Blockchain
INTRODUCING THE HUNT: THE FIRST CONSUMER MARKETPLACE THAT COMBINES AR, CV, AND NFTs WITH REAL-LIFE PRODUCTS TO CREATIVELY BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN DIGITAL ASSETS AND PHYSICAL GOODS
The Hunt, the first online consumer marketplace to use a combination of Augmented Reality (AR), Computer Vision (CV), and blockchain technology to allow people to purchase, display, and even symbolically wear their NFTs, is announcing its public launch. The Hunt is kicking off the launch with an LA-based and Malawian-born artist, Rannel Ngumuya, and has curated a limited edition release featuring NFTs and wearable collectibles based on his Bungalo Boy brand.
The Hunt is the first of its kind, creating a unique range of offerings in a single marketplace. While there are platforms that let people import and display their collection of NFTs and other digital assets, The Hunt is innovative in that it has combined digital collectibles with physical, AR-capable products. Additionally, while existing platforms in the space rely on barcodes for physical merchandise, The Hunt’s use of CV allows users to scan images with trained data assets that can detect AR experiences in physical and digital products without the use of barcodes or markers. Through this implementation of machine learning technology, The Hunt is able to elevate the experience for the NFT holder, offering an advanced AR experience that can detect unique markers, creating an emotional connection between the consumer and the product.
The Hunt also includes a mobile application–a seamless extension of the web platform–that lets users import, display, and even wear NFTs in AR anytime and anywhere via their mobile device. The mobile application is available on iOS and Android in January 2022.
To purchase NFTs and physical collectibles from the limited edition releases on The Hunt, users visit the web platform via thehunt.com, then browse the marketplace and select a digital asset (NFT). If the user has a Metamask wallet and wants to pay using Ether (ETH), they then connect their wallet through the browser extension. Once connected and confirmed, the NFT will appear in the library of collectibles in their profile section of the website. However if the user does not have a Metamask account, they are prompted to either create one or checkout via credit card.
Once this process has been completed, users can then utilize The Hunt’s mobile app to access their NFT library, view and display their purchased digital assets in AR, as well as scan accompanying physical products to experience the AR component.
“Augmented Reality and Blockchain technologies are an unstoppable combination that will create a new paradigm of how we experience a hybrid between physical and digital content for the metaverse,” says Natalia Diaz, Co-founder and CEO of The Hunt. “As The Hunt continues to evolve, we imagine a world where you can collect and explore multi-dimensional unique experiences through mobile devices, gaming, and wearables.”
“It’s an inevitability that fashionable and affordable AR glasses will hit the market in coming years,” says Andrew Resnick, a Co-Founder of The Hunt. “Within the fashion and merchandise spaces, The Hunt is positioning itself as the leading destination for all things Augmented Reality.”
“We are beyond excited to collaborate with an emerging artist such as Rannel,” adds Sagen Albert, Co-Founder and COO of The Hunt. “He is profoundly talented and our intention with The Hunt is to showcase a range of artwork and collectibles that deeply embody creativity and genuine storytelling through our purposeful curation and interactivity. The idea driving our affordable price structure is to make The Hunt accessible to both new and seasoned collectors.”
In the coming year, The Hunt will continue creating new augmented experiences and further developing its cutting-edge convergence of physical and digital storytelling through wearables, gaming, mobile, and decentralized apps. The company will also be working to secure partnerships with creative and innovative artists and celebrities, industry-leading brands, and AR display companies. For more information or to purchase one of The Hunt’s Bungalo Collection offerings, please visit www.thehunt.com/.
Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 30, 2025 (Dogecoin, U.S. Army, DeepSeek, Web3)
Introduction
The blockchain and cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, with major advancements in institutional adoption, regulatory modernization, and innovative applications. Today’s roundup covers Dogecoin’s new blockchain strategy, the U.S. Army’s use of blockchain for tracking aid, notable blockchain startups, domain challenges for Web3 companies, the first AI blockchain agent, and Luxembourg’s legal updates for custody chains. Let’s break down the biggest headlines shaping the future of blockchain technology and decentralized finance.
