Key Takeaways - Acer’s multifunction stand combines laptop support, USB connectivity, RGB lighting, and extra desk organisation in one product.Portronics Bubble 3.0 offers wireless connectivity, a full-size layout, multimedia keys, and support for multiple operating systems.Plexda’s adjustable footrest provides six height levels, massage features, and added support for a more comfortable desk setup.A comfortable home office does not need a long list of expensive equipment. A few well-chosen gadgets can make a desk more organized, improve comfort, add useful connections, and make long work sessions easier. The Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2026 brings attention to several affordable options that can fit different home office needs. Among the useful picks are an Acer multifunction laptop stand, a SWAPKART USB desk lamp, a Plexda adjustable footrest, a Portronics wireless keyboard, and an RTS universal travel adapter.Acer Ergo Multifunction Monitor, Laptop StandThe Acer Ergo Multifunction Monitor & Laptop Stand is a practical choice for a desk that needs better organisation. It has an aluminium build, RGB lighting, a four-port USB hub, a mobile phone and tablet holder, and space for a keyboard. The stand measures 20.5 x 55 x 7 cm and weighs 1.05 kg.The four USB ports make it easier to connect accessories such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, or other USB devices. The raised platform also creates extra space beneath the laptop or monitor. RGB lighting adds a modern look to the desk without the need for a separate light. Priced at Rs. 1,699, compared with an earlier price of Rs. 1,899, this stand combines several useful desk features in one product.Buy NowSWAPKART Portable USB LED Desk LightThe SWAPKART Portable Flexible Adjustable Eye Protection USB LED Desk Light provides a simple solution for a desk that requires additional light. The lamp can be connected via USB, which means that it can be powered by a laptop, computer, or power bank. The flexible neck allows the light to be directed toward a laptop, keyboard, or any other part of the workstation. The lamp weighs just 50 grams and features a metal body along with a metal lampshade. The built-in touch switch is easy to operate, while the compact size makes the lamp convenient to place on a small desk. At only Rs. 299, with an added cost of delivery of Rs. 40, the lamp is one of the cheaper additions to your home office setup. The portable lamp can also be used outside the main workstation desk.Buy NowAlso Read - MacBook Neo USB-C Twist: macOS Warns Users About Wrong PortPlexda Adjustable Foot RestA footrest can add an extra level of comfort to a home office, particularly when the chair and desk do not match the preferred sitting height. The Plexda Adjustable Foot Rest offers six height positions, from 3.5 inches to 7.5 inches. It has massage bumps and rollers across the surface, along with a structure designed to support the feet under a desk.The footrest measures 40 x 30 x 18 cm and weighs about 1.1 kg. Its detachable design makes it easier to move or store when required. The adjustable height allows the foot position to change based on the desk and chair setup. The textured surface also adds a massage feature for the feet. This makes the Plexda model a useful choice for a workspace where comfort matters as much as desk accessories.Buy NowPortronics Bubble 3.0 Wireless KeyboardThe Portronics Bubble 3.0 Wireless Keyboard can provide you with a tidy desk while retaining the same layout as a full-size keyboard. The keyboard supports Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz USB receiver, allowing for two ways to connect. It also comes equipped with a number pad, multimedia hotkeys, dual height adjustment, and a rechargeable battery.It has dimensions of 39 x 17.5 x 3 cm and has a weight of 813 grams. With Bluetooth 5.3 support, it can connect to any compatible device. The USB receiver provides the user with another way to connect. The keyboard is compatible with the operating systems of Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It has a USB-C port, and it can last for almost five days on a single charge. The price of Rs.999 offers the user a full-size keyboard with a wireless feature.Buy NowRTS Universal Travel AdapterFor traveling professionals, the RTS Universal Travel Adapter is a clever piece of technology that you can add to your toolkit. The adapter can be used worldwide and comes with USB ports that provide a current of 2.1A for recharging other devices. The multi-style outlets reduce the hassle of carrying many adapters to connect to different sockets.The size of the adapter is 3 x 6 x 3 inches and weighs about 10 grams. You can buy this travel adapter for INR 579 and it can be a useful companion if you are working remotely or frequently traveling for work. It has a compact body and can be easily carried in a laptop bag or briefcase.Buy NowAlso Read - How to Connect and Add a USB Printer Port in Windows 11Which Gadget Makes the Most Sense?Each product solves a different home office problem. The Acer stand focuses on desk organisation and connectivity, while the SWAPKART lamp adds affordable task lighting. The Plexda footrest puts more attention on sitting comfort, and the Portronics Bubble 3.0 provides a wireless full-size keyboard setup. The RTS adapter suits a mobile work routine where access to different power sockets can become a concern.Together, these five gadgets cover several important parts of a home office without requiring a major investment. The best choice depends on the area that needs the most improvement, whether that means more desk space, better light, greater comfort, easier typing, or a more flexible power setup.FAQs1. Which gadget is best for desk organisation?The Acer Ergo Multifunction Monitor & Laptop Stand is the strongest choice for desk organisation, with a raised platform, USB hub, device holder, and keyboard space.2. Which product offers the lowest price?The SWAPKART Portable Flexible Adjustable Eye Protection USB LED Desk Light is priced at Rs.299, with a delivery charge of Rs.40.3. Does the Portronics Bubble 3.0 support Bluetooth?Yes. The Portronics Bubble 3.0 supports Bluetooth 5.3 as well as a 2.4 GHz USB receiver.4. How many height positions does the Plexda footrest have?The Plexda Adjustable Foot Rest has six height positions, ranging from 3.5 inches to 7.5 inches.5. What is the RTS Universal Travel Adapter useful for?The RTS Universal Travel Adapter supports worldwide compatibility and provides USB ports with a 2.1A output, making it useful for work setups across different locations.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Key Takeaways - Azure leads the story: Azure growth reached 43%, with annual revenue above $100 billion.AI adoption has scale: Microsoft 365 Copilot now has more than 30 million paid seats.Costs remain the key risk: Huge AI capital spending must deliver strong revenue and cash returns.Microsoft has given investors a stronger reason to believe in its AI plan in 2026. The company no longer relies on future AI hopes alone. Azure, Microsoft’s cloud platform, now delivers very fast growth, while Copilot adds a new source of paid AI revenue. The June quarter showed this shift with $90.0 billion in revenue, up 18% from a year earlier. Operating income reached $40.6 billion, up 18%, while net income rose 31% to $35.8 billion.The biggest number came from Azure. Azure revenue rose 43% from a year earlier, faster than the 40% rate from the March quarter. Annual Azure revenue also crossed $100 billion for the first time. Microsoft Cloud revenue reached $59.3 billion, up 27%. These figures show that AI demand now supports one of Microsoft’s largest business engines rather than a small new product line.Azure Sits at the Center of the AI BetAzure gives Microsoft a major advantage in the AI race. Businesses need cloud compute, data storage, security, software tools, and AI services before they can use advanced AI at scale. Azure provides these capabilities through one platform. This model gives Microsoft several ways to earn from the same AI demand. A company may buy Azure compute for an AI model, use Microsoft security tools to protect its data, add Microsoft 365 Copilot for staff, and use GitHub Copilot for software work. Each service can add more revenue without the need for a separate customer relationship.The latest results also show strong future demand. Microsoft reported commercial remaining performance obligations of $678 billion, up 84% from a year earlier. This figure represents contracted revenue that Microsoft has yet to record as sales. The March quarter ended with $627 billion, so the June quarter added about $51 billion to that total.Copilot Adds Direct AI RevenueMicrosoft also has a clear path to earn from AI software. Microsoft 365 Copilot now has more than 30 million paid seats, up from 20 million in the March quarter. The jump gives investors stronger proof that businesses will pay for AI tools inside familiar Microsoft products.Earlier in fiscal 2026, Microsoft said its AI business had reached a $37 billion annual revenue run rate, with growth of 123% from a year earlier. Microsoft 365 Commercial cloud revenue also grew 19% in the March quarter, with revenue per user gaining from Microsoft 365 E5 and Copilot.This creates an important link between Azure and Copilot. Azure supplies the compute, while Copilot creates a software product that can earn recurring revenue from each paid seat.Also Read - How to Get Microsoft 365 Personal With Copilot Free for One YearHuge AI Costs Still Create a RiskMicrosoft has not reached this point with a small budget. Capital expenditure reached about $41 billion in the June quarter, more than 70% above the prior year. Microsoft also expects more than $50 billion of capital expenditure in the September quarter. Earlier guidance called for about $190 billion of calendar-2026 capital expenditure, with roughly $25 billion tied to higher component prices.The scale creates a major test for Microsoft. AI hardware, data centers, power systems, and network equipment cost billions. Microsoft must turn that capital into Azure sales and higher AI use. The company says customer demand still exceeds available capacity, which gives a strong reason for continued investment.Cash Flow Gives Investors More ConfidenceHigh capital expenditure has not stopped Microsoft from producing large amounts of cash. Free cash flow reached $19.6 billion in the June quarter, above the $13.44 billion analyst estimate, although the figure fell 23% from the prior year. Microsoft still produced strong cash flow while it built more AI capacity.That balance matters for the stock. Microsoft can fund a huge AI infrastructure plan without relying on weak finances or heavy outside funding. The company also retains major software businesses across Microsoft 365, Dynamics, LinkedIn, Windows, security, and other products.Why Investors Turned More BullishThe market reaction after the June results showed how much Azure matters. Microsoft shares rose more than 8% in after-hours trading after the report. The company also gave a strong fiscal first-quarter 2027 revenue forecast of $90.4 billion. Microsoft expects Azure growth of about 45% in constant currency for that quarter.The stock still carries valuation risk. Around early August, MSFT traded near $493, with a market value near $3.7 trillion and a price-to-earnings ratio near 29 times. The share price also remained below its earlier 2026 peak, so investors still worry about the cost of the AI buildout and the time required for returns.Also Read - Microsoft Brings Xbox 360 Games to PC; What’s In For YouThe Main Question for MSFTMicrosoft’s 2026 story now rests on one clear test: can Azure and AI revenue grow fast enough to justify the enormous capital outlay?So far, the numbers support the bullish case. Azure grew 43%, annual Azure revenue passed $100 billion, Microsoft Cloud reached $59.3 billion, Copilot passed 30 million paid seats, and commercial commitments reached $678 billion. At the same time, Microsoft kept strong profits and positive free cash flow.That combination makes Microsoft one of the clearest large-company bets on enterprise AI. The risk remains high capital costs, but the latest results show real customer demand, real AI revenue, and a large cloud backlog. In 2026, those figures give investors a much stronger reason to bet on Microsoft’s AI and Azure strategy.FAQs1. Why does Azure matter so much to Microsoft’s AI strategy?Azure provides cloud compute, data storage, security, and AI services that businesses need to build and use AI applications at scale.2. How fast did Azure grow in the latest quarter?Azure revenue grew 43% year over year in Microsoft’s June 2026 quarter.3. How large is Microsoft’s AI business?Microsoft said its AI business reached a $37 billion annual revenue run rate earlier in fiscal 2026, with 123% year-over-year growth.4. How many paid Copilot seats does Microsoft have?Microsoft 365 Copilot surpassed 30 million paid seats by the June 2026 quarter.5. What remains the biggest risk for Microsoft stock?Microsoft’s huge AI infrastructure spending remains the main concern. Investors need strong Azure growth, AI revenue, and cash generation to justify that capital outlay.

The broader crypto market has spent the past week trapped in a tight, choppy holding pattern. Bitcoin remains stuck between $63,000 and $65,000, total market cap sits around $2.26 trillion,  roughly 49% below the late-2025 all-time highs,  and the Fear and Greed Index is sitting firmly in "Fear" territory. Yet underneath that anxious surface, on-chain data shows whales steadily accumulating through the summer decline, the kind of quiet positioning that historically precedes the next major run. Zcash price is consolidating ahead of a potential breakout. Monero price just climbed 11% off its July lows. And BlockDAG is offering a different kind of accumulation entirely,  a structured, staged presale still at its cheapest entry point. Here's how all three compare.Zcash Price: Consolidating Near $55-$60 as Privacy Demand BuildsThe Zcash price is navigating a volatile range between $48 and $62, with short-term models suggesting consolidation around $55 to $60 by end of August if key resistance breaks cleanly. Zcash's core value proposition remains its zk-SNARK architecture, delivering absolute transaction anonymity through zero-knowledge proofs. Demand remains strong in regions with strict privacy needs, though broader DeFi adoption is still limited,  the community is actively pushing for greater interoperability to close that gap.Longer-term forecasts diverge sharply. Conservative 2026 estimates sit near $63, while bullish models project a push past $115 by year-end if the interoperability push gains traction. The Zcash price thesis remains fundamentally sound, but the near-term path depends heavily on that resistance level actually breaking.Monero Targets $375 as Quantum-Resistant Development ContinuesThe Monero price trades around $354, having climbed 11% off its July lows while defending its base through a broader market chop. Momentum indicators are turning positive, with analysts targeting $365 resistance in the short term and a high likelihood of reaching $375 by end of August.What's driving renewed confidence is a combination of scarcity and forward-looking development. Circulating supply remains extremely stable at 18.58 million XMR, creating a strong scarcity dynamic. The network is also proactively developing quantum-resistant ring signatures, ensuring its cryptographic privacy holds up against future computational threats. Average long-term projections for late 2026 and 2027 point toward the $400 to $470 range.BlockDAG (BDAG): Why Accumulating Now Makes Structural SenseThe BlockDAG presale offers something meme-driven momentum plays and even established privacy coins can't fully replicate,  a defined, structural path to return built into the pricing itself, rather than dependent on sentiment or a resistance level breaking. Stage 1 opens at $0.002, the first of 25 stages climbing steadily toward a $0.05 final price, with a $0.10 launch reference beyond that. At Stage 1 pricing, a $1,000 purchase secures 500,000 BDAG,  a stake worth $50,000 if BDAG reaches its $0.10 target, a clean 50x on the original investment. That multiple is built into the presale's own structure, not dependent on a catalyst arriving or a chart pattern confirming.What separates BlockDAG from a pure pricing bet is that its value is backed by infrastructure already live and running. The BlockDAG blockchain is operational today, processing real network activity through a hybrid Proof-of-Work and Directed Acyclic Graph architecture,  Bitcoin-style security combined with DAG-based parallel transaction processing. That structure supports 7,000 transactions per second with roughly 2-second confirmation times, secured by GhostDAG consensus and fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. Mining hardware is actively being delivered to participants worldwide, bringing real miners online as deliveries continue.The ecosystem only widens from there. The BlockDAGX exchange is on its way to add trading, liquidity, and price discovery once BDAG lists, while a Super App in development aims to unify wallets, mining, trading, swaps, spending, payments, and rewards into a single experience. On top of that, $100 million in planned launch liquidity,  funded through presale proceeds and company funds,  is lined up to support deeper trading from day one. Accumulating at Stage 1 means buying before any of that ecosystem expansion has been priced in.Best Crypto To Watch in Q3The Zcash price offers genuine upside if privacy demand accelerates and resistance breaks, but the near-term outcome depends on catalysts that haven't fully materialized yet. The Monero price offers a cleaner momentum story backed by real scarcity and forward-looking quantum-resistant development, with $375 a realistic near-term target. Both are compelling holds for investors already positioned in privacy assets.BlockDAG offers something structurally different,  a presale price that mathematically will never be lower than it is right now, backed by a live network, real mining hardware distribution, and an expanding ecosystem still ahead of it. In a market defined by fear on the surface and quiet whale accumulation underneath, BlockDAG's Stage 1 is the accumulation opportunity built directly into its pricing structure,  no resistance level required.Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.networkWebsite: https://blockdag.networkTelegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficialDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Taxpayers expecting an income tax refund for Assessment Year 2026–27 may face different processing times. A delay does not automatically point to an incorrect return.The Income Tax Department starts refund processing only after taxpayers verify their returns. Its guidance says, “Usually, it takes 4-5 weeks” for the credit to reach a taxpayer’s account.Pending Verification Can Hold Up RefundsFiling an income tax return does not complete the process. Taxpayers must e-verify it or send a signed ITR-V to the Centralised Processing Centre.The verification deadline is 30 days from the filing date. An unverified return becomes invalid, so the department cannot begin refund processing.Taxpayers can verify returns using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, a digital signature, or an electronic verification code. They should check the portal for a ‘Successfully e-Verified’ status.An inoperative PAN can also stop the refund. The department cannot issue a refund while the PAN remains inoperative under Aadhaar-linking rules.Tax and Bank Details Can Cause DelaysThe department compares ITR entries with Form 26AS, the Annual Information Statement and tax deducted at source records. Differences can lead to added checks.A mismatch may involve salary, bank interest, capital gains, deductions or tax credits. Incorrect TDS reporting by an employer, bank or other deductor can also hold up processing.Taxpayers should compare their return with Form 26AS and AIS. If a deductor reported wrong TDS details, the deductor may need to correct its statement.Bank information also affects an income tax refund. The account number and IFSC must be correct, while the account must stay active.The department requires taxpayers to validate and nominate a bank account for refund credit. The PAN should also link to the selected account.Validation can fail over a name mismatch, incorrect account number, invalid IFSC, closed account or missing PAN linkage. Taxpayers can review the reason under ‘My Bank Account.’Some returns enter added verification after automated checks. Large refund claims, complex transactions or inconsistencies may require more review before processing ends.An outstanding tax demand from an earlier assessment year may change the refund. The department can adjust all or part of the amount after following the required process.How Taxpayers Can Track a Delayed RefundTaxpayers can check their income tax refund status on the official e-filing portal. They should log in and open ‘e-File,’ then choose ‘Income Tax Returns.’Next, they can select ‘View Filed Returns’ and the relevant assessment year. ‘View Details’ displays the return’s life cycle, processing stage and refund status.The portal may list the refund as issued, partly adjusted, fully adjusted or failed. It also displays pending actions linked to the filed return. They should review each status carefully before taking action.Taxpayers should check their registered email and portal account for an intimation, notice or request. Any required response should match the communication received.If a processed refund fails, taxpayers can submit a refund reissue request through the portal. They should first validate and nominate an eligible bank account.A taxpayer who finds an error may check the available revised-return or rectification route. The correct option depends on the processing stage and error type.Taxpayers can also use the portal’s grievance service for unresolved processing issues. Accurate records, completed verification and valid banking details help prevent avoidable delays.Also Read: Government's AI Tax Assistant Explained: How Kar Saathi Simplifies ITR Filing Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Galaxy Z Fold 8: Think Bigger!: Samsung's expansive foldable screen opens up new possibilities for work, entertainment, multitasking, and creativity.Multitasking: The wide display gives you more room to use multiple apps simultaneously.Bigger Gaming Experience: The large screen gives compatible games more visual space and an immersive experience.Video Streaming: Unfold the device to enjoy movies and shows on a much larger display.Read More Comfortably: The wide screen makes articles, e-books, documents, and long-form content easier to view.Productivity: Use the larger display for emails, documents, spreadsheets, and other productivity tasks.Video Calls: The expansive display can make video meetings easier to follow while keeping more information visible.Photo Editing: The additional screen space provides more room for editing tools and image previews.AI & Smart Features: The larger canvas can make AI tools, note-taking, and content workflows more convenient.Read More Stories Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Google introduced a new set of software and camera features with its Pixel 11 series. The new lineup, unveiled at the Made by Google 2026 event, includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The phones are scheduled to go on sale globally from August 20.Alongside hardware improvements, Google added several features designed around photography, voice input, translation, accessibility, and multitasking. The company is also expanding Gemini's role across different apps on the phone.Gemini Gets More ProactiveOne of the biggest changes is the way Gemini works across the Pixel 11 series. Instead of functioning mainly as a standalone assistant, it can now surface information while users are already inside other applications.For example, if a conversation mentions an upcoming trip, Pixel 11 can display relevant flight and booking information. It can also suggest actions such as adding an event to Google Calendar, saving a location in Maps, or storing travel details in Google Wallet.According to Google, these capabilities can work across more than 40 apps, although availability may vary by application and region.Rambler Cleans Up Voice InputPixel 11 also introduced Rambler, a new voice-input feature aimed at making speech-to-text more natural. Rather than requiring users to speak in perfectly structured sentences, Rambler can handle filler words, pauses, run-on thoughts, and corrections made during speech. It then produces a cleaner version of the message.The feature could be particularly useful when users want to dictate longer messages without repeatedly correcting the text manually.Magic Capture Targets Difficult ShotsFor photography, Magic Capture is one of the headline additions. The feature is designed to help users capture fast-moving moments without having to decide beforehand whether to take a photo or record a video.It analyzes around 400 frames and selects an appropriate moment to produce a 12-megapixel image. It can also apply adjustments such as cropping and reducing blur. Users can record video through the same feature without switching between camera modes.Google also introduced Camera Looks. It will allow users to choose a preferred visual style before taking a photograph. Options include Natural, Shadows, and Vanilla, along with additional styles such as Classic, Editorial, and Velvet.Also Read: Google Pixel 11 Price Hike: Rs. 14,000 More for AI UpgradeTranslation and Accessibility ImprovementsThe Pixel 11's Live Translate feature is expanded beyond conversations. It can translate videos, podcasts, voice messages, and other audio content in real time. Its processing is controlled on the device through Google's Tensor G6 platform.Accessibility also received an upgrade through Sign-to-text functionality in Gboard. Developed using Google's Sign Language-to-Text technology, the feature will allow users to sign naturally while the phone converts the input into text.Other additions include floating app windows through Bubble, camera-based Circle to Search improvements and new creator tools such as teleprompter support, social-media framing guides and video project organisation.With these additions, Google is positioning the Pixel 11 series as more than a hardware upgrade, with software playing a central role in the new smartphone experience.