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5 Cryptos to watch as Citigroup eyes blockchain payment services, stablecoin custody
NFT Gaming

5 Cryptos to watch as Citigroup eyes blockchain payment services, stablecoin custody

by admin



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

Citigroup enters stablecoin custody and blockchain payments, signaling a major leap for crypto adoption.

Summary

  • Citigroup enters stablecoin custody, signaling crypto’s move into mainstream finance.
  • Little Pepe presale surges as investors eye high-potential tokens.
  • With exchange listings secured, LILPEPE aims to lead 2025’s top crypto performers.

The digital asset market is preparing for its next major leap as Citigroup, a $2.57 trillion banking giant, confirms its push into stablecoin custody and blockchain-based payments. 

With Wall Street preparing to integrate crypto into mainstream finance, investors are searching for tokens positioned to ride this momentum. 

Here are five cryptos to buy right now:

  • Little Pepe (LILPEPE): The memecoin rewriting the rules with sniper bot resistance, zero tax, and $20.6 million+ presale raised.
  • Solana (SOL): Breaking past $200 with ETF inflows and a $1,000 long-term target.
  • Tron (TRX): Building structural demand with resilient on-chain growth and a path toward $1.
  • Arbitrum (ARB): Up 50% weekly as ETH nears $5k, boosted by PayPal and Robinhood integrations.
  • Mantle (MNT): Surging 30% in 48 hours on Bybit partnerships and MiCA-compliant staking demand.

Impending Citigroup big stablecoin move

With $2.57 trillion in assets under custody, Citigroup has confirmed it’s exploring custody services for stablecoin reserves, crypto ETF infrastructure, and tokenized payments. 

The plan aligns with the U.S. GENIUS Act, which requires issuers to back tokens with safe assets like Treasuries or cash. The bank already uses blockchain to transfer USD across financial hubs and is considering establishing a stablecoin. 

Citi might become a primary stablecoin payment provider if it performs fully, boosting crypto adoption and investor trust. This backdrop makes the following five cryptos highly relevant in the current environment.

Little Pepe: Memecoin meets institutional-grade strategy

While Citi is shaping the payment rails, Little Pepe is leading a parallel revolution in memecoins. Unlike Dogecoin or Shiba Inu, LILPEPE is not just a meme but a Layer-2 blockchain ecosystem designed for speed, low fees, and community empowerment. 

The presale has been remarkable: $20.6 million raised, 13.4 billion tokens sold, and Stage 11 now live at $0.002 per token, already up 100% from its Stage 1 entry price. With demand accelerating and multiple stages left, LILPEPE is building momentum that often fuels massive post-listing rallies. 

What makes LILPEPE unique is its sniper bot resistance, the world’s only chain where bots can’t exploit early trading. Combine that with zero buy/sell taxes, a dedicated meme launchpad, and confirmed listings on two top-tier CEXs at launch, and there is a meme token positioned more like a high-growth tech play. 

Backing from anonymous experts who helped scale other top memecoins adds credibility, while the recently completed Certik audit strengthens investor trust. Little Pepe’s roadmap also includes a plan to hit a $1 billion market cap and climb into the CMC Top 100 immediately post-listing. 

LILPEPE could be the one to deliver 100x returns from launch. In a market where institutions seek stability, LILPEPE demonstrates that memes with robust infrastructure are enduring.

Solana: Can SOL soar to $1,000?

Solana has been one of the strongest large-cap performers this cycle, climbing above $200 with nearly 28% gains in 30 days. The launch of the Solana + Staking ETF has fueled institutional FOMO, while $13b in trading volumes confirms liquidity support.

Solana Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko

Analysts see a short-term correction to $190, but the larger target remains clear: $500 within 6 months and potentially $1,000 long-term if ETF demand and adoption sustain. With the market set to welcome significant capital from Citigroup, Solana is already emerging as a top crypto to buy in 2025.

Tron: The path to $10 looks clear

Tron has quietly become one of the most resilient performers of this market cycle. Trading at $0.36, TRX has grown over 50x since launch while maintaining a strong uptrend channel. Analysts point to consistent accumulation and 11.1 billion+ on-chain transactions, confirming structural adoption across payments and stablecoin transfers.

Tron Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko

The projection for this cycle? A breakout toward $2 in the short term, with the psychological $10 target in sight. With futures markets showing balance and no signs of overheating, TRX remains a reliable bet for investors looking for steady upside.

Arbitrum: Layer-2 leverage on Ethereum’s surge

Arbitrum has surged 50% in the past week, breaking above resistance as Ethereum nears $5,000. As one of the top Ethereum Layer-2s, ARB benefits directly from higher transaction volumes and institutional demand.

Arbitrum Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko

Big partnerships fuel the rally: PayPal is integrating the PYUSD stablecoin on Arbitrum, and Robinhood has tapped the network for tokenized assets. With volume up 133% to $1b and resistance at $0.55–$0.60, analysts believe ARB could climb toward $3+ this cycle as ETH adoption cascades through its ecosystem.

Mantle: New utility, new momentum

Mantle has been one of the biggest surprises of August, rallying 30% in just 48 hours. The surge came after Bybit EU launched MiCA-compliant staking for MNT, marking its first regulated staking product in Europe.

Mantle Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko

With additional integrations into structured products and creator economy tools, Mantle is expanding its utility base. Trading volumes surged to nearly $600 million daily, and derivatives data suggest a potential breakout above $1.40, with a path toward $2 if shorts get squeezed. As a newer Layer-2 solution, Mantle could carve out a strong niche this cycle by positioning itself as a compliance-first blockchain for utility-driven demand.

From Citi to Pepe: The next big cycle winners

Citigroup’s entry into stablecoin custody highlights one undeniable truth: crypto is no longer fringe; it’s the future of global payments. While large caps like Solana, Tron, Arbitrum, and Mantle are primed to benefit, the real asymmetric bet remains with Little Pepe. With exchange listings locked in and community momentum building, LILPEPE could lead the top cryptos to buy this cycle. Don’t miss the chance to buy before the subsequent presale price increase.

To learn more about Little Pepe, visit the website, Telegram, and X.

Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. Neither crypto.news nor the author of this article endorses any product mentioned on this page. Users should conduct their own research before taking any action related to the company.





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Kyle Walker of Burnley during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 16, 2025 in London, England.
Gaming Gear

Watch Premier League LIVE: cheap streams, live updates from Bournemouth vs Wolves, Brentford vs Aston Villa, Burnley vs Sunderland

by admin



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2025-08-23T16:06:43.866Z

Full time: Burnley 2-0 Sunderland

Burnley grab all three points after a dominant second half display driven by midfielder Josh Cullen who grabbed a goal and assist. Sunderland will be annoyed with that result, especially after their performance in gameweek one as they lose out to their newly promoted counterparts.

