Crypto News
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is a Silicon Valley venture capital firm that invests in digital technology companies and internet entrepreneurs with a clear vision for the future. They released their State of The Crypto report for 2023.
The report predicts that decentralized finance (DeFi) will continue to grow, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will mature, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) will become more widespread. The report also notes that crypto adoption is increasing globally and that regulatory clarity will be critical to unlocking further growth. Additionally, they highlight the potential for blockchain technology to be used in various industries beyond finance, such as healthcare and supply chain management.
You can access and download the report here.
Here you can access some interesting dashboards indicating the growth and development of the “next internet.”
AI News
There has been so much happening in the AI area recently, so we will try to keep you up to date with the most interesting news from the AI space.
Google is currently developing a new AI-powered search engine known as "Project Magi," which is similar to the ChatGPT technology. The search engine is being created with the help of 160 engineers and will display 10 results per page with instant answers, which will replace the traditional search method.
In related news, Elon Musk has been rumored to launch a competing AI company called X.AI. To power an upcoming generative AI product, Musk has reportedly purchased 10,000 GPUs.
Travel Update
The crazy Songkran water festival was going on until mid-last week, with a grand finale on Wednesday. The finale is called "Wan Lai" or "Flowing Day." You can check the video here; it summarizes the events on Wednesday pretty well; no words can explain it. 😆
While this festival was indeed one of Thailand's happiest celebrations, it also took its toll. Bangkok Post reported 2,203 road accidents, causing 264 deaths and 2,208 injuries, during the Songkran Festival from April 11-17. I'm not even surprised to hear that. One of the main activities is shooting scooter drivers and their passengers with water guns, driving around with pickup trucks and pouring water on each other, and so on. During the festival, safety is obviously not the main concern for anyone.
The festival came at the right time, and being splashed with water was a good feeling. Thailand is going through the worst heatwave recorded in the last couple of decades, with the heat index hitting a record 54C (129F). The government has warned to avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day and staying hydrated. The extreme heat has also caused power outages and wildfires across the country. Experts have warned that the situation could even worsen in the coming weeks.
I am currently listening.
Ronny Chieng at Tigerbelly Podcast
Tool of the week
Since we are already at the safety, we want to give this week's kudos to Safetywing - a travel insurance provider.
If you're a digital nomad or just traveling abroad briefly, you know how important it is to have reliable travel insurance that covers you wherever you go. Safetywing is a known and popular option to get reliable insurance. Firstly, it's affordable. For just $37 per month, you can acquire comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, travel delays, lost baggage, and more. Secondly, you can sign up and cancel anytime, so you only pay for the coverage you need. Thirdly, they cover you in almost every country in the world, so you don't have to worry about finding new insurance every time you cross a border.
Reputable insurance companies also back it, so you can trust that you're getting quality coverage.
Something to think about
"It's hard to build momentum if you're dividing your attention.”
James Clear
Once upon a time, a farmer had a valuable horse run away.
“Bad News!” said the people.
“Good news, bad news, who knows?” replied the farmer.
Later, the horse returned to the farm with many wild horses accompanying it.
“Good News!” said the people.
“Good news, bad news, who knows?” replied the farmer.
Sometime after that, the farmer’s son fell and broke his leg while trying to train one of the wild horses.
“Bad News!” said the people.
“Good news, bad news, who knows?” replied the farmer.
Soon after, the army came through town, conscripting all able-bodied young men, and the farmer’s son was passed over.
“Good News!” said the people.
“Good news, bad news, who knows?” replied the farmer.
A question to ask yourself
What's the most fun you could possibly have in one year?
James Clear
Productivity Tips and Tricks
🚫📱 Don't use your phone in the first hour of the day
It's common to get distracted by notifications, messages, or social media, first thing in the morning. This can affect your focus for the rest of the day. However, you can use a simple trick to start your day off on the right foot. Instead of reaching for your phone in the first hour of your day, try creating a morning routine that's more intentional and productive. Meditate for 10 minutes, do some light exercise, or engage in any activity that helps you feel centered and focused.
This will allow you to reflect on the previous day and plan for the day ahead. Taking a break from your phone during this time can be helpful, allowing you to reduce stress and anxiety and enjoy a more fulfilling and productive day. Give it a try and see how it feels!