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Kaspa price usd is still parked near $0.0255, unable to hold gains from its own Toccata upgrade after the sell-the-news crowd took over in early July. Avalanche crypto is not faring any better, down nearly 7% over the past week and dealing with a treasury-firm liquidity scare after its lender raised minimum requirements 35-fold. Neither of these charts looks like the best crypto to buy right now, no matter how you slice it.BlockDAG's opportunity, on the other hand, is shrinking by design. Every stage that closes pushes the price higher, and stage 1's $0.002 sits against a $0.10 launch reference, a 50x spread that only exists for as long as this specific window stays open. Once it closes, the entry that made everything else look expensive by comparison closes with it.BlockDAG Presale: Every Stage That Passes Closes the WindowStage 1 will not last forever, that is the entire point of a 25-stage presale. Right now it is priced at $0.002, and the launch reference sits at $0.10, a 50x spread that shrinks with every stage that closes. The window buyers are looking at today will not exist tomorrow, and it will not wait around for anyone who hesitates.What is on the other side of that window is not empty either. The Super App is under active development, designed to bring mobile mining through the X1 Miner, staking, and card spending together once it ships, giving stage 1 buyers a real ecosystem to hold through, not just a countdown clock ticking toward launch day.BlockDAGX is preparing to launch as a full exchange, there is zero team allocation across the 150 billion supply, and BlockDAG is targeting $100 million in launch liquidity to support real trading depth. Add it up and this becomes a genuine case for the best crypto to buy right now, not just the cheapest one on the list.Kaspa and Avalanche are not going anywhere, but their charts are not shrinking a window either, they are just charts reacting to whatever news lands next. BlockDAG's stage 1 is a closing door with real infrastructure waiting on the other side, and that combination is exactly why it deserves serious consideration as the best crypto to buy right now.Kaspa Price USD Stuck Below Its Own BreakoutKaspa price usd is sitting near $0.0255 today, still digesting the sell-the-news crash that followed its Toccata hard fork on June 30. KAS rallied more than 20% into that upgrade, then shed nearly 8% within ten hours of it actually landing, and the August 5 block reward cut has done little to change the trend since.Kaspa's proof-of-work DAG architecture remains genuinely interesting, and it is philosophically closer to BlockDAG's own design than most other coins on this list, but kaspa price usd has spent months failing to convert real upgrades into a sustained breakout. Market cap sits near $750 million, thin enough that a single bad week can undo months of slow progress.Avalanche Crypto Deals With a Treasury ScareAvalanche crypto is trading near $6.30, down close to 7% over the past week and 95% below its all-time high of $144.96. The bigger story is not the chart, it is AVAX One, Avalanche's treasury firm, whose lender just raised its minimum liquidity requirement 35-fold to $3.5 million following a covenant default triggered by a CEO departure in July.That leaves roughly 14 million AVAX, worth about $88 million, no longer counting toward the firm's obligations, a corporate-level headache rather than a network problem, but one that Avalanche crypto holders have to weigh regardless. Real adoption news is still landing, including Kenya moving 30 million academic credentials on-chain and Hyundai testing the network for stablecoin transfers.The Bottom Line: One Window Is Closing, One Isn'tKaspa price usd is still shaking off a sell-the-news crash from June, and Avalanche crypto is dealing with a treasury-firm liquidity scare that has nothing to do with the network itself. Both are real projects with real technology, but neither one is opening a window, they are just charts waiting for the next headline to move them.BlockDAG's window is the whole story: stage 1 priced at $0.002 against a $0.10 launch reference, no team allocation, $100 million in planned liquidity, and an ecosystem under active development, all of it closing a little more with every stage that passes. That is exactly why BlockDAG could be the best crypto to buy right now, while the window is still open.Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.networkWebsite: https://blockdag.networkTelegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficialDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Large cryptocurrency trades create a problem that retail investors rarely face: market impact. Buying or selling millions of dollars of Bitcoin directly through an exchange order book can move prices, create slippage and reveal a trader’s intentions.To reduce these problems, institutions, hedge funds, family offices and high-net-worth investors often use over-the-counter, or OTC, trading desks.What is Crypto OTC Trading?OTC trading allows two counterparties to execute a large crypto transaction away from a public central limit order book.Instead of placing a large market order, an investor requests a quote from an OTC desk or multiple liquidity providers. The buyer receives a fixed price for a specified quantity and can accept or reject it.Kraken Institutional, for example, currently offers OTC execution for orders starting at $50,000 in eligible jurisdictions and says clients can receive a single price for the entire order. Trades can generally be settled within 24 hours through a Kraken account, bank or external crypto wallet.Why Institutions Avoid Large Exchange OrdersSuppose an institution wants to purchase $20 million of BTC. The amount available at the best quoted exchange price may represent only a fraction of that order.As the investor consumes different levels of the order book, the average purchase price rises. This difference between the expected and actual execution price is known as slippage.OTC desks reduce this problem by sourcing liquidity from market makers and other counterparties before offering an executable price.Coinbase Prime's request for quote system, for example, runs a short competitive auction among liquidity providers. The winning provider offers an all-inclusive fixed price, and accepted trades execute away from the public order book.Institutions Use More Than Traditional OTC DesksLarge investors also use algorithmic execution when they do not need an immediate block trade.Coinbase Prime supports strategies including TWAP orders, which divide an order across time, and iceberg orders, which display only part of a larger position. Its smart-order router can also access multiple trading venues to search for liquidity and reduce market impact.The scale of institutional infrastructure is significant. Coinbase Prime currently supports more than 275 tradable assets, while its platform states that roughly 12% of global crypto market capitalization is under its custody infrastructure.Also Read: AI-Powered Crypto Trading: Opportunities and RisksSettlement and Counterparty Risk MatterGetting a good execution price is only one part of an OTC transaction. Institutions must also determine how fiat and crypto will be transferred after the trade.This introduces settlement and counterparty risk, particularly when dealing directly with another party. Institutional platforms increasingly combine execution with regulated custody, financing and automated settlement to reduce this fragmentation. Coinbase Prime Custody, for example, allows eligible clients to trade while assets remain within a qualified custodian.Final ThoughtsCrypto OTC trading allows large investors to execute substantial positions with greater price certainty, discretion and reduced market impact.For institutions, however, the best execution is not simply the lowest quoted price. Liquidity depth, counterparty quality, custody, settlement arrangements and compliance controls are equally important when millions of dollars of digital assets are changing hands.FAQs:1. What is crypto OTC trading?Crypto OTC trading allows large buyers and sellers to execute transactions away from public exchange order books. This helps reduce slippage, market impact and information leakage.2. Why do institutions use OTC desks instead of exchanges?Large exchange orders can move prices and worsen execution. OTC desks source liquidity from multiple counterparties and often provide one fixed price for the entire trade.3. What is the minimum size for a crypto OTC trade?Minimums vary by provider. Kraken Institutional, for example, offers OTC execution starting around $50,000 in eligible jurisdictions, while larger desks often serve multimillion-dollar transactions.4. How do TWAP and iceberg orders help large investors?TWAP splits an order over time, while iceberg orders hide most of the total position from the public market. Both can reduce price impact compared with one large market order.5. What are the main risks in crypto OTC trading?Key risks include counterparty default, settlement failure, liquidity shortages and custody issues. Institutions therefore focus on execution quality, regulated custody and strong compliance controls.

