This is Why Ripple Removed xRapid xVia and xCurrent from their Site

This is Why Ripple Removed xRapid, xVia and xCurrent from their Site

The Cryptoverse was abuzz recently when it was discovered that Ripple

made some noticeable changes to their website. We asked the company what happened. Recently, the company has removed mentions of their products xRapid, a source of on demand liquidity, xVia, used by businesses to plug into RippleNet to send payments, and xCurrent, a banking payment solution, from their website, which prompted debates in crypto forums.

Now, “instead of buying xCurrent or xVia, customers will connect to RippleNet — on-premises or through the cloud — and instead of buying xRapid, clients will use On-Demand Liquidity,” explained a spokesperson for Ripple. So these are not new products, bur the existing ones rebranded. However, aside from the cosmetics, that is, renaming of their xProducts, “very few things have changed and will not affect our customers.” Ripple moves towards building a network instead of a software suite, the spokesperson said. The company believes that combining all the different products into a unified network is a natural evolution of the company and its offerings, given the growth of their customer base, as well as the development of their standard and technology. "RippleNet is more than just a suite of software," the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Ripple's CEO Brad Garlinghouse said in August that the company is in talks over "multiple" potential investments and acquisitions, and the company followed that up with two new recent acquisitions. Also, as previously reported, Ripple made several announcements in the last week alone: Ripple’s developer initiative, Xpring, partnered up with a major global blockchain payments provider BitPay, with cryptocurrency wallet BRD Wallet, blockchain analysis company Chainalysis, and digital asset custody Anchorage; there is a new Xpring SDK (software development kit) available; and other new features to the core XRP Ledger and Interledger projects were introduced.

And while XRP price jumped on the acquisition news, the other announcements at the time did not seem to help it, as it continued trading sideways. This week, however, brought good news for XRP, as the price appreciated 11%, as well as 5.6% in the past month, though it fell 2% in the past 24 hours (05:06 UTC). Also, Ripple joined hands with U.S.-based major money transfer company MoneyGram a few months ago, after the acquisition rumors had been flying in the Cryptoverse since June. The company already started using xRapid product, now On-demand Liquidity, “to buy a portion of our currency needs in major receive markets.”

Article Produced By
Sead Fadilpaši?

Sead is a staff journalist at Cryptonews.com who covers cryptocurrency and blockchain news daily, writes analysis pieces, tests blockchain and cryptocurrency products. He's based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prior to joining Cryptonews.com he was a freelance, also was a journalist for Al Jazeera web. He spends his free time in music studios, recording songs for movies and cinema. Loves to break gadgets so he could fix them, enjoys exploring new music and loves tasty and equally unhealthy food.

https://cryptonews.com/news/this-is-why-ripple-removed-xrapid-xvia-and-xcurrent-from-the-4817.htm

David https://markethive.com/david-ogden

Ripple Price XRP Rallies 5 While BTC And ETH Decline

Ripple Price (XRP) Rallies 5% While BTC And ETH Decline

Ripple price is gaining bullish momentum above the $0.2600 resistance area against the US dollar.

The price is up around 5% and it recently broke the $0.2650 resistance area.

There is a connecting bullish trend line forming with support near $0.2550 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair (data source from Kraken).

The price remains supported on dips and it could continue to rise towards the $0.2720 resistance.

Ripple price is rallying towards $0.2720 against the US Dollar, while bitcoin and Ethereum are sliding. XRP price might continue to rise towards $0.2720 or $0.2750.

Ripple Price Analysis

This past week, ripple price made many attempts to surpass the $0.2620 and $0.2650 resistance levels against the US Dollar. However, the XRP/USD pair failed to climb above $0.2650 and traded in a range. Finally, the bulls had an upper hand and the price rallied recently after forming a base near $0.2550. There was a sharp rise above the $0.2600 resistance and the 100 hourly simple moving average.

Moreover, the price broke the $0.2620 and $0.2650 resistance levels. It opened the doors for more gains and the price traded towards the $0.2700 level. A high was formed near $0.2691 and the price is currently retreating from highs. An immediate support is near the $0.2650 level. It coincides with the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent rally from the $0.2514 low to $0.2691 high.

On the downside, there are many supports near the $0.2620 and $0.2600 levels. Additionally, the 50% Fib retracement level of the recent rally from the $0.2514 low to $0.2691 high is near $0.2600. More importantly, there is a connecting bullish trend line forming with support near $0.2550 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair. Therefore, dips from the current levels might find bids near $0.2620 or $0.2600.

The main support is near the $0.2550 level (the previous support base). On the upside, an immediate resistance is near the $0.2700 level. If there is an upside break above $0.2700, the price could test $0.2720 or even $0.2750 in the near term.

Ripple Price Analysis XRP USD

Looking at the chart, ripple price is clearly surging with a positive bias above $0.2620. There are high chances of it extending gains above the $0.2700 and $0.2720 resistance levels in the coming sessions. Conversely, if there is a downside correction, the bulls might protect the $0.2650 and $0.2620 levels (the previous resistance levels).

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for XRP/USD is currently gaining pace in the bullish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for XRP/USD is currently well above the 60 level, with bullish signs.

Major Support Levels – $0.2650, $0.2620 and $0.2550.

Major Resistance Levels – $0.2700, $0.2720 and $0.2750.

Aayush Jindal

David https://markethive.com/david-ogden

Ethereum ETH’s Next Big Move Is Just Around The Corner

Ethereum (ETH)’s Next Big Move Is Just Around The Corner

Ethereum (ETH) is finally close to its next big move that we have been waiting to come to fruition for weeks.

The symmetrical triangle on the 4H chart will now either see a sharp breakout to the upside or to the downside. Considering that the cryptocurrency market is still due for another downtrend and the condition of the Stochastic RSI and RSI for ETH/USD on the 4H chart, I’m inclined to believe that we are very likely to break to the downside. The price remains below the 38.2% fib retracement level despite numerous attempts to break out. As long as that is the case, I have no reason to be bullish on Ethereum (ETH) or any other cryptocurrencies.

Many traders are waiting for a trend reversal at this point but I think it might turn out of be very risky as we do not know where the floor is. If the price starts to decline from here, I would not be surprised to see it crash below even $155 during the next downtrend. I am open to the possibility of the price breaking the symmetrical triangle to the upside but I would consider that to be a fake out and an opportunity to add to short positions. In any case, I would be very surprised to see the price closing above the 61.8% fib retracement level on the daily time frame. In my opinion, we are close to seeing the current move coming to fruition with the price completing a big move to the downside. This next move is what is very likely to turn the sentiment bearish once again and I think that would be a point to expect a short term trend reversal.

The daily chart for Ethereum dominance (ETH.D) is an even better indicator of what is likely to follow in the near future. If the rising wedge breaks to the downside as I expect it to, then we have a very high probability of the altcoin market experiencing some serious pain. RSI on the daily chart for Ethereum dominance points to a similar outcome. We are now very close to seeing a breakout in ETH/USD but if we link this chart with the ETH/USD chart, we get the complete picture and that is the strong probability of the beginning of a new downtrend from here.

Ethereum (ETH) and other cryptocurrencies are long way from breaking out of the current bear market just yet. In my opinion, we are in the second half of the ongoing bear market and there is no reason to be bullish on Ethereum (ETH) or other altcoins as long as the market has not made the inevitable moves to the downside. Everyone is looking to buy the dip but most of you who have been around since 2014 or before would know that this is now what it feels like when the market bottoms. No one wants to buy the dip thinking it is the end and that is when the next cycle actually begins.

Article Produced By
Jefe Caan

I work as the key Trading Analyst for Crypto Daily and provide the team with regular analyses and updates regarding the technical performance of all cryptocurrencies on the market. I am responsible for the production of articles and posts for Crypto Daily’s own technical analysis section and spend my time monitoring and commenting on the varied moves the markets make on a daily basis.

https://cryptodaily.co.uk/2019/10/ethereum-next-big-move-is-just-around-the-corner

David https://markethive.com/david-ogden

See How Apple Are Utilising The Blockchain

Apple Inc are best known for their flagship iMac and iPhone products,

though historically, of course, it all really started (in the mainstream at least) with the launch of the iPod. Apple Inc is a US-based multinational company that specialises in the design and development of various hardware and software products and are often considered as Microsoft's only true rival in terms of tech dominance. With an estimated revenue of $265.595 billion in 2018, it’s clear to see that Apple are frankly huge. It’s also clear that such a large tech firm will wish to explore blockchain technology sooner, rather than later. No, Apple aren’t launching their own Applecoin or iCoin just yet, however, according to reports out during the middle of last week, Apple Inc have confirmed that they will be using blockchain technology to explore new methods of manufacture that aim to make Apple’s hardware products far more environmentally friendly.

According to CCN:

“When you think of Apple, you think iPhone, iPad, or even privacy concerns. You probably don’t think conflict minerals used in the manufacturing of its devices or how blockchain could prove the cure for an ethical supply chain. Well, you should. The tech giant has filed a report with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission indicating it is studying ways to implement Blockchain in some form or fashion.”

Now, within their filing Apple have not actually said they will be using blockchain technology, rather they simply hint at the fact that they could use the blockchain in order to find solutions designed to make their sourcing of natural minerals and products more ethical.

This comes after Apple pledged to work in a more efficient manner back in 2018:

“In 2018, Apple chaired the board of the Responsible Business Alliance, served on the Steering Committee of the RMI, continued its participation in the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals, and served on the Governance Committee of the Public-Private Alliance for Responsible Minerals Trade. Apple also contributed to several RMI working groups, including, but not limited to, the working groups for tin, gold, and other minerals; the smelter engagement team; the Blockchain team; and the minerals reporting template team.”

Blockchain technology can seriously transform the way companies like Apple source the products that they need to make intricate pieces of hardware that go into the iPhone and the iMac. Audit trails, database maintenance and of course, product authentication can all benefit from blockchain integration, perhaps Apple have finally realised that?

Article Produced By
Adrian Barkley

Adrian has been leading teams in the finance sector for over a decade. He is highly experienced, and is responsible for ensuring that the latest news is delivered to you as it is breaking. He has a keen interest in virtual currencies, and has even made investments himself, so is incredibly passionate when it comes to writing about this topic.

https://cryptodaily.co.uk/2019/02/see-how-apple-utilising-blockchain

David https://markethive.com/david-ogden

Malware Costing Just 160 Attempts Crypto Theft from 72000 Devices

Malware Costing Just $160 Attempts Crypto Theft from 72,000 Devices

Researchers believe a malware botnet that costs just $160 has interacted with potentially 2,000 machines per week

in attempts at stealing crypto wallets and personal information. Prevailion, the U.S.-based cybersecurity management provider, posted an article on its blog detailing how MasterMana Botnet has likely been active since December 2018 and was still active as late as September 24. With the potential to hit 2,000 machines a week, the botnet may, therefore have interacted with more than 72,000 devices this year.

Cyber Bingo Full House

Authors Danny Adamitis and Matt Thompson described MasterMana Botnet as an "ongoing cyber-crime campaign that hits all of the cyber bingo buzzwords: business email compromise, backdoors, and cryptocurrency wallets". Once victims opened the phishing email it would reveal an infected document attachment. Opening this document would then release the bot designed to steal usernames, passwords, cookies, web history and cryptocurrency wallets. The authors underlined the irony of such a threat: malware that costs just $100, and launched over a $60 virtual private server (VPS) was sophisticated enough to avoid detection from security systems that are becoming ever-more expensive.

They added:

While most companies fear they may become compromised by advanced actors, this particular report highlights that actors do not have to rely on advanced tools or techniques to have a serious business impact.

Article Produced By
Neil Dennis

Neil is a veteran financial journalist, but a relative newcomer to the land of cryptocurrencies and blockchain and brings a critical, yet fascinated, eye to the digital asset market.

https://www.cryptoglobe.com/latest/2019/10/malware-costing-just-160-attempts-crypto-theft-from-72000-devices/

David https://markethive.com/david-ogden

Hacker Who Grabbed Top-Level Ethereum Domains Voluntarily Returns Them

The hacker who managed to exploit an auction by the Ethereum Naming Service (ENS)

to grab top-level domains has voluntarily returned the domains he took. Since September 1 digital collectibles marketplace OpenSea has been having an Ethereum domain auction, where “.eth” domains are being auctioned to the highest bidder. These domains, unlike those working on the standard DNS domain, can’t be forcibly retrieved once allocated, as they’re on the Ethereum blockchain. Using an exploit in the auction software distributing the ENS domains to participants, the hacker managed to get a hold of top-level domains like “apple.eth”, “defi.eth,” and “wallet.eth” without being the highest bidder. Overall, the user took 17 domains.

OpenSea wrote in a blog post:

One user discovered an input validation vulnerability that allowed them to place bids on a name that actually issued a different name.

The auction suffered from other issues, as domains like “bitmex.eth” and “hodls.eth” had bids incorrectly processed. These weren’t, however, affected by the exploit. The affected domains were initially blacklisted by OpenSea, although the marketplace asked the hacker to return the domains so they can be re-auctioned. In return, it offered the hacker a reward of 25% of the final auction price, as well as the original bid. The offer seems to have worked as on Twitter, OpenSea revealed the domains were voluntarily returned.

Article Produced By
Francisco Memoria

Francisco is a cryptocurrency writer who's in love with technology and focuses on helping people see the value digital currencies have. His work has been published in numerous reputable industry publications. Francisco holds various cryptocurrencies

https://www.cryptoglobe.com/latest/2019/10/hacker-who-grabbed-top-level-ethereum-domains-voluntarily-returns-them/

David https://markethive.com/david-ogden

World’s Largest Furniture Retailer Uses Programmable Cash on Ethereum to Settle Invoice

Retail giant IKEA has settled an invoice with a local retailer using an Ethereum-based token.

Supply chain payments platform Tradeshift transferred a digital version of the Icelandic króna that was created on Ethereum by fintech company Monerium. Ethereum, an open source, public blockchain, allows developers to create a number of financial tools to power the digital economy while stripping away middlemen. Through the use of smart contracts, which are executed once agreed upon terms are met on both sides of a deal, trust is established without the need for third-party intermediaries. Smart contracts effectively reduce burdensome paperwork and eliminate redundant verification procedures.

Stefán Árnason, chief financial officer of IKEA Iceland, says the platform, which connects the money and payments flow to the invoicing to the actual inventory, squashing “double dip financing fraud”, will alter business relationships. “A programmable financial supply chain, where trading partners can connect information flows to money flows through smart contracts, will transform how suppliers and customers interact.”

Gert Sylvest, co-founder of Tradeshift, says “smart invoices” allow merchants to represent future cash flow down to each dollar on the invoice. Payments can be programmed to settle on the actual due date, raising the bar on other services such as short-term credit to small and large companies that can be delivered automatically.

The Ethereum-based e-money differs from cryptocurrencies in that it represents fiat currency.

Says Sveinn Valfells, co-founder and CEO of Monerium, “Unlike cryptocurrency which is volatile, e-money is a proven digital alternative to cash, regulated and redeemable on demand. Using programmable e-money in smart contracts heralds a new category of payments.” The e-money movement is in line with IKEA’s efforts to streamline and conserve. The retail giant, founded in 1943, is responding to a changing world and the impact of e-commerce giant Amazon by taking a number of steps to modernize its business practices, reduce emissions and simplify manual procedures.

Article Produced By
The Daily Hodl Staff

https://dailyhodl.com/2019/10/03/worlds-largest-furniture-retailer-uses-programmable-cash-on-ethereum-to-settle-invoice/

David https://markethive.com/david-ogden