Intel has announced its plans to fully embrace blockchain technology and finally enter the bitcoin mining space with brand new chips that will be available later this year.

In a new blog post, the chip giant explained that it has developed a roadmap of energy-efficient accelerators that will ship in 2022.

Intel is also conscious of the fact that some blockchains require an enormous amount of computing power which is why the company is focusing its efforts on developing the most energy-efficient computing technologies at scale.

So far, Argo Blockchain, BLOCK (formerly Square) and GRID infrastructure are among its first customers for this new product. As the company's new architecture is implemented on a tiny piece of silicon, it will have a minimal impact to the supply of other Intel processors.

In order to design and build its new blockchain hardware, Intel has created a new Custom Compute Group that will operate under Raja Koduri's Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics (AXG) Business Unit.

According to a report from Tom's Hardware, quite a bit is already known about the chip giant's new Bitcoin-mining hardware as the news outlet discovered a reference to its Bonanza Mine chips in a listing for a presentation at this year's International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC). However, Intel has already moved on to its second generation Bonanza Mine chip which is known as BMZ2.

This new chip features a specialized architecture that was specifically designed to accelerate SHA-256 processing for Bitcoin mining at ultra-low voltage. In fact, Intel claims that these energy-efficient chips will over over 1000x better performance per watt than mainstream GPUs for SHA-256-based mining.

It's worth noting though that GPUs are rarely used for SHA-256 mining and Bitcoin is typically mined on specialized processors called ASICs that are designed to execute one type of workload. Still though, ASIC devices like the Antminer E9 from Bitmain are often quite expensive and hard to come by.

We'll likely hear more about Intel's entrance to the bitcoin-mining business once its new chips begin shipping out to customers later this year.

Via Tom's Hardware

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Intel is officially in the bitcoin mining business now - TechRadar

Cryptocurrencies in general are characterized by speculation, uncertainty, and extreme volatility. These traits can certainly scare away even the most experienced investors from dabbling in the burgeoning asset class. EvenBitcoin(CRYPTO:BTC), the world's oldest and most developed cryptocurrency, is experiencing extreme price movements like a never-ending roller-coaster ride.

But based on my arguments below, I'll prove that Bitcoin is fundamentally not a risky asset at all. This statement is not as bold as you might think. Keep reading and you might just find yourself wanting to own Bitcoin.

Image source: Getty Images.

Modern Portfolio Theory, an investmentframeworkdeveloped in the 1950s by economist Harry Markowitz, defines risk asvolatility. In other words, the more that an individual stock's price fluctuates, the riskier it is. This mindset permeates through the investment industry. I believe this to be a strikingly flawed approach.

Warren Buffett, the chairman and CEO of conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway and arguably the greatest investor ever, views risk differently. He thinks of it as the chance of a permanent loss of capital. Many other prominentinvestorsadopt the same point of view. This perspective results in only making investments where the probability of losing money is low, not how much the stock price moves around.

Roku(NASDAQ:ROKU), for example, is a very volatile stock. But it's a competitively advantaged business that is riding the broad secular shift toward streaming entertainment. And its stock has returned more than 600% since going public in September 2017. On the other hand, a dying business that's losing revenue each year and that lacks a competitive advantage could be viewed as less risky because its stock price might not fluctuate as much. This sounds absolutely ludicrous, and it shows that the traditional definition of risk may be due for an update.

Let's take it one step further.In addition to risk being the chance of a permanent loss of capital, it can also be viewed as the loss of purchasing power over time. Holding onto cash for many years would bea careless financial decision becauseinflation reduces a currency's value and, in turn, results in goods and services becoming more expensive over time. Therefore, owning financial assets that appreciate in value in excess of inflation is the most effective way to decrease inflationary risk.

With this framework, it's easy to see that Bitcoin has historically, in fact, not been risky at all. Early investors in the cryptocurrency would have seen their purchasing power skyrocket throughout the years, as the coin's value surged from about $900 five years ago to more than $35,500 today. Sure, the ups and downs in Bitcoin's price are hard to stomach, but that's to be expected when dealing with an entirely new technology that has the potential to fundamentally change how people interact with and exchange value in the digital world.

Bitcoin has gone in and out of the spotlight since its founding in 2009, and it's still here today with a $672 billion market value. As more time passes and more institutions start to really take it seriously, the chances of Bitcoin going to zero greatly diminish. If you haven't already, I think now might be an opportune time to jump on the bandwagon.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the official recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium advisory service. Were motley! Questioning an investing thesis -- even one of our own -- helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer.

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Melanion Capital, an independent investment management company based in Paris, and Bita GmbH, one of the world's most technologically advanced index platforms, launched the Melanion Bitcoin Exposure Index in April of 2021.