Honor has launched the Robot Phone in China, combining an Android flagship with a motorized gimbal camera. The device targets vloggers and mobile filmmakers who need stable video without carrying separate camera equipment.The Robot Phone starts at 9,999 yuan, or about $1,480. Honor has not announced plans to sell the device outside China.Honor Robot Phone Uses a Motorized CameraThe phone carries a 200-megapixel main camera on a compact gimbal arm. A sliding glass cover protects the camera when users store it inside the rear camera unit.Users must move the cover before activating the gimbal through Honor’s camera application. The motorized system then raises the camera and allows nearly 360 degrees of movement. Users can also control its direction through an on-screen joystick.Honor developed a custom micro-motor after finding that available components were too large. The company reduced the gimbal’s volume by 65% compared with traditional designs. Its titanium-alloy motor weighs 2.6 grams.Honor describes the device as a ‘new species of smartphone.’ Still, the Robot Phone follows a standard flagship design when the gimbal stays folded.Camera System Targets Mobile Video CreatorsThe gimbal supports several recording modes, including FPV, spin shots, subject tracking and enhanced stabilization. It can identify people and objects while recording. Moreover, its tracking feature works during supported video calls.Users can record in portrait or landscape orientation. They can also change the gimbal’s speed, adjust joystick sensitivity and activate focus peaking. The camera application includes settings for video resolution, frame rate and aspect ratio.Honor has partnered with cinema camera maker Arri on its video tools. The Robot Phone supports Arri Looks, Cinema Mode and the LogC3 format. These options give mobile filmmakers more control over colors and video processing.The gimbal also supports panoramic group selfies. It captures images from several directions before combining them into one wide photograph. Meanwhile, the main camera can rotate toward the user for higher-resolution selfies.Flagship Hardware Supports the Gimbal SystemQualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor powers the robot phone. Buyers can choose between 12GB and 16GB of RAM. Storage options include 512GB and 1TB.The device features a 6.31-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also carries a 7,060mAh silicon-carbon battery. Honor includes 120-watt wired charging and 50-watt wireless charging.Alongside the gimbal camera, Honor added a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera and a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens. A separate 50-megapixel front camera handles standard selfies and palm gestures.The phone measures 9.59mm thick and weighs 248 grams. Honor offers silver and gray versions. A protective case and magnetic stand come inside the box.Durability and Availability Limit Its ReachThe Robot Phone carries an IP54 rating when the gimbal camera is fully stored. This rating provides limited protection against dust and water splashes. It does not apply when users deploy the camera.Honor says the gimbal underwent repeated deployment and retraction testing. A software protection feature also detects unusual resistance and accidental handling. The company has not published a rated number of operating cycles.The device includes Honor’s Yoyo AI assistant in China. Its interface gives the camera animated eyes and allows it to make expressive movements. Users can also issue voice commands, such as asking the camera to rotate for a set period.For now, Honor will only sell the robot phone in China. Its 9,999-yuan price places it above many flagship phones and some separate gimbal cameras. Honor has not confirmed an international release date.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Your OTT Weekend Watchlist Is Here!: This Independence Day weekend brings a packed OTT lineup spanning action, romance, thrillers, reality shows, and drama. From Cocktail 2 to Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, here are the new titles to add to your watchlist.Reacher Season 4 (Prime Video): Jack Reacher returns for another action-packed chapter, this time moving from New York to Philadelphia. A chance encounter pulls him into a dangerous conspiracy reaching the highest levels of power.Women in Blue Season 2 (Apple TV): Bárbara Mori returns as María in the second season of the Spanish-language crime drama. A student's mysterious death leads the police into an investigation connected to Mexico's dark historical past.The Traitors Season 2 (Prime Video): Hosted by Karan Johar, the reality competition returns with a new celebrity lineup. Traitors and Innocents battle through deception, strategy, and trust for a life-changing prize.Aakhri Sawaal (Lionsgate Play): Namashi Chakraborty's Vicky Hegde challenges his mentor, played by Sanjay Dutt, after his thesis is rejected. What starts as an academic dispute soon becomes a nationally televised clash involving politics, media and personal motives.Aroopi (Lionsgate Play): Two thieves accidentally unleash a Yakshini trapped inside a doll. When a murder brings Niranjan back to his ancestral home, he must confront an ancient curse before it destroys those around him.Cocktail 2 (Netflix) : Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon lead this romantic sequel. Kunal and Diya's relationship takes an unexpected turn when a holiday in Sicily brings them face-to-face with Diya's free-spirited friend Ally.Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata (ZEE5): Set during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the film follows the staff of Cama & Albless Hospital as they protect patients and fight to save lives amid the chaos. Kangana Ranaut, Girija Oak and Smita Tambe feature in the ensemble cast.What Will You Watch First?: Want adrenaline? Choose Reacher Season 4. Looking for romance? Cocktail 2 has you covered. Prefer reality, horror or intense drama? The Traitors Season 2, Aroopi and Aakhri Sawaal bring very different flavours to your weekend watchlist.Read More StoriesJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

HP has dropped the price of its OMEN Transcend 32 monitor to $649.99 at Best Buy in the US. The deal started August 13 and cuts $650 from the regular $1,300 price. The Best Buy deal gives the monitor a 50% discount and marks its lowest tracked price. HP sells the same monitor for $780, making Best Buy about $130 cheaper.The HP OMEN Transcend 32 comes with a 31.5-inch QD-OLED screen and 4K resolution. It supports a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time for fast gaming. G-SYNC support can also help reduce screen tearing during quick movements.HP describes the display as “the portal between playing and creating.” The line shows how HP designed the monitor for both gaming and creative work.The 4K OLED gaming monitor also covers 99% of the Display P3 color range for better color quality. HDR support helps produce deeper blacks and stronger contrast in supported games and videos. These features also make the screen useful for photo and video editing.The 240Hz gaming monitor includes USB-C with up to 140W Power Delivery for compatible laptops. OMEN Gear Switch lets users move between connected devices more easily. The stand supports height, tilt, and pivot adjustments for different desk setups.The current QD-OLED monitor price also beats a previous $759.99 deal seen at Newegg. The $649.99 offer therefore gives buyers an even bigger saving on the same model. The deal currently applies to Best Buy in the US, not India.Also Read: Dell Back-to-School Sale 2026: Save Up to $900 on Laptops, PCs, MonitorsJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

OverviewReliance Digital's D.I.S.C.O. sale runs until August 16, 2026, with prices checked directly on RelianceDigital.in on August 13.boAt earbuds carry the steepest cuts, led by the Airdopes 458 at 82 % off MRP, while power banks and chargers range between 50 and 77 % off.A 5% UPI discount and a Rs.10,000 spend offer add further savings on eligible products, subject to checkout terms.Not every steep discount is a good deal, but a few inside Reliance Digital's D.I.S.C.O. sale genuinely are. Select boAt accessories are marked down by more than 80%, while earbuds, chargers, power banks, and wearables start near Rs.400. The sale runs through August 16, 2026, with UPI and multi-product offers layered on top. Prices were checked on RelianceDigital.in on August 13, though availability and final pricing can still shift before the sale ends.Deals TableThe table below lists the products with the clearest discounts across the sale, checked against MRP on August 13.These figures reflect the gap between MRP and the current sale price. They are not a comparison against other retailers or past pricing history.Earbuds Under Rs.1,100 Carry the Deepest CutsThe steepest markdowns sit inside boAt's audio lineup. The Airdopes 458 TWS earbuds list at Rs.899 against an MRP of Rs.4,990, an 82 % cut. The Rockerz 235V2 neckband sits at Rs.599 against Rs.2,990, an 80 % cut. Listed specifications include THX Spatial Bionic Sound and IPX5 water resistance on the Airdopes 458, features worth confirming against boAt's own spec sheet before treating them as final.Buyers who prefer a neckband over loose earbuds might look at the Rockerz 238 Pro, priced at Rs.899 against an MRP of Rs.1,990. It lists 20 hours of playback and a fast-charging mode called Beast Mode, a 55 % reduction from MRP.None of these clearance models includes active noise cancellation. Shoppers who need ANC will find options elsewhere in the catalogue, covered later in this piece. For anyone shopping on price alone, this is the strongest section of the sale, since the gap between listed MRP and shelf price is widest here.Power Banks Split Into Three Price TiersBudget power banks cost Rs.399. The EVM Enjoy 10000 mAh drops 74 % from its Rs.1,549 MRP. The Reconnect 10000 mAh drops 60 % from Rs.990. Both list a 10W output cap, so neither supports fast charging. Each suits emergency top-ups rather than daily use.Mid-range options land between Rs.1,399 and Rs.1,799. The Ambrane AeroSync 10000 mAh comes with MagSafe support, listing 22.5W wired output alongside 15W wireless charging, priced at Rs.1,399 against an MRP of Rs.3,499. The boAt EnergyShroom 20000 mAh sits at Rs.1,799, a 60 % cut from Rs.4,499, with 22.5W two-way charging.Higher-capacity shoppers can look at the Xiaomi 4i 20000 mAh, priced at Rs.1,999 against Rs.3,999. It lists 33W output and support for three connected devices at once, a useful combination for households sharing one power bank. Among the three tiers, this is the pick worth the extra spend, provided the household actually needs 20,000 mAh of backup.Chargers Under Rs.800Samsung's 25W GaN Type-C adapter sells for Rs.739 in black, a 57 % cut from its Rs.1,699 MRP. A white variant costs slightly more, at Rs.799. GaN chargers generally run cooler than standard silicon models, a difference tied to the underlying semiconductor rather than marketing language. The smaller footprint also makes them easier to carry alongside a laptop charger, a small but real convenience for frequent travellers. The adapter's listed compatibility covers USB-C PD devices, including recent Samsung and iPhone models, though pairing it with the exact phone in hand is worth a quick check first.The boAt PD 20W Type-C charger costs Rs.449 against an MRP of Rs.1,990, a 77 % reduction. It lists compatibility with iPhone 11 and later models alongside Android devices. It carries a single port, so households charging two phones together may prefer the Samsung unit instead.Also Read: Still Playing the Same Mobile Games? Try These Free Android Hits InsteadWhat Sale Does Not Cover?Discounts of this size sit mostly within boAt's older audio range. Buyers looking for ANC will find the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, listed with up to 49 dB noise cancellation, priced at Rs.2,899 in the regular catalogue rather than the clearance section. The boAt Airdopes 170 ANC, offering 35 dB cancellation and 75 hours of playback, sits in the same category. Premium headphones from Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser stay largely untouched this round. Deeper cuts on those brands have tended to appear around Diwali and Republic Day instead.Matching the Deal to the BuyerDifferent shoppers will find value in different corners of this sale. The table below breaks down which product suits which need.Checking listed specifications against the manufacturer's page before paying remains a sensible habit, discount season or not.Also Read: 10 Genius iPhone Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed in 2026Final ThoughtSale events like D.I.S.C.O. tend to repeat on a predictable calendar, which rewards tracking price movement instead of reacting to one markdown. MRP marks a brand's starting reference point, not what a product actually sold for last month. Comparing a sale price against other retailers or against its own price months earlier shows whether a deal is genuinely rare or just a familiar low return.You May Also Like:OnePlus Freedom Sale 2026: Top Discounts on Smartphones, Tablets, and AccessoriesLaptop Accessories Deals 2026: Best Affordable Gadgets on AmazonCFMOTO UForce 1000 Accessories Polaris Accessories SxS AccessoriesFAQsHow often does Reliance Digital offer discounts on mobile accessories?Reliance Digital runs major sales during periods such as Independence Day, Diwali, Republic Day and end-of-season clearance events, along with smaller promotions throughout the year.Are Reliance Digital’s mobile accessory discounts really up to 80% offDiscounts of up to 80% can apply to selected products, particularly older models and lesser-known brands. Compare the sale price with current market prices before buying.Which mobile accessories usually get the biggest discounts at Reliance Digital?Earbuds, TWS headphones, power banks and phone cases often receive significant discounts, while premium accessories generally see more moderate price cuts.How can I check whether a Reliance Digital accessory deal is worth buying?Compare the final selling price with prices on other retailers, and check specifications, compatibility, brand reputation and warranty instead of relying only on the advertised discount.Can Jio subscribers or RelianceOne members get additional benefits on accessories?Eligible customers may receive member offers, loyalty benefits or promotional pricing. Check the applicable terms and your available points or offers before purchasing.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

The US Treasury Department sanctioned Iranian crypto exchanges Shelbit and Aban Tether, expanding its ‘Economic Fury’ campaign against financial networks linked to Iran. The Office of Foreign Assets Control said the platforms moved large cryptocurrency volumes, helped evade sanctions, and supported the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Treasury also sanctioned Shelbit operator Siavash Kayvanpour and companies tied to him in Georgia, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates.Treasury Targets Shelbit and its OperatorTreasury said IRGC-linked wallets sent more than $1 million in cryptocurrency to Shelbit and received over $2 million from the exchange. It also said Kayvanpour-controlled wallets transferred more than $2 million to Nobitex, Iran’s largest crypto exchange, which Washington sanctioned in June.Treasury further accused Shelbit of serving more than 2,000 gambling websites connected to a network that laundered tens of millions of dollars. Reuters previously reported that Shelbit processed at least $4 billion over two years through transactions involving Iranian gambling operations, Iran’s central bank and IRGC-linked entities.According to that investigation, at least $676 million moved from Shelbit-linked wallets to Binance. Binance disputed parts of the findings and said Shelbit held no account on its platform. It added that it investigated, froze, and reported accounts linked to Shelbit users.Regulators Trace Shelbit Beyond IranShelbit had already drawn regulatory action in Dubai. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority fined the operation in January 2025 for unlicensed activity. The regulator later issued another enforcement action in July and ordered Shelbit to stop operating without authorization.The Treasury also sanctioned Georgia-based SHPS Shelbit under a 2001 executive order used to counter terrorist financing. Georgia’s National Bank said SHPS Shelbit never applied to register as a virtual-asset service provider. It also said authorities canceled the company’s corporate registration.The National Bank did not announce an investigation into how the company used its Georgian registration in the alleged IRGC-linked network. The designation followed separate British and European Union sanctions against Georgia-registered crypto platforms accused of facilitating Russian sanctions evasion.Also Read: US Sanctions UK Crypto Exchanges Over Iran IRGC Fund FlowsAban Tether Widens the Crypto Enforcement NetOFAC separately sanctioned Aban Tether. Treasury said the exchange processed millions of dollars involving Nobitex and other sanctioned Iranian platforms, including Wallex, Bitpin and Ramzinex.The latest measures extend US scrutiny from individual wallets to exchanges and cross-border crypto routes. Public blockchain records can also help investigators map transfers among wallets, exchanges and intermediaries across several jurisdictions.How far can sanctions enforcement reach when crypto transactions cross several jurisdictions and connect with larger global exchanges? For international crypto companies, Treasury’s action increases pressure to identify sanctioned entities, linked wallets and counterparties connected to restricted financial networks.ConclusionThe US Treasury sanctions widened enforcement against Iran-linked cryptocurrency infrastructure by targeting Shelbit, Aban Tether, Kayvanpour and related businesses. Treasury connected the networks to millions of dollars in alleged IRGC-linked transfers, gambling activity and sanctioned exchanges, while regulators had already taken action against Shelbit outside the United States.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

A Young Tech Enthusiast: Sam Altman developed an early interest in computers and technology, which later shaped his decision to study computer science at Stanford University.Stanford Years: At Stanford, Altman worked on technology projects and met people who introduced him to the growing startup world and its possibilitiesThe Idea Behind Loopt: A project that began after classes gradually became Loopt, a mobile service designed to help people share their locations.Dropping Out To Build: At 19, Altman left Stanford to focus fully on Loopt, choosing entrepreneurship over completing his computer science degree.Joining Y Combinator: Loopt entered Y Combinator’s first-ever batch in 2005, giving Altman early access to funding, advice, and a powerful startup network.Building Loopt: Altman spent seven years building Loopt, raising significant venture funding while developing its location-based social networking service for mobile users.Loopt’s Big Moment: Loopt gained attention for its location-sharing technology, including a presentation at Apple’s developer conference attended by Steve Jobs.The Startup Exit: In 2012, Green Dot acquired Loopt for $43.4 million, ending Altman’s first major startup chapter after seven years.From Founder To Investor: After Loopt, Altman invested in startups and joined Y Combinator, beginning the next stage of his entrepreneurial career.Read More StoriesJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Cryptography has become a core cybersecurity skill as encryption now protects cloud systems, payments, messaging, digital identities and blockchain networks. In 2026, professionals can choose between academic courses focused on cryptographic theory and career-oriented certifications built around practical implementation.The best option depends on whether the goal is research, software security, cybersecurity operations or specialist encryption work.1. Stanford Cryptography IStanford University’s Cryptography I, taught by Professor Dan Boneh on Coursera, remains one of the strongest academic introductions to modern cryptography.More than 541,000 learners have enrolled, and the course carries a 4.8 rating based on over 4,400 reviews. It contains seven modules and 13 assessments covering stream ciphers, AES, message authentication, authenticated encryption, Diffie-Hellman, RSA and public-key systems.This course is best suited to developers, security engineers and students who want to understand why cryptographic systems are secure rather than simply how to configure them.2. IBM Encryption and Cryptography EssentialsIBM’s Encryption and Cryptography Essentials course is a shorter option for professionals who want practical fundamentals.According to Coursera, the course can typically be completed within one to four weeks and covers encryption, PKI, key management, AES, authentication, blockchain and cryptographic protocols.It is better suited to learners who want a faster introduction before moving into more mathematically demanding material.3. University of Maryland CryptographyThe University of Maryland offers a broader cryptography course covering encryption, authentication, key management and secure communication systems.Coursera lists the program as taking roughly one to three months and shows a learner rating of about 4.6, based on more than 1,300 reviews.For learners interested in both theory and network-security applications, it provides a useful middle ground.4. UC San Diego Number Theory and CryptographyCryptography depends heavily on mathematics, making UC San Diego’s Number Theory and Cryptography useful for learners who want stronger foundations.The beginner-level course takes approximately one to four weeks and incorporates Python alongside arithmetic, algorithms, encryption and cryptographic protocols.It is particularly useful before studying advanced public-key cryptography.5. EC-Council Certified Encryption SpecialistFor professionals seeking a dedicated certification, the EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist, or ECES, offers a more structured credential.ECES includes 20 hours of training covering AES, RSA, hashes, cryptanalysis, VPNs, steganography and quantum cryptography. The certification exam contains 50 questions, lasts two hours and requires a 70% passing score.Official on-demand packages currently start at around $1,399 and include training, courseware, an exam voucher and six months of labs.Also Read: Top Must-Read Cryptography Books for 2026Which Cryptography Course is Best?Stanford Cryptography I remains the strongest choice for deep theoretical understanding, while IBM and UC San Diego provide more approachable starting points. ECES is better suited to professionals who specifically want an encryption-focused credential.For cybersecurity careers, certificates can strengthen a résumé, but practical ability matters more. Learners should be able to explain encryption, hashing, digital signatures, key management and common implementation failures, not simply list a certification.FAQs:1. What is the best cryptography course for beginners?IBM’s Encryption and Cryptography Essentials and UC San Diego’s Number Theory and Cryptography are good starting points. Both provide accessible introductions before learners move into more advanced material.2. Is Stanford Cryptography I suitable for professionals?Yes. Stanford Cryptography I is especially useful for developers and security engineers who want to understand the theory behind encryption, authentication, RSA and modern cryptographic systems.3. What is the ECES certification?The EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist focuses on practical encryption concepts such as AES, RSA, hashing, cryptanalysis, VPNs and steganography. It includes a dedicated certification exam.4. Do cryptography courses require strong mathematics?Some advanced courses rely heavily on number theory and mathematical reasoning, while beginner programs focus more on concepts and implementation. Strong math skills become increasingly useful for public-key and research-level cryptography.5. Are cryptography certificates useful for cybersecurity careers?They can strengthen a résumé and demonstrate structured learning, but practical knowledge remains more important. Employers generally value the ability to understand encryption, key management and real-world implementation risks.

