hodler

12 Apr 2026, 13:01

There’s a Way to Make Bitcoin Safe From Quantum Without a Fork, Researchers Say

A new proposal suggests Bitcoin users could defend against future quantum attacks using a transaction design that works within the network’s existing rules.

12 Apr 2026, 07:22

The $2K Drop Today Was Just the Beginning: Why This Analyst Says Bitcoin Isn’t Done Crashing

Bitcoin’s weekend price ascent came to a halt hours ago after the peace talks between the US and Iran fell apart, and the asset slipped by over two grand from top to bottom. Meanwhile, a few analysts outlined possible reasons why BTC could be on the verge of a more profound correction. Is BTC Heading South? After yesterday’s bullish article, in which we cited several on-chain reasons that could lead to a price pump, now it’s time for the different and contrasting perspective as noted by a few popular analysts. Ted Pillows, for example, predicted that a reclaim of the $73,000-$74,000 level could give BTC one final push before it reverses to new lows. However, the asset couldn’t even go beyond $74,000 before it slipped to $71,500 over the past 12 hours. In a separate post, he noted that BTC’s ‘electrical cost’ has dropped further to $47,000, and noted that the cryptocurrency has formed a lower floor. Bitcoin “Electrical Cost” has almost dropped to $47,000. $BTC bottom floor is going lower. pic.twitter.com/6uTlNy388J — Ted (@TedPillows) April 10, 2026 Pillows is highly bearish on BTC’s price performance and outlined another chart that “isn’t looking good” for the asset. He compared bitcoin’s moves to software stocks, noting that the two asset classes tend to move along, which could spell trouble for the cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, Crypto Rover outlined a bullish crossover for BTC on the weekly timeframe MACD. However, the analyst claimed this “does NOT mean the bear market bottom is in,” as when it happened twice during the 2022 crash, BTC plunged by 60% and 40%, respectively. The Dark Horse (Again) As with our bullish article, we also need to talk about the big elephant in the room: the war in the Middle East. No matter what on-chain data is showing at the moment, BTC has been predominantly impacted by the developments in the US/Israel vs Iran front, and the past 12 hours only proved that narrative. BTC had climbed from $68,000 to almost $74,000 from Tuesday to Saturday evening after the two-week ceasefire announced by the US and Iran. However, the failure of the peace talks in Pakistan led to an immediate crash of over $2,000 in minutes. As such, it’s expected that bitcoin will continue to follow the developments in the Middle East and its price will be more influenced by Trump’s comments rather than fundamentals, at least for now. The post The $2K Drop Today Was Just the Beginning: Why This Analyst Says Bitcoin Isn’t Done Crashing appeared first on CryptoPotato .

11 Apr 2026, 18:30

Are Quantum Computers A Threat To XRP Holders? Pundit Breaks Down The Possibilities

The debate over quantum computers and their risks in the crypto space is gaining traction as new insights emerge about the safety of XRP holders . A crypto pundit has shared information examining how exposure levels to these risks differ across accounts and what that could mean if quantum computing becomes a threat . The expert’s analysis also offers a closer look at whether holders could face significant risk or remain largely protected under current security conditions. XRP Holders Face Risks From Quantum Computers Concerns about quantum computers and digital asset security resurfaced following new remarks from Vet, an XRP Ledger dUNL validator. He explored potential risks, focusing on how transaction activity and the exposure of wallet keys could increase an holder’s vulnerability in a future in which quantum technology poses a threat. According to Vet’s post on X, about 300,000 XRP accounts, holding a combined 2.4 billion tokens, have yet to make a transaction. Because their public keys have never been exposed, he noted that these accounts are currently considered resistant to quantum computing attacks . The report also found that only two XRP accounts with much larger balances, totaling 21 million tokens, have stayed dormant for over five years. Unlike accounts that have never executed a transition, these dormant accounts have exposed public keys, making them more vulnerable if quantum technology advances and becomes a threat. Vet explained that large, inactive whale accounts are extremely rare in the XRP ecosystem. He stated that most the altcoin is held in active accounts where public keys are already visible, but users can reduce risks by changing their keys if new threats emerge. The validator noted that this setup is different from Bitcoin, where large amounts of BTC are typically held in inactive wallets and have exposed public keys due to older address formats. Due to this contrast, even if both crypto networks adopt similar security strategies to defend against quantum threats, the altcoin will likely require its own tailored method to protect large, inactive holder accounts. This is partly because only a limited amount of XRP, roughly 0.03% of the total supply, is held in dormant accounts that could face this type of quantum risk. Given how small this portion is, it does not pose a major concern for the XRP network as a whole. Concluding his post, Vet emphasized that no quantum computers capable of threatening public blockchain systems currently exist. He noted that by the time such technologies are developed, the industry will have evolved and implemented effective countermeasures against these threats. How Holders Can Protect Their Accounts Following Vet’s comments about potential quantum computing threats to XRP holders, questions emerged about how users could protect their accounts once funds are moved between wallets. Vet explained that the XRP Ledger is account-based and supports signing key rotation, allowing users to change the keys that authorize transactions without switching accounts. He acknowledged that this approach is not a complete fix. However, quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms could eventually be introduced to strengthen the network further. Vet also confirmed that escrow funds may be less exposed to quantum risks, suggesting that token escrows with hashlock could be costly for attackers.

11 Apr 2026, 18:00

Bhutan offloads $40 mln Bitcoin in a week, trims BTC holdings 70% since 2024

An analyst warned that BTC could still slip lower if the U.S. software sector's weakness intensifies.

11 Apr 2026, 17:40

Sam Altman Confronts ‘Incendiary’ Narrative After Alleged Attack on His Home

BitcoinWorld Sam Altman Confronts ‘Incendiary’ Narrative After Alleged Attack on His Home In a dramatic sequence of events that underscores the intense scrutiny surrounding artificial intelligence leadership, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman published a personal blog post late Friday, April 30, responding to both an alleged physical attack on his San Francisco residence and a probing New Yorker profile questioning his character. This development highlights the volatile intersection of technology, media, and personal security in the AI era. Sam Altman Addresses Security Incident and Media Scrutiny According to the San Francisco Police Department, an incident occurred early Friday morning at Altman’s home. Authorities reported that an individual allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the property. Fortunately, no injuries resulted from the attack. Police later arrested a suspect at OpenAI’s headquarters, where he was reportedly threatening to burn down the building. While law enforcement has not publicly identified the suspect, Altman connected the timing of the attack to the recent publication of what he termed an “incendiary article” about him. In his reflective blog post, Altman acknowledged he had initially dismissed warnings that the article’s release during a period of “great anxiety about AI” could heighten personal risks. “I brushed it aside,” Altman wrote. “Now I am awake in the middle of the night and pissed, and thinking that I have underestimated the power of words and narratives.” This statement marks a rare public admission from the typically forward-facing executive about the personal toll of his position. The New Yorker Investigation and Its Allegations The article in question is a lengthy investigative piece by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow and technology writer Andrew Marantz. The reporters conducted interviews with more than 100 individuals familiar with Altman’s business conduct. Their profile presents a complex figure, describing Altman as possessing “a relentless will to power that, even among industrialists who put their names on spaceships, sets him apart.” Furthermore, the investigation echoes themes from previous profiles, suggesting numerous sources raised significant questions about Altman’s trustworthiness. One anonymous former board member provided a particularly stark assessment, characterizing Altman as combining “a strong desire to please people, to be liked in any given interaction” with “a sociopathic lack of concern for the consequences that may come from deceiving someone.” Contextualizing the Criticism Within Tech Leadership This portrayal fits into a broader pattern of scrutiny faced by visionary tech founders. Historically, figures like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg have also been subject to intense examination regarding their leadership styles and personal ethics. The pressure on Altman is arguably amplified by the profound societal implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI), a technology OpenAI is striving to develop. The stakes of leading such an endeavor inevitably attract extreme levels of both admiration and criticism. Key points from the New Yorker profile include: Allegations of strategic maneuvering in boardroom politics. Questions about transparency regarding AI capabilities and timelines. Portrayal of a highly competitive drive within the AI research community. Altman’s Candid Response and Personal Reflections In his response, Altman adopted a tone of introspection and accountability. He acknowledged making mistakes throughout OpenAI’s “insane trajectory,” specifically citing a tendency toward being “conflict-averse” which he said has “caused great pain for me and OpenAI.” He directly referenced the November 2023 boardroom drama that led to his brief ouster and swift reinstatement as CEO, stating, “I am not proud of handling myself badly in a conflict with our previous board that led to a huge mess for the company.” Altman framed himself as “a flawed person in the center of an exceptionally complex situation, trying to get a little better each year, always working for the mission.” He concluded this reflection with an apology: “I am sorry to people I’ve hurt and wish I had learned more faster.” This public vulnerability is notable for a CEO whose company is valued in the tens of billions and is shaping a foundational technology. The ‘Ring of Power’ Dynamic in AI Development Perhaps the most philosophically weighty part of Altman’s response addressed the competitive fervor in AI. He observed “so much Shakespearean drama between the companies in our field,” attributing it to a ‘”ring of power’ dynamic” that “makes people do crazy things.” Drawing an analogy from J.R.R. Tolkien’s *The Lord of the Rings*, Altman was careful to clarify that he does not view AGI itself as the corrupting ring, but rather “the totalizing philosophy of ‘being the one to control AGI.'” His proposed antidote to this toxic competition is decentralization and broad access: “to orient towards sharing the technology with people broadly, and for no one to have the ring.” This aligns with OpenAI’s original founding ethos as a non-profit research lab, though the company’s structure has since evolved to include a for-profit arm. Timeline of Recent Events Involving Sam Altman Date Event November 2023 Altman is briefly removed and then reinstated as OpenAI CEO following board conflict. April 2024 The New Yorker publishes its investigative profile of Altman. April 30, 2024 Alleged attack occurs at Altman’s San Francisco home. April 30, 2024 Altman publishes his personal blog post response. Broader Implications for AI Governance and Discourse This episode transcends a personal story about a tech CEO. It serves as a case study in the immense pressures and ethical quandaries facing those who build powerful technologies. The physical threat against Altman, while an extreme outlier, reflects the deep-seated fears and passions that AI ignites in the public imagination. It raises critical questions about the safety of researchers and executives in this field and the tenor of public debate. Altman concluded his post by advocating for de-escalation: “While we have that debate, we should de-escalate the rhetoric and tactics and try to have fewer explosions in fewer homes, figuratively and literally.” He reiterated his core belief that “technological progress can make the future unbelievably good,” while welcoming “good-faith criticism and debate.” This call for a more measured discourse arrives as global regulators, researchers, and the public grapple with how to safely steward AI’s rapid advancement. Conclusion The events surrounding Sam Altman—the critical media profile, the alleged attack on his home, and his candid public response—crystallize the unprecedented challenges of leading in the AI age. They highlight the intense scrutiny applied to those shaping technologies with existential implications, the very real personal risks that can emerge from public narratives, and the profound responsibility these leaders bear. As artificial intelligence continues its rapid integration into society, the story of Sam Altman serves as a powerful reminder that the development of world-changing technology is ultimately a human endeavor, fraught with complexity, conflict, and the constant need for reflection and course-correction. FAQs Q1: What was the alleged incident at Sam Altman’s home? According to the San Francisco Police Department, an individual allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s San Francisco residence in the early morning of April 30. No one was injured, and a suspect was later arrested. Q2: What did the New Yorker article about Sam Altman allege? The investigative profile by Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz, based on over 100 interviews, portrayed Altman as having a “relentless will to power” and raised questions about his trustworthiness, citing anonymous sources who questioned his management and transparency. Q3: How did Sam Altman respond to these events? Altman published a blog post acknowledging the attack and the article. He reflected on his mistakes, apologized to people he has hurt, and discussed the toxic “ring of power” dynamic in AI, advocating for broader technology sharing. Q4: What did Altman mean by the ‘ring of power’ dynamic? Altman used the metaphor from *The Lord of the Rings* to describe the destructive competition among AI companies striving to be the sole entity to control artificial general intelligence (AGI). He argued against this centralized control. Q5: What are the broader implications of this story for the AI industry? This episode highlights the extreme pressures, ethical dilemmas, and even personal safety concerns facing AI leaders. It underscores the need for responsible development, measured public discourse, and robust governance frameworks as AI capabilities advance. This post Sam Altman Confronts ‘Incendiary’ Narrative After Alleged Attack on His Home first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Apr 2026, 01:40

Exodus Pay Launches Revolutionary Self-Custody App to Bridge Crypto and Everyday Spending

BitcoinWorld Exodus Pay Launches Revolutionary Self-Custody App to Bridge Crypto and Everyday Spending In a significant move for cryptocurrency adoption, leading wallet provider Exodus has officially launched Exodus Pay, a groundbreaking self-custody application. This innovative app, reported by Decrypt, directly empowers users to spend their Bitcoin and dollar-pegged stablecoins at millions of merchants globally. Consequently, it bridges the gap between digital asset ownership and real-world commerce. Exodus Pay Transforms Self-Custody into Spending Power Exodus Pay represents a pivotal evolution for the Exodus platform, which has served millions as a non-custodial software wallet since 2015. Traditionally, self-custody meant holding assets securely but often facing friction when converting them for purchases. This new app directly addresses that friction point. Users can now seamlessly pay with supported cryptocurrencies at any physical or online merchant that accepts Visa or Apple Pay. The underlying technology converts the crypto to fiat currency at the point of sale, ensuring the merchant receives traditional payment while the user spends their digital assets. This launch arrives during a period of intense focus on regulatory clarity and user-controlled finance. Furthermore, the self-custody model aligns with the core ethos of cryptocurrency—individual sovereignty over assets. Unlike custodial payment services, Exodus Pay never holds user funds. Instead, the user maintains exclusive control of their private keys throughout the entire transaction process. This fundamental distinction provides a critical layer of security and trust. The Technical Architecture Behind the Service The app integrates with existing payment rails through partnerships with regulated financial technology providers. When a user initiates a payment, the app facilitates a near-instant conversion of the selected cryptocurrency into fiat currency. This converted amount is then routed through the Visa network or Apple Pay framework to the merchant’s terminal. Key supported assets at launch include: Bitcoin (BTC): The flagship cryptocurrency. USD Coin (USDC): A fully-regulated dollar stablecoin. Tether (USDT): The largest stablecoin by market capitalization. This technical approach allows Exodus to leverage widespread payment infrastructure without requiring individual merchants to adopt new systems. Therefore, adoption potential is immediately vast. Contextualizing the Move in a Competitive Payments Landscape The launch of Exodus Pay enters a competitive field that includes other crypto card providers and payment services. However, its emphasis on self-custody sets it apart from many competitors who operate custodial models. For instance, services like Crypto.com’s Visa card or Coinbase Card require users to hold funds within the exchange’s ecosystem. Exodus Pay, in contrast, interacts directly with the user’s own wallet. This development also reflects a broader industry trend toward integrating decentralized finance (DeFi) with traditional finance (TradFi). Payment functionality is becoming a standard expectation for comprehensive crypto platforms. A timeline of recent milestones highlights this shift: Date Event Significance 2021 Rise of Crypto Debit Cards Multiple exchanges launched card programs, normalizing crypto spending. 2023 Regulatory Scrutiny on Custody Events like the FTX collapse increased demand for self-custody solutions. 2024 Stablecoin Legislation Advances Clearer rules for payment stablecoins created a firmer foundation for services. 2025 (Now) Exodus Pay Launch Merges the security of self-custody with the convenience of mainstream payments. The impact on everyday users is profound. Individuals can now treat their cryptocurrency holdings more like a functional checking account. They can pay for groceries, settle restaurant bills, or shop online without first moving assets to a bank. This utility could accelerate the transition of crypto from a speculative investment to a practical medium of exchange. Analyzing the Strategic Implications for Exodus and the Market For Exodus Movement, Inc., the publicly-traded company behind the wallet, this launch is a strategic expansion of its product suite. It moves the company beyond asset storage into the lucrative payments sector. This diversification could attract a new user segment focused on spending rather than just holding. Moreover, it provides a compelling reason for existing users to engage more deeply with the Exodus ecosystem. From a market perspective, the success of Exodus Pay could pressure other non-custodial wallet providers to develop similar features. The competition may drive innovation in fees, reward structures, and supported assets. Experts note that the key challenges will be maintaining a seamless user experience while ensuring robust compliance with global financial regulations, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, which are integrated during the app’s onboarding process. Security remains the paramount concern for any financial application. Exodus has built its reputation on a client-side architecture where sensitive data never leaves the user’s device. The company asserts that Exodus Pay extends this principle. Transaction signing occurs locally on the user’s smartphone, and private keys are never transmitted. This design minimizes attack vectors and aligns with cybersecurity best practices for digital asset management. Potential Regulatory and Adoption Hurdles While the technology is ready, broader adoption faces hurdles. Regulatory treatment of crypto-to-fiat conversion at point-of-sale varies by jurisdiction. Exodus must navigate a complex patchwork of state and national money transmitter laws. Additionally, user education is critical. Individuals must understand the tax implications of spending cryptocurrency, as each transaction may be a taxable event in many countries. The app likely includes tools to help users track this activity for reporting purposes. Conclusion The launch of the Exodus Pay self-custody app marks a definitive step toward the maturation of the cryptocurrency industry. By enabling direct spending of Bitcoin and stablecoins through Visa and Apple Pay, Exodus effectively demystifies one of the last major barriers to daily crypto use. This innovation combines the security of non-custodial wallets with the unparalleled convenience of global payment networks. Ultimately, if widely adopted, services like Exodus Pay could fundamentally reshape how individuals perceive and utilize digital assets, transforming them from portfolio holdings into tools for everyday financial life. FAQs Q1: How does Exodus Pay work with merchants who don’t accept crypto? Exodus Pay converts your cryptocurrency to traditional currency (like US dollars) instantly at the moment of purchase. The merchant receives normal payment through the Visa or Apple Pay network and never directly handles cryptocurrency. Q2: Is Exodus Pay a custodial service? No. Exodus Pay is a self-custody application. You retain full control of your private keys and funds at all times. The app facilitates the transaction but does not hold or custody your assets. Q3: What cryptocurrencies can I spend with Exodus Pay? At launch, the app supports spending with Bitcoin (BTC) and major dollar stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC) and Tether (USDT). Support for additional assets may be added over time. Q4: Are there fees associated with using Exodus Pay? Yes, like most financial services, the app includes transaction fees. These typically cover network costs, currency conversion, and service operations. Exact fee structures are detailed within the Exodus Pay app. Q5: How is Exodus Pay different from a crypto debit card from an exchange? The primary difference is custody. Exchange-based cards usually require you to hold funds in the exchange’s custodial wallet. Exodus Pay connects directly to your self-custodied wallet, meaning you never give up control of your assets to a third party. This post Exodus Pay Launches Revolutionary Self-Custody App to Bridge Crypto and Everyday Spending first appeared on BitcoinWorld .