Learning the friendly way

Near Protocol tillhör den nya generationen blockkedjeplattformar som sätter användarvänlighet och skalbarhet i fokus. Plattformen lanserades 2020 och erbjuder ett snabbare och mer effektivt alternativ till äldre blockkedjenätverk, utan att kompromissa med säkerheten.

Efter flera års utveckling har Near Protocol etablerat sig som en stark aktör inom kategorin layer-1 blockkedjor.

Sammanfattning:

• Skalbart och utvecklarvänligt: Near Protocol är en decentraliserad layer-1-blockkedja byggd för hög skalbarhet och enkel utveckling av decentraliserade appar (dapps).
• Sharding och låga avgifter: Använder ett unikt shardat Proof-of-Stake-system (Nightshade) för effektiv transaktionshantering och låga kostnader.
• Cross-chain interoperabilitet: Rainbow Bridge möjliggör sömlösa överföringar mellan Near och Ethereum.
• NEAR-token: Det inhemska ekosystemet drivs av NEAR, som används för transaktioner, staking och styrning, med ett totalt utbud på 1,23 miljarder tokens.

Vad är Near Protocol (NEAR)?

Near Protocol är en decentraliserad blockkedjeplattform skapad för att vara både användarvänlig och skalbar. Plattformen stödjer utveckling av decentraliserade applikationer (dapps) med särskilt fokus på att förenkla användarupplevelsen för både utvecklare och slutanvändare.

Near använder en variant av Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) som kallas Nightshade, där nätverket delas upp i flera parallella segment (shards) som behandlar transaktioner samtidigt. Resultatet är snabba transaktioner, låga avgifter och en betydligt mindre miljöpåverkan jämfört med traditionella Proof-of-Work-nätverk.

En annan viktig funktion är att Near tillåter mänskligt läsbara kontonamn, vilket gör användarinteraktionen enklare då långa, svårtydda plånboksadresser elimineras. Plattformen stödjer dessutom WebAssembly (WASM) och erbjuder utvecklarverktyg som förenklar byggandet av dapps.

Med hjälp av Rainbow Bridge erbjuder Near smidiga tillgångsöverföringar mellan Near och Ethereum, vilket skapar större interoperabilitet inom blockkedjevärlden. Ekosystemet har lockat projekt inom DeFi, NFT:er, spel och sociala applikationer.

Vem grundade Near Protocol?

Near Protocol grundades av Erik Trautman, en entreprenör med bakgrund från Wall Street och grundare av Viking Education. Han samarbetade med två tekniska medgrundare: Illia Polosukhin, tidigare utvecklare på Google, och Alexander Skidanov, tidigare ingenjör på Microsoft och Director of Engineering på memSQL.

Teamet kombinerade expertis inom finans, maskininlärning och distribuerade system för att ta itu med skalbarhetsproblemen som blockchain-nätverk stod inför.

Near utvecklades för att erbjuda en plattform som kan möta behoven för bredare användning utan att tumma på säkerhet och decentralisering. Idag stöds projektet av Near Foundation i Schweiz, som sköter styrning och tillväxt av ekosystemet.

Hur fungerar Near Protocol?

Konsensus och arkitektur

Near Protocol använder en shardad arkitektur kallad Nightshade som delar nätverket i flera delar (shards) där transaktioner hanteras parallellt. Detta möjliggör horisontell skalning och effektiv transaktionshantering.

Med hjälp av mekanismen Doomslug kan Near dessutom uppnå nära omedelbar transaktionsfinalitet, vilket innebär att transaktioner anses vara slutgiltiga direkt efter bekräftelse.

Nätverket bygger på en unik shardad Proof-of-Stake-modell där innehavare av NEAR-tokens kan stakea sina tokens eller delegera dem till validerare som säkrar nätverket.

Smart contracts och utvecklarstöd

Near stödjer smarta kontrakt skrivna i Rust och JavaScript, som kompileras till WebAssembly (WASM). Detta ger utvecklare flexibilitet att bygga komplexa applikationer med bekanta språk.

Användarvänliga funktioner

Near erbjuder mänskligt läsbara kontonamn och funktioner som återställningsbara konton, flerpartsautentisering och möjligheten att sponsra transaktionsavgifter för andra användare – vilket förenklar användarupplevelsen ytterligare.

Cross-chain interoperabilitet

Med Rainbow Bridge kan användare flytta tillgångar mellan Near och Ethereum sömlöst, vilket ökar nyttan och integrationen mellan blockkedjor.

Vad är NEAR?

NEAR är den inhemska tokenen inom Near-ekosystemet och används till flera ändamål:

• Betalning av transaktionsavgifter och lagringskostnader
• Staking för att bidra till nätverkets säkerhet och få belöningar
• Röstning och deltagande i protokollets styrning

Tokenen följer en inflationsmodell med ett tak på totalt 1,23 miljarder tokens, varav cirka 1,18 miljarder redan är i omlopp vid tiden för skrivandet.

Hur kan jag köpa och sälja NEAR?

Du kan enkelt köpa, sälja, handla och förvara NEAR genom Tap-appen. På Tap kan du hantera NEAR tillsammans med dina andra digitala tillgångar och få en sömlös och säker användarupplevelse.

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Tap experienced a significant growth in our user base during Q1 2023. While this was a cause for celebration, it also attracted the unwanted attention of fraudsters. Lured by our platform's quick onboarding and seamless fiat and crypto transactions, these fraudsters exploited remote access tools like Teamviewer and Anydesk to abuse vulnerable individuals . In response, we felt compelled to implement a robust and necessary Anti-Scam Protection Feature.

This feature, while stringent and non-negotiable, is not designed to control our users' app preferences. Instead, it is a forceful, yet crucial measure to ensure their safety and protect the integrity of our platform.

Regulatory Responsibility: As a regulated financial entity, we're duty-bound to shield our users from potential threats and foster safe digital practices. Our Anti-Scam Protection Feature stands as testament to this commitment. It doesn't merely warn users about potentially risky apps; it mandates their removal to ensure the secure use of our services.

Proactive Measures: Scams utilizing remote access tools can be highly sophisticated and often slip past even the most vigilant defenses. Our feature is a stringent proactive measure, akin to a car's seatbelt, designed to preemptively avert such situations.

User Autonomy: At Tap, we deeply value our users' autonomy and their ability to manage their digital safety. However, we also acknowledge that scammers' tactics can be complex and deceptive. The Anti-Scam Protection Feature is our firm stand against such threats, ensuring all users can safely navigate the digital banking landscape.

At Tap, we go beyond secure transactions. Our vision is to create a 'super app' that caters to everyone's needs. We prioritize the protection and well-being of all our customers, including our beloved pops and nans. Understanding the older generation's vulnerability to scams, we are committed to making digital banking accessible and safe for people of all ages. This feature is a significant step towards that vision.

Now, it's crucial to understand an often-overlooked concept outside the payments industry – the "fraud threshold." This measure ensures that financial platforms don't profit from fraudulent transactions. While a high fraud rate may inflate revenues temporarily, it risks losing critical payment services like GBP - Faster Payments and Euro SEPA transfers over time.

Weighing the pros and cons of our Anti-Scam Protection Feature provides a clearer perspective:

CONS:

• Potential displeasure amongst users of apps like Teamviewer, Anydesk, and others.
• Possible loss of a few users.
  

PROS:

• Protection of user life savings.
• Deterrence of scammers.
• Preservation of crucial payment relationships.
• Ensuring availability of payment rails for all our users.
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The Anti-Scam Protection Feature is an assertive measure, and we understand it may cause some inconvenience. But it's an essential step in our commitment to providing a safe, secure, and accessible digital banking environment for everyone.

Crypto ATMs have been around since 2013 and while their initial integration was slow, just 7 years later there are over 30,500 Bitcoin ATMs around the world. Providing a convenient means of buying and selling the world’s biggest digital currency, here we explore how crypto ATMs can propel crypto adoption.  

Cryptocurrencies have come a long way since the advent of Bitcoin in 2009, and with each passing year more firmly establish themselves in the traditional financial landscape. Bitcoin ATMs are here to support this drive and further establish the digital currency in everyday lives, around the world. And not just Bitcoin ATMs, there are also a number of other cryptocurrencies supported which we’ll cover in more detail below.

History of Bitcoin ATMs

The first Bitcoin ATM launched in October 2013 in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada. The coffee shop was one of roughly 20 in the area that accepted the digital currency at the time. Created by an American company Robocoin (which later closed in 2015) and a Vancouver-based company called Bitcoiniacs, the ATM used palm scans to authenticate users and allow for a maximum trade of $3,000 worth of Bitcoin a day.  

A month and a half later, another Bitcoin was installed in Bratislava, Slovakia, becoming Europe’s first Bitcoin ATM. A few months after that, Bitcoin ATMs started popping up in the United States, and adoption steadily increased. By 2015, there were a total of 329 crypto ATMs around the world, 500 in 2016, which doubled to 1,000 by 2017.  

The number of crypto ATMs continued to double each year, reaching a total of 6,400 in early 2020. At the start of 2021, there were just under 14,000 of these machines around the world, increasing quickly to over 30,000 by the end of the year. It’s safe to conclude that the power of crypto ATMs has been recognised, and continues to grow as adoption heads in the same direction.  

Crypto ATMs vs traditional ATMs

The most significant differences between the two are that the traditional ATMs are operated by a bank while crypto ATMs are connected to the relevant blockchain via the operator, these two can both accept and dispense cash.  

From a regulatory standpoint, crypto ATMs need to follow the AML/KYC (anti-money laundering and know your customer) regulations outlined by the jurisdiction they are operating in. This will also affect the limits of both deposits and withdrawals allowed by the machine, and in some regions, the ATM will also require a money transmitter licence.  

The downside to crypto ATMs is the fees. Fees can range from 7% - 25% depending on the operator, the location and the trade. While they allow for quick and easy purchase or sale of various cryptocurrencies with fewer KYC verifications necessary than on a traditional exchange, this does come at a price. However, the crypto ATMs also allow users to tap into the relevant network who might not otherwise have access to an online exchange or bank account.  

Of the over 30,500 crypto ATMs around the world, the following cryptocurrencies are currently supported:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Lightning BTC (LBTC)
• Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Dash (DASH)
• Litecoin (LTC)
• Zcash (ZEC)
• Monero (XMR)
• Dogecoin (DOGE)
• Tether (USDT)
• Ripple (XRP)
  

How crypto ATMs are fueling adoption

These decentralized crypto ATMs have seen a huge growth in popularity over the last 5 years, allowing users to easily exchange one fiat currency for a digital one. Providing an easy means of transaction in over 75 countries, crypto ATMs are facilitating a seamless means in which to travel - instead of exchanging one fiat for another, simply withdrawal the fiat at a crypto ATM on arrival.

While crypto ATMs and adoption go hand in hand, it might lend closer to a chicken/egg conversation (which came first) as both operations are fueled by the other. With more crypto ATMs, more people can gain access to the peer-to-peer based payment system thus increasing adoption, while growing adoption creates more of a demand for crypto ATMs.  

In the coming years, we will more than likely see the continued growth of crypto ATMs around the world, alongside a similar growth in crypto adoption as the digital currencies become more integrated into the financial sector and our daily lives.

Onyxcoin (XCN), tidigare känt som Chain (CHN), representerar ett stort steg framåt inom blockchaininfrastruktur. Sedan omprofileringen i mars 2022 har projektet blivit ett ledande alternativ för företag som vill bygga finansiella tjänster på privata blockchain-nätverk. Men vad är det som gör XCN så intressant? Låt oss dyka in.

Vad är XCN?

XCN är kryptovalutan bakom Onyx Protocol – ett flexibelt blockchainnätverk som är utvecklat för att förbättra finansiella avvecklingar. Det används både som nyckel för att få tillgång till tjänster och som styrningsverktyg inom det decentraliserade ekosystemet.

Onyx Protocol möjliggör att separata nätverk kommunicerar smidigt genom gemensamma standarder. Det är både säkert och flexibelt tack vare ett system där tillgångskontroll separeras från registersynkronisering. Nätverket förlitar sig på ett utvalt antal ”block signers” för att säkerställa integritet och en enda ”block generator” för effektiv blockskapande.

Allt detta styrs via Onyx DAO på Ethereum, där XCN används för styrning, premiumtjänster och uppgraderingar av nätverket.

Projektet startades 2014 och har stöttats av investerare som Nasdaq och Citigroup. Det har sedan dess utvecklats till en avancerad och självständig blockchainlösning.

Viktiga egenskaper:

• Molnbaserad blockchain-infrastruktur för företag
• Anpassningsbara verktyg för tillgångsskapande
• Smart contracts via "control programs"
• DAO-styrning för användarinflytande
• Tjänstnivåer: standard och premium

Marknadsanalys: Tekniskt och fundamentalt

Tokenomics

Det finns totalt 48,47 miljarder XCN, varav cirka 65 % redan är i cirkulation. Av detta är 15 miljarder reserverade för stiftelsen och 10 miljarder för DAO:n, med en månadsvis tilldelning om 200 miljoner XCN för att hålla utbudet under kontroll.

Teknisk arkitektur

• Parallella blockchain-nätverk
• Strikt åtkomstkontroll för tillgångar
• Validering via betrodda noder
• Effektiv blockproduktion

Volym, volatilitet och marknadssentiment

Handelsvolym

XCN:s handelsvolymer kan säga mycket om marknadsintresset. Höga eller stabila volymer tyder ofta på stark aktivitet, medan hastiga upp- eller nedgångar kan spegla spekulation eller nyheter.

Prisvolatilitet

XCN:s pris har växlat mellan stabilitet och snabba rörelser. Volatilitet lockar vissa investerare men kan avskräcka andra. Rörelserna påverkas ofta av makroekonomiska faktorer och branschens övergripande humör.

Sentiment

Via sociala medier, forum och nyhetsrapportering kan man få en bild av marknadens attityd. Positiva nyheter om projektets utveckling har genererat optimistiskt sentiment, medan osäkerhet kan trycka ner stämningen.

Korttidsprognoser (1–3 år)

Möjligt positivt scenario

Drivkrafter:

• Företagsanpassning (partnerskap, adoption)
• Teknologiska förbättringar (transaktionstider, avgifter)
• Ökat institutionellt intresse

Prognos: $0.005 – $0.015 beroende på utveckling och marknadens respons

Möjligt negativt scenario

Risker:

• Regulatorisk osäkerhet
• Konkurrens från liknande projekt

Prognos: $0.001 – $0.0017

Långsiktsprognoser (3–5 år)

Möjligt positivt scenario

Drivkrafter:

• Utbredd användning av Onyx-teknik
• Ekosystemets tillväxt
• Kryptomarknadens generella expansion

Prognos: $0.02 – $0.08 beroende på tillväxt och innovation

Möjligt negativt scenario

Risker:

• Lång nedgång i kryptomarknaden
• Överlägsen konkurrens

Prognos: $0.0005 – $0.0015

Slutsats

Onyxcoin (XCN) har potential att växa genom ökad användning och teknisk utveckling, men står också inför utmaningar som kan påverka dess framtid. Prognoserna varierar kraftigt beroende på marknadens riktning, teknologins framsteg och investerarnas förtroende.

Som alltid när det gäller digitala tillgångar, är det klokt att läsa på ordentligt, följa utvecklingen nära och reflektera över sin egen risktolerans. Håll koll på XCN direkt i Tap-appen för senaste uppdateringar och prisrörelser.

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No matter your travel budget, navigating ATM fees is worth your time when travelling around Europe. In this article, we’re giving you a run-through of the common charges you may face, from withdrawal and balance inquiry fees to currency conversion costs, and how to easily navigate them. 

Why do ATMs charge fees?

Wondering why ATMs charge those pesky fees? The truth is, there's a cost involved for the banks behind those convenient cash machines. They have to stock the cash, maintain the equipment, and liaise with your home bank to reconcile the transactions. Those ATM fees you see? That's how banks recoup those operational expenses, with a little profit margin added in for good measure.

Common ATM fees in Europe

When using ATMs in Europe, you'll likely encounter several common fees that can mount up fast. While less common in the UK, in countries like Germany, ATM fees can quickly add up to €4. Let’s take a look at what kinds of fees one might encounter. 

Bear in mind that the amount you'll have to pay at a European ATM depends on two main factors:

• Your home bank's fees: they may charge a withdrawal fee, typically a few euros to several dollars, every time you use an ATM abroad.
• The ATM's own fees: the bank that owns the ATM you're using may also levy its own withdrawal fee, on top of what your home bank charges.

These charges will vary depending on your bank, so be sure to check before leaving. While most banks list their ATM use charges in their terms, with some offering limited free withdrawals, others charge a flat fee per transaction, especially for out-of-network or international ATM use, so be mindful of potential fees when accessing your money abroad.

In addition to withdrawal fees, you may also encounter balance inquiry fees just for checking your account balance, as well as conversion or foreign transaction fees when using a card issued outside of the Eurozone.

Factors affecting ATM fees

The fees you'll encounter at European ATMs can vary quite a bit depending on several key factors. First, the location of the ATM makes a big difference - if it's part of your home bank's network, you'll likely pay lower (or even no) withdrawal fees. But use an out-of-network machine, and those charges can start to add up quickly.

The type of card you're using also plays a role. Debit cards generally incur fewer fees than credit cards when used for ATM withdrawals. And your home bank's specific policies on international ATM use can further impact the costs you face.

Keeping these variables in mind as you access cash abroad will help you sidestep unnecessary fees and make your travel budget stretch further.

Tips for minimising ATM fees in Europe

When navigating the ATM landscape in Europe, there are a few savvy strategies you can employ to steer clear of those ATM fees:

• Seek out a bank account that offers fee-free withdrawals - some digital-only banks provide a certain number of complimentary ATM transactions each month.
• Stick to ATMs owned and operated by banks, rather than independent machines often found in convenience stores, as those are more likely to come with added charges.
• Be strategic with your cash withdrawals - if your account allows for free branch ATM use, plan ahead and make larger, less frequent withdrawals to minimise fees. Conversely, if you have a limited number of free monthly transactions, opt for larger sums to get more mileage from those.
• Finally, minimise cash usage altogether by relying on your debit card for payments wherever possible, reserving cash for small, cash-only establishments like markets.

By employing these tactics, you can keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket while exploring Europe.

The Tap Solution

Tap provides users within the European zone with a free prepaid crypto and fiat card that can be used anywhere in the world. Powered by Mastercard, the card links directly to the funds in the holder’s Tap app, allowing them to easily manage their money and constantly be in the know. 

With all options providing free card deposits and free in store purchases, the premium options offer impressive fees when it comes to exchanging and trading funds. When it comes to monthly ATM withdrawals, the Essential account allows free withdrawals up to €500, higher tiers offer up to €1,000, while the Prestige level provides unlimited free withdrawals before incurring charges.

Get more information about the available options when it comes to your Tap card here. 

Conclusion

In summary, being aware of European ATM fees - including withdrawal charges, balance inquiries, and currency conversion costs - is key to managing your travel budget. Research your bank's policies, locate in-network ATMs, and strategise cash withdrawals before your trip. With some smart planning, you can sidestep unnecessary fees and make the most of your time exploring Europe.

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Let's be honest, entering the world of crypto can feel like trying to surf a tsunami while blindfolded. Especially during a bull market, when excitement is running high and everyone seems to be making money, it's easy to get swept up in the madness. We’ve all be there. But here's the deal: smart surfing is about strategy, not just catching the biggest wave.

What you need to know about bull markets

A bull market is crypto's version of spring - everything's blooming, prices are rising, and optimism is in the air. But just like spring can bring unexpected storms, the crypto market has its own unpredictable weather.

Do your homework (just do it)

Forget following random influencers promising overnight riches. The crypto world moves fast, and information is your best life jacket. Here's what to focus on:

• Research is your superpower: Dive deep into projects. What problem are they solving? Who's behind the team? What makes them unique?
• Understand the narratives: The crypto market loves stories. Right now, everyone's talking about AI tokens, decentralised infrastructure, and meme coins. Know what's trending, but don't just jump in blindly.

Build your crypto survival kit

Think of your crypto journey like preparing for an adventure:

1. Diversification is your friendsome text
   • Don't put all your eggs in one digital basket
   • Mix different types of cryptocurrencies
   • Consider a blend of established coins and promising new projects
2. Emotional discipline is your mentorsome text
   • FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is the crypto trader's worst enemy
   • Set clear goals and stick to them
   • Have a plan for both buying and selling

Spot the red flags and warning signs

Spotting the red flags

• Promises of guaranteed returns? 🚩 Red flag
• Projects with zero transparency? 🚩 Run away
• Everyone's talking about a coin, and you feel pressured? Take a breath

Risk management implementation

• Only invest what you can afford to lose
• Consider using strategies like Dollar Cost Averaging (buying small amounts regularly)
• Set up stop-loss mechanisms to protect your investment

The learning never stops

There’s nothing wrong with a long-term hodl plan. But if you’re looking to shake things up: stay curious, stay learning:

• Follow reputable crypto news sources
• Join community discussions
• Watch educational content from experienced traders

Always look beyond the hype

Look beyond price. Understanding blockchain technology, market trends, and the real-world applications of cryptocurrencies will make you a smarter investor.

Mindset matters

Remember, this isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. It's a journey of learning, strategy, and calculated risks. Some days you'll feel like a crypto wizard, other days like you're playing financial Jenga.

Pro tips from the crypto trenches

• Keep emotions in check
• Don't chase every shiny new token
• Learn from both your wins and losses
• Stay humble and curious

The bottom line

Crypto trading during a bull market is thrilling, but it's not a lottery. It's about informed decisions, continuous learning, and maintaining a level head.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. The crypto market is volatile, and past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Always do your own research and consider consulting with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Stay smart, stay safe, and enjoy the ride! 

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