2025-08-23T16:03:28.767Z

Full time: Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa

Brentford grab their first three points of the season thanks to a debut goal from Ouattara in the 12th minute. Unai Emery will be disappointed that his team has lost that game and now gone through 180 minutes without scoring a goal.

2025-08-23T15:59:46.494Z

Full time: Bournemouth 1-0 Wolves

Bournemouth grab all three points at home as they fended off 10-men Wolves who extend their losing streak to two games.

2025-08-23T15:57:12.788Z

5 added minutes at the Gtech

Brentford edge closer to a massive win against Aston Villa as the referee adds 5 minutes of stoppage time.

2025-08-23T15:56:08.429Z

10 MINUTES ADDED AT TURF MOOR

The referee gives Sunderland a fighting chance as 10 minutes are added to this game, is that enough time for a Black Cats response?

2025-08-23T15:55:00.972Z

2-0 BURNLEY! 88′

(Image credit: Getty Images- Lewis Storey)

Burnley double their lead through Anthony to ensure all three points! The man of the moment Josh Cullen assists Jaidon Anthony as Burnley go 2-0 up in the dying embers of the game.

2025-08-23T15:51:30.252Z

6 added minutes at the Vitality

Bournemouth will have to endure six additional minutes of Wolves pressure to see out all three points.

2025-08-23T15:49:29.123Z

Sunderland come close! 78′

Substitute Roberts comes close to equalising for the visitors as he burst into the penalty area before picking out Isidor but Esteve puts it out for a corner which he injured himself doing.

Canadian fans can catch the nail biting end to this game on Fubo and can use a VPN if travelling outside the country to watch from anywhere in the world.

2025-08-23T15:40:54.528Z

The return of Kluivert 78′

The long awaited return of Bournemouth star, Justin Kluivert, takes place as he replaces goal scorer Marcus Tavernier.

2025-08-23T15:38:50.897Z

Burnley substitutions 69′

Laurent replaces the injured Ugochukwu for Burnley and Sonne comes on for Larsen as Burnley look to keep Sunderland out and claim all three points.

Australian fans can watch this game on Stan Sport and if you’re travelling outside of Oz right now then use a VPN to get access to your Stan account.

2025-08-23T15:35:20.903Z

Bournemouth double change 66′

Christie and Adli replace Scott and Brooks and Bournemouth look to see out a victory.

2025-08-23T15:33:10.308Z

Emery looks for a reaction with substitutes 64′

Aston Villa make a double substitution as Malen comes on for Onana and Maatsen comes on for Digne. Attacking changes for Villa as they look to get back into the game.

2025-08-23T15:31:07.779Z

Sunderland triple change 63′

Le Bris looks to utilise his bench to get back into this game as Roberts comes on for Talbi, Le Fee comes on for Adingra and Isidor comes on for Mayenda.

Away from home for the action? You can use a VPN to watch from anywhere in the world.

2025-08-23T15:27:37.445Z

CARD UPDATE:

Bournemouth: Adams (yellow), Scott (yellow)

Wolves: Toti (yellow and red), Hugo Bueno (yellow)

Brentford: Kelleher (yellow)

Aston Villa: Onana (yellow)

Burnley: N/A

Sunderland: Adingra

2025-08-23T15:24:10.909Z

BICYCLE KICK ATTEMPT! 52′

Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia tried his luck from a headed knock down Morgan Rodgers with his attempt narrowly going over the bar.

Emery’s half time team talk seems to have worked wonders as Villa are the team on top early in the second half.

2025-08-23T15:17:54.493Z

GOAL FOR BURNLEY! 47′

(Image credit: Getty Images- Matt McNulty)

It’s the hosts who take the lead and it’s through midfielder Josh Cullen. A backheel from Anthony sets up the captain to curl one into the bottom-right corner from 18-yards out. 1-0 Burnley.

Setanta Sports are showing all the game as well as access to all 380 EPL games for JUST $2.63 for Ukrainian fans.

If you’re travelling or working away from Ukraine today – You can tune in to Senanta sports coverage using NordVPN

2025-08-23T15:11:29.586Z

RED CARD FOR WOLVES! 48′

Evanilson is taken down just outside box by Toti Gomes who is shown an immediate red card. Wolves are down to 10-men in a nightmare start to the second half for them.

2025-08-23T15:09:39.902Z

2nd half begins!

Vitor Pereira makes two substitutes for Wolves as Hugo Bueno replaces Wolfe and Andre replaces Bellegarde.

No other team has made any changes during the break.

2025-08-23T15:08:05.926Z

Still looking for a stream?

US- In the states you can tune in via Peacock to watch Bournemouth vs Wolves and Burnley vs Sunderland. For Brentford vs Aston Villa you can watch on USA Network via Sling

CA- Over in Canada Fubo are streaming all the games

AU- Australian fans can watch the coverage from all three games on Stan Sport

Ukraine: In Ukraine right now? Setanta Sports are showing all the game as well as access to all 380 EPL games for JUST $2.63.

REMEMBER- If you’re travelling or working away for the games today, You can tune in to the streaming platforms of your home country using NordVPN

2025-08-23T15:05:21.086Z

HALF-TIME ACROSS THE BOARD

(Image credit: Getty Images- Matt McNulty)

Bournemouth 1-0 Wolves: The home side dominated the early parts of the game, grabbing the lead through Tavernier early on. Wolves managed to regain a bit of grip in midfield after about 30 minutes and created a few chances from wide. Both teams go in knowing the game is still up for grabs.

Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa: Perhaps against most people’s predictions for this one, it’s the home side who go in on top at half time. Debutant Ouattara scored for the Bee’s as they also had a late goal in the half ruled out for a foul in the build up. Unai Emery will have to rally his team up at half time if he wants to leave with some points.

Burnley 0-0 Sunderland: It’s stalemate at Turf Moor going into half-time. The hosts had a goal ruled out after VAR review in the 18th minute but the game has been very close in the first half, both teams having three shots each as they share possession 49% to 51%. All is still to play for.

All three games have witnessed an enforced change as Sunderland’s Daniel Ballard came off for Jenson Seelt, Aston Villa’s Boubacar Kamara came off for Emi Buendia and Wolves’ Ki-Jana Hoever came off for debutant Jackson Tchatchoua.

Expect a big second half across all three games as they’re all still wide open and don’t forget that if you’re travelling away from home you can use a VPN to access your usual coverage.

2025-08-23T14:37:44.897Z

Yet another enforced change 34′

This time it’s Wolves who are forced to make a change as Tchatchoua comes on for his debut to replace the injured Hoever who landed awkwardly.

Ukraine fans can watch on Setanta Sports for just $2.63.

REMEMBER- If you’re travelling away for the game today, You can tune in to the streaming platforms of your home country using NordVPN

2025-08-23T14:27:23.689Z

Yellow card for Sunderland’s Adringra 19′

A unnecessary card to receive really. Adingra goes into the book after slapping Mejbri in the face.

2025-08-23T14:21:42.461Z

Another early substitution 16′

There’s another early substitution in this afternoon’s fixtures but this time it’s Aston Villa who are forced to make a change. Kamara comes off for Villa for Buendia who will presumably play in attacking midfield with Tielemens dropping into the midfield pivot.

2025-08-23T14:19:58.671Z

BRENTFORD TAKE THE LEAD! 12′

(Image credit: Getty Images- Charlotte Wilson/ Offside)

Ouattara scores on his debut! A long ball from the goalkeeper is flicked on towards the striker who pokes the ball beyond both Villa centre halves and slides the ball past Martinez. 1-0 Brentford.

For this fixture fans in the US can watch on USA Network via Sling

If you’re outside the US right now– you can use a VPN to access your Sling account.

2025-08-23T14:18:07.270Z

An early substitution for Sunderland 9′

Daniel Ballard was the hero for Sunderland in gameweek 1 but his game ends early here as he’s forced to come off with an injury 9′ minutes in. Jenson Seelt replaces the centre half.

Canadian fans can watch on Fubo who are showing the game live on their platform.

Working or travelling outside of Canada? You can use a VPN to unlock your usual streaming platforms and watch as if you’re at home.

2025-08-23T14:13:23.937Z

Bournemouth hit the bar! 10′

Bournemouth came so close to doubling their lead but the shot rattles the top of the bar and Wolves manage to scramble the ball clear.

2025-08-23T14:12:15.897Z

Brentford come close! 4′

Damsgaard goes on a brilliant run and tries to curl one into the far corner and is just off target

Fans in the states can watch the game on USA Network via Sling

Outside the US for work? – Use a VPN to gain access to your usual coverage.

2025-08-23T14:07:37.747Z

BOURNEMOUTH SCORE! 5′

(Image credit: Getty Images- Justin Tallis)

A deflected shot from Tavernier find the back of the Wolves net to give Bournemouth the lead five minutes in.

Australian fans can catch the action on Stan Sport

Outside Oz right now? You can use a VPN to gain access to your usual coverage.

2025-08-23T14:03:40.392Z

Kick off: Burnley vs Sunderland

2025-08-23T14:03:19.417Z

Kick off: Brentford vs Aston Villa

2025-08-23T14:02:38.763Z

Kick off: Bournemouth vs Wolves

2025-08-23T13:58:03.505Z

HOW TO WATCH GUIDE

Follow our guide on how to watch all three of the fixtures this Saturday

Bournemouth vs Wolves:

US- In the states you can tune in via Peacock

CA- Over in Canada, as per usual, Fubo are streaming this one

AU- Australian fans can watch the coverage from the Vitality on Stan Sport

Ukraine: In Ukraine right now? Setanta Sports are showing the game as well as access to all 380 EPL games for JUST $2.63.

Brentford vs Aston Villa:

US- For this fixture, you can watch on USA Network via Sling

CA- Fubowill also be showing the Bees host Villa

AU- Your go to for this one is Stan Sport

Ukraine: For just $2.63, viewers in Ukraine can watch on Setanta Sports

Burnley vs Sunderland

US- To watch the Premier League new boys face off in the states, watch on Peacock

CA- Fans in Canada can watch the game on Fubo

AU- In Australia, Stan Sport will be showing this game as well as the other two games on their platform.

Ukraine: Setanta Sports are showing the games for JUST $2.63.

REMEMBER- If you’re travelling or working away for the games today, You can tune in to the streaming platforms of your home country using NordVPN

2025-08-23T13:41:37.497Z

Match Preview: Burnley vs Sunderland

(Image credit: Getty Images- Lewis Storey)

Two of the newly promoted teams face off early on in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign in what’s set to be a thriller.

Scott Parker’s Burnley host The Black Cats at Turf Moor after The Clarets were thumped 3-0 by Tottenham in gameweek 1, although the game was closer than the score suggests. Last year in the Championship, Burnley held an impressive defensive record, only conceding 18 goals in 48 matches. However, a crucial piece in that puzzle was goalkeeper James Trafford who departed for his boyhood club Manchester City this summer.

On the bright side, Burnley are unbeaten in their three Premier League home games against Sunderland, most recently a 4-1 victory in December 2018.

Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland enjoyed a marvellous return to the Premier League, beating West Ham 3-0 with goals from Mayenda, Ballard and Isidor. The Black Cats will be looking to pounce at the chance to extend their winning form against a dejected Burnley team.

After a summer spending spree, new boys Sunderland racked up a transfer bill of over £132 million and will be confident that their new new look side has the tools to dismantle Burnley.

In Ukraine, Setanta Sports are showing the games for JUST $2.63.

Outside Ukraine right now? use NordVPN to get access from across the world.

2025-08-23T13:29:59.945Z

Match Preview: Brentford vs Aston Villa

(Image credit: Getty Images- Harry Murphy)

The Bee’s started their 2025-26 EPL campaign with a disappointing 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest, with a consolation goal from striker Igor Thiago from the penalty spot. The departure of key players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard as well as manager Thomas Frank has proven to be difficult to deal with for Brentford. With ace, Yoane Wissa, also looking likely to depart for greener pastures, Brentford look on course for a difficult season under rookie manager Keith Andrews.

However, Andrew’s men will be looking for a positive result in front of their home fans for the first time this season, looking to overcome their six game winless streak against Villa in the League.

Unai Emery’s men come into this game after a stalemate vs Newcastle in their league opener. The lack of shots the Villans produced against Newcastle could be cause for concern for Emery but they have won in their last two visits to the Gtech and have scored in all eight of their Premier League meetings.

The big news is that goalkeeper Emi Martinez returns to the starting XI for Villa. However they are without Ezri Konsa as he’s suspended following a red card against Newcastle. Emery will have to adjust his defensive set up going into this battle, with both Mings and Torres looking to start at CB as they look to add to their impressive against a struggling Brentford.

