It’s been a really interesting week for Web3 news. Here are some of the top stories…
CORPORATION NEWS
Soulbound Tokens To Be Tested By Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group
Have you heard of soulbound tokens? A soulbound token is a non-transferable and publicly verifiable NFT (nonfungible token) which can be used to represent an individual's identity or credentials. This type of non-transferable token can be used to track anything from a college diploma to a birth certificate.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group is planning a trial through to the end of March 2023 of soulbound tokens. SMBC is one of Japan's largest financial institutions and the project is part of a partnership with HashPort Group. SMBC may also test soulbound tokens in relation to claims about career related credentials.
iPod Designer Takes On New NFT Device by Ledger
Soon you’ll be able to visualize NFTs and manage coins through a slick new piece of hardware designed by the same person as the iPod, Tony Fadell. Hardware developer Ledger who sell crypto self-custody products engaged the designer for its new device release in 2023.
The credit card-sized device, called Ledger Stax, will connect to the Ledger Live mobile app via Bluetooth. In addition to the NFT display (in black and white), the credit card-sized device will allow users to access swaps, staking, and on-ramping services.
PAYMENT NEWS
Instant Low-Cost Payments For Nigeria, Kenya & Ghana
Cross-border payments have been a longtime challenge for countries in Africa. In order to receive money transfers from family and contacts living abroad, the people in these countries have been hit by exorbitant transaction fees as well as slow settlement times.
Strike aims to change that for users in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana receiving payments from U.S. users. Through its new "Send Globally" feature, money transfers will be low-cost and instantly converted into naira, cedi, or shillings. The platform is built on Bitcoin's Lightning network and is powered by a partnership with African payments platform Bitnob. The instant transfers can be made to a bank account, mobile money, or Bitnob account.
Anonymous Visa Debit Card by ZELF
Fintech company ZELF has launched a crypto-recharge anonymous Visa debit card that can be used at any of Visa’s 80 million locations worldwide.
Users will be able to skip the submission of extensive documentation like a social security number and proof of address, opening up a U.S. dollar chequing account with just their name, email, and phone number.
The anonymous virtual debit card will also work with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
NFT NEWS
Coca-Cola Releases NFT Heatmaps from FIFA World Cup Matches
In another corporate play to capitalize on FIFA World Cup fever, Coca-Cola is releasing a set of NFTs to capture heatmaps of the in-game movements of players. 10,000 NFTs will be hosted on Crypto.com's NFT platform by GMUNK, the same digital artist who also worked with Nike and DoorDash.
Nike’s RTFKT Unveils Web3 Sneakers To U.S. Audience
The “first native web3 sneaker” is here. RTFKT, Nike’s digital fashion and collectibles firm, has unveiled a Nike shoe-inspired phygital NFT mint with web3 functionality.
The sneakers, which they’re calling "Cryptokicks iRL," have advanced features and app connectivity including auto-lacing, enhanced lighting, haptic feedback, gesture control, and walk detection. The shoes, which are only available in the U.S. include a special chip to support NFC-NFT linking and NFC-NFT authentication.
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NFA DYOR (Not financial advice. Do your own research.)
