Two long-inactive Bitcoin wallets, originally linked to the infamous Silk Road marketplace, have come back to life after nearly 11 years of silence. On 5 May 2025, blockchain monitoring platforms flagged two large transactions totalling 3,421 BTC, worth more than $322 million at the time of transfer.
The first wallet moved 2,343 BTC at block height 895,421. These funds were split into 31 outputs, with most redirected to a new Pay-to-Witness-Public-Key-Hash (P2WPKH) address. The second wallet, also created in July 2013, transferred 1,078 BTC at block height 895,433.
The transaction followed a similar pattern, moving funds to an unfamiliar destination address. Sani, the creator of timechainindex.com, confirmed that the Bitcoins originated from Silk Road activity, having been withdrawn in 2012.
The nature of the transfers was large and silent. The funds were redirected to fresh wallets, prompting speculation about the intent behind the moves. It is particularly intriguing due to its historic origins and potential regulatory implications.
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Bhutan has launched the world’s first national-level crypto tourism payment system, in partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank. Tourists can now pay for nearly everything, from flights to food, using over 100 cryptocurrencies like BTC, BNB, and USDC.
Payments are made via QR codes through the Binance app, with DK Bank converting crypto into Bhutan’s local currency instantly.
The new system offers benefits beyond convenience. Small businesses, especially in remote areas, can now accept crypto payments with just a smartphone. Local vendors, who previously lacked card payment infrastructure, now have new opportunities thanks to the system.
By eliminating cross-border payment issues, zero gas fees, and not relying on international card networks, the system makes transactions seamless. It sets a global precedent, potentially encouraging other countries to adopt similar models for tourism.
The Binance Pay Bhutan partnership is already making waves in the tourism sector, showing how crypto can connect cultures and improve travel experiences. Binance’s growing use case in tourism continues to build confidence in its token.
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OpenAI plans to reduce the share of revenue it gives Microsoft as part of its long-term partnership, according to a report by The Information.
The AI firm has told investors it expects to share just 10 per cent of its revenue with Microsoft and other commercial partners by 2030, instead of the 20 per cent originally agreed under its current deal.
The change comes as OpenAI scales back a broader restructuring effort. The company’s nonprofit parent will now retain control, a move likely to limit CEO Sam Altman’s influence. Despite ongoing collaboration, this shift signals a recalibration of financial and governance dynamics between the two companies.
Microsoft, which recently altered parts of its agreement with OpenAI while pursuing major AI data centre projects, has not commented on the latest report. OpenAI, meanwhile, said it remains committed to working closely with Microsoft and expects to finalise the details of its recapitalisation soon.
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New Hampshire has become the first US state to allow public funds to be invested in Bitcoin and other digital assets. Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 302 into law. The legislation enables the state treasury to allocate up to 10% of the general fund and other approved pools into eligible digital and precious metal assets.
To qualify for investment, digital assets must hold a market capitalisation above $500 billion — a threshold currently met only by Bitcoin. The law includes strict guidelines for asset custody, requiring state oversight or the use of regulated custodians and exchange-traded products.
The bill passed with divided opinion. Supporters highlighted the potential for higher returns, while critics raised concerns over financial stability. With this move, New Hampshire sets a precedent as other states, including Texas and Arizona, consider similar legislation.
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Microsoft is bringing more AI to Windows 11 with a new AI assistant built into the Settings app. This smart agent can adjust system settings like mouse precision, help users navigate the interface, and even troubleshoot problems—all by request.
With the user’s permission, it can also make changes automatically instead of relying on manual adjustments.
The AI assistant will first roll out to testers in the Windows Insider programme on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, followed by support for x86-based systems.
Although Microsoft has not confirmed a release date for the general public, this feature marks a major step in making Windows settings more intuitive and responsive.
Several other AI-powered updates are on the way, including smarter tools in File Explorer and the Snipping Tool, plus dynamic lighting in the Photos app.
Copilot will also gain a new ‘Vision’ feature, letting it see shared windows for better in-app assistance instead of being limited to text prompts alone.
