A new covid variant – Omicron, has entered the world stage as we head into the holidays and final lap of the year. This creates a frenzy for the mainstream narrative and puts people on alarm during a time that is already particularly stressful for most. This might affect things like the supply chain and thus gas prices, groceries, and presents, but it doesn’t obscure our view of the many exciting technology developments we see in the mobility tech and connectivity space and cover here on AutoConverse.
One technology in particular could be blockchain, and thus cryptocurrency. You could say that crypto came out of the closet in 2021, but for those who have been staking and holding crypto, or “hodling,” a better way to label this year might be validation, or payoff. Validation because this is the year that so many companies, governments included, began adopting cryptocurrency if not introducing their own cryptocurrencies and other blockchain technologies such as NFT, or non-fungible tokens. Payoff because crypto values have increased hundreds of percentage points for investors.
Practically all cryptocurrencies increased in value significantly this year, including the two top cryptocurrencies – Bitcoin and Ethereum which will likely close the year up 100% and more than 500% respectively.
What does this mean for fiat currencies such as the US Dollar or Chinese Yuan? Some would argue that we are seeing the end of unsecured (fiat) currencies, and that crypto represents the future of currency across the world. Others believe that the crypto revolution has already been hijacked by the old system.
But no matter how you view the whole idea of it all, there is no denying the widespread adoption of blockchain technology for business and industry.
And so we close the year with a particular nod to blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, and our friends and fans utilizing blockchain for their endeavors. We begin with something that would normally be obscure and included towards the end of an episode, but for today it’s the leading headline because, well, you’ll see.
The Mobility Tech & Connectivity Show
Aired Live in December 2021
In the News…
SpaceX launched an Ethereum node to the International Space Station in July. This is the first time an Ethereum node has been launched into space, which is a significant achievement for the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency. Each Ethereum block has a node that verifies transactions, keeps the network safe, and maintains data accuracy. SpaceChain is a community-based space platform that merges space and blockchain technology, creating the world’s first ever open-source blockchain-based satellite network, which lets users develop and perform applications in space. Because of the ISS node, SpaceChain clients may now leverage the Ethereum blockchain for their whole range of services, including data security and asset custody. Continue…
Red Bull Racing Honda has confirmed a technical partnership with Tezos, the world’s most advanced blockchain, as the Team’s Official Blockchain Partner. The energy efficient blockchain Tezos has been selected to build its first ever NFT fan experience. Tezos is a pioneering and energy efficient open-source blockchain for assets and applications that, similar to Formula One, is constantly evolving with the newest industry advancements. By design, Tezos uses a more energy efficient approach to secure its network. Meaning, it can operate cleanly, with minimal energy consumption and a negligible carbon footprint. With this advantage, Red Bull Racing Honda will launch the Team’s first ever range of digital collectible NFTs, exclusively on the Tezos blockchain, while aiming to provide new, unique and immersive experiences. Continue…
Ebay now allows the sale of non-fungible tokens for digital collectibles like trading cards, images and video clips. And the Sharks Sports & Entertainment is set to become the first parent company of an NHL team (San Jose Sharks) to begin accepting cryptocurrency for large and recurring payments.
And remember earlier this year Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk purchased $1.5 billion in Bitcoin. That purchase stands to be worth up to $2.5 billion by the close of this year.
Here’s a partnership that’s less glossy, but every bit as saucy. Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with supply chain providers to trial the use of traceability technology in the leather supply chain using blockchain. The product is part of a reimage strategy that would bring net zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products, and operations by 2039.
Carbon Emissions and Sustainability
On the subject of carbon emissions, backlash about the carbon footprint of COP26, particularly commercial aviation emissions, seems to have quieted. But that doesn’t mean we won’t be keeping a pulse on energy and sustainability.
The aviation industry is in a crisis. There’s a global push to cut carbon emissions and many of us haven’t stepped on a plane in more than a year. And now one entrepreneur wants to build an aerospace company that offers supersonic jet travel for the everyday customer. Imagine a journey from New York to London taking only three hours and 15 minutes while Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia would be cut down to eight and a half hours.
Even with the reduced flight time, passengers will of course require internet access. And luckily, Elon Musk has been working on his Starlink network of satellites providing Internet access to hard-to-reach areas, such as large rural areas, and for air travel.
Google Cloud announced that it reached an agreement with SpaceX to offer satellite internet services through Starlink. The tech giant will provide its cloud infrastructure, which involves SpaceX installing Starlink ground terminals in Google’s cloud data centers, which will connect to Starlink satellites. Starlink satellites will have the ability to deliver data reliably and with low-latency to customers via Google Cloud out of ground stations. The pros to applications in Google cloud services are analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. Thus, Starlink customers will be able to access the internet from Google’s infrastructure, while ‘Big Tech’ will be providing a faster and more secure data connection in
Tesla Model Pi Smartphone Will Launch With Starlink Technology
In the near future, Tesla will begin preparing the launch of a smartphone model called “Model Pi.” Accordingly, the Tesla Model Pi Smartphone is expected to be equipped with a quality 4K screen, a cluster of 4 cameras with the main camera having 108MP resolution, powered by Snapdragon 898 SoC chip, and having up to 2TB of flash storage.
On top of that, the Model Pi is also said to be able to connect to the Starlink satellite, have integrated solar charging technology, equipped with WiFi connectivity and 5G technology, and maybe even have “neural link connection” technology. Though, at this time, there is still no information on the official price and launch date. (iGeekPhone)
Elon Musk’s Tesla Banks a Billion on Cryptocurrency
The bitcoin bought by Tesla for $1.5 billion in January is worth $2.5 billion after bitcoin’s rally. The token topped $60,000 briefly and then reduced to $59,310; although this is still the highest level in five months. There’s hope the SEC will soon likely approve bitcoin’s future exchange-traded funds. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is majorly influential in crypto and his comments have driven volatility in bitcoin’s price. Right after a comment was made about Tesla suspending vehicle purchases in bitcoin, the token’s price dropped. (Business Insider)
Jaguar Land Rover Trials World’s First Blockchain Tech for Leather Supply Chain
Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with supply chain traceability provider Circulor, Bridge of Weir Leather Company, and the University of Nottingham to trial the use of traceability technology in the leather supply chain. The partnership is the first of its kind in blockchain tech. Besides tracking compliance, Jaguar Land Rover states that the digital process enabled it to assess the carbon footprint of its leather supply network, working with UK-based Bridge of Weir Leather Company to trace its lowest carbon leather from farm to finished article. This product is part of a reimage strategy that would bring net zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039. (Financial Express)
EBay taps into NFT frenzy, allows sale on platform
Ebay now allows the sale of non-fungible tokens for digital collectibles like trading cards, images and video clips. Ebay is the first e-commerce company to tap into the recent frenzy around NFTs. While multi-million dollar deals, including the $69 million sale of a digital artwork by Beeple in March, have created ripples in the art world, a market for digital collectibles has also thrived alongside. While anyone can view the NFTs for free, the buyer has the status of being the official owner – a kind of digital bragging rights. The announcement comes after eBay said it was open to the possibility of accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment in the future and was looking at ways to get NFTs on its platform. Learn more …
First Ethereum Node has been Launched to Space, Now Installed on ISS
SpaceX launched an Ethereum node to the International Space Station on July 3rd, 2021. This is the first time an Ethereum node has been launched into space, which is a significant achievement for the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency. Each Ethereum block has a node that verifies transactions, keeps the network safe, and maintains data accuracy. And SpaceChain is a community-based space platform that merges space and blockchain technology, creating the world’s first ever open-source blockchain-based satellite network. Which lets users develop and perform applications in space. Because of the ISS node, SpaceChain clients may now leverage the Ethereum blockchain for their whole range of services, including data security and asset custody. (Tech Story)
Honda, Google Expand Collaboration On Connected Services
Honda plans to integrate Google’s in-vehicle connected service into an all-new model that will come to market in the second half of 2022 in North America. Once for sale, they will expand it globally in stages and drivers will be able to send messages, get directions, control media, vehicle functions and compatible smartphone devices hands-free. An additional perk is that Google Assistant is installed to the on-board Display Audio, allowing the driver to even complete daily tasks while their eyes stay on the road and their hands remain on the wheel. (Media Post)
San Jose Sharks will begin to accept cryptocurrency
Starting June 15, Sharks Sports & Entertainment is set to become the first parent company of an NHL team to begin accepting cryptocurrency for large and recurring payments. These will include season ticket purchases, luxury box leases, and sponsorship deals, an SSE spokesman confirmed. The Sports Business Journal first reported details of the initiative. Since the Sharks were already accepting PayPal, who recently started accepting cryptocurrency last year, it only made sense to “embrace it and make it more visible as opposed to just doing it through a third party” stated team president, Jonathan Bercher. He also noted that using cryptocurrency for smaller purchases such as single game tickets, food and beverage, and merchandise will be reviewed in the future. Learn more …
Boom Supersonic aims to fly anywhere in the world in four hours for $100
The aviation industry is in a crisis. There’s a global push to cut carbon emissions and many of us haven’t even stepped on a plane or hugged far-flung loved ones in more than a year. The British-French airliner Concorde, one of only two supersonic jets to have operated commercially, flew from 1969 to 2003 and was ludicrously expensive and an environmental disaster. At first, reviving the supersonic dream that died with Concorde’s retirement nearly two decades ago seemed like an outrageous fantasy. However, now a fresh bunch of start-ups are working on supersonic and hypersonic projects. Last October frontrunner Boom Supersonic was the first to roll out an actual honest-to-goodness IRL demonstrator aircraft, the XB1. Learn more …
Tezos Joins The Charge As Official Blockchain Partner
Red Bull Racing Honda has confirmed a technical partnership with Tezos, the world’s most advanced blockchain, as the Team’s Official Blockchain Partner. The energy efficient blockchain Tezos has been selected to build its first ever NFT fan experience. Tezos is a pioneering and energy efficient open-source blockchain for assets and applications that, similar to Formula One, is constantly evolving with the newest industry advancements. By design, Tezos uses a more energy efficient approach to secure its network. Meaning, it can operate cleanly, with minimal energy consumption and a negligible carbon footprint. With this advantage, Red Bull Racing Honda will launch the Team’s first ever range of digital collectible NFTs, exclusively on the Tezos blockchain, while aiming to provide new, unique and immersive experiences. Continue …
SpaceX signs alliance with Google Cloud to offer satellite internet with Starlink
Google Cloud announced that it reached an agreement with SpaceX to offer satellite internet services through Starlink. The tech giant will provide its cloud infrastructure for Elon Musk’s connectivity project. This agreement involves SpaceX installing Starlink ground terminals in Google’s cloud data centers, which will connect to Starlink satellites. Starlink satellites will have the ability to deliver data reliably and with low-latency to customers via Google Cloud out of ground stations. The pros to applications in Google cloud services are analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. Thus, Musk’s customers will be able to access the internet from Google’s infrastructure, while ‘Big Tech’ will be providing a faster and more secure data connection in hard-to-reach areas, such as large rural areas. Learn more …
Crypto is Making Hysterical Profits —The Final Rise Before the Fall?
We smell the end of capitalism as we see a pending transformation of money regarding Bitcoin and crypto. Behind the covid propaganda you will find that our world technocrats and financial leaders are abusing their power by speaking about taking away the people’s wealth by changing our money agreement. Klaus Schwab says “the pandemic represents a rare but narrow window of opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and reset our world”. Once crypto is the main source of our money and the elites reboot the economy, our wealth will no longer be tangible. The World Economic Forum represented by Schwab, foreshadows a basic world income by describing a dystopian society where there is happiness but zero ownership. Continue…