Canadian fans can access the game via Fubo

Outside Canada right now? Use a VPN to watch from anywhwere

2025-08-23T13:14:28.922Z

LINEUPS ANNOUNCED

Bournemouth vs Wolves:

Bournemouth starting XI: Petrovic, Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert, Adams, Tavernier, Scott, Brooks, Semenyo, Evanilson

Bournemouth subs: Dennis, Hill, Araujo, Soler, Adli, Kluivert, Christie, Doak, Kroupi

Wolves starting XI: Sa, Gomes, Agbadou, Doherty, Hoever, Wolfe, Gomes, Munetsi, Arias, Bellegarde

Wolves subs: Johnstone, H.Bueno, S.Bueno, Mosquera, Andre, Lopez, Tchatchoua, Gomes, Hwang

Brentford vs Aston Villa:

Brentford starting XI: Kelleher, Kayode, van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Henderson, Yarmolyuk, Damsgaard, Ouattara, Schade, Thiago

Brentford subs: Valdimarsson, Ajer, Henry, Hickey, Milambo, Onyeka, Jensen Carvalho, Peart-Harris

Aston Villa starting XI: Martinez, Digne, Mings, Torres, Cash, Kamara, Onana, Tielemans, Rogers, McGinn, Watkins

Aston Villa subs: Bizot, Proctor, Maatsen, Bogarde, Rowe, Buendia, Burrowes, Malen, Guessand

Burnley vs Sunderland:

Burnley starting XI: Dubravka, Walker, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman, Cullen, Ugochuckwu, Mejbri, Larsen, Anthony, Foster

Burnley subs: Weiss, Worrall, Pires, Sonne, Ramsey, Laurent, Tchaouna, Edwards, Flemming

Sunderland starting XI: Roefs, Reinildo, Alderete, Ballard, Hume, Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra, Adingra, Mayenda, Talbi

Sunderland bench: Patterson, Masuaku, Seelt, Rigg, Neil, Le Fee, Guiu, Roberts, Isidor

2025-08-23T12:57:03.638Z

Match Preview: Bournemouth vs Wolves

(Image credit: Getty Images- Michael Steele)

Andori Iraola’s Bournemouth welcome Vitor Pereria’s Wolves to the Vitality stadium for this Premier League clash. Bournemouth showed a good account of themselves against Premier League champions, Liverpool, in gameweek 1 of the 2025-26 EPL season, losing 4-2 in an end-to-end thriller.

Riddled with summer departures, with key players such as Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi leaving for Real Madrid and PSG respectively and Milos Kerkez joining Liverpool, it’s more or less a new look back line for the Cherries as they’ll look to get their first three points of the season.

However, Bournemouth have managed to keep hold of star player, Antoine Semenyo, who dazzled against Liverpool. Bournemouth fans will be hoping the Ghanaian can lead them to victory against Wolves, who they have beaten three times in their last five Premier League meetings.

A similar summer of goodbyes took place in Wolverhampton as well, as Vitor Pereira lost talisman Matheus Cunha to Manchester United and left back Rayan Ait-Nouri to their Manchester rivals, the Citizens.

Wolves’ start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign was one to forget as Ait-Nouri came back to haunt his former club as Manchester City shipped four passed Wolves with no reply. Pereira will be looking for a big response from his team as they look to bounce back from a harrowing opening day defeat. Wolves are unbeaten in five games at the Vitality stadium which should put them in good stead going into this game but their defensive fragilities shown in gameweek 1 may come to blossom once again if they can’t handle the pace of Bournemouth’s front line.

Australian fans can watch on Stan Sport from 3PM (BST)/ 12AM ACT

Outside your Australia for the game? You can watch EPL live streams streams from anywhere in the world using NordVPN.

2025-08-18T15:20:07.294Z

2 HOURS UNTIL KICK OFF

(Image credit: Getty Images- Matthew Ashton)

In just under two hours time, 3 exciting games in gameweek 2 of the Premier League kick off. Wolves travel to the Vitality stadium to take on the Cherries, Brentford host Aston Villa at the Gtech and Premier League newcomers Burnley and Sunderland meet at Turf Moor.

Follow our live blog for team news, live updates how to watch all three games.

Travelling outside your home country right now? Remember you can use a VPN to watch the action from anywhere in the world.



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Crypto Trends

Watch Out For XRP and Solana as Price Action Flashes Bullish Signals, Analyst Says

by admin



XRP and Solana are showing signs of strength again, with traders pointing to both institutional flows and technical setups as catalysts for a fresh rally.

XRP is back above $3 after slipping under its 50-day moving average earlier this week, when whale selling dragged the token as low as $2.72. The rebound has traders watching for a break of $3.10 that could validate a move toward $4.

“With institutional adoption, ODL usage, and ETF optimism, the potential for $3 to $5 price levels remain realistic by year-end,” said Ryan Lee, chief analyst at Bitget, in a Saturday note to CoinDesk.

The bullish view follows months of regulatory wins for XRP and growing optimism that ETF products could unlock new demand. While whales booking profits created near-term pressure, some analysts argue that structural flows continue to point higher if resistance levels give way.

Solana’s rally looks equally notable. SOL jumped 10% in 24 hours to trade near $206, with momentum clustering in the $175–$180 range. ETF-driven staking demand and growing DeFi activity have pushed both open interest and total value locked higher, strengthening the case for continuation.

If the token holds above $180 and clears $205–$210 with conviction, traders see upside toward $250–$260 in the near term. Some models stretch the target as high as $300 if momentum persists and ETF clarity arrives.

If both sustain technical resilience, they could define the next leg of altcoin performance into the back half of 2025, Lee concluded.



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Bitcoin News Today: Ether (ETH) Likely to Top $5K, BTC Eyes Record High as Powell Sparks Rally; Watch for DAT Deal Risks: Asset Managers
Crypto Trends

Bitcoin News Today: Ether (ETH) Likely to Top $5K, BTC Eyes Record High as Powell Sparks Rally; Watch for DAT Deal Risks: Asset Managers

by admin



Cryptocurrencies surged late Friday after Federal Reserve President Jerome Powell struck a dovish tone at the Jackson Hole economic symposium, defying market expectations for a more hawkish stance. That has prompted asset managers to call for new all-time highs for bitcoin BTC$115,790.79, ether (ETH) and select altcoins.

What Powell said?

In one of his most important speeches, Powell suggested that the labor market could benefit from lower borrowing costs, having held the benchmark interest rate steady at 4.25% for eight months.

“Downside risks to employment are rising,” Powell said in prepared remarks for his keynote speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium, adding that the possibility of President Donald Trump’s tariffs having only a short-lived effect on inflation is “reasonable.”

“With policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance,” he noted.

Cryptocurrencies and stocks soared, and the probability of the September Fed rate cut jumped to 90% following the speech. Most analysts expect the momentum to continue in the days ahead.

Analysts see new highs for BTC and ETH above $5K

Analysts at Monarq Asset Management anticipate that ether’s price will rise above $5,000 in the coming days.

“We maintain our overall bullish stance. Market internals remain constructive, with few signs of overheating and, as you point out, a clear path to new all-time highs in both BTC and ETH,” Sam Gaer, chief investment officer of Monarq Asset Management’s Directional Fund, told CoinDesk.

“Our house view is that Powell’s dovish pivot has cleared the way for $5,000+ in the near term (also not the hardest call to make). Demand from treasury vehicles should increase into the fall as many of the deals announced this summer close or de-SPAC, in addition to ongoing institutional and retail inflows,” Gaer added.

Ethereum’s native token ether has already gained nearly 10% in 24 hours, hitting record highs above $4,800. As of writing, it changed hands at $4,700, according to CoinDesk data. Meanwhile, market leader bitcoin traded near $115,600, slightly down from the overnight high of $117,400.

Data from Deribit-listed options shows that ether’s rally has sparked renewed demand for upside bets, or call options. At press time, risk reversals were positive across all tenors, implying relative richness of calls. The sentiment wasn’t so bullish in BTC options.

Gaer stated that over-the-counter desks and market makers are experiencing stronger demand for ETH compared to BTC, suggesting that ether may outperform ahead.

That said, BTC looked strong on its own too. “The BTC pullback from ATH was ~9.6%—far less than earlier drawdowns this year—indicating strong demand, as evidenced by whale wallet accumulation around the $113k level,” Gaer said.

Spencer Yang, managing partner at BlockSpaceForce, a crypto treasury advisory firm, said more rate cuts could happen after September, ensuring the momentum extends well into the year-end.

“We’re now fully expecting rate cuts to happen in September. It will be the first cut since Trump became President this year. This is significant, and many more will come,” Yang said, calling new highs in the crypto market.

“The major 5 that we pay attention to: BTC, ETH, BNB, SOL, LINK. These will do well given the various parts of the crypto industry they impact,” Yang added.

Focus on ETF flows

Steve Lee, co-founder and managing partner at Neoclassic Capital and investor in BlockTower Capital, called Powell’s dovish turn a short-term constructive development for cryptocurrencies while stressing the importance of continued inflows into bitcoin and ether spot ETFs.

“I see this as constructive in the short term, and it may help reverse this week’s sell-off. The key question is whether this momentum holds beyond the low-liquidity weekend. Since BTC and ETH price action is increasingly institutionally driven, spot ETF flows today and Monday will be a strong indicator of whether we are set for another leg higher,” Lee told CoinDesk.

Lee highlighted Base, Monad, Story, and SUI as key projects of interest that he is closely monitoring in his capacity as an early-stage venture capitalist.

Gaer, meanwhile, favored Solana and the SOL ecosystem, including high-beta SOL tokens such as JITO and JUP. Raydium and PUMP on both a “fundamental and forward-demand basis.”

Potential headwinds

While Powell’s dovish stance has set the stage for a rally, traders should remain cautious about potential pitfalls from corporate treasury cryptocurrency adoption and volatility in equity markets.

“Digital asset treasuries (DAT) are an innovative vehicle for public market investors to gain exposure to the digital asset space. However, we have started to see the quality of DAT deals – from banking relationships, compliance, management team, and deal structure perspectives — dropping, which shows early signs of a ‘bubble,” Lee said.

Naqsdaq-listed Strategy started this trend of corporate BTC adoption in 2020. Since then, more than 100 publicly-listed firms have accumulated a total of 984,971 BTC, according to data source Bitcoin Treasuries.

“The trend may continue, but it is obvious that the risks associated with this are not ignorable,” Lee added.

Gaer called for closely tracking risks from an overheated equity market and “potential for macro or geopolitical shocks.”



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US Open 2025: How to Watch a Free Tennis Livestream
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US Open 2025: How to Watch a Free Tennis Livestream

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See at ESPN

Watch the US Open 2025 in the US for $30 per month

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Carries free live US Open coverage in Australia

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The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center looks primed to serve up a blockbuster finale to the Grand Slam season, as the world’s top players head to Flushing Meadows for two weeks of top tennis action at the 2025 US Open.

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to watch every match of the tournament as it happens, along with a full US Open schedule. 

The men’s tournament looks likely to provide another chapter in the burgeoning rivalry between defending US Open champ Jannik Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. 

Ranked No. 1 in the world, Italy’s Sinner claimed the Australian Open title in January and followed that up by dethroning Alcaraz to win his first Wimbledon final in June. Meanwhile, Alcaraz, ranked No. 2, took the French Open title in an exhilarating final showdown with Sinner, described by many pundits as the greatest ever final at Roland Garros.

Outside of the big two, this year’s tournament also gives Novak Djokovic possibly a final opportunity to land a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, with the Serbian star hitting the grand old age of 38 back in May. 

Defending champ Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff, meanwhile, headline a wide-open women’s field.

Sabalenka will be looking for redemption after suffering agonising defeats in the finals of the Australian and French Opens, followed by a disappointing semifinal exit at Wimbledon. The main threat to her crown looks set to come from No. 2 seed Świątek, with the in-form Pole following her Wimbledon win in July with victory at the recent Cincinnati Open.

This year marks the 139th edition of the US Open, with the men’s and women’s champions both set to earn $5 million.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

US Open 2025: Where and when is it?

The US Open 2025 takes place between Sunday, Aug. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 7, at the iconic Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Queens, New York. Play usually begins at 11 a.m. ET each morning (8 a.m. PT,  4 p.m. BST in the UK and 1 a.m. AEST in Australia) and continues through the afternoon and sometimes well into the evening.

A full schedule for this year’s event can be found further down.

Livestream the US Open 2025 in the US

Linear TV coverage of the US Open this year will chiefly be shown on ESPN. The women’s singles will be shown on ESPN, ESPN Plus and ESPN Deportes, and the men’s singles final will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN Plus and ESPN Deportes. 

Those wanting comprehensive coverage of this year’s tournament will need to consider the all-new ESPN streaming service and its corresponding app. The platform will show every match of the tournament live, broadcasting each day at 11 a.m. ET and continuing until the close of play. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

Watch the US Open 2025 in the US for $30 per month.

ESPN’s new flagship streaming service and app, called simply ESPN, costs $30 as a standalone service or $36 a month if bundled with Disney Plus and Hulu.

The new streaming service gives you access to the full suite of ESPN networks and services in one subscription, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network and ACC Network, as well as ESPN on ABC, ESPN Plus, ESPN3, SECN Plus and ACCNX.

Sling TV/CNET

Sling TV’s Orange plan includes ESPN, while its Blue plan offers ABC only in a few select markets. Either option costs $46 per month. If you get ABC where you live and want all three channels for the US Open, you’ll need the combined Orange-and-Blue plan, which now costs $61. 

It’s worth noting that Sling has recently introduced Day, Weekend and Week passes for Sling Orange, with prices starting from $5 for 24 hours’ worth of viewing. Read our Sling TV review.

Sarah Tew/CNET

YouTube TV costs $83 a month and includes ESPN and ABC. Plug in your ZIP code on its welcome page to see which local network affiliates are available in your area. Read our YouTube TV review.

Hulu

Hulu with Live TV costs for its With Ads plan and $96 per month for its No Ads plan and includes ESPN and ABC. Click the “View channels in your area” link on its welcome page to see which local channels are offered in your ZIP code. Read our Hulu with Live TV review.

Fubo

Fubo’s Pro plan costs $85 a month and includes ESPN and ABC, but Fubo charges an RSN fee (either $13 a month if you get one RSN or $16 a month if you have two or more in your area) that raises the monthly charge to $98 or $101. Click here to see which local channels you get. Read our Fubo review.

Most live TV streaming services offer a free trial or discounts during the first month and allow you to cancel anytime. All require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live TV streaming services guide.

Livestream US Open 2025 in the UK 

Viewers in the UK can once again stream US Open action through Sky Sports, which has the exclusive live broadcast rights for this year’s tournament.

If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream matches via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want to get set up with a Now account and a Now Sports membership to stream the action from New York. 

Now TV

Sky subsidiary Now (formerly Now TV) offers streaming access to Sky Sports channels with a Now Sports membership. You can get a day of access for £15, or sign up to a monthly plan from £35 a month right now.

Stream the US Open 2025 in Australia for free

Tennis fans Down Under can watch live coverage of select US Open matches, including the men’s and women’s finals, on free-to-air Channel Nine’s streaming service 9Now.

For dedicated tennis fans, pay-TV service Stan Sport is livestreaming every match on every court, ad-free.

Channel 9’s streaming service 9Now is free to use for viewers in Australia, with dedicated apps for Android and Apple devices, as well as Amazon Fire, plus a wide range of smart TVs.

Stan Sport

Stan Sport will set you back AU$20 a month (on top of a AU$12 Stan subscription), but the streaming service is currently offering a seven-day free trial.

A subscription will also give you access to Premier League and Champions League soccer action, as well as international rugby and Formula E.

Stream the US Open 2025 in Canada

TSN will provide comprehensive live coverage of the US Open 2025 in Canada. 

TSN

TSN boasts exclusive coverage of PGA Tour Live golf, NFL games, F1, NASCAR and the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Ideal for cord-cutters, the service is priced at CA$20 a month or CA$200 a year.

The US Open 2025: Men’s and women’s singles full schedule

  • Sunday, Aug. 24: First round
  • Monday, Aug. 25: First round
  • Tuesday, Aug. 26: First round
  • Wednesday, Aug. 27: Second round
  • Thursday, Aug. 28: Second round
  • Friday, Aug. 29: Third round
  • Saturday, Aug. 30: Third round
  • Sunday, Aug. 31: Round of 16
  • Monday, Sept. 1: Round of 16
  • Tuesday, Sept. 2: Quarterfinals
  • Wednesday, Sept. 3: Quarterfinals
  • Thursday, Sept. 4: Women’s semifinals
  • Friday, Sept. 5: Men’s semifinals
  • Saturday, Sept. 6: Women’s final 
  • Sunday, Sept. 7: Men’s final



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Apple is ready to replace Game Center with a more Xbox-like gaming app
Gaming Gear

Apple accuses former Apple Watch staffer of conspiring to steal trade secrets for Oppo

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Apple is suing a former employee on the Apple Watch team who left to join Oppo, alleging that he “conspired to steal Apple’s trade secrets relating to Apple Watch and to disclose them to his new employers.”

Ahead of starting his new job at Oppo, the employee, Dr. Chen Shi, attended “dozens” of meetings with technical members on the Apple Watch team to learn about their work and downloaded 63 documents “from a protected Box folder” that he loaded onto a USB drive, according to the lawsuit. Shi allegedly sent a message to Oppo saying that he was working to “collect as much information as possible” before starting his job. And he searched the internet for terms like “how to wipe out macbook” and “Can somebody see if I’ve opened a file on a shared drive?” from his Apple-issued MacBook before leaving the company.

Shi was formerly a sensor system architect at Apple, and the company says he had “a front row seat to Apple’s development of its cutting-edge health sensor technology, including highly confidential roadmaps, design and development documents, and specifications for ECG sensor technology.”

He now heads up a team working on sensing technology at Oppo — which Apple says it learned because of “messages he left on his Apple-issued work iPhone.” In his resignation letter to Apple, Shi said he was leaving “due to personal and family reasons.” Via that iPhone, Apple also says it found messages from Oppo demonstrating that it “encouraged, approved, and agreed to Dr. Shi’s plan to collect Apple’s proprietary information before leaving Apple.”

When The Verge tried to contact Oppo for comment, the email bounced back because the mailbox was full.



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Where to watch live speech today?
GameFi Guides

Where to watch live speech today?

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Jackson Hole’s stage is set for a historic finale. As Jerome Powell prepares his final act as Fed chair, the digital asset market holds its breath, awaiting a single cue that could dictate its next volatile move.

Summary

  • Fed Chair Jerome Powell delivers his final Jackson Hole speech today at 10 a.m. ET, streamed on the Kansas City Fed’s YouTube channel.
  • Markets, including crypto, are bracing for signals on rate cuts, inflation, and future policy direction.

On August 22, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell is expected to deliver his final Jackson Hole keynote at 10 a.m. ET, hosted by the Kansas City Fed. This eighth and likely last appearance as chair carries immense weight, set against a complex backdrop of political pressure, conflicting economic signals, and his looming departure next spring.

For the crypto market, this moment transcends a simple interest rate debate. Powell’s tone will directly influence the dollar’s strength and global liquidity expectations, both critical for digital asset valuations. A hawkish stance could reinforce the macro headwinds pressuring Bitcoin and tech assets, while a dovish lean might be the catalyst for a significant leg higher.

Where to watch Jerome Powell’s speech and what to expect?

Powell’s final Jackson Hole address will be broadcast live on the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s official YouTube channel at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday. Media outlets like Bloomberg will also be streaming the event on YouTube.

The event’s theme, “Labor Markets in Transition,” provides the formal framework, but the real focus will be on the subtext of every word Powell chooses. Expectations among analysts are sharply divided, creating uncertainty that has already contributed to market unease. The consensus view suggests Powell will adhere to the Fed’s script of data dependency, refusing to pre-commit to a course of action for the September meeting.

 “There are two key questions to answer. One, is the labor market still solid? Two, is inflation accelerating, and are we seeing an impact from tariffs that is causing inflation to accelerate that could interrupt this likely Fed rate cut [in September]?” Rob Haworth, senior investment strategy director at US Bank Asset Management Group, told CNN on Friday

This puts the Fed, and Powell personally, in a nearly impossible bind. The political pressure for rate cuts is palpable, yet premature easing could validate fears of entrenched inflation, a scenario deeply negative for risk assets like crypto. Conversely, overly hawkish rhetoric could stifle the economy and undermine the soft landing many are hoping for.



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Chainlink (Link) Price Eyes $30 As Traders Watch $27 Breakout
Crypto Trends

Chainlink (LINK) Price Eyes $30 as Traders Watch $27 Breakout

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Chainlink (LINK) seems to be standing out in the crypto space now as its price displays a strong bullish trend. According to the experts on social media platform X, the token is preparing for an incredible push. 

Recently various analysts have shared their own take on the token with some suggesting a price correction while others expect even bigger gains ahead for LINK in the short term.

For instance, CryptoFeras on X, sees $26.6 as a resistance level and explained that if the price breaks the point, LINK could push up to $30.85 in coming days. The same analyst also noted that if the price decides to fall back to $22, the level could act as a strong buying zone which could give investors a chance to re-enter the market.

At the time of writing, Chainlink is trading at $24.98, which shows a 4.27% drop in the past 24 hours, while trading activity has dropped by 19% compared to the previous day. This results in $2.27 billion in trading volume, according to CoinMarketCap.

However, on the technical side, LINK has recently broken out of a bullish flag and pole pattern and is now facing resistance near $27.

Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 65. This means the token is not yet in overbought territory and still has room for growth. 

LINKUSD Weekly Price Chart | Source: TradingView

In addition to this, data from Ali chart on X shows Chainlink has been adding nearly 3,000 new wallet addresses every day. This is its fastest growth in the past five months. This surge in network participation is a bullish sign because it reflects higher interest from new users entering the LINK ecosystem.

However, on-chain metrics are flashing a different signal. According to Coinglass, LINK’s major liquation points are at $24.29 on the downside and $26.69 on the upside. This is where traders have taken large leverage position 

Data also shows that around $48.53 million in long trades and $13.18 million in short trades are positioned at these levels. One red flag still remains. More than $18 million worth of LINK tokens have recently been transferred onto exchanges, which often mean that some long-term holders might be preparing to sell. 

Despite this, experts and traders remain focused on whether LINK can clear the $27 resistance level and continue its push toward the highly anticipated $30 mark.

Also Read: Shiba Inu Price Prediction: Key Levels to Watch Now



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Google Doubles Down on AI: Veo 3, Imagen 4 and Gemini Diffusion Push Creative Boundaries
NFT Gaming

Google Unveils Pixel 10 Lineup With AI Features, New Watch and Earbuds

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In brief

  • The Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a also debuted, adding AI health tools and translation.
  • Google introduced Pixelsnap, a Qi2 magnetic charging system with new accessories.
  • A new AI voice assistant, Gemini for Home, will replace Google Assistant on Nest devices.

Google unveiled the Pixel 10 lineup on Wednesday at its annual Made by Google event, rolling out four new phones alongside a smartwatch, earbuds, and a smart home assistant.

Each device leans on on-device artificial intelligence to power features from messaging to photography.

While the star-studded event included guests like Jimmy Fallon, Steph Curry, and the Jonas Brothers, the main star was the Pixel 10 family, which includes four models—the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold—all running on Google’s new Tensor G5 chip.

The processor powers Gemini Nano, a lighter version of the company’s AI model that runs directly on the device and enables more than 20 generative tools without relying on the cloud.



New AI features

The upgrades reflect Google’s broader push to weave Gemini AI into every product, a strategy it ramped up last year with sweeping updates to Search, Images, and Google Meet.

“We’ve been building toward this universal AI assistant with Gemini,” Google Senior VP of Platforms and Devices Rick Osterloh said during the event. “The assistant has to be personal and intelligent enough to understand you and your context. And it has to be agentic, meaning it can take action for you under your direction.”

On the Pixel 10, that shows up in nine new AI-powered tools.

Magic Cue pulls context from Gmail, Calendar, and other apps during calls and messages. Voice Translate handles real-time translations in 12 languages, replicating each speaker’s voice. Call Screen expands with Take a Message, which generates transcripts for missed calls and suggests follow-ups.

Google is also embedding AI into everyday habits. Pixel Journal offers reflection prompts, Gboard can rewrite texts in different tones, Recorder turns hummed melodies into music, and NotebookLM links screenshots and transcripts into a searchable notebook.

Gemini Live adds visual help by analyzing the camera or screen and is tied into Google apps, including Calendar, Keep, and Tasks, with Messages and Maps support on the way. Its updated voice model sounds more natural and lets users adjust speed, tone, and accents.

The Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL will begin shipping on August 28th. Pre-orders for these models are open now. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be available for pre-order on August 20th, with shipping starting on October 9th.

The timing matters: Apple has delayed its own “Apple Intelligence” features into 2026, giving Google a chance to win consumers with AI functions that actually ship.

Gemini for Home

Google is also extending its AI push beyond phones—starting with the home, introducing Gemini for Home, a new voice assistant set to replace Google Assistant in Nest devices.

Rolling out in October with free and paid tiers, it’s designed to handle more complex commands and respond in natural conversation.

Pixel 10 Phones

The Pixel 10 lineup spans four price points: $799 for the Pixel 10, $999 for the 10 Pro, $1,199 for the Pro XL, and $1,799 for the Pro Fold.

The Pixel 10 is the base model with a 6.3-inch display, standard triple-lens camera, and 12GB of RAM. The Pixel 10 Pro upgrades to a sharper LTPO screen, a more advanced camera system with 100x zoom, and 16GB of RAM.

The Pro Fold adds a foldable 8-inch inner display, an extra selfie camera, and the highest price tag in the lineup. Google says its new hinge is twice as durable, though it hasn’t released test data to back the claim.

Preorders are open now. The Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL ship Aug. 28. The Pro Fold launches Oct. 9.

Pixel Watch 4 and Buds 2a

The Pixel Watch 4, powered by Tensor G5, uses Fitbit integration for AI-based workout and wellness coaching.

The $129 Pixel Buds 2a and $229 Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer adaptive audio, Gemini integration, noise cancellation, and real-time translation.

Generally Intelligent Newsletter

A weekly AI journey narrated by Gen, a generative AI model.



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Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: big ideas for the AI wearable future
Product Reviews

Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: big ideas for the AI wearable future

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The original Pixel Watch was late to the game. For years, there had been rumors of a Google smartwatch that never materialized. Then, when it finally arrived, it was a quintessential first-gen device, with thicc bezels, dismal battery life, and a host of quirks that needed ironing out. My DMs were full of people wondering when the watch would be unceremoniously dumped into Google’s infamous product graveyard. A part of me wondered if Google was going to spend the next decade playing catch-up.

Fast forward to 2025, and I’m holding the Pixel Watch 4 at Google’s office in New York City. On the surface (and my wrist), it doesn’t look like much has changed. But after fiddling with a few menus, watching some demos, and talking over the updates, it’s evident that Google has a clear vision about where smartwatches are going.

“The overall lens through which we see our mission as a team is ‘essential companion,’” says Sandeep Waraich, Google’s product lead for Pixel wearables. That “essential companion,” Waraich says, should be a wearable and continuous presence on your body that’s intelligent, helps coach you to better health, and also acts as a “guardian.”

Viewed that way, the bevy of Pixel Watch 4 updates starts to look like a roadmap.

The Pixel Watch 4’s new display has thinner bezels, 10 percent more screen area, and a 50 percent increase in brightness.

Starting with hardware, the Pixel Watch 4 has a new domed “Actua 360” display — as in, the display itself, not just the glass, is also domed. What this translates to is about 10 percent more visible screen space, 15 percent thinner bezels, and a 50 percent increase in maximum brightness to 3,000 nits. On a table, there’s a lineup of the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 with the flashlight app turned on. Side-by-side, the improvements are striking.

Material 3 Expressive in Wear OS 6 also helps emphasize the Pixel Watch’s roundness. (No squircles here, folks.) The widgets have more rounded edges, and each screen has been redesigned to be more glanceable, fitting more complications. It’s not Liquid Glass, but there are subtle animations when flitting through menus that call your attention to the Pixel Watch’s rain droplet-inspired design. Altogether, it’s a design tweak that makes sense and is aesthetically pleasing.

Google also says battery life has improved. The 41mm watch gets an estimated 30 hours on a single charge, while the 45mm gets 40 hours. That can stretch up to two days in battery saver mode for the smaller watch and three days for the larger one. I couldn’t test that at a hands-on, but I did get to see the improved fast charging in action. At 1:30PM ET, I stuck a 45mm Pixel Watch 4 with 50 percent battery on the watch’s new side-mounted charger. By 1:48PM, it was at 94 percent. Google says this translates to about 25 percent faster charging, taking only 15 minutes to go from zero to 50 percent.

Look! Tiny screws! According to Waraich, the inside of the Pixel Watch 4 resembles a “bento box” for better serviceability.

I was prepared to hate the new side-mounted charger, which sees the charging pins moved onto the edge opposite the crown. Three proprietary chargers in four years feels wasteful. But while I don’t love e-waste, I do like the change. For one, it turns your watch into a little desk or nightstand display. It also makes it so that it doesn’t matter what kind of strap you use. With more traditional charging pucks, a loop-type band without a clasp tends to flop over. My colleague Allison Johnson pointed out that it kind of looks like the Pixel Watch is resting its tired little head on a pillow. That’s kind of cute.

Another thing that caught my eye: if you remove the straps and peer into the lugs, you now see two teeny tiny screws — because starting this year, the Pixel Watch 4’s display and battery will be replaceable and repairable. The screws aren’t proprietary either, and according to Waraich, the idea is to make the devices as durable and long-lasting as possible. He also says this will be true of every Pixel Watch going forward.

That’s huge. Smartwatches are notoriously hard to repair, and the Pixel Watch’s screen design makes it particularly prone to damage. (The Verge should know; we unintentionally cracked the displays of two Pixel Watches.) Repairability has specifically been a pain point for the Pixel Watches, so seeing Google take that feedback to heart is encouraging.

Put together, these hardware updates really zero in on Google’s attempt to build a glanceable device that lasts a long time. As for the personalized companion part, well, of course that’s referring to AI.

The new charger looks like a little pillow for a sleepy smartwatch.

As with the Galaxy Watch 8, Gemini has a big presence on the Pixel Watch 4. It replaces Google Assistant and is capable of more complex queries — even if none have been able to blow my mind yet. But, in a bid to make interacting with Gemini as smooth as possible, the speaker and haptic engines have also been updated so you can hear and interact more easily. There’s also a new raise-to-talk gesture that lets you speak to Gemini without having to use the wake word. The processor has been upgraded to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 to enable more on-device AI features, as well, like smart replies. On the Pixel Watch 4, you’ll get more smart reply options to texts that refer to the content of your conversations. They’re not confined to the default Messages app, either.

But the major AI update this time around is a Gemini-powered health coach that’s slated to arrive alongside a revamped Fitbit app in October. So far, I’ve been skeptical about AI fitness features, but I’m cautiously curious about what I’ve seen from Google. The gist is the health coach will act more like a personal trainer than a Captain Obvious summary generator. If you sleep poorly, it’ll adjust workout suggestions. (This is also why Google is also introducing an improved sleep algorithm.) You can tell it that you’ve been injured, and that too will be taken into consideration when generating weekly fitness plans. I did a deeper dive on the health coach demo, but to keep things brief, this is the first time that I’ve felt remotely intrigued by any AI health coaching feature.

Another big first is the Satellite SOS mode. If you’re without your phone and in a remote area with no signal, you can still call emergency services. (So long as you have the LTE version of the watch.) The big thing here is that there’s no extra subscription cost. The watch will also feature more accurate dual-frequency GPS — a nice update given that I’ve had issues with the Pixel Watch’s GPS maps in the past.

It only looks like last year’s Pixel Watches. These updates are incredibly substantive.

When you look back at the original Pixel Watch, this is a substantial amount of progress. There’s a healthy mix of sensible and experimental ideas. As far as AI smartwatch assistants, Google has beaten Apple to the punch. (Technically, Samsung got Gemini on a smartwatch first, but Gemini is Google’s baby.) Satellite SOS on a smartwatch is also an industry first, and Google is making a statement here with repairability. We’ll have to see how that AI coach fares in testing, but here, too, Google is barreling forward.

I’m not saying every update or idea presented here is a good one. But you can at least see the shape of Google’s plans: a sleek, all-day, and personalized companion that lets you bring AI where your phone can’t easily go. There are rough edges. Some would argue glasses are a much better form factor for this concept. But, given how many wearable makers have felt stuck in a loop of iterative updates, it’s refreshing to see that Google has a bold, wearable thesis that it’s working toward. Whether it can truly execute on delivering the ultimate “essential companion” is up for debate. But right now? Dare I say it, I think Google has the wearable juice.
Photos by Allison Johnson / The Verge

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