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Tether has partnered with Chainalysis to integrate its compliance and monitoring tools into the Hadron by Tether platform. The collaboration will provide users with advanced risk detection and real-time transaction monitoring, helping institutions meet regulatory requirements.
The move is part of a wider trend of increased oversight in the crypto industry.
Hadron by Tether, launched in November 2024, enables institutions, governments, and corporations to tokenise real-world assets like financial instruments and real estate. The platform has seen a surge in adoption, with the real-world asset (RWA) market growing by 10.5% in the past month.
Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, highlighted that this integration would provide institutional-grade compliance without compromising decentralisation.
Chainalysis is known for its security tools and blockchain data platform. It will now support Hadron users with risk detection, real-time transaction monitoring, and Know-Your-Transaction (KYT) services.
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Amazon’s latest innovation, the Vulcan robot, is set to revolutionise the company’s warehouse operations. These cutting-edge robots are designed with an advanced ‘sense of touch,’ enabling them to perform tasks such as picking and packing, which were previously exclusive to human workers.
It could significantly reduce the number of jobs required in Amazon’s fulfilment centres worldwide, potentially displacing lower-skilled workers, particularly those in temporary or younger roles.
Vulcan’s technology allows it to navigate complex tasks, including placing items into precise spots and handling a vast array of products with care, a challenge that was previously difficult for robots.
Amazon argues that the robots will improve workplace safety by reducing the physical strain on employees and minimising injuries, while also boosting operational efficiency.
However, the shift towards automation raises concerns about the future of employment within Amazon’s warehouses.
Though Amazon emphasises that robots like Vulcan will complement human workers, the growing use of automation, including drone deliveries and AI-powered machines, could diminish the need for human labour in certain roles.
A move like this, combined with the company’s broader tech investments, prompts significant questions about the future of work and the potential societal impacts of widespread automation.
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We are confronted with this phenomenon through photos, video and audio recordings that can easily confuse us and force us to question our perception of reality.
And while the public often focuses on deepfakes, at the same time we are witnessing inventions and patents emerging around the world that deserve admiration, but also spark important reflection: are we nearing, or have we already crossed, the ethical red line?
For these and many other reasons, in a world where the visual and functional differences between science fiction and reality have almost disappeared, the latest inventions come as a shock.
We are now at a point where we are facing technologies that force us to redefine what we mean by the word ‘reality’.
Neuralink: Crossing the boundary between brain and machine
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease caused by damage and degeneration of motor neurons—nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This damage disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles via peripheral nerves, leading to a progressive loss of muscle function.
However, the Neuralink chip, developed by Elon Musk’s company, has helped one patient type with their mind and speak using their voice. This breakthrough opens the door to a new form of communication where thoughts become direct interactions.
Liquid robot from South Korea
Scenes from sci-fi films are becoming reality, and in this case (thankfully), a liquid robot has a noble purpose—to assist in rescue missions and be applied in medicine.
Currently in the early prototype stage, it has been demonstrated in labs through a collaboration between MIT and Korean research institutes.
ULS exoskeleton as support for elderly care
Healthcare workers and caregivers in China have had their work greatly simplified thanks to the ULS Robotics exoskeleton, weighing only five kilograms but enabling users to lift up to 30 kilograms.
This represents a leap forward in caring for people with limited mobility, while also increasing safety and efficiency. Commercial prototypes have been tested in hospitals and industrial environments.
Another example from China that has been in use for several years. Robots equipped with AI perform precise crop spraying. The system analyses pests and targets them without the need for human presence, reducing potential health risks.
The application has become standardised, with expectations for further expansion and improvement in the near future.
The stretchable battery of the future
Researchers in Sweden have developed a flexible battery that can double in length without losing energy, making it ideal for wearable technologies.
Although not yet commercially available, it has been covered in scientific journals. The aim is for it to become a key component in bendable devices, smart clothing and medical implants.
Volonaut Airbike: A sci-fi vehicle takes off
When it comes to innovation, the Volonaut Airbike hits the mark perfectly. Designed to resemble a single-seat speeder bike from Star Wars, it represents a giant leap toward personal air travel.
Functional prototypes exist, but testing remains limited due to high production costs and regulatory hurdles related to traffic laws. Nevertheless, the Polish company behind it remains committed to this idea, and it will be exciting to follow its progress.
NEO robot: The humanoid household assistant
A Norwegian company has been developing a humanoid robot capable of performing household tasks, including gardening chores like collecting and bagging leaves or grass.
These are among the first serious steps toward domestic humanoid assistants. Currently functioning in demo mode, the robot has received backing from OpenAI.
Lenovo Yoga Solar: The laptop that loves sunlight
If you find yourself without a charger but with access to direct sunlight, this laptop will do everything it can to keep you powered. Using solar energy, 20 minutes of charging in sunlight provides around one hour of video playback.
Perfect for ecologists and digital nomads. Although not yet commercially available, it has been showcased at several major tech expos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px1iEW600Pk
What comes next: The need for smart regulation
As technology races ahead, regulation must catch up. From neurotech to autonomous robots, each innovation raises new questions about privacy, accountability, and ethics.
Governments and tech developers alike must collaborate to ensure that these inventions remain tools for good, not risks to society.
So, what is real and what is generated?
This question will only become harder to answer as time goes on. But on the other hand, if the technological revolution continues to head in a useful and positive direction, perhaps there is little to fear.
The true dilemma in this era of rapid innovation may not be about the tools themselves, but about the fundamental question: Is technology shaping us, or do we still shape it?
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Gold and Bitcoin increased as investors waited for the Federal Reserve’s next move. At the same time, rising global tensions and trade worries kept markets on edge.
Spot gold rose 0.7% to $3,357 per ounce on Tuesday, driven by safe-haven demand. US gold futures added 1.3%, supported by fresh interest from Chinese investors. Central banks also continued moving away from the dollar, boosting gold’s appeal.
Bitcoin hovered near February highs, trading around $97,500. Markets remain sensitive to dovish signals that could lift Bitcoin closer to its previous peak near $100,000.
The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates steady between 4.25% and 4.50%. Investors are closely watching for signs of whether persistent inflation and slowing consumer demand will delay potential rate cuts expected later this year.
Tensions flared after a Houthi missile landed near Tel Aviv, leading to Israeli strikes in Yemen. At the same time, Trump’s new tariff plans rattled trade nerves. Even so, Bitcoin stayed strong, fuelled by ETF demand and rate cut hopes.
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AMD expects to lose around US$1.5 billion in revenue this year because of new US export restrictions on advanced AI chips, which now require a licence to be sold to China.
The US government, under both the Biden and Trump administrations, has tightened curbs on chip exports in an effort to slow China’s progress in developing powerful AI systems, citing national security risks.
China makes up roughly a quarter of AMD’s total revenue, so these measures could reduce AMD’s expected annual earnings by almost 5 per cent.
Despite this setback, AMD posted stronger-than-expected second-quarter revenue guidance, forecasting around US$7.4 billion, likely driven by customers rushing to stockpile chips before the new rules fully take effect.
CEO Lisa Su said the impact from the curbs would be mostly felt during the second and third quarters, yet she still expects revenue from the company’s AI data centre chips to grow by strong double digits in 2024.
AMD’s finance chief Jean Hu clarified the projected US$1.5 billion revenue loss is tied directly to the latest export controls introduced in April.
Although AMD is under pressure, demand for its high-performance chips remains solid, with tech giants like Microsoft and Meta continuing to invest heavily in AI infrastructure.
The company’s data centre division saw sales jump 57 per cent to US$3.7 billion, helping push total revenue up 36 per cent to US$7.44 billion—both figures exceeding analyst expectations. Adjusted earnings stood at 96 cents per share, slightly above estimates.
Rival chipmaker Nvidia has also warned it now requires a licence to export to China and faces an even larger US$5.5 billion hit.
Meanwhile, other tech firms didn’t fare as well—Marvell Technology and Super Micro disappointed investors, with shares falling after they issued weaker outlooks, adding further signs of turbulence in the chip sector.
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