Investment Potential of NFTs Continues to Divide Opinion

Many are pushing non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as the next big thing in cryptocurrency. While market uncertainty continues to reigns, in particular…

Many are pushing non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as the next big thing in cryptocurrency. While market uncertainty continues to reigns, in particular DeFi markets, which have failed to recapture the levels seen before the recent slump, now is as good a time as any to make a mark.

Certainly, Bitcoin bull Anthony Pompliano believes this to be the case. Recently, he announced his interest in NFTs in the form of digital art. He believes blockchain technology has the potential to disrupt the traditional art world.

What’s more, with an estimated market cap of $65 billion, the upside potential for digital art as NFTs is massive.

“This transition to a digital art world is not a question of if it will happen, but rather when. In fact, I personally believe that the digital art market cap will grow to become larger than the physical art market cap.”

Are NFTs a Fad That Has Already Come and Gone?

However, not everyone agrees with the thesis that NFTs make appropriate investment vehicles. The primary argument against is the ease with which tokenized collectibles and art can be copied.

Nonetheless, hoping to seize the moment, once popular NFT platform CryptoKitties is looking to revive interest by tweaking its offering.

Source: cryptokitties.co

However, crypto researcher Larry Cermak pointed out that the only change he’s noticed is a difference in scarcity. Even so, he remains unconvinced that the speculation aspect of NFTs, in general, is sufficient to justify the hype.

The only thing that’s different is that scarcity seems to be more refined in the new versions. But I still don’t quite understand why people want to hold these other than for speculation. That doesn’t tend to last.”

Cermak charted data on CryptoKitties users. It showed that Autumn 2017 was the peak period with just short of 15,000 users. But by January 2018 the number of users declined sharply. To this day, CryptoKitties has not recaptured the same level of interest as seen during its peak.

Source: twitter.com

Similarly, as expected, the pattern is repeated in the volume generated by CryptoKitties. Again, Autumn 2017 saw its peak volume at approximately $8 million. But currently, the trading volume is negligible and has been for more than two years.

Source: twitter.com

CryptoKitties Is Unrepresentative of All NFTs

All the same, one Twitter user points out that gaming mechanics count for a lot, and that limited gameplay on CryptoKitties hinders it from appealing to dedicated gamers.

As such, using CryptoKitties as an NFT case study makes for a one-sided argument.

With that, Minecraft, in conjunction with ENJIN, recently announced that they are in the process of developing an NFT marketplace.

According to statista.com, there are 126 million active Minecraft players worldwide, and this is a figure that has seen year on year growth since 2016.

Active Minecraft players worldwide. (Source: statista.com)

So, despite CryptoKitties fading, can Minecraft, with help from ENJIN, take NFTs mainstream?

ENJ daily chart YTD with volume. (Source: tradingview.com)

Best 5 Cryptocurrency Price Predictions Weekly #11 28th to 3rd Oct 2020

Cryptocurrency price predictions, This BuyUcoin Weekly Best 5 Cryptocurrency Technical Analysis has an understanding of statistical patterns to find prospects for trading collected from historical data on prices and volumes. BuyUcoin Technical Analyst experts monitor market fluctuations, trading signal trends, and other analytical methods to measure the strength and weakness of an asset.

Technical analysis can apply historical trading data such as weekly based price forecasting of upcoming 5 based cryptocurrencies.

you can find below these top 5 forecasts for cryptocurrency prices and the technical analysis report.

  1. Ethereum (ETC)
  2. Bitcoin (BTC)
  3. Ripple (XRP)
  4. Litecoin (LTC)
  5. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

With BuyUcoin you will get…

Lets Start…

Bitcoin Cryptocurrency Price Predictions 28th to 3rd Oct.

BTC very well holding the 10500$ support floor and moving towards the 11600$, and inevitable wick fish to the 11900$, from there we will see the turnaround in the market and BTC will melt down to the 9000$ region and even 9000$ is also on the cards.

We should be taking profits at these points in time in the markets if we have dollar cost averaging our buys in the lows and wait for the next potential buy opportunity when we come back down.

Ethereum Cryptocurrency Price Predictions 28th to 3rd Oct.

ETH did maintain the 350$ level of support but has not fully moved to the projected regions.

Here’s what should happen with the ETH right now, ETH will likely push towards the 450-470$ and then we will say a significant amount of drop to the downside towards the 260$ region.

Taking profits right now is much more favorable and patiently waits for the next buy zones, that’s what we must be doing right now.

Ripple Cryptocurrency Price Predictions 28th to 3rd Oct.

Nothing has changed for the XRP as well, XRP is also consolidating in between 22-25 cents regions from 4 weeks now and will still likely to continue for a few days as well, but that doesn’t mean our upside targets are invalidated. They are just taking longer than usual to meet.

38-40 cents will most likely occur for the XRP in coming days, we have already averaged our buys in the lows of 20 cents so there is nothing much to worry right now.

Litecoin Cryptocurrency Price Predictions 28th to 3rd Oct.

LTC still holding up the 45$ support floor and has not moved much from the last few weeks, due to its underperforming behavior right now in the market it will most likely to wick fish to the upside zones which is located at around 75-80$ region, which will trick most of the people in the market and then come back to the same zone where we currently are.

For this pair, I would suggest to wait for the upside zones to meet and dollar cost average in these regions.

Bitcoin Cash Cryptocurrency Price Predictions 28th to 3rd Oct.

Among the 5 cryptocurrencies, BCH has not moved much this month and is likely to hold the current level of support for longer than we thought, we should be accumulating the BCH at this level of support as BCH looks bullish for the short term period and will likely to rocket ship to the 300-360$ region before going down to the sub 200$ region.

If you want to become a cryptocurrency trader registered your self on BuyUcoin live webinar session Click Here

Ethereum is Primed For a Rally And Only 1 Thing is Holding it Back

Ethereum is recovering nicely above the $350 resistance zone against the US Dollar. ETH price is likely to accelerate higher if…

Ethereum is recovering nicely above the $350 resistance zone against the US Dollar. ETH price is likely to accelerate higher if it settles above $362 and the 100 SMA (H4).

  • ETH price started a decent recovery wave from the $310-$315 support zone against the US Dollar.
  • The price is now trading above the $350 resistance and near the 100 simple moving average (4-hours).
  • There is a key rising channel forming with support near $352 on the 4-hours chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
  • The pair is likely to continue higher if it settles above $362 and the 100 SMA (H4).

Ethereum Price Gaining Bullish Momentum

This past week, Ethereum remained stable above the $300 support zone against the US Dollar. ETH price traded as low as $313 and recently started a steady recovery wave above the $330 resistance.

Ether price was able to recover nicely above the $335 and $340 levels. The price gained pace after there was a break above a connecting bearish trend line with resistance near the $430 level on the 4-hours chart of ETH/USD.

There was also a break above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $394 high to $313 swing low. Ether is now trading above the $350 resistance and the near 100 simple moving average (4-hours). However, it is facing a strong resistance near the $362 level.

Ethereum price trades above $350. Source: TradingView.com

It seems like the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $394 high to $313 swing low is acting as a strong resistance. There is also a key rising channel forming with support near $352 on the same chart.

A clear break above the channel resistance, 100 SMA (h4), and the $362 zone could open the doors for a sharp increase. The next major hurdle is near the $375 level, above which the price might rally to $400.

Downsides Supported in Ether (ETH)?

If Ethereum fails to clear the $362 resistance zone, it might start a downside correction. An initial support is near the channel support at $352.

If there is a downside break below the channel support at $352, there is a risk of a drop towards the $345 support zone. Any further losses might negate the current bullish wave and ether could revisit the $315 level.

Technical Indicators

4 hours MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is gaining pace in the bullish zone.

4 hours RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is well above the 50 level.

Major Support Level – $345

Major Resistance Level – $362

This Technical Breakout Suggests Bitcoin Is Gearing For Another Lift-Off

Bitcoin started a fresh increase from the $10,140 swing low against the US Dollar. BTC broke the $10,550 resistance and it…

Bitcoin started a fresh increase from the $10,140 swing low against the US Dollar. BTC broke the $10,550 resistance and it seems like the bulls are aiming a clear break above $11,000.

  • Bitcoin stayed above the $10,000 support and started a decent recovery wave.
  • The price is currently trading well above the $10,550 resistance and the 100 simple moving average (4-hours).
  • There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance near $10,600 on the 4-hours chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken).
  • The pair is likely to continue higher if there is a clear break above the $10,800 resistance.

Bitcoin Turns Green

This past week, bitcoin found support above the $10,100 level against the US Dollar. BTC remained well bid above the $10,200 level and recently started a steady recovery wave.

There was a break above the $10,350 and $10,400 levels. The main technical breakout was near the $10,550 resistance zone and the 100 simple moving average (4-hours). Moreover, there was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance near $10,600 on the 4-hours chart of the BTC/USD pair.

Bitcoin climbed above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $11,192 high to $10,140 swing low. It has opened the doors for more gains above the $10,700 level.

Bitcoin price breaks $10,700. Source: TradingView.com

The price is now struggling to clear a key resistance zone near $10,800. It is close to the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $11,192 high to $10,140 swing low. A successful break and close above the $10,800 resistance could open the doors for more gains above the $11,000 resistance.

The next major resistance is near the $11,200 level, above which the bulls are likely to aim a larger increase towards the $11,500 level in the near term.

Dips Supported in BTC?

If bitcoin struggles to climb above the $10,800 resistance or the $11,000 barrier, it might correct lower. An initial support is near the $10,650 level.

The main support on the downside is near the $10,550 level and the 100 simple moving average (4-hours). A close below the $10,550 and $10,500 support levels may perhaps clear the path for a sustained decline.

Technical indicators

4 hours MACD – The MACD for BTC/USD is showing positive signs in the bullish zone.

4 hours RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now well above the 50 level.

Major Support Level – $10,550

Major Resistance Level – $10,800

Best VPNs To Buy With Bitcoin & Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrency users are finding a growing need for quality virtual private networks (VPNs) to buy and sell their digital assets, as…

Cryptocurrency users are finding a growing need for quality virtual private networks (VPNs) to buy and sell their digital assets, as hackers’ eyes follow blockchains and present some danger. This article highlights how to buy seamless, cheap, and highly private VPNs using virtual assets including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Monero (XMR).

The world is gradually accepting Bitcoin and other digital assets as a form of payment, replacing the slow and expensive traditional financial systems providing enhanced security and anonymity.

While the privacy agenda bonds well with both cryptocurrencies and VPNs, users still find it a challenge to buy VPNs using crypto. After searching through and testing hundreds of VPNs currently available in 2020, we combined a definitive list of the best VPNs you can buy using cryptocurrencies – critically focusing on Bitcoin payments.

Why you need to buy VPNs using cryptocurrencies

One of the main reasons that internet users resort to VPNs is to enhance their privacy and obscure their IP addresses, to keep them away from the prying eyes of hackers and other unwanted attention. Many VPNs around offer you basic features for free but require payment to access the premium features.

While privacy is the main target when it comes to VPNs, payment options such as bank cards, PayPal, etc. on these platforms leave traces that could identify you – contrary to what you want to achieve. Virtual assets offer obscured transactions that complete the privacy puzzle offered by VPNs allowing users to pay with no traces left.

Moreover, centralized parties are prone to hacks that could expose your credit card and personal information. Crypto payments help solve this issue offering an alternative to keep these details safe and private.

How to choose the best VPN to buy with Bitcoin

In the next section we will focus on some of the best VPNs that accept cryptocurrency purchases but before that let’s look at some of the key things to focus on before making the purchase.

Check if

  • the VPN service provider provides a cryptocurrency payment option.
  • The VPN service maintains no logs of online activity or payment transactions.
  • the VPN provides strong encryption and IP leak protection.
  • the VPN uses a shared dynamic server IP addresses to maximize anonymity.
  • the VPN has a constant and responsive contact team.
  • Also check speeds, number of countries IP offered, and the price of the VPN.

For example, Unikorn and DiveVPN accept crypto payments using NOWPayments, and are a good choice.

Best VPNs to buy with Bitcoin

1. NordVPN – Recommended

  • Cryptocurrency purchases supported: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP
  • Payment gateways: BitPay, Coinpayments
  • Price: $4.08 – $13.95
  • Speeds: 55 Mbps
  • Server locations: Over 70 countries

NordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs around today offering users strong AES-256 encryption, native OpenVPN support, and contains over 5000+ VPNs spread across 70 countries in the world. Notwithstanding, the platform comes with a SmartPlay DNS that makes streaming of movies or games extremely fast and easy.

Image: NordVPN

NordVPN is a Panama-based company that gives the company some autonomy over government control ensuring your data is safe and privately secured on the VPN. Cryptocurrency users have become fond of the platform in the near past.

Pros

  • Compatible with multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox.
  • Multiple payment options such as credit card, PayPal, AmazonPay, Sofort, prepaid card, Google Pay, and iTunes.
  • High data security and user privacy.

Cons

  • Offers up to 7 devices connected at a go.
  • A slow and hard to reach customer service team.

2. ExpressVPN – Easiest to Buy

  • Cryptocurrency purchases supported: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP
  • Payment gateways: BitPay
  • Price: $6.67 – $12.95
  • Speeds: 57.27 Mbps
  • Server locations: Over 1,500+ servers in 95+ countries.

ExpressVPN is currently one of the most downloaded VPN services currently on mobile devices and desktops. The VPN offers Bitcoin payment options through BitPay allowing users to privately and anonymously purchase the subscriptions. The only other useful information needed to create an account is their email.

Image: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN does not compromise on security despite collecting some of the non-identifying data from the user including the type of server used. The VPN employs high-security protocols by encrypting the IP addresses using AES-256 encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and comprehensive leak protection.

The VPN is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and certain Wi-Fi routers.

Pros

  • DNS leak protection shared IP addresses and keeps no traffic logs
  • SmartDNS allows fast streaming and downloading on multiple sites such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO.
  • The customer support team is available 24/7 offering quick and guided help to users.
  • A 30-day money-back guarantee applies also to Bitcoin payments.

Cons

  • It is an expensive VPN provider compared to rivals.

3. CyberGhostVPN – Best for Smartphones

  • Cryptocurrency purchases supported: Bitcoin (BTC).
  • Payment gateway: BitPay
  • Price: $2.81 – $13.47
  • Speeds: 47.69 Mbps
  • Server locations: Over 3,500+ servers in 90+ countries

CyberGhostVPN offers a clean, interactive, and easy-to-navigate VPN service to users starting out their privacy journey. Despite its easy features, the platform does not compromise on security or users’ privacy – offering both novices and experts a 256-bit encrypted service.

Image: CyberGhostVPN

The official website states the VPN uses a military-grade encryption system and leak protection to keep your IP addresses safe and private. The VPN also employs SmartDNS ensuring extremely fast streaming services on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Comedy Central, Eurosport, ESPN, and others.

Pros

  • Maintains a no-logs data policy on all user data including emails.
  • Provides a fast streaming and downloading platform.
  • Has a 45-day money-back guarantee on all purchases including those made with Bitcoin.
  • Relatively cheaper than its competitors.

Cons

  • Not available in some countries including China.
  • Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency option available to buy the VPN

4. SurfShark

  • Cryptocurrency purchases supported: Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), XRP, and Ethereum (ETH)
  • Payment gateway: Coingate, Coinpayments
  • Price: $2.49 – $12.95
  • Speeds: 62.49 Mbps
  • Server locations: 1700+ server locations in over 65+ countries

SurfShark focuses on the utmost privacy protocols allowing you to sign up anonymously using a one-time email and purchases using Bitcoin. The VPN further ensures users’ data security using a similar encryption module as NordVPN, AES-256 encryption, adding onto its kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks.

Source: SurfShark

One of the VPNs offering value for money, SurfShark offers a vast number of features for its subscription option. Some of the features include SmartDNS service for fast streaming, DNS ad-blocking, and MultiHop VPN functionality.

Pros

  • Allows multiple cryptocurrency payments.
  • Maintains a no-logs policy.
  • Provides high internet speeds.
  • Does not compromise on user data security and privacy

Cons

  • Relatively young platform compared to its rivals.
  • Sometimes witnesses slow speed and network difficulties.
  • Not-so-fast customer service.

5. Private Internet Access

  • Cryptocurrency purchases supported: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP
  • Payment gateway: Direct wallet connection
  • Price: $2.69 – $9.95
  • Speeds: 42.30 Mbps
  • Server locations: Over 1,000+ server locations in 70+ countries

Private Internet Access is one of the VPN firms challenging the status quo to offer high privacy and security measures for users. Unlike other VPNs on this list, Private Internet Access allows users to directly purchase its subscription services by directly connecting their Bitcoin wallet, without the need of a middleman like BitPay or Coinpayments.

Image: Private Internet Access

The platform employs a 256-bit encryption service, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection standard, allowing up to 6 devices connected at a go. Private Internet VPN also has a perfect forward policy and no-logs policy on users’ data.

Pros

  • Has a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases using Bitcoin.
  • Can pay using BitPay or pay directly from your Bitcoin wallet.

Cons

  • Only allows the connection of up to 6 devices.
  • The customer service is not as responsive.

Conclusion

On our list of top VPNs that offer cryptocurrency payment options, each platform offers different and unique features to the other. If the cost is not a problem, we recommend the use of ExpressVPN or NordVPN given the security and privacy options they offer.

For fast connection speeds and transactions, CyberGhostVPN and ExpressVPN are the best. The former also offers a user-friendly mobile platform.

Always remember to check on the no-logs policy before purchasing a VPN using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

FAQs

  • Should I pay for a VPN using Bitcoin?

Most of the top virtual asset providers (VPNs) accept Bitcoin as a form of payment. Bitcoin provides you with a more private and secure means of payment than traditional payment methods such as credit cards and bank accounts. However, Bitcoin is not completely anonymous, it only provides a more ‘pseudonymous’ way of paying than banks and credit cards.

  • Does ExpressVPN accept Bitcoin?

Yes. ExpressVPN accepts Bitcoin as a form of payment. The VPN also accepts other cryptocurrency payments including XRP and Ethereum (ETH) as stated above.

  • What is the cheapest VPN to pay with Bitcoin?

One of the cheapest VPN subscriptions while paying using Bitcoin or other cryptos is SurfShark. As explained above, many of the VPNs have different rates of subscriptions depending on the features and security level offered.

  • Can I use a VPN on Coinbase to buy crypto?

No. It is not advisable to buy cryptocurrencies on Coinbase or GDAX using a VPN as the exchanges have SSL encryption which could block your transactions. Coinbase has a select number of countries that it offers its services to.

 

 

Uniswap’s UNI Token Gains Gemini Listing: Here’s What Could Come Next

Uniswap’s UNI token has seen its price stagnate in the time following its rebound from lows of $3.75. Shortly after being…

Uniswap’s UNI token has seen its price stagnate in the time following its rebound from lows of $3.75. Shortly after being announced, the token gained listings on a plethora of exchanges, including Coinbase, Binance, and others.

Some trading platforms like FTX even listed perpetual swaps for the token, with the trading frenzy surrounding its launch sending its price from lows of $1.00 to highs of $8.50.

These highs were only tapped for a brief moment, as the token’s price subsequently plunged all the way down to the $3.00 region.

UNI is likely to see continued growth when it comes to its liquidity, as it just garnered a listing on Gemini.

As for what could come next for Uniswap’s governance token, many investors are now awaiting revelations regarding V3 of the platform before increasing their exposure.

Regardless of when V3 of the decentralized exchange launches, UNI may be primed to see some short-term upside due to the extremely negative funding rates seen across the board.

Uniswap’s UNI Token Garners Gemini Listing

Uniswap’s UNI token is one of the few cryptocurrencies that has garnered listings on multiple major exchanges within one hour of launching.

Coinbase, Binance, FTX, and other platforms all added spot trading or perpetual futures trading for the token, which added fuel to the fire and helped its price rally as high as $8.50 – marking an over 900% surge from its post-launch lows.

Today, Gemini announced that they too are adding support for the token, making it now readily available to retail crypto investors no matter which exchange they use.

What Could Come Next for UNI?

The next couple milestone events that could help boost the Uniswap token’s price action are the implementation of fee distributions to token holders – which is something that will have to be voted through – as well as the potentially imminent release of Uniswap V3.

The third version of the platform will allow users to tap into a plethora of new features and could spur further adoption of the platform.

In the short-term, one technical trend that could allow UNI to push higher is negative funding rates for its perpetual swaps. One trader explained:

“Listen, I can’t look into the future so IDK if UNI is going to pump or not. But if you are shorting this with leverage then you are batshit insane. That’s for sure.”

Image Courtesy of Byzantine General.

Because traders are disincentivized from shorting the cryptocurrency, this could lead to an inflow of buy-side pressure.

Featured image from Unsplash. Charts from TradingView.