Google has introduced the Pixel Watch 5 with advanced artificial intelligence and health tools. The smartwatch starts at $399, marking a $50 increase from the previous model. The Pixel Watch 5 adds offline Gemini actions, proactive suggestions, improved GPS tracking, and new monthly health reports. Google will open general sales on August 20.Pixel Watch 5 Expands Gemini FeaturesGemini can now complete basic actions without an internet connection. Users can start timers, open applications, or begin workouts through voice commands. Google says on-device processing lowers delays, although early demonstrations found some offline actions slower.The improved Raise to Talk feature lets users access Gemini by lifting their wrists. It can retrieve dinner reservations from Gmail or start a workout without additional screen taps.Gemini also offers proactive suggestions based on messages and personal schedules. For example, a message about dinner plans can prompt the watch to check Google Calendar. Users can then respond through a one-tap action.Meanwhile, the At a Glance feature places live information on the watch face. It can display boarding passes, commute stops, workout details, Uber arrival times, and active timers. Double-pinch gestures allow users to confirm certain actions with one hand.Google Adds New Health Monitoring ToolsPixel Watch 5 introduces breathing emergency detection through its Health Guardian system. It uses the PPG sensor, accelerometer, barometer and on-device AI to identify persistent oxygen drops.If the wearer becomes unresponsive, the watch can contact emergency services and share its location. Google plans to launch the feature in Europe first. Availability in other markets will depend on regional requirements.Health Guardian will also provide monthly reports covering blood pressure, sleep breathing quality, and insulin resistance trends. Users must wear the device for one month before receiving the first report. These reports track patterns and do not replace a medical diagnosis.Google says the watch delivers ‘2x greater accuracy’ for GPS route tracking than earlier generations. It uses Google Maps building models, satellite paths, and live atmospheric data. Google also claims it outperforms the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Fenix 8 Pro. Independent reviews will need to test those comparisons.The watch adds 15% more accurate sleep-stage detection, according to Google. Smart Wake monitors movement and heart rate before an alarm. It then selects a lighter sleep period within the final 30 minutes.Pricing Rises as Hardware Gets FasterThe Pixel Watch 5 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated processor and a dual-chip design. Google reports 50% more RAM, a 12% CPU increase, and 20% faster overall performance.Battery life reaches 30 hours for the 41mm model and 40 hours for the 45mm version. Both models support fast charging. The domed Actua 360 display reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.New options include Fog, Canyon, and Olive bands with a Pyrite housing. Google also added new watch faces, complication styles, and generative designs. The 41mm Pixel Watch 5 costs $399, while the 45mm version starts at $429. Preorders opened on August 12, with retail sales starting August 20. A 45mm Stephen Curry Special Edition costs $579. It includes a sweat-wicking performance loop band and will reach stores on September 3.The Pixel Watch 5 brings smarter AI, improved health tracking, better GPS, and faster performance. With offline Gemini and new safety features, it offers a strong upgrade despite its higher starting price.Also Read: Wear OS 7 Rollout Brings Gemini AI, Live Updates, & Smarter Features to Pixel Watches Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Cryptocurrencies are no longer only financial assets. In 2026, Bitcoin, stablecoins and blockchain-based payment systems are increasingly influencing sanctions, monetary sovereignty, cross-border trade and geopolitical competition.The shift matters as control over money and payment infrastructure has historically been an important source of political power. Crypto introduces alternative rails that can move value globally, sometimes outside traditional banking networks.Stablecoins are Extending Dollar InfluenceStablecoins may appear to challenge traditional finance, but most currently reinforce the dominance of the US dollar.According to the Bank for International Settlements, approximately 98% of stablecoin value is denominated in dollars. That means growing stablecoin adoption can effectively expand access to dollar-based money outside the conventional banking system.BIS research also found that more than 70% of fiat-to-stablecoin conversions originate from non-US-dollar currencies. This creates a parallel foreign-exchange market in which individuals can move from local currencies into digital dollars.For emerging economies, this creates a political challenge. Large-scale adoption could accelerate ‘digital dollarization,’ weakening domestic monetary sovereignty and reducing central banks’ control over local financial conditions.Crypto is Changing Sanctions EnforcementCrypto can also provide alternative financial channels for sanctioned states and entities. According to Chainalysis, the value received by sanctioned entities increased 694% in 2025, helping push estimated illicit cryptocurrency transaction volume to $154 billion. The ruble-backed A7A5 stablecoin alone reportedly processed $93.3 billion in less than a year.Iran-linked activity demonstrates similar geopolitical implications. Chainalysis estimated that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and proxy networks received more than $3 billion in crypto during 2025.The US has responded by increasingly applying sanctions directly to crypto exchanges and infrastructure allegedly involved in sanctions evasion.Also Read: Solana’s Stablecoin Economy Expands 11x as Crypto Payments Gain MomentumGovernments are Building Competing Digital InfrastructureStates are not simply regulating private crypto. They are also developing their own tokenized payment systems.The BIS-led Project Agorá brought together seven central banks and more than 40 regulated financial institutions to test cross-border settlement using tokenized commercial-bank deposits and central-bank reserves. The project demonstrated atomic multi-currency settlement and is progressing toward real-value testing.This shows a broader competition between private stablecoins, cryptocurrencies and government-backed digital financial infrastructure.Crypto is Becoming a Political IssueDigital assets are also influencing domestic politics. In the US, the crypto industry spent more than $119 million supporting pro-crypto political campaigns, while lawmakers continue debating legislation governing digital assets and stablecoins.As crypto evolves into global geopolitical infrastructure, digital assets now directly impact sanctions, national sovereignty, and cross-border trade. This shift forces nations to compete over digital money controls, reshaping global financial power beyond traditional banking systems. Why this MattersFinal ThoughtsCrypto is reshaping geopolitical power through payments, sanctions, monetary competition and regulation.The biggest change may not be Bitcoin replacing national currencies. Instead, blockchain networks are creating new financial infrastructure through which governments, companies and individuals can move value, forcing states to compete over who controls the rules governing digital money.FAQs:1. How are cryptocurrencies affecting global politics?Crypto is influencing sanctions, cross-border payments, monetary sovereignty and financial regulation. It gives governments and private actors new ways to move value outside traditional banking channels.2. Why are stablecoins important to US dollar dominance?Around 98% of stablecoin value is denominated in US dollars. Their global use can effectively expand dollar access, especially in countries where local currencies are weaker or less stable.3. How is crypto being used in sanctions evasion?Sanctioned entities can use crypto and stablecoins to move funds across borders. Blockchain transparency also allows authorities to trace transactions and sanction exchanges or wallets linked to illicit activity.4. What is digital dollarization?Digital dollarization occurs when people increasingly use dollar-backed stablecoins instead of local currencies. This can weaken a central bank’s control over monetary conditions and domestic financial flows.5. Are governments competing with private cryptocurrencies?Yes. Central banks are developing tokenized deposits, wholesale CBDCs and blockchain-based settlement systems. These projects compete with private stablecoins and crypto networks over the future of digital money.

