Why Every Business Should Have A Metaverse Strategy

Although the final metaverse does not yet exist, digital worlds and cryptocurrencies are on the rise. While some companies have already ventured into the unknown realms of the emerging metaverse, many are cautious about making this step. This article discusses why entering the metaverse is important for businesses, and how the metaverse’s increased security will change the way we think about the internet as we know it. > Read more

Starbucks opens up its web3 loyalty program and NFT community to first beta testers

Starbucks has launched its long awaited Web3 rewards platform, Starbucks Odyssey, for selected beta testers. Increased access to the platform for further testers will be available from January 2023 and the full program is expected to launch in early 2023. Starbucks Odyssey builds upon the company’s current Starbucks Rewards initiative, and users will not only earn reward points for buying in-store, but also by participating in activities on the Odyssey app. Tradeable NFTs will also be offered as loyalty rewards or be available for purchase, which will grant users access to exclusive experiences. Some proceeds from the sale of NFTs will also be donated to charity. > Read more

The metaverse fashion stylists are here

With the rise of fashion in the metaverse, fashion stylists are being increasingly sought after. While many digital stylists also work in the fashion industry in the real world, some have even made the jump to exclusively styling people in digital spaces. This article discusses the experiences of several fashion designers who have ventured into the digital realms and explores the process of getting an avatar professionally styled. > Read more

TIMEX Launches $2,500 Bored Ape Watches and Matching NFTs

TIMEX and the Bored Ape Yacht Club community have collaborated to release 500 customisable watches which will display an NFT owner’s Ape or Mutant. Timepiece Forge Pass NFTs can be minted from December 16th for roughly $ 2,500 (2 ETH), however only BACY and MAYC holders will be able to create a set consisting of a physical watch and an NFT version. This collaboration also comes after TIMEX recently declared itself “timekeepers of the metaverse” by collaborating with Fortnite. > Read more

Warner Music, Polygon and LGND partner to launch Web3 music platform

Warner Music, Polygon and LGND have partnered to launch a Web3 music platform in January 2023. The platform is designed to be a music and collectibles platform and will support “digital collectibles from any blockchain”. Selected Warner Music Group artists will also be able to launch collections on the app and desktop platforms, and interaction between the artists and fans will even be supported by special content and curated experiences. Concerns have, however, been raised that such Web3 music platforms could potentially disrupt the music industry. > Read more

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried arrested in the Bahamas after U.S. files criminal charges

Sam Bankman-Fried, the co-founder and former CEO of the bankrupt crypto trading firm FTX, has been arrested after being indicted by the Southern District of New York. Bankman-Fried is expected to be extradited from the Bahamas to the U.S., where he has been accused of wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, securities fraud, securities fraud conspiracy, money laundering and other violations of securities laws. The Bahamas has confirmed their full cooperation with U.S. law enforcement and will also undertake independent investigations of the collapse of FTX. > Read more