The Index tracks a beta-weighted equities basket exhibiting the highest correlation and revenue exposure to Bitcoin.

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2022 /CNW/ - DeFi Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "DeFi Technologies") (NEO: DEFI) (GR: RMJR) (OTC: DEFTF), a technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralised finance, announced today that it has been added to The Melanion Bitcoin Exposure Index (the "Index"). This unique index, sponsored by Melanion Capital and administered by Bita GmbH ("BITA"), marks the first milestone in the development of an innovative Digital Asset business for Melanion Capital.

DeFi Technologies (CNW Group/DeFi Technologies, Inc.)

Melanion Capital, an independent investment management company based in Paris, and BITA, one of the world's most technologically advanced index platforms, launched the Melanion Bitcoin Exposure Index in April of 2021.

The Index is the first of its kind due to its unique methodology based on beta weighting which bridges the volatility gap between equities and Bitcoin. It tracks a beta-weighted equities basket exhibiting the highest correlation and revenue exposure to Bitcoin.

"DeFi Technologies' addition to the Melanion Bitcoin Exposure Index is a tremendous honour. This accomplishment reflects the fact that other innovative companies in the digital asset space are taking notice of our world class exchange traded products," said Russell Starr, CEO of DeFi Technologies. "Melanion Capital is a premiere name in the digital asset space and we are happy to help provide yet another avenue for investors to access decentralized technologies through traditional capital markets."

"DeFi Technologies Inc., deriving most of its revenues from crypto asset management and trading has fulfilled all the eligibility criteria to be included in our Melanion Bitcoin Exposure index universe," said a representative from Melanion Capital. "From this eligible group of companies, companies are then ranked according to their correlation to Bitcoin and being ranked amongst the top 30 highest correlated securities to bitcoin measured by their beta score. We are pleased to welcome DeFi Technologies to our Index."

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Learn more about DeFi Technologies at defi.tech.

About Melanion Capital Melanion Capital is an alternative investment management company specialized in digital assets. Regulated by the French Autorits des Marchs Financiers. Melanion is the issuer of the first Bitcoin thematic UCITS ETF. Melanion is also the founder of Melanion Digital, a Bitcoin focused company giving its shareholders an active exposure across the Bitcoin ecosystem and beyond. For more information visit https://www.melanion.com

About DeFi Technologies DeFi Technologies Inc. is a technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralised finance. Our mission is to expand investor access to industry-leading decentralised technologies which we believe lie at the heart of the future of finance. On behalf of our shareholders and investors, we identify opportunities and areas of innovation, and build and invest in new technologies and ventures in order to provide trusted, diversified exposure across the decentralised finance ecosystem. For more information or to subscribe to receive company updates and financial information, visit https://defi.tech/.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information:

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the inclusion of DeFi Technologies into the Index; the growth and adoption of decentralised finance; the pursuit by DeFi Technologies and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited to the growth and adoption of the Index; investor demand for DeFi Technologies' and Valour's products; the growth and development of DeFi and cryptocurrency sector; rules and regulations with respect to DeFi and cryptocurrency; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

All information contained in this press release with respect to DeFi Technologies and Melanion Capital was supplied by the parties respectively for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied entirely on the other parties for any information concerning the other party. DeFi Technologies has not conducted due diligence on the information provided by Melanion Capital and does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information.

THE NEO STOCK EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

Cision

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DeFi Technologies Announces Addition to The Melanion Bitcoin Exposure Index - Yahoo Finance

Education and awareness campaigns are still viewed as important channels that draw people to cryptocurrencies and blockchain. This has been particularly true in some parts of Africa where bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are proving to be a useful alternative to fiat currency.

Despite a surge in the use of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies that started with the pandemic-inspired lockdowns, many people, particularly in Africa, are still unfamiliar with these technologies.

To bridge this knowledge gap, many blockchain enthusiasts in Africa have chosen to focus their efforts on educating their fellow countrymen on the basics of the blockchain. In Uganda, blockchain enthusiasts Daniel Mulondo and Killian Mugenyi have created a platform called Nileone, which not only aims to educate but also to help raise awareness about potential crypto scams.

In an interview with Bitcoin.com News, Mugenyi explains how their efforts to raise public awareness are yielding positive results. He also gives his opinion on issues ranging from central bank digital currencies (CBDC) to ongoing efforts by Ugandan authorities to regulate digital assets. Below are Mugenyis written responses to Bitcoin.com News regarding questions sent to him via Whatsapp.

Bitcoin.com News (BCN): You are one of the few figures in Africa involved in crypto/blockchain education and advocacy. Can you explain why you have chosen to be involved in this work?

Killian Mugenyi (KM): The reasons why I and my partner decided to focus on crypto/blockchain education and advocacy was mainly due to:

The countless scams and Ponzi schemes have created a negative reputation for the industry.

Sensitize the masses about crypto & blockchain in order for them to see the value and opportunities the industry can avail.

Develop the skills of those entering the market for a sustainable and long term vision of building, growing and sustaining the industry with skilled labour that understands the dynamics of this new but highly relevant industry.

BCN: Is this work making any difference?

KM: Indeed our work is making a huge difference and weve achieved quite a lot. Were having more people joining the academy and more are sharing testimonials about the knowledge as well as the successes acquired thanks to our programmes. Institutions, foundations, government entities and many other organizations are also reaching out. Many want to learn and to understand how they can capitalize on this new industry opportunity which has been misunderstood [to be] a get rich quick scheme. We have also focused more on the online training platform that we are currently revamping in order for it to meet the growing demand and enable better delivery, especially during this Covid period.

BCN: In the past year, it was reported that the Ugandan regulator, the Financial Intelligence Authority, wanted the Ministry of Finances help in formulating the appropriate crypto regulatory framework. Do you know if there has been movement on this issue?

KM: As far as regulatory frameworks are concerned, the progress there has been slow as leaders are taking a cautious approach. They are seeking better guidance from industry experts which is where we hope to come in and help draft these regulations. We also hope to assist regulators by extending our support towards efforts that are aimed at helping establish regulatory clarity for crypto/blockchain in Uganda. Just recently we had some positive news where The Akon City project was allocated land to start building. This decision is encouraging and helps drive our quest to see increased adoption of crypto/blockchain.

BCN: Still, on the same issue, Bitcoin.com News reported that the Ugandan Blockchain Association had endorsed the calls for the country to create this regulatory framework. Can you tell our readers why you think it is important for the Ugandan blockchain industry to have this regulatory framework in place?

KM: The purpose of a regulatory framework is mainly aimed at providing clarity and fostering the adoption of blockchain technology with minimal disruption of the economy. With proper regulations and policies, we can attract investors and grow the local participation in the industry, and institution involvement would definitely be increased thus benefiting everyone and providing opportunities that will help the educated but unemployed youth who constitute the largest portion of the population.

BCN: In 2021, the Bank of Uganda launched a regulatory sandbox and at that time one fintech startup had been included in this sandbox. Do you know if other fintechs have since been added to the sandbox?

KM: The fintech space in Uganda is quite young with few notable players like Nileonegroup. We are building a platform that will attract international players that will work with us to provide quality services to governments, institutions and individuals that are looking to explore crypto/blockchain opportunities. That said, theres little information regarding progress in regulations but we are building capacity that will help accelerate this effort once we are engaged by the government and regulators like the Bank of Uganda and other African nations.

BCN: Last year, the Central Bank of Nigeria launched its digital currency, the e-naira, while many other central banks in Africa have signaled their intentions to launch their own CBDCs or to at least explore the benefits of having one. In your opinion, is this rush to launch CBDCs a good thing for crypto?

KM: CBDCs have many advantages such as simplifying the process of implementing monetary policy and government functions. Many functions like distribution of benefits or calculation and collection of taxes can benefit from automation and increased efficiency. CBDCs however, does not solve the problem of centralization because they will still be controlled by, for example, central banks. With that said, I dont think we as Africa and in particular, Uganda is ready for these developments until we have the right policies and frameworks to regulate and support those trying to build the required infrastructure and workforce for sustainable adoption of crypto/blockchain.

BCN: Lastly, reports of crypto-related scams have continued to dominate headlines despite efforts by yourself and others that hope to see cryptocurrencies being used in everyday life. What else do you think needs to be done in order to reduce or limit the number of investors that fall victim to high profile crypto Ponzi schemes like MTI or Pinkcoin?

KM: I can tell you that our efforts to educate the masses about crypto/blockchain have made a big impact. More people are starting to understand what crypto really is, its application as well as opportunities. People are also becoming more cautious and aware before investing in potential Ponzi schemes and scams and better yet, they have a trusted party that is Nileone where we offer free light consultations on such (scam) projects. We also help to raise awareness on how to avoid (crypto scams) since these are proving to be a major deterrent to adoption.

What are your thoughts on this interview? You can share your views in the comments section below.

Terence Zimwara is a Zimbabwe award-winning journalist, author and writer. He has written extensively about the economic troubles of some African countries as well as how digital currencies can provide Africans with an escape route.

Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

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'Ponzi Schemes Have Created a Negative Reputation for the Industry' Uganda Blockchain Advocate Interview Bitcoin News - Bitcoin News