The S&P 500 reached an intraday record on Thursday as technology shares led a Wall Street advance. Falling oil prices and softer producer inflation supported stocks. The NASDAQ Composite climbed 0.92%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.36%.At 10:50 a.m. ET, the S&P 500 gained 0.7% to 7,800. The Dow rose 0.1% to 53,840, and the NASDAQ reached 26,830. Investors reviewed corporate earnings and labor data while assessing the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision.Softer Producer Inflation Supports StocksUS producer prices held steady monthly in July. Economists had expected a 0.2% increase. Core producer prices, excluding food and energy, rose 0.2%. That reading missed the expected 0.3% increase. On an annual basis, producer inflation reached 4.7%, below the 4.9% forecast.The report followed July consumer inflation data. Consumer prices rose 0.1% from June, matching forecasts. Traders raised the chance of a September rate hold to about 65%. The figure stood near 60% before the producer price report. Treasury yields moved lower as investors reduced near-term rate-hike bets.Still, Federal Reserve officials offered different views on policy. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack called for an immediate rate increase. “It’s really critical we act now to bring inflation back to the target level,” Hammack said. Other market participants expect officials to wait for more economic data before changing rates.Lower Oil Prices Lift Market SentimentBrent crude futures dropped more than 2% after six straight sessions of advances. Prices traded near $87 per barrel during Thursday’s session. West Texas Intermediate futures also fell about 2% to roughly $81 per barrel. Investors weighed weaker global demand forecasts and an increase in US crude inventories.Lower crude prices eased concerns about another rise in inflation. Energy prices had climbed during the conflict between the United States and Iran. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz also stayed heavily restricted. Meanwhile, traders monitored diplomatic developments and changes in tanker traffic across the region.Companies with high fuel costs gained as oil retreated. United Airlines advanced 1.4%, while Carnival rose 2%. The decline in crude also added support for consumer and transport shares. Financial and healthcare stocks helped keep the Dow higher during morning trading.Big Tech Leads the S&P 500 RallyTechnology stocks delivered the strongest support for the major indexes. The S&P 500 information technology sector gained about 1%. Microsoft rose 1.4%, NVIDIA added 0.6%, and Apple climbed 0.5%. Meta Platforms and Netflix also moved higher, helping the NASDAQ outperform the Dow.Investors returned to large technology companies after an earlier shift toward cyclical sectors. Edward Jones strategist Brock Weimer said markets now reward companies that produce results. He added that investors show little patience for higher spending without a clear route to profit.The Russell 2000 also reached a record 3,067 on Thursday. The small-cap index has risen more than 23% in 2026. Broad market participation strengthened, with advancing shares outnumbering decliners by more than two to one on both major exchanges.Also Read: US Stock Market Rises as CoreWeave, Super Micro Shares Surge on AI DemandEarnings Create Sharp Moves Across StocksCisco Systems dropped more than 7% despite forecasting fiscal 2027 revenue above Wall Street estimates. Investors focused on future profit margins after the networking company released quarterly results. Cerebras and Coherent also declined after reporting earnings, adding pressure to parts of the artificial intelligence trade.Tapestry fell 15% even after the Coach owner issued an upbeat annual earnings forecast. In contrast, Dell gained 2.5% and HP climbed 4%. Both PC makers followed Lenovo higher after the Chinese company reported a 43% rise in quarterly revenue and beat market expectations.Market breadth stayed positive despite the steep declines in several earnings-related names. The S&P 500 recorded 28 new 52-week highs and no new lows. The NASDAQ posted 114 new highs and 52 new lows. Initial unemployment claims rose moderately, while continuing claims declined, pointing to stable labor conditions.Overall, the S&P 500’s record run reflected strong tech gains, softer inflation data, and easing oil prices. With markets increasingly expecting steady Fed policy in September, investors will closely watch upcoming economic data and corporate earnings.

Ashish ChanchlaniAshish Chanchlani built a massive audience through comedy and relatable entertainment. His digital success helped him establish a powerful personal brand beyond YouTube. He has explored collaborations, entertainment projects, and branded ventures. His journey shows how creators can turn audience trust into commercial opportunities.Bhuvan BamBhuvan Bam transformed his YouTube popularity into a broader entertainment career. His BB Ki Vines universe expanded into music, acting, and original productions. He also launched ventures connected to his creator brand. His story demonstrates the business potential of owning an audience.Ranveer AllahbadiaRanveer Allahbadia built a major podcast and digital media presence through his BeerBiceps brand. His entrepreneurial journey expanded into content, media, and creator-focused businesses. He has built multiple digital properties around personal development and entrepreneurship. His strategy blends content creation with business building.Ankur WarikooAnkur Warikoo uses YouTube and social media to share lessons on careers, money, and entrepreneurship. He has built a strong education and personal-brand business around that expertise. His digital products and courses extend his reach beyond videos. His journey highlights knowledge as a scalable creator asset.Dr. Vivek BindraDr. Vivek Bindra built a large YouTube following around business education and motivation. His content became the foundation for a broader training and education business. He has expanded into entrepreneurship programs and business coaching. His journey illustrates how expertise can become a commercial ecosystem.Gaurav ChaudharyGaurav Chaudhary, better known as Technical Guruji, became one of India's most recognized technology creators. His massive audience created opportunities beyond traditional YouTube advertising. He has built a powerful technology-focused personal brand and explored multiple business interests. His journey demonstrates the commercial power of niche expertise.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

YouTube Raises Monetisation Bar: YouTube is doubling the watch-hour requirement for new creators seeking access to its main advertising revenue-sharing programme.8,000 Watch Hours Needed: From February 1, 2027, creators will need 8,000 valid public watch hours within 12 months, up from 4,000 hours.1,000 Subscribers Still Required: The subscriber requirement remains unchanged, meaning creators must still reach 1,000 subscribers alongside the new watch-hour target.Shorts Requirement Also Doubles : Creators choosing the Shorts route will need 20 million valid Shorts views in 90 days, compared with 10 million currently.Shorts Watch Time Does Not Count: Watch hours generated from videos watched through the Shorts Feed do not count toward the long-form 8,000-hour requirement.Existing Creators Get Relief : Creators already inside the YouTube Partner Programme will not be removed simply because they fail to meet these new entry thresholds.YouTube Wants Consistent Engagement: The changes are designed to place greater emphasis on sustained audience engagement instead of relying on occasional viral videos.New Activity Rules Also Apply: Creators will need regular activity, including watch hours, Shorts views, or recent uploads, to continue earning through the programme.Monetisation Gets Tougher: For aspiring creators, the new rules mean building an audience and keeping viewers engaged will matter more than ever before.Read More StoriesJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp