Starbucks to Support Crypto Payments
Passionate cryptocurrency and coffee enthusiasts will soon be able to rejoice as Microsoft and Starbucks are working together, to allow consumers to pay for their latte macchiatos by using cryptocurrencies. The service, to be ready by November 2018, will allow customers to use a digital wallet to convert both Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into fiat.
Will you purchase your next cappuccino at Starbucks using your crypto?
Turkey Establishes Country’s First University Blockchain Center
Turkey has established the country’s first university blockchain center, to close the blockchain expertise gap and ensure wide deployment of the technology. Last November, the country’s government said that BTC was not compatible with Islam. However, in February of this year, the government proposed new crypto regulations and there were even mentions of a national digital currency, the TurkCoin.
Ready to sign up for your blockchain class in Istanbul?
Sony Applies for Blockchain-Enabled Hardware Patents
Japanese tech conglomerate Sony has submitted patent applications for two hardware products utilizing blockchain with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Sony applied for patents titled “Electronic Node and Method for Maintaining a Distributed Ledger” and “Device and System,” which described the devices and systems to be used in the maintenance of a ledger. This demonstrates Sony’s trust in using and developing blockchain technology.
What do you think of use patents backed by an open source technology?
Boerse Stuttgart to Offer More Crypto Services
The Boerse Stuttgart, one of the leading European stock exchanges announced a plan to develop an Initial Coin Offering platform, a cryptocurrency trading venue and custodial services. The ICO platform and the trading service will start after the launch of BISON (a mobile cryptocurrency application) while the custody service should go live before the mobile app.
What do you think of the Boerse Stuttgart crypto services?
Bank of Thailand Green-Lights Financial Companies for Crypto Activities
In February 2018, the central bank had asked all financial institutions to refrain from getting involved in crypto activities. Since then, the country unveiled in July a friendly regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO). Finally, last week, Thailand’s central bank announced the new rules under which financial institutions, including commercial banks, and their subsidiaries could engage in cryptocurrency activities. In a very short time, Thailand’s government has been taking every possible step to offer a regulated environment for blockchain business to thrive and develop.
Is your government also developing crypto friendly regulations to attract blockchain businesses?
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ships 17 Tons of Almonds Using Blockchain
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has successfully traded and tracked a cross-border shipment of some 17 tons of almonds, using a blockchain-based platform. The blockchained shipment left the coast at Sunraysia, Australia and arrived safely in Hamburg, Germany. All parties were able to see all additions to the blockchain, but in the future the bank said it would use a more restrictive blockchain.
What do you think of blockchain technology used to improve supply chains?