins that could not only ride alongside Bitcoin, but even outperform it in terms of raw gains.

1. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) – New Bitcoin Layer 2 Bringing Web3 Compatibility to the Network

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is one of the best altcoins to buy now not just because it’s tied to Bitcoin, but because of its potentially revolutionary mission: to turbocharge the Bitcoin ecosystem with Solana-like performance.

$HYPER is building a next-gen Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin that integrates with the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), delivering lightning-fast speeds, ultra-low fees, and full Web3 compatibility to an otherwise slow and non-programmable Bitcoin blockchain.

To put it in perspective, Bitcoin currently processes just 7 transactions per second. This is nearly 400x slower than the likes of Solana and Ethereum, which handle up to 3,000.

Even worse, Bitcoin developers cannot natively build smart contracts or decentralized applications on the network.

$HYPER changes all that. Its SVM-powered Web3 environment will make Bitcoin’s biggest pain points a thing of the past.

Through its decentralized, non-custodial canonical bridge, holders will be able to convert their Layer 1 $BTC into Layer 2 $BTC – tokens fully compatible with $HYPER’s Web3 ecosystem.

This opens the door to a wide range of use cases, including DeFi trading, NFT platforms, blockchain gaming, lending, staking, DAOs, and governance.

According to our Bitcoin Hyper price prediction, the token can rocket nearly 2,400% by the end of 2025, potentially hitting a high of $0.32.

Join the tribe by buying $HYPER for just $0.012775 apiece. The project is currently in presale, where it has already gathered over $11.2M.

Visit Bitcoin Hyper’s official website for more information.

2. Best Wallet Token ($BEST) – Powering a Secure and Easy-to-Use Crypto Wallet

Bitcoin and altcoin growth has also sparked massive surges in related sectors, including the crypto wallet market, which is expanding at a whopping 31.9% CAGR.

If you’re looking to ride this growth, one smart move could be allocating a portion of your portfolio to Best Wallet Token ($BEST).

It’s a new cryptocurrency powering Best Wallet, a free crypto wallet that combine top-tier security with never-before-seen convenience.

For starters, it’s a non-custodial crypto wallet, meaning only you hold the private keys, keeping your funds safe from unauthorized access.

On top of that, Best Wallet integrates cutting-edge multi-factor authentication options (including biometric login), phishing and hack protection, and rock-solid encryption technology.

But what really sets Best Wallet apart is its internal vetting team, which verifies the legitimacy of every token they put up for sale on the app, helping you avoid scams and rug pulls.

Even better, the app’s Presale Aggregator section is a true game-changer. It lets you buy the best crypto presales from directly within the app, so you don’t have to spend extra time tackling external sites.

Also, it’s worth noting that buying $BEST will unlock an entirely new tier of exclusive benefits, including:

Early-bird access to new meme coins in presale
Staking rewards, currently yielding 90%
Reduced trading and gas fees
Voting rights on key platform decisions

Want in? Grab $BEST while it’s still in presale. Early investors have already poured in over $15M, and each token is selling for just $0.025515.

For more information, check out $BEST’s official website.

3. Solana ($SOL) – A Major Crypto That Could Outperform Bitcoin in the Next Rally

As mentioned earlier, a Bitcoin rally often spills over into other mainstream cryptos like Solana ($SOL), which can actually deliver even better returns than Bitcoin itself.

And this isn’t just hearsay; the numbers back it up. Since the beginning of April, Solana has gained over 80-90%, while Bitcoin managed only about 50%. That’s clear evidence that in a strong uptrend, $SOL can outpace $BTC.

Adding to the momentum is the high likelihood of a Solana ETF approval in 2025.

According to Polymarket, one of the most widely used prediction platforms, the odds of the SEC greenlighting a Solana ETF this year stand at an astonishing 99%+.

An ETF would be hugely positive for Solana’s price, as it would open the doors to greater institutional participation, boost liquidity, and cement its legitimacy alongside Bitcoin and Ethereum.

On the charts, Solana looks just as solid:

Its current rally is bouncing from a major support zone, the same one that fueled its 170% surge in August 2024.
At the same time, the token continues to respect a strong upward-sloping trendline (highlighted in blue in the chart above).

This powerful confluence of support and momentum suggests $SOL is well-positioned to target the magical $300 mark in the coming months.

Wrapping Up

Allianz’s latest U-turn on Bitcoin, now calling it a credible store of value, is a telling sign that the world’s largest hedge funds and institutional players are warming up to crypto like never before.

If you want to ride this momentum, and potentially even outpace Bitcoin’s returns itself, consider loading up on low-cap, high-potential tokens like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) and Best Wallet Token ($BEST).

And for those who’d like to keep things a little ‘safer,’ adding a bit of Solana ($SOL) to your portfolio could strike the perfect balance.

That said, please keep in mind that none of the above is financial advice. The crypto market remains highly unpredictable, so kindly do your own research before investing.

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August 22, 2025 0 comments