Dogecoin Unveils Strategic Blockchain Movement
Expanding Beyond a Meme Coin
Dogecoin, often viewed as a lighthearted cryptocurrency, is making serious strides toward blockchain utility with a new strategic initiative aimed at expanding its use case beyond simple transactions. The Dogecoin Foundation has announced plans to integrate layer-2 solutions, smart contracts, and interoperability features, potentially positioning DOGE as a serious competitor in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
This move signals a shift in the perception of Dogecoin, which has long relied on community-driven momentum. With the new strategy, DOGE could become an integral part of the growing Web3 ecosystem.
Source: Crypto Briefing
U.S. Army Utilizes Blockchain for Aid Tracking in Ukraine
Military Adopts Emerging Tech for Transparency
The U.S. Army is leveraging blockchain, big data, and generative AI to track billions of dollars in aid sent to Ukraine. This marks a significant step in blockchain’s adoption by governments and defense agencies to enhance transparency and prevent fraud.
By using blockchain for immutable record-keeping, military officials aim to improve logistics tracking, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure secure auditing of aid distribution. This could set a precedent for future government adoption of blockchain-based verification systems.
Source: Breaking Defense
10 Blockchain Startups to Watch in 2025
Innovation Driving the Next Wave of Web3
A new report highlights ten emerging blockchain startups poised to disrupt industries from finance to supply chain management. These companies are working on scalable smart contracts, decentralized identity solutions, and improved cross-chain interoperability.
Among the standout names are startups focusing on privacy-preserving transactions, institutional DeFi tools, and real-world asset tokenization, reinforcing blockchain’s growing role in mainstream finance and enterprise adoption.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Web3 Companies Struggle with Domain Name Challenges
Decentralization vs. Traditional Domain Ownership
As blockchain companies push forward with Web3 adoption, many are encountering significant hurdles in securing relevant domain names. Unlike traditional domains governed by ICANN, blockchain-native domains such as .crypto and .eth exist outside standard regulatory frameworks, leading to disputes and accessibility issues.
Industry experts are calling for greater collaboration between blockchain projects and domain registrars to ensure seamless Web3 adoption while maintaining online accessibility for users.
Source: Domain Name Wire
Klaus Agent Becomes the First Blockchain AI to Use Custom DeepSeek Model
AI and Blockchain Converge
The Klaus Agent, an AI-powered blockchain agent, has integrated the DeepSeek AI model to enhance decision-making, smart contract automation, and decentralized application (dApp) intelligence. This innovation represents a major step in merging artificial intelligence with blockchain networks, allowing for more sophisticated automation in DeFi, NFT trading, and DAO governance.
As AI and blockchain continue to converge, the potential for autonomous smart contract execution and predictive analytics is expected to grow, leading to more efficient decentralized systems.
Source: GlobeNewswire
Luxembourg Modernizes Custody Chain Laws for Blockchain
A Legal Framework for Tokenized Assets
Luxembourg, a key financial hub in Europe, has updated its custody chain regulations to accommodate blockchain-based assets. These changes are designed to facilitate institutional adoption of tokenized securities and digital asset custody solutions.
By providing a clear regulatory framework, Luxembourg aims to attract fintech firms, investment funds, and digital asset custodians, further strengthening its position as a leader in blockchain finance.
Source: National Law Review
Conclusion
The latest blockchain developments underscore the rapid evolution of the industry, from Dogecoin’s strategic shift to military adoption of blockchain for transparency. As AI and blockchain begin to merge, and governments refine regulations, we are witnessing a pivotal moment in decentralized technology.
With institutional interest growing and regulatory frameworks taking shape, blockchain and Web3 technologies are moving closer to mainstream acceptance. Stay tuned for the next Blocks & Headlines briefing as we continue to track the most significant trends shaping the future of decentralized finance and digital assets.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – January 30, 2025 (Dogecoin, U.S. Army, DeepSeek, Web3) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Blockchain
Fintech as a Service Business Research Report 2025: Global Market to Reach $1.1 Trillion by 2030 from $387 Billion in 2024 – SMB Adoption of Fintech Services Spurs Market Expansion Opportunities
Fintech as a Service (FaaS) Market
Blockchain
From Apes to Humans: ApeChain Joins Humanity Protocol’s zkProofer Network to Scale Proof of Humanity
The post From Apes to Humans: ApeChain Joins Humanity Protocol’s zkProofer Network to Scale Proof of Humanity appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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