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☆ A.I. Brings the Robot Wingman to Aerial Combat
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( Eric Lipton | More About Eric Lipton | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

It is powered into flight by a rocket engine. It can fly a distance equal to the width of China. It has a stealthy design and is capable of carrying missiles that can hit enemy targets far beyond its visual range. Its mission is to marry artificial intelligence and its sensors to identify and evaluate enemy threats and then, after getting human sign-off, to move in for the kill. On a recent day at Eglin Air Force Base on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Maj. Ross Elder, 34, a test pilot from West Virginia, was preparing for an exercise in which he would fly his F-16 fighter alongside the Valkyrie.

Persons: Ross Elder Organizations: U.S, Air Force, Eglin Air Force Base Locations: China, Florida’s Gulf Coast, Maj, West Virginia

☆ Meet Apollo, the ‘iPhone’ of humanoid robots
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The design for Apptronik’s latest humanoid robot, named Apollo, was unveiled on Wednesday. Apollo is Apptronik's latest humanoid robot. Rather than highly specialized robots that can only serve one purpose, Apptronik wanted Apollo to be the “iPhone of robots,” Cardenas said. Courtesy ApptronikBefore Apollo, Apptronik focused on what it called a Quick Development humanoid robot. To the moon and beyondApptronik serves as one of NASA’s partners that works on humanoid robot designs.

Persons: Argodesign, Apollo, “, ”, Jeff Cardenas, Bill Stafford, ” Cardenas, Shaun Azimi, NASA’s, Cardenas, Apptronik, Nick Paine, ” Paine, Paine, ” Azimi, Artemis VI, Azimi Organizations: Austin , Texas CNN, Austin, University of Texas, NASA, JSC, DARPA, Space Center, International Locations: Austin , Texas, Houston, Australia, uncrewed, Apptronik

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailValkyrie files for Ethereum-focused ETF with SECCNBC Crypto World features the latest news and daily trading updates from the digital currency markets and provides viewers with a look at what's ahead with high-profile interviews, explainers, and unique stories from the ever-changing crypto industry.

Persons: explainers Organizations: SEC CNBC

☆ Asset manager Valkyrie files for Ethereum-focused ETF with US SEC
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The seal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seen at their headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 12, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsAug 16 (Reuters) - Asset manager Valkyrie has filed for an Ethereum Strategy exchange-traded fund (ETF) that will invest in ether futures and other collateral assets, paperwork filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission showed on Wednesday. The greenlighting of the ETF by the SEC was seen as a watershed moment for cryptocurrencies at the time. The regulator, however, has rejected dozens of applications for spot bitcoin ETFs, citing inadequate level of trading surveillance that could leave the underlying spot market subject to fraud and manipulation. Reporting by Manya Saini in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'SilvaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Valkyrie, Manya Saini, Anil D'Silva Organizations: U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Washington , D.C, REUTERS, Exchange, BlackRock, SEC, Thomson Locations: Washington ,, Bengaluru

☆ The deadline for a ruling on Ark's application for a bitcoin ETF is near
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Bob Pisani | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Ark's application for a spot bitcoin ETF was published in the Federal Register on May 15. Get in line: Bitcoin ETF applications(Date filed & Last possible review) Ark/21 Shares Bitcoin Trust 5/15/23 1/10/24Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Trust 7/18/23 3/15/24BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Trust 7/19/23 3/16/24VanEck Bitcoin Trust 7/19/23 3/16/24WisdomTree Bitcoin Trust 7/19/23 3/16/24Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund 7/19/23 3/16/24First Trust Galaxy Bitcoin 7/19/23 3/16/24Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust 7/19/23 3/16/24 A ninth organization, Grayscale, has filed to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into a Bitcoin Spot ETF. 'Surveillance sharing agreement'The SEC has denied all prior spot bitcoin ETF applications, citing fraud and manipulation in the underlying markets. Supporters of a spot bitcoin ETF have been emboldened by a court case unfolding between Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) and the SEC. Seif runs the Purpose Bitcoin ETF, a spot bitcoin ETF that has been trading in Canada since February, 2021.

Persons: Marco Bello, Reuters It's, Matt Hougan, It's, Neomi Rao, Bitcoin, Som Seif, Seif, Gary Gensler, Gensler, We're, Ric Edelman, Edelman, Bloomberg Intelligence's James Seyffart, Eric Balchunas Organizations: Reuters, SEC, The Securities, Exchange, Federal Register, Federal, Bitwise Asset Management, Bitcoin, BlackRock, Nasdaq, Digital Assets, Financial, CNBC, Bloomberