Tag: mobile

Why Pi Network Binance Listing Didn’t Happen After Community Vote?

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:45:29 +0000

The post Why Pi Network Binance Listing Didn’t Happen After Community Vote? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Despite Pi Network securing 86.8% support in Binance’s February 2025 vote to list, Pi Coin remains unlisted—fueling confusion and frustration among its 60M-strong community.

Many are asking: Why hasn’t Binance listed Pi Coin yet? The growing frustration among the Pi Network community is palpable, especially as Binance continues to list hyped meme coins with questionable fundamentals.

So, what’s causing the delay?

According to Pi Network analyst with the X handle Pi Pioneers X, below are the possible reasons why Binance may still be holding back on listing Pi Coin:

1. Regulatory Roadblocks Post $4.3B Fine

Binance’s $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities in 2023 for anti-money laundering (AML) failures placed it under strict scrutiny. The exchange is now closely monitored for three years, and the EU’s DAC8 regulation adds additional pressure.

2. Binance’s Profit-Driven Listings Strategy

Despite Pi’s massive community, the coin may not currently align with Binance’s revenue-first listing playbook. Pi’s slow mainnet rollout and token lock mechanisms might mean less immediate trading volume and profit.

3. Community Backlash Risk

Tensions have risen between Pi’s vocal community and Binance. After the February vote, where Pi secured 226,000 votes, Binance did not move forward. This sparked backlash including one-star Google Play reviews and social media outrage.

4. Competitive & Strategic Concerns

Pi’s mobile-first and accessible mining approach could pose a long-term threat to Binance’s dominance in the retail crypto space. Additionally, Binance tends to favor projects built on its BNB Smart Chain, unlike Pi’s independent blockchain ecosystem.

5. Murky Regulatory Status of Pi Coin

With its phased mainnet rollout, unique mining model, and unclear classification (utility vs. security token), Pi raises potential regulatory flags. Binance, now risk-averse post-penalties, might see Pi as too ambiguous.

So, Will Pi Coin Get Listed Before Pi2Day?

There is still hope. Pi’s mainnet wallet activation, 86.2% community vote support, and improved clarity in KYB compliance could pave the way. Some sources, like @PiNewsGlobal, estimate a 93% chance of listing before Pi2Day on June 28.

However, the community remains cautious, recalling false rumors of a December 2024 listing.Until then, all eyes are on the PiCoreTeam and Binance for the next move.

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Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

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Binance’s $4.3B fine, profit-driven strategy, community backlash risks, competitive concerns, and Pi Coin’s unclear regulatory status are potential reasons for the delay.

How many exchanges have listed Pi Coin?

While not on Binance, Pi Coin is listed on several centralized exchanges, including OKX, MEXC, LBank, BitGet, Huobi Global, Pionex, and Bitmart.

Is Pi coin a good investment?

If the bullish sentiment sustains, the PI value could reach as high as $2.1007 this year.

EP #527 The Exact Strategy Behind a 6-Figure Indiegogo Tech Launch | SoCool

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:00:06 +0000

Launching a crowdfunding campaign is tough. Building a smart hardware product with refrigeration, mobile apps, and custom electronics? That’s next level.

In this episode of the Crowdfunding Demystified podcast, host Salvador Briggman chats with the co-founders of SoCool, a revolutionary refrigerated smart pet feeder that keeps your pet’s food fresh 24/7 — no ice packs required.

Leslie and Ahmad are the unlikely duo behind the product. Leslie comes from a healthcare background with no prior tech experience, while Ahmad is a robotics engineer who wanted to bring a product of his own to life. Together, they tackled everything from prototyping with styrofoam to developing a sleek, functional feeder that excited over 400 backers.

In the episode, you’ll discover:

How they went from idea to prototype in just weeks
Why Leslie believes “failing faster” is the key to success
The emotional rollercoaster of launching a crowdfunding campaign
Why testing your product with real users is absolutely essential
How they converted non-crowdfunding-savvy pet owners into loyal backers

This one’s packed with raw honesty, scrappy tactics, and a fresh take on bringing a physical product to life. Whether you’re building hardware, launching your first campaign, or just need inspiration to finally chase that idea — this episode is for you.

Resources and Tools Mentioned:

Book a coaching call
Subscribe for Weekly Crowdfunding Tips
Fulfillrite: Kickstarter and crowdfunding reward fulfillment services. They come highly recommended! Download their free shipping and fulfillment checklist
FREE Kickstarter Course
SoCool on Indiegogo
Happy Llama Tech

The post EP #527 The Exact Strategy Behind a 6-Figure Indiegogo Tech Launch | SoCool appeared first on CrowdCrux: Crowdfunding Demystified.

BYDFi and Ledger Launch Global Campaign with Limited BYDFi x Ledger Nano X

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:11:06 +0000

June 5th, 2025 – Victoria, Seychelles

Following the successful debut of the limited-edition BYDFi x Ledger Nano X hardware wallet at TOKEN2049 Dubai, global crypto exchange BYDFi and hardware wallet leader Ledger have launched a global campaign to engage crypto KOLs and content creators.

With only 500 units available worldwide, the initiative invites Web3 participants to promote secure self-custody and mobile-first asset protection by applying to join this exclusive collaboration.

Campaign Overview: Limited 500-Unit Cold Wallet Collaboration

The BYDFi x Ledger campaign invites creators and KOLs to participate in a simple, open-entry initiative to receive a limited-edition wallet. To join, participants are encouraged to post on X using the hashtag #BYDFixLedger, share their thoughts on the collaboration, and submit a brief application form via the official campaign page. Selected applicants will receive the exclusive BYDFi x Ledger Nano X, along with special perks as part of the partnership program.

Users can learn more and apply at: https://www.bydfi.com/en/ledger

Product Highlight: BYDFi x Ledger Nano X

The BYDFi x Ledger Nano X is a customized version of Ledger’s flagship cold wallet, equipped with Bluetooth, USB-C, and support for over 15,000 cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Key features include:

Mobile-first design compatible with iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows
Military-grade security via CC EAL5+ certified secure element
Ledger Live integration for seamless asset tracking, staking, and transactions
Support for multi-chain and multi-asset management, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and ERC20 tokens

Engineered for users who prioritize portability and protection, the Nano X ensures private keys stay offline—eliminating the remote risks of custodial wallets or centralized platforms.

Vision: Empowering Web3 Ownership Through Self-Custody

In today’s decentralized world, where digital assets are becoming integral to both individual and institutional portfolios, self-custody has emerged as a foundational principle. BYDFi and Ledger share a vision that emphasizes secure, user-controlled asset management as the cornerstone of the Web3 movement.

This collaboration promotes a future where participants in the crypto ecosystem—whether traders, builders, or educators—can confidently manage their assets with mobility, transparency, and control.

Michael, Co-founder of BYDFi, commented: “True ownership starts with self-custody. Our collaboration with Ledger aims to equip users with secure, intuitive tools to manage their digital assets with confidence—anytime, anywhere.”

About Ledger

Ledger is a global leader in digital asset security, known for its hardware wallet innovations since 2015. With over 6 million devices sold and zero hacks, Ledger’s products—including the Nano series and Ledger Live app—enable millions of users and enterprises to manage their crypto, NFTs, and data securely in the Web3 age.

About BYDFi

Founded in 2020, BYDFi now serves over 1 million users across more than 190 countries and regions. The platform has been featured by Forbes as one of the Best Crypto Exchanges & Apps for Beginners of 2025. With a comprehensive product suite—including spot trading, perpetual contracts, copy trading, automated bots, and on-chain tools—BYDFi supports both novice and professional traders in navigating the digital asset market with confidence.

BYDFi is committed to providing a world-class crypto trading experience for every user.

BUIDL Your Dream Finance.

Website: https://www.bydfi.com
Support email: [email protected]
Business partnerships: [email protected]
Media inquiries: [email protected]

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Contact

Media Manager
Anna
BYDFi Fintech LTD
[email protected]

This content is sponsored and should be regarded as promotional material. Opinions and statements expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of The Daily Hodl. The Daily Hodl is not a subsidiary of or owned by any ICOs, blockchain startups or companies that advertise on our platform. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in any ICOs, blockchain startups or cryptocurrencies. Please be advised that your investments are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility.

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The post BYDFi and Ledger Launch Global Campaign with Limited BYDFi x Ledger Nano X appeared first on The Daily Hodl.

Banks Bet on Virtual Cards as the New Credit Battleground

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 08:01:19 +0000

When Apple Pay launched in 2014, it promised a future free of plastic. Over a decade later, the ripples of that revolution are still unfolding across the way consumers pay, but not in the way observers may have expected a decade ago.

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While digital wallets have become a staple of online and in-store payments, it’s virtual cards, once a fringe tool for tech-savvy shoppers, that are quietly emerging as the next frontier in consumer finance.

The PYMNTS Intelligence report “Digital Payments Evolution: Virtual Cards Poised to Take Off,” a collaboration with Elan, revealed that 42% of consumers in the United States used a virtual card in the last six months, primarily for online purchases and subscriptions. Plus, 65% said they’re likely to use one in the year ahead.

This could signal a potential turning point not just in adoption, but in the public’s appetite for payment tools that offer control, security and flexibility beyond what digitized physical cards can provide.

Digital wallets have already done much of the heavy lifting in familiarizing consumers with cardless payments. Today, over half of U.S. consumers store at least one card in a wallet like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. That familiarity is increasingly proving crucial to the rise of virtual cards, which don’t exist as plastic first. Instead, they’re issued and used entirely digitally, often with one-time numbers for each transaction, limiting exposure to fraud.

The Post-Wallet Phase of Digital Payments

Among the most tech-savvy consumers, meaning those who own devices ranging from smartwatches to electric vehicles, nearly 3 in 4 have used virtual cards for online shopping. More than half have used single-use numbers. For this cohort, control and real-time functionality matter more than physical tangibility.

For banks, card issuers and FinTechs, the next wave of digital payment innovation may not be about porting physical cards into phones, but instead around offering dynamic digital products that better reflect how consumers want to pay and protect themselves online.

Virtual cards also unlock more sophisticated features. Real-time spending controls, immediate issuance post-approval, and seamless integration with merchant apps position them as more than a defensive tool. They’re a vehicle for engagement and differentiation in a competitive credit market.

This opportunity is bifurcated, however. Digital Finance Enthusiasts — those who use mobile banking and budgeting apps daily — are the primary adopters. Meanwhile, the Mainstream Tech segment, including many Generation X and older consumers, still view rewards and cash back as top drivers, echoing the value propositions of traditional credit cards.

The challenge now lies in bridging these two audiences. For digital-first consumers, highlighting virtual cards’ security, tech integration and convenience is key. For others, linking these features to familiar benefits like cash back or fraud protection could be essential to driving adoption.

The report found that 17% of Basic Tech users said better fraud detection would increase their usage, but a full quarter of them also admitted they had never heard of virtual cards. Financial institutions must go beyond offering the product — they must explain why it matters, how it works, and where it fits in the broader payment ecosystem.

Digital wallets may have cracked the door open. Virtual cards are poised to walk through it and redefine the very concept of a cardholder along the way. At the end of the day, the spotlight could now belong to the cards users can’t touch.

The post Banks Bet on Virtual Cards as the New Credit Battleground appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

Credit Unions Monetize Member Data Through FinTech Ties

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 08:00:24 +0000

Credit unions face pressure to keep pace with national, regional and local banks that are often at the forefront of developing cutting-edge financial services.

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To gain access to the advanced technologies needed for mobile banking and digital payments, many credit unions are now strategically partnering with FinTechs.

Although FinTechs used to see credit unions as potential competition, they increasingly view these financial institutions as valuable customers.

The PYMNTS Intelligence report “Navigating the Evolving Landscape: FinTech and Credit Union Partnerships,” a collaboration with Velera, explored this evolving dynamic and found that it offers benefits for both sides and, ultimately, the consumer.

Partnerships Pave a Path to Competitive Advantage

For credit unions, these partnerships are essential for remaining competitive and relevant in the digital age. By collaborating with FinTechs, credit unions can quickly adopt solutions that enable the services consumers expect, such as easier mobile and contactless payments.

While some obstacles like small budgets, slow implementation times and regulations persist, the overall trend showed an increase in FinTechs reporting no impediments when selling to credit unions, suggesting a more accessible pathway for collaboration.

Embracing a partnership-oriented mindset and actively seeking out FinTech solutions can enhance credit unions’ service delivery and member experience, strengthening their market position and member loyalty. Focusing on areas where FinTech solutions are already prevalent in partnerships, like mobile and contactless payments, could yield quicker results.

For FinTechs, credit unions represent a consistent and sizable customer base. More than half of all FinTechs serve the credit union sector, primarily through vendor-client relationships. The decline in FinTechs viewing credit unions as competitors — falling from 16% in November 2023 to 1.9% in November 2024 among those selling to credit unions — underscores this shift and highlights the growing value proposition credit unions represent for the FinTech market.

The perceived challenges associated with selling to credit unions are diminishing, suggesting a more efficient and accessible business pathway. While some FinTechs don’t sell to credit unions due to concerns like product misalignment or regulatory issues, 20% of “non-selling” FinTechs would reconsider if they could onboard multiple credit unions simultaneously. This indicates that streamlining processes, potentially through bundled onboarding solutions, could unlock an untapped opportunity.

The products and services offered through these collaborations are largely focused on enabling smoother payments and digital experiences for consumers. The most common offerings include mobile wallets (65%) and contactless payments (60%), along with buy now, pay later (BNPL) services (44%), mobile banking, peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, cryptocurrency transactions and digital onboarding. These are all areas where credit unions can benefit by aligning their innovation plans with available FinTech solutions.

Although FinTechs prioritize partnerships with software platforms (65%), merchants (62%) and digital-only banks (61%), partnerships with credit unions (40%) offer growth potential as collaboration becomes smoother.

The post Credit Unions Monetize Member Data Through FinTech Ties appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

High-Income Americans Go Bargain Hunting and Shake Up Retail’s Royalty

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 08:00:05 +0000

The big trade down is on. Dollar General, long synonymous with serving America’s most budget-conscious consumers, is seeing a marked shift in its customer base. On its first-quarter 2025 earnings call, CEO Todd Vasos disclosed that the retailer is attracting more high-income shoppers than at any time in the past four years — a trend that is reshaping the competitive landscape for mass-market discount chains.

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“We saw the highest percent of trade-in customers we’ve had in the last four years,” Vasos told analysts, referring to shoppers from middle- and higher-income brackets seeking value.

“Our data shows that new customers this year are making more trips and spending more with us compared to new customers from last year, while also allocating more of their spend to discretionary categories.”

Vasos attributed this influx to Dollar General’s steadfast focus on value. “We believe these behaviors suggest that we are continuing to attract higher-income customers who are looking to maximize value while still shopping for items they want and need,” he said.

The CEO emphasized that while the core customer remains financially constrained — 25% of shoppers reported lower income than a year ago, and nearly 60% said they expect to sacrifice necessities in the coming year — the retailer’s value proposition is resonating more broadly across income cohorts.

Dollar General’s financial results reflect this shift. The company reported a 5.3% increase in net sales to $10.4 billion and a 2.4% rise in same-store sales for the quarter, prompting an upward revision of its full-year guidance.

Dollar General is not alone in reporting an uptick in higher-income shoppers. Executives across the discount and value retail sector are observing similar patterns:

Walmart: CEO Doug McMillon noted that the retailer continues to gain share among households earning over $100,000, who now account for 75% of Walmart’s share gains in the U.S. during the third quarter. “We’ve been maintaining those price gaps through pandemic periods of time and through inflationary periods of time, and that continues up until this day,” McMillon said during a recent earnings call.
Costco: CFO Gary Millerchip reported during its Q1 earnings call that even affluent members are trading down, with notable growth in value categories like private-label goods and lower-cost proteins. “Our goal is always to be the first to lower prices where we see opportunities,” Millerchip said, underscoring Costco’s commitment to pricing discipline as price sensitivity rises across income brackets.
Kohl’s: CEO Ashley Buchanan described a “pretty challenging” environment for consumers, with value-seeking behavior expanding across all income levels. “If you’re making less than 100 [thousand], it’s also pretty challenging,” Buchanan said, predicting that the quest for value will continue to grow across cohorts in the coming months.

Who’s Winning in Mass-Market Retail?

The mass-market retail category is seeing resilience and, in some cases, outperformance from value-oriented chains. According to PYMNTS research, Walmart leads all non-grocery consumer in-store spending at 27.5%. Target comes in at 9.7%, Dollar General at 5.1% and Dollar Tree at 2.6%.

PYMNTS Intelligence research reveals that high-income shoppers are driving much of the change in retail behavior, both online and in-store:

Omnichannel and Digital Assistance: High-income consumers are more likely to engage in omnichannel shopping, blending digital and physical experiences. According to the 2025 “Global Digital Shopping Index,” half of high-income shoppers made their last purchase using a mobile device, compared to 44% of low-income shoppers. These shoppers are also more likely to use digital tools in-store, with customer satisfaction 65% higher among those who use digital assistance.
Value and Convenience: The “Paycheck-to-Paycheck” series found that 28% of high-income shoppers have traded down on quality in the past year, switching to less expensive versions of products or cheaper merchants. While high-income shoppers transact more online — engaging in digital shopping activities 40% more often than low-income peers — they are also drawn to in-store experiences that offer efficiency, convenience, and the ability to maximize value.
Selective In-Store Shopping: PYMNTS Intelligence reports that while physical stores attract 2.7 times as many shoppers as online channels, high-income consumers tend to be more selective in-store, with smaller average basket sizes but a focus on specific value-driven categories.

Trade-down behavior is not confined to low-income households. PYMNTS Intelligence data shows that 45% of low-income, 41% of middle-income, and 28% of high-income shoppers reported trading down on quality in the past year. Economic pressures, inflation, and a desire to stretch dollars are pushing a wider range of consumers to seek value, even as they maintain spending in discretionary categories.

Dollar General’s surge in high-income shoppers is emblematic of a broader shift in American retail, where value is being prioritized across income brackets. As economic uncertainty persists, discount and value retailers are capitalizing on this trend, leveraging digital innovation and a focus on price to attract and retain a more diverse customer base. PYMNTS Intelligence data underscores that the new face of value retail is omnichannel, digitally savvy, and spans the full spectrum of American households.

The post High-Income Americans Go Bargain Hunting and Shake Up Retail’s Royalty appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

5 game-changing Samsung Galaxy features you might not know about

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 06:01:00 +0000

Why the Samsung Galaxy remains ahead of the mobile phone game

AEON Integrates TRON Network to Enable Seamless In-Store Payments

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:00:44 +0000

Singapore – June 5, 2025 – AEON, the next-generation crypto framework built for payments, has integrated the TRON network to enable seamless in-store payments. Through AEON Pay, users can now transact using TRX, the native utility token of the TRON network. USDT and USDD on TRON for offline payments are also included to bring fast and low-cost digital payments into everyday retail experiences. This integration marks a major milestone in AEON’s mission to make crypto spending frictionless and widely accessible, while significantly expanding the utility of TRON-based digital assets in global retail environments.

As one of the most actively used public layer-1 blockchains, TRON’s high throughput and low transaction fees have earned it a reputation for fast and secure payments. In addition to TRX, USDD and USDT on TRON can now be used to make purchases at thousands of physical retail locations. From global franchises to local stores, approximately 10,000 brands and 20 million merchants across Southeast Asia can now tap into a circulating supply of $77B+ stablecoins on TRON. Expansion into Africa and Latin America is currently in development.

“TRON encompasses a global community that has embraced blockchain as a fast, affordable, reliable, and stable means of transacting,” said AEON’s CEO, Eddie Li. “The sheer volume of users and stablecoin activity on their network is extremely well-suited to AEON’s growing suite of payment services for users around the world.”

To make purchases, users simply open the AEON Pay app, scan the merchant’s QR code, and pay directly with their TRON-based digital assets. By tapping into TRON’s expansive global user base, AEON is accelerating crypto adoption where it matters most: on the streets, in cafes, and at retail counters.

“AEON Pay’s integration greatly enhances TRON’s mission to become a global settlement layer,” said Sam Elfarra, Community Spokesperson for the TRON DAO. “We each approach the goal of driving Web3 adoption by building bridges between crypto and traditional finance.”

This strategic collaboration with TRON underscores AEON’s leadership in real-world crypto payment innovation. As AEON continues to shape a globally connected Web3 economy, its support for TRON reaffirms its commitment to driving mass adoption of crypto and integrating it into everyday payment experiences.

About AEON

AEON is the next-generation crypto payment framework, built for AI to drive intelligent, automated payments across Web3 and simplify how crypto works in real life. With omni-chain support, AEON’s AI Payments system allows intelligent agents to manage and automate transactions, payments, subscriptions, and remittances for users.

With offerings like Web3 Mobile Payment that allows users to pay with crypto across 10,000 brands at 20+ million retail merchants in SEA, Africa and Latin America, Online Web3 Payment, Swap Pay, and a growing suite of AI-integrated payment services, AEON aims to create a future of crypto finance that’s intelligent, scalable, and borderless, where AI meets real life through seamless, scalable payments for next billion of users.

Media Contact
Amber Sun
[email protected]

Website | X | Telegram | Medium

About TRON DAO

TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps.

Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON blockchain has experienced significant growth since its MainNet launch in May 2018. TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin, exceeding $77.7 billion. As of June 2025, the TRON blockchain has recorded over 310 million in total user accounts, more than 10 billion in total transactions, and over $21.5 billion in total value locked (TVL), based on TRONSCAN.

Media Contact
Yeweon Park
[email protected]

The post AEON Integrates TRON Network to Enable Seamless In-Store Payments appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Voice AI Funding Surges 8X as Businesses Humanize Chatbots

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:56:11 +0000

A revolution is underway in customer communication, and it’s being led not by keyboards or screens — but by voices.

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Voice-based artificial intelligence (AI) agents, long a promise more than a product, are advancing to such a degree that they are now outperforming call centers and beginning to replace human labor in industries from healthcare to retail, according to venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.

“Voice is one of the most powerful unlocks for AI application companies,” Olivia Moore, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, wrote in a 2025 AI Voice Agent Update blog post. “It is the most frequent and information-dense form of communication, made programmable for the first time due to AI.”

Making voice programmable means AI can now interpret, respond to and act on voiced queries with more accuracy and reliability. Voice is naturally unstructured and messy — people interrupt, change topics, or use slang.

Moore said voice AI lets businesses respond to customers 24/7 instead of having to wait until an office is staffed. For consumers, “We believe voice will be the first — and perhaps primary — way people interact with AI.”

According to a PYMNTS Intelligence report, 30.4% of Gen Z consumers already shop by voice every week. In “How the World Does Digital,” the report showed that millennials came in second, at 27.6%. For all ages, the average is 17.9% of consumers using voice to shop.

Last year, voice AI startups raised $2.1 billion, up eightfold from 2023, according to research firm CB Insights. The 2024 bumper crop included ElevenLabs’ $180 million fundraising round.

Growth was driven by advances in voice AI models — such as OpenAI’s Realtime API for speech-to-speech applications — that gave a big boost to applications in various use cases, the research firm said.

“It’s really in the last 12 to 18 months that we’ve seen AI voice agents performing as well or better than humans,” Alex Levin, co-founder and CEO of voice AI company Regal, told The Wall Street Journal.

In March, Yum! Brands, which owns Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut, announced a partnership with Nvidia to deploy AI solutions. This includes implementing voice AI across its brands in call centers to handle phone orders when demand surges.

Jersey Mike’s has tapped SoundHound’s AI to do voice ordering in 50 stores. Recently, SoundHound partnered with Allina Health to deploy “Alli,” an AI agent that can answer calls from patients. It helps patients manage appointments and will soon be able to refill medications, find doctors and locations and answer non-clinical questions.

Pivotal Moment for Voice AI

In the past year, the underlying AI infrastructure for voice has radically improved.

A year ago, OpenAI unveiled a “voice mode” built on top of GPT-4o that offered real-time voice responsiveness, the ability to be interrupted, and a diversity in emotional tones rather than robotic responses.

ElevenLabs followed with Conversational AI in November, with version 2.0 coming out last month. Meanwhile, players like Kyutai and Speechmatics brought real-time, full-duplex conversations into production, Moore said.

These models also became more affordable as latency dropped. OpenAI cut GPT-4o API costs by up to 87.5% last December, according to Moore.

Moore noted, “Conversational quality is now largely a solved problem,” and startups are racing to deploy voice as the “wedge” or entry point into broader enterprise platforms since businesses are starting small — handling FAQs, booking appointments, or conducting initial screenings.

Ketan Babaria, chief digital officer of insurance marketplace eHealth, told the Journal that voice AI has gotten quite good.

“Suddenly, we noticed these agents become very humanlike,” Babaria said. “It’s getting to a point where our customers are not able to differentiate between the two.”

The next advance would be AI voice agents that can use the phone to do tasks independently such as making restaurant reservations, closing sales and placing orders, PolyAI CEO Nikola Mrksic told the Journal.

Voice AI use cases include the following, according to Moore:

After-hours or overflow calls: These are calls that would otherwise go to voicemail. A voice agent can collect or share information and may even be able to complete a booking or transaction.
Net-new outbound calls such as customer check calls, activation calls, lead calls and the like.
Back office calls to vendors, suppliers, and the like.

Despite the rapid adoption, voice AI still faces hurdles. Reputational risk is high, especially when systems fail in public. McDonald’s, for example, pulled its voice AI pilot with IBM after videos of botched orders went viral.

The post Voice AI Funding Surges 8X as Businesses Humanize Chatbots appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

US House Bill Seeks to Open Apple and Google App Stores

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 20:13:14 +0000

A U.S. House bill takes aim at Apple and Google’s control over the mobile app ecosystem, seeking to curb practices lawmakers say restrict competition and inflate prices for consumers and developers.

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Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., introduced the App Store Freedom Act, a bill that would bar dominant app store operators from engaging in a range of business practices critics say are anticompetitive.

“We have two predominantly large marketplaces through both Google and Apple, and at this point in time, you have a lot of apps that for many different reasons are finding trouble being hosted,” Cammack told Fox News.

“There’s a lot of anticompetitive practices that have really dominated this space for years. This bill seeks to rectify those wrongs.”

What the Bill Proposes

The bill applies to companies controlling both an app store and its underlying operating system with more than 100 million U.S. users.

The bill would require Apple and Google to allow users to set third-party apps or app stores as default, sideload apps without using the official store, and remove or hide preinstalled apps.

It also mandates that developers get equal access to critical system tools and interfaces without cost and on equivalent terms as the tech platforms’ own apps.

At the same time, the bill prohibits app store operators from forcing developers to use their in-app payment systems or requiring pricing parity across platforms. Companies would also be barred from retaliating against developers who distribute their apps through alternative means.

The Coalition for App Fairness, a nonprofit advocacy group formed by developers including Epic Games, Spotify and Match Group, endorsed the legislation.

“This is a vital step towards empowering developers and consumers by ensuring a level playing field for all participants in the app ecosystem,” said Gene Burrus, global policy counsel for the coalition, in a statement.

Increased Scrutiny

The bill’s introduction comes at a time of regulatory scrutiny for Apple. In April, the European Commission fined Apple for violations of the EU’s Digital Markets Act related to App Store restrictions.

In the same month, a U.S. federal district court found Apple in contempt of a prior order requiring the company to allow developers to direct users to external websites for purchases. The ruling was for a lawsuit brought by Epic Games after Apple removed its account for letting players pay outside of Apple’s ecosystem.

The App Store Freedom Act closely aligns with the Open App Markets Act, a bipartisan bill that aimed to impose similar restrictions on dominant app store platforms. But the bill failed to become law.

The new bill would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, with violations treated as unfair or deceptive practices under existing consumer protection statutes. State attorneys general would be empowered to pursue legal action on behalf of consumers.

“The App Store Freedom Act could be a game-changer for American consumers by giving them more choice and control over their devices than ever before,” said Dustee Jenkins, Spotify’s chief public affairs officer, in a statement.

The post US House Bill Seeks to Open Apple and Google App Stores appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

AI Startup Manus Unveils Text-to-Video Tool

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 19:04:43 +0000

Artificial intelligence startup Manus introduced a text-to-video generative AI tool that turns prompts into structured videos.

[contact-form-7]

In a post on social platform X, Manus described the tool as one that “transforms your prompts into complete stories — structured, sequenced and ready to watch.”

Introducing Manus video generation.

Manus transforms your prompts into complete stories—structured, sequenced, and ready to watch. With a single prompt, Manus plans each scene, crafts the visuals, and animates your vision. From storyboard creation to concept visualization—your… pic.twitter.com/2bOxSkyRv5

— ManusAI (@ManusAI_HQ) June 3, 2025

With a single prompt, users can generate fully storyboarded and animated video content, the post said. The tool plans each scene, crafts visuals and animates concepts in minutes.

The feature is available to early access users on Basic, Plus and Pro tiers, and Manus plans to release it for free to the wider public, the post said.

The move puts Manus in direct competition with OpenAI’s Sora, which is available only to paid ChatGPT subscribers, as well as Google’s Veo, Runway, Synthesia and others. The evolving space has seen Western tech giants and Chinese firms race to push the limits of generative AI video.

Sora and Google’s video tools rely on proprietary models, but Chinese players like Alibaba’s Wan and Tencent’s Hunyuan are championing open-source approaches, broadening access and experimentation across the developer community.

While these text-to-video platforms often generate standalone clips from user prompts, Manus emphasizes storytelling by organizing scenes in a logical sequence, adding visual coherence and narrative flow that goes beyond one-shot generation. The company is positioning itself not only as a technical innovator but also as a user-centric platform aimed at democratizing creative production.

Manus, which is owned by Chinese startup Butterfly Effect and incorporated in the Cayman Islands, made headlines earlier this year with its general-purpose AI agent capable of handling multistep tasks with minimal interaction. In a demo video that went viral, the AI agent handled resume screening, property research and stock analysis with minimal user input.

The startup received $75 million in funding led by Benchmark Capital, Bloomberg reported April 24.

In March, Manus launched a mobile app and unveiled subscription plans.

For all PYMNTS AI coverage, subscribe to the daily AI Newsletter.

Read more:

The post AI Startup Manus Unveils Text-to-Video Tool appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

T-Mobile just launched fiber internet — here's the prices and speeds you can get

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:13:29 +0000

T-Mobile is expanding its presence in the home internet space with high-speed fiber optic connections in select markets.

How to build fitness that actually lasts — the best exercises to do at any age

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Peak fitness looks different in every decade. Here’s how to stay strong, mobile and energized — from your 20s to your 80s.

Society6 vs Etsy: Which Is Better?

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:11:20 +0000

If you're trying to sell art prints, posters, or merch online, there’s a high chance you’ve run into these two: Society6 and Etsy.

Quick answer?

If you want full control, build a brand, and scale over time, Etsy wins hands down.
But if you just want to upload art and not worry about a thing, Society6 is less effort but lower reward.

Let me walk you through it — from someone who’s been selling on both for over a decade.

Society6 vs Etsy: Full Feature Comparison Table FeatureSociety6Etsy (with POD integration)Platform TypePrint-on-demand marketplaceCustomisable ecommerce marketplaceSetup TimeSuper fast (15–30 mins)Moderate (2–5 hours with integrations)Ease of UseVery easy, no tech skills neededSteeper learning curve, more toolsCustom Storefront❌ No – generic product pages✅ Yes – full store brandingProduct Range~80+ products (home decor, wall art, furniture)Unlimited via Printful, Printify, Gelato, etc.Design ControlVery limited – upload onlyFull control over product mockups, descriptions, listingsBranding❌ None – no email list, no logo, no customisation✅ Full control over branding and marketingCustomer Ownership❌ None – you never see the buyer✅ Yes – you get buyer data, can retargetProfit MarginsLow (e.g. $3–5 on a $25 print)Higher (e.g. $10–15 on a $25 print)FeesNo upfront or listing fees$0.20 listing + 6.5% transaction + 3% payment feesTraffic SourceBuilt-in marketplace trafficBuilt-in traffic + SEO + Etsy AdsMarketing Tools❌ None – no email, coupons, analytics✅ Coupons, email, abandoned cart, SEO, adsSEO OptionsNoneFull control over titles, tags, categoriesCustomer SupportHandled by Society6You or your POD partner handles supportFulfilmentHandled entirely by Society6Handled by POD partner (e.g. Printful)Payment HandlingSociety6 pays you royaltiesEtsy takes payments via Stripe or Etsy PaymentsPayout TimeMonthly (Net-30)Weekly or faster (via Etsy Payments)International ShippingYes (Society6 fulfils globally)Yes (depends on POD partner)Mobile AppNo seller appEtsy Seller App availableAnalytics & Insights❌ None✅ Built-in analytics, external tracking supportedSupport QualityMinimal – hard to reachResponsive through Etsy + POD platformIdeal ForArtists who want passive incomeSellers building a brand and long-term store What Are They? Let’s Set the Stage

When you're first getting into print-on-demand, the platform you choose shapes everything — how much control you have, how you brand yourself, and what kind of customers you attract.

Society6 is a print-on-demand marketplace built specifically for artists.

You upload your artwork, choose the products you want it printed on — like prints, mugs, pillows, or even furniture — and Society6 takes care of the rest.

No need to manage inventory, customer support, or fulfilment. It’s plug-and-play, which makes it incredibly beginner-friendly. But you’re operating within their ecosystem — your store isn’t really yours.

Etsy, on the other hand, wasn’t designed for POD — it’s a massive global marketplace for handmade, vintage, and custom goods.

But with the rise of integrations like Printful, Printify, Gelato, and Gooten, Etsy has become a powerful POD platform.

You get the benefit of Etsy’s built-in traffic while running a storefront that’s fully branded and tailored to your vision.

Here’s how the two compare at a glance:

FeatureSociety6EtsyBuilt-in PODYesNo (requires integration)Custom StorefrontNoYesBrandingLimitedFull controlPOD Product Range80+ SKUsUnlimited (via integrations)

If you're looking to keep things simple, Society6 is the clear winner for getting started fast. No tech setup. No fulfilment. No headaches.

But if you're serious about creating a brand, setting your own prices, and building long-term equity in your business, Etsy gives you far more flexibility and control.

It takes more upfront effort, but you’re building something that’s actually yours.

Verdict:
Society6 is the easiest to start. But Etsy’s flexibility gives you way more power in the long run.

Setup: Getting Started Without Losing Your Mind

When you're just starting out, setup time matters. Some platforms let you get selling within the hour, others feel like setting up a full ecommerce business — because you are.

Society6 setup? Took me 15 minutes, max. It’s built for speed and simplicity.

Here’s how it works:

Upload your art files (they’ll walk you through sizing) Choose which products to apply your designs to — posters, canvases, throw pillows, bath mats, etc. Add a title, tags, and categories

There’s no storefront to design. No shipping settings to mess with. No need to connect a domain or payment processor.

Everything’s handled for you. You’re basically renting space on Society6’s marketplace.

Etsy setup? It’s a real project — not hard, but definitely more involved.

You’ll need to:

Create a seller account and set up your payment and billing details Design your storefront — banner image, logo, shop description Pick your print-on-demand partner (I use Printful and Printify the most) Connect the integration app Sync your products, set your prices, choose your mockups Configure shipping settings, taxes, return policies

That’s a lot of steps compared to Society6. But this is also where you start owning your brand.

StepSociety6Etsy with PODAccount CreationSimpleRequires business detailsStore DesignNot applicableFull custom brandingProduct SetupBuilt-in interfaceSync via Printful/PrintifyTime to Launch15–30 minutes2–5 hours (or more)

Verdict:
Society6 wins on ease. It's great if you want to get up and running without any hassle.
But if you’re in it for the long haul and want control over your branding, Etsy is worth the extra effort.

Design, Branding & Store Control

If you care about building a real brand — something customers remember and come back to — this section matters more than anything.

This is where Society6 falls flat. You’re basically listing your art in a massive catalogue.

No storefront. No brand identity. You can’t control how your products are presented beyond the title, tags, and a short description.

Here’s what you don’t get with Society6:

No logo or custom header No control over layout or page design No ability to build an email list No connection to your social media You’re just another artist in a sea of listings

You’re dependent on Society6’s algorithm and promotions. And if your product doesn’t get featured or picked up by search? You vanish.

With Etsy? It’s a whole different game.

Upload your logo, create a custom banner, and write your shop bio Control your product titles, descriptions, and tags for SEO Choose your product photography and set up custom mockups Build an email list using integrations like Klaviyo or Mailchimp Drive traffic through your Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and link your shop

It feels like your shop, because it actually is. You’re not just selling prints — you’re building a business.

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:

FeatureSociety6EtsyLogo & BrandingNoYesCustom Store DesignNoFull design controlEmail List IntegrationNot availableSupported via integrationsSocial Media ConnectionsNoYes – connect and drive trafficCustomer RelationshipAnonymousYou can build direct relationships

Verdict:
Etsy dominates here. If you're building a real business, this stuff isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Fees & Profit Margins: Who’s Taking the Bigger Cut?

This is where things start to separate pretty clearly — and where your actual income gets decided.

Here’s the kicker: margins. You could sell the same $25 print on both platforms, but what you keep can vary wildly.

Society6 works on a royalty-based model. That means they set the retail price for most products, and you get a small cut — usually fixed.

The only exception is art prints, where you can adjust your markup.

Here’s how it breaks down:

Art prints: You choose your markup (e.g. add $5–$10 on top of the base) Other products: Fixed royalty (often $1–$4, sometimes even less) You can’t see the full breakdown of production costs — it’s baked into their pricing

So while it’s passive and low-maintenance, the payout per sale is very limited.

Etsy, on the other hand, puts you in control. You set your prices based on your POD partner’s base cost (like Printful or Printify), and Etsy takes its cut through fees.

Here’s what you’ll pay on Etsy:

Listing fee: $0.20 per item Transaction fee: 6.5% of the sale price Payment processing fee: Around 3% + $0.25 (depends on your location) Optional Etsy Ads: If you want to boost visibility

So if you sell a $25 print on Etsy through Printful (base cost around $11), you’re walking away with roughly $10–$13 profit per sale — more than double what you’d earn on Society6.

PlatformCost to CustomerYou EarnFees & CostsSociety6$25~$3–$5Hidden production cost, fixed royaltiesEtsy + Printful$25~$10–$13$0.20 listing + 6.5% transaction + ~3% payment fee

This matters a lot if you’re doing volume. That $7–$10 difference per sale adds up fast.

Verdict:
Etsy gives you better profit margins — if you’re willing to do a bit more work upfront.

You control pricing, you see your costs, and you actually keep most of what you earn.

Society6? Easier, but less money in your pocket.

Traffic & Discovery: Who Brings the Buyers?

This is the part most new sellers overlook — but it’s everything.

Society6 brings built-in traffic. People go there looking for art and home goods.

They might type in something like “cool abstract posters,” and if your design matches the keywords, you could show up in search.

But here’s the catch:

You’re one of thousands of artists Listings are controlled by their algorithm If you’re not featured or trending, your visibility tanks

Society6’s traffic is passive — it comes to you, but only if the algorithm likes your stuff that week.

Etsy? Same idea, much bigger playground.

Over 90 million active buyers Strong organic search engine presence High-intent shoppers looking for unique, creative products

But Etsy gives you tools that Society6 doesn’t. On Etsy, you can:

Run Etsy Ads to boost visibility in search Optimise your listings with targeted keywords for SEO (titles, tags, descriptions) Build repeat traffic by growing your brand and fan base Connect your store to social platforms and drive external traffic

You’re not just waiting for Etsy to feature you — you’re building momentum yourself.

FeatureSociety6EtsyBuilt-in Marketplace TrafficYesYesSEO ControlNoFull control (titles, tags, URLs)Paid AdsNoYes – Etsy AdsExternal MarketingLimited to noneFull access (social, email, blogs)Long-Term VisibilityAlgorithm-dependentBrand-driven + SEO-scalable

Verdict:
Etsy wins on scalable traffic.

Society6 can give you a little passive exposure, but Etsy hands you the tools to grow visibility over time — if you’re willing to market smart and play the long game.

Product Variety & Print Quality

When it comes to what you can actually sell, both platforms offer a lot — but in very different ways.

Society6 has a built-in catalogue of over 80+ unique products. And they’re not just the usual T-shirts and mugs. You’ll find:

Rugs Shower curtains Furniture like credenzas and side tables Wall tapestries Throw pillows, coasters, and comforters

It’s quirky, artsy, and product development is handled entirely by them. You just upload your designs and apply them to the available templates.

The catch? You’re limited to what they offer — no way to go outside their range or use a third-party fulfiller.

Etsy with POD integrations? Pretty much endless.

What you can sell depends on your print-on-demand provider. For example:

Printful: Clothing, posters, hats, bags, wall art, embroidery, stickers Printify: Phone cases, mugs, canvas prints, pet products, puzzles Gelato: Posters, calendars, books, and more (with global fulfilment) Gooten: Home decor, travel bags, and niche items

That flexibility means you can test product types fast, respond to trends, and even switch suppliers if needed.

Print Quality?
Both platforms can be hit or miss, depending on the item and production partner.

Society6 uses its own network of third-party manufacturers. Some users report great quality, others mention poor colour accuracy or inconsistent packaging. Etsy POD quality depends entirely on your provider. In my experience: Printful is excellent — consistent colours, reliable fulfilment Printify can vary by supplier (they use a large network) Best approach? Order samples before you commit

Here’s how the two stack up:

FeatureSociety6Etsy with PODProduct Variety80+ built-in SKUsUnlimited (varies by provider)Unique Product TypesRugs, furniture, tapestriesApparel, accessories, decor, giftsCustom Supplier OptionsNo – Society6 onlyYes – choose among Printful, etc.Print Quality ControlMixed – you have no controlHigher – depends on chosen providerSample OrdersNot availableAvailable through most POD partners

Verdict:
Etsy wins on flexibility. You can sell almost anything, test fast, and change suppliers as needed.

But Society6 wins on unique SKUs — it’s the only place I know where you can sell a credenza with your artwork on it.

Marketing Tools

This is where the difference between the two platforms becomes night and day — especially if you're thinking long-term.

Society6 gives you… nothing.

And I mean that literally. There’s no built-in marketing dashboard. No tools for capturing leads. No way to re-engage past buyers.

You list your designs and hope the platform features you or that someone stumbles across your work.

What’s missing:

No email collection or campaigns No analytics dashboard No discount codes or promotions No control over retargeting or ad spend

If you want traffic or repeat business, you’ll have to send it there yourself — but you can’t track or retarget those visitors. It’s a closed ecosystem.

Etsy? Total opposite.

While it’s not a full-blown marketing suite, Etsy gives you just enough to build and scale real growth.

Here’s what you get out of the box:

Discount codes for promotions, seasonal sales, or rewarding return buyers Email campaign tools (via integrations like Mailchimp or Etsy’s built-in messages) Abandoned cart recovery — Etsy emails potential buyers who left items behind SEO customisation — you control listing titles, tags, categories, and meta descriptions Etsy Ads to promote your listings across Etsy’s search and platform

And if you're looking to level up, you can plug into serious marketing tools:

Google Analytics for tracking store performance and user behaviour Pinterest Ads for visual product discovery Klaviyo or Mailchimp to build automated email flows, abandoned cart sequences, and product recommendations

Here's how they compare:

FeatureSociety6EtsyDiscount & Promo CodesNoYesEmail MarketingNoYes – via integrationsAbandoned Cart RecoveryNoYes – built-inSEO OptimisationNoFull control over listingsPaid AdsNoEtsy Ads availableAnalyticsBasic sales data onlySupports Google Analytics & third-party toolsRetargeting & RemarketingNoPossible with external tools

Verdict:
If you’re serious about building a brand and driving repeat sales, Etsy wins by miles.

Society6 just isn’t built for sellers who want control over growth or strategy — it’s more of a passive listing platform.

Etsy gives you the tools to actually market, scale, and turn visitors into long-term buyers.

Support & Fulfilment

This part comes down to how hands-on you want to be after the sale is made.

Fulfilment and customer service can either be fully automated or a shared responsibility — depending on the platform.

Society6 handles everything.

Once someone places an order, Society6 takes over. They:

Print and ship the product Deal with customer emails Handle returns, replacements, and tracking Manage delays or damaged goods

It’s a true “set it and forget it” model. You don’t interact with the customer at all.

While that’s convenient, it also means you can’t build customer relationships or directly resolve any issues — you're completely out of the loop.

Etsy? It depends on how you’ve set things up.

If you're using a POD partner like Printful or Printify, they handle:

Printing and fulfilment Shipping (with tracking) Some support, like replacing damaged items

But you’re still the storefront owner — so customers come to you when there’s a problem. That means:

You write and manage your shop’s policies You’re the first line of communication for complaints, refunds, or questions You may need to coordinate between the customer and your POD provider

It’s more work, but it also gives you flexibility and control over how issues are handled.

FeatureSociety6Etsy with POD PartnerOrder FulfilmentFully handled by Society6Managed by POD provider (e.g. Printful)Customer SupportSociety6 responds directlyYou respond, POD helps in backgroundReturns & RefundsManaged by Society6You manage or coordinate with supplierShipping & TrackingIncluded, automatedProvided by POD partnerSeller InvolvementNoneMedium – depends on setup

Verdict:
Society6 is more passive — you don’t lift a finger after the sale.

But with Etsy, you sacrifice ease for flexibility. You get to decide how your business responds, what your return policy looks like, and how customer service is handled.

For brand builders, that trade-off is often worth it.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Use?

At the end of the day, choosing between Society6 and Etsy comes down to what you’re trying to build.

If you’re just dipping your toes into print-on-demand and want something passive with zero setup headaches, Society6 is an easy entry point.

It’s hands-off, low effort, and doesn’t require marketing or tech skills.

But if you’re here to build a real business — one with repeat customers, a strong brand, and scalable revenue — Etsy is where that happens.

You’ll have to put in more work upfront, but the long-term control and profitability make it worth it.

Here’s how I recommend thinking about it:

Use CaseMy RecommendationTotal beginner, no audience, no time to marketSociety6Want to build a brand, grow traffic, scale salesEtsyWant to test and build at the same timeUse both — start with Society6, scale Etsy

Here’s what I do:

I use Society6 to test low-effort designs. It’s a sandbox — I throw some artwork up, see what gets traction, and move on. I don’t expect big returns from it, but it’s a nice passive add-on.

But 90% of my energy goes into my Etsy store. That’s where I’ve built my customer base, my brand, and my income.

It’s also where I have the most control — and that control is everything when you're playing the long game.

If you're serious about print-on-demand and want to create something that lasts, Etsy's the one to back.

The post Society6 vs Etsy: Which Is Better? appeared first on Ecommerce-Platforms.com.

Decentralized Exchanges Hit Record High, Capture 25% of Global Spot Trading Volume in May

admin — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:10:28 +0000

A major milestone occurred for the cryptocurrency industry in May 2025 when decentralized exchanges (DEXs) reached an unprecedented global market share of 25% in spot trading volume.

The news was reported by The Block, a leading authority in digital assets, but was not given much coverage. Some analysts suggested that this was simply a growing sector of the overall Web3 market, with DEXs accounting for a mere 5% of total online trading. Other commentators have raised concerns about reliable tracking and volume inflation.

In the last month, the overall volume that decentralized exchanges (DEXs) handled came to a breathtaking $410.2 billion. This amount serves as an impressive representation of the steadily increasing popularity of DEXs and the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector in the crypto space.

Top Performers: PancakeSwap Dominates with $171.6 Billion in Volume

PancakeSwap was the front-runner in May; this DEX (decentralized exchange) is built on the BNB Chain. It, of all platforms, achieved the most impressive figure in terms of spot trading volume. PancakeSwap’s spot trading volume was $171.6 billion. Why is PancakeSwap where on-chain traders want to be? There are a few reasons. One is that the platform has a lot of trading pairs, and most of them are good (low slippage, etc.). Another is that it has low fees. And a third is that its presence in the “memecoin” community is something to behold.

After PancakeSwap, two other platforms reaped hefty rewards — Aerodrome and PumpSwap — each bringing in almost $15 billion in trading volume. Those numbers underscore just how competitive decentralized trading platforms are with one another nowadays and how strong the demand is for trading environments that users can control.

These platforms are not rising merely because crypto is up or because the market is, for now, ecstatic. They are rising because a deeper shift is taking place in the infrastructure of blockchain — one that promises greater user autonomy, privacy, and interoperability.

Why Traders Are Moving to DEXs: Trust, Tech, and Token Mania

The swift surge in decentralized exchanges can be attributed to many underlying factors.

A decline in trust toward centralized exchanges (CEXs) has emerged as one of the most significant drivers of the current crypto asset bear market. For several years now, a prominent run of exchange failures, regulatory crackdowns, and freezes of user funds has done a great job of knocking down the CEXs that some were propping up as the best places to store trust in the crypto ecosystem. These events, viewed individually or together, have creased the confidence of those who were previously faithful to CEXs. And that’s not to mention how the story may crescendo with upcoming crypto exchange regulations.

Increasing interest in memecoins has been critical as well. These highly speculative tokens tend to launch with and gain momentum on decentralized platforms, producing a spectacular volume of on-chain trading activity. DEXs, which allow anyone to list a token and trade without centralized gatekeeping, are particularly well-suited to this type of trading frenzy.

The decentralized exchanges have vastly improved in terms of user experience, thanks to several factors. One is the recent development of the crypto wallet, which can now take the form of a mobile app, a browser extension, or even a new kind of physical interfaceport for your computer. A well-designed wallet makes it super convenient to interact with decentralized protocols. When you take away the need for any esoteric knowledge or any kind of cumbersome intermediary, you also take away the friction that keeps new users from trying out this promising new crypto frontier.

A New Era of Decentralized Finance Is Taking Shape

User confidence and technical upgrades aside, DEXs are increasingly seen as architecturally superior to the best centralized exchange (CEX) and even to the worst CEX in the crypto universe. Composability, or the ability to work with other DeFi protocols; permissionless innovation, or the fact that no one needs to ask for permission to build on a DEX; and cross-chain interoperability, or the ability to operate with assets on other blockchains, make DEXs more adaptable, flexible, and resilient than CEXs.

Layered financial products that interact with other DeFi tools are the main focus of composability. It allows developers to build DeFi systems in such a way that these systems can interact with each other. If you use a DeFi application, you’re probably using it in tandem with at least one other application. These interactions are the basis of composability.

Not only is volume surging, but there’s also a fundamental reorientation of the crypto market infrastructure.

While more users look for alternatives to centralized services, decentralized exchanges are not a fringe part of the crypto landscape anymore. DEXs are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of how digital assets are traded and managed around the world.

If the present momentum continues, we may soon see a market in which decentralized platforms take a place equal to—if not dominant over—centralized ones in shaping the global crypto trading future.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

Follow us on Twitter @themerklehash to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, and Metaverse news!

The post Decentralized Exchanges Hit Record High, Capture 25% of Global Spot Trading Volume in May appeared first on The Merkle News.