Latest news with #decentralized
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fans roast 'painfully bad' NHL Draft change that sparked cringeworthy moment live on-air
The 2025 NHL Draft decided to go 'de-centralized' after years of having every team making their picks in one location. The results were not as smooth as the league hoped. In a manner similar to the NFL Draft, the NHL decided to let all the teams make their selections from their own offices rather than travel to one arena to announce the picks. While that opened up the floor for certain movie producers (Seattle Kraken owner Jerry Bruckheimer), musicians (Buffalo natives The Goo Goo Dolls), and even pro wrestlers (WWE 's Bayley, a fan of the San Jose Sharks) to announce picks rather than NHL commissioner Gary Bettman [all while subtly promoting themselves or their work], it was the 'Draft House' concept which generated the most backlash. In drafts of old, players would be able to greet the general managers and team executives of the hockey club which selected them on-stage and in person. With all the prospects attending the draft in LA and the teams elsewhere, that wasn't feasible. Wanting to continue that tradition, the NHL decided to set up video calls between team leaders and their new prospects, After each player was picked, they would walk behind the stage to a giant screen where - hopefully - they'd be able to have a natural, joyful conversation with the people they now represent. Instead, it led to many, many awkward moments where the technology betrayed the concept, players and executives stumbled over their words, and questions forced conversations that were met with muted reaction and delays. The most reviled concept was the 'Draft House' where players would speak to executives who selected them on a giant screen, replacing the in-person interaction from years past The NHL "Draft House" experience is only getting worse. 🏒📺🎙️😬 #NHL #NHLDraft — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 28, 2025 The worst example was when the Boston Bruins had the seventh overall pick. After taking Boston College prospect James Hagens (with the selection being announced by Adam Sandler as 'Happy Gilmore' ahead of the character's movie sequel), the player was escorted to the 'Draft House' where he faced a giant screen with team executives Cam Neely and Don Sweeney. After an ESPN reporter asked a leading question to get either Neely or Sweeney to respond, the two executives did not speak. A second attempt was made to try and elicit some reaction from the two struggling executives, but nothing happened and the broadcast was forced to make an awkward pivot. This was just one of many interactions which led to social media blasting the inefficiency of this year's draft, the poor concept, and what some believed was a failed attempt at making their draft process similar to the NFL's. Some meme accounts compared it to a scene from Star Wars: The Force Awakens or the character 'Zordon' from Power Rangers - both of which involving figures that dwarf others. NHL podcaster and writer Pete Blackburn posted, 'This whole NHL Draft presentation is some of the most bizarre, sloppily thrown together s**t I've ever seen in pro sports. Every second is more bizarre than the last.' One fan said, 'They tried to make the NHL Draft a spectacle into the NFL Draft. It's failing miserably.' Another remarked, 'I cannot stress enough how terrible this draft format is. Like painfully bad. How the NHL can continue to overthink things every single event is beyond me.' Former NHL goaltender Andrew Raycroft even joked, 'Give me the old draft back'.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Social Tools Built on Solana Set to Launch as Imagen Network Accelerates AI-Driven Development
New toolkits on Solana enable faster, smarter social interaction across decentralized creator communities Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - June 26, 2025) - Imagen Network, the decentralized AI-powered social platform, is preparing to launch a new suite of lightweight social tools developed specifically for Solana. These tools mark a major step forward in Imagen's mission to create modular, AI-enhanced community infrastructure across multichain environments. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Advancing decentralized interaction with scalable AI-powered social tools. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Built to capitalize on Solana's high-speed, low-cost performance, the new toolkit includes auto-generative post engines, context-aware moderation tools, and dynamic content personalization systems. These features will empower creators and communities to deploy smart social experiences in real time-whether for creator DAOs, node-based social hubs, or AI-enhanced discussion threads. The Solana-based launch is part of Imagen's broader expansion strategy to deliver cross-chain, scalable social intelligence features. With existing presence across Ethereum and BNB Chain, Imagen is now streamlining access and performance by leveraging Solana's transaction throughput and efficiency-giving users instant, AI-supported control over content, identity, and engagement. This launch aligns with Imagen's commitment to user-led infrastructure and AI-powered collaboration. By fusing blockchain scalability with intelligent design, Imagen continues to reshape how decentralized communities build, interact, and thrive. About Imagen Network Imagen Network is a decentralized social platform that blends AI content generation with blockchain infrastructure to give users creative control and data ownership. Through tools like adaptive filters and tokenized engagement, Imagen fosters a new paradigm of secure, expressive, and community-driven networking. About KaJ Labs KaJ Labs is a decentralized research organization focused on developing innovative solutions in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Web3 infrastructure. The organization invests in high-impact projects that prioritize decentralization, transparency, and community empowerment. KaJ Labs supports platforms like Imagen Network to build intelligent, user-owned ecosystems that redefine digital experiences. Media Contact Dorothy Marley KaJ Labs +1 707-622-6168 [email protected] Social Media Twitter Instagram To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Social Tools Built on Solana Set to Launch as Imagen Network Accelerates AI-Driven Development
New toolkits on Solana enable faster, smarter social interaction across decentralized creator communities Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - June 26, 2025) - Imagen Network, the decentralized AI-powered social platform, is preparing to launch a new suite of lightweight social tools developed specifically for Solana. These tools mark a major step forward in Imagen's mission to create modular, AI-enhanced community infrastructure across multichain environments. Advancing decentralized interaction with scalable AI-powered social tools. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Built to capitalize on Solana's high-speed, low-cost performance, the new toolkit includes auto-generative post engines, context-aware moderation tools, and dynamic content personalization systems. These features will empower creators and communities to deploy smart social experiences in real time-whether for creator DAOs, node-based social hubs, or AI-enhanced discussion threads. The Solana-based launch is part of Imagen's broader expansion strategy to deliver cross-chain, scalable social intelligence features. With existing presence across Ethereum and BNB Chain, Imagen is now streamlining access and performance by leveraging Solana's transaction throughput and efficiency-giving users instant, AI-supported control over content, identity, and engagement. This launch aligns with Imagen's commitment to user-led infrastructure and AI-powered collaboration. By fusing blockchain scalability with intelligent design, Imagen continues to reshape how decentralized communities build, interact, and thrive. About Imagen Network Imagen Network is a decentralized social platform that blends AI content generation with blockchain infrastructure to give users creative control and data ownership. Through tools like adaptive filters and tokenized engagement, Imagen fosters a new paradigm of secure, expressive, and community-driven networking. About KaJ Labs KaJ Labs is a decentralized research organization focused on developing innovative solutions in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Web3 infrastructure. The organization invests in high-impact projects that prioritize decentralization, transparency, and community empowerment. KaJ Labs supports platforms like Imagen Network to build intelligent, user-owned ecosystems that redefine digital experiences. Media Contact Dorothy Marley KaJ Labs +1 707-622-6168 media@ Social Media Twitter Instagram
Crypto Insight
3 days ago
- Business
- Crypto Insight
Aptos Labs, Jump Crypto launch Web3 cloud storage layer
Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto have introduced a cloud-based storage network tailored for Web3 and decentralized applications — a system its creators say rivals traditional cloud services. Unveiled on Tuesday, the network — called Shelby — is a globally distributed platform powered by Aptos' high-throughput technology. It is chain-agnostic, offering compatibility with Ethereum, Solana and other major blockchains. Shelby is built for developers who need cloud-like speed and remote access for demanding use cases, including streaming video, artificial intelligence and decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) applications. Aptos Labs is the creator of the Aptos blockchain, which is recognized for its emphasis on scalability and performance. Jump Crypto, the digital asset division of Jump Trading Group, is actively engaged in venture investing and developing blockchain and crypto-native projects. Shelby is launching in a highly competitive cloud marketplace, which is dominated by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. Pranav Raval, Aptos' engineering lead, told Cointelegraph that Shelby offers similar performance to leading cloud platforms, but gives developers the ability to 'retain ownership, control pricing and program business logic at the protocol level.' AI workloads boost demand for data storage Raval was asked about the role of cloud services in supporting AI workloads, particularly in light of the massive data storage requirements and growing need for data center infrastructure. Citing International Energy Agency data, S&P Global recently reported that global data center power demand is projected to double by 2030. These rising data demands fuel the need for scalable, efficient storage solutions, placing increased pressure on cloud platforms to keep up. 'When data is activated, it builds new worlds and powers new economics, creativity, and coordination,' said Raval, adding: 'For AI, that means AI agents aren't just smart, they're connected to live, contextual data anytime, anywhere. AI data marketplaces hosted on Shelby empower builders to train models faster, using relevant data streamed in as needed.' Source:
Crypto Insight
3 days ago
- Business
- Crypto Insight
Chainlink, Mastercard partner to allow 3 billion cardholders to buy crypto
Chainlink, a company that provides a decentralized oracle network, has partnered with payments provider Mastercard to allow the credit card company's three billion cardholders to buy crypto onchain. The integration could spur crypto adoption by providing a new avenue for people without Web3 exposure to gain experience with digital assets. The integration is made possible through a series of partnerships with Web3 entities, including Shift4 Payments, Swapper Finance, XSwap and ZeroHash, a crypto and stablecoins infrastructure company that will provide the onchain service and liquidity enabling customers to convert fiat currency to crypto. 'The current version of the application available at Swapper Finance is non-custodial and leverages account abstraction to provide users with simplicity and control,' a Chainlink Labs spokesperson told Cointelegraph. 'It was important that this solution was built for everyone, not just for crypto-natives or enthusiasts.' Mastercard has embraced crypto in 2024 and 2025, mostly through the issuance of cards that allow users to spend cryptocurrency at merchants in different countries. In April, it announced a partnership with Kraken to launch crypto debit cards across the UK and Europe, and it joined MetaMask to debut a self-custody crypto card. In February, the company said it had tokenized 30% of its 2024 transactions. Mastercard competitor also in crypto fray Mastercard's main competitor, Visa, has also been active on the crypto front. In October 2024, it partnered with Coinbase to allow some of the exchange's users to instantly withdraw and deposit crypto. In addition, it has debuted a Web3 digital asset platform and invested in stablecoin payment platform BVNK. Buying crypto with fiat currency can be fraught with difficulties, especially for people unfamiliar with the technology. This friction can hinder the adoption of cryptocurrency and the progress of the industry. However, people want to connect with digital asset systems, according to Raj Dhamodharan, Mastercard's executive vice president for blockchain and digital assets projects and partnerships. 'There's no doubt about it — people want to be able to easily connect to the digital assets ecosystem, and vice versa,' Dhamodharan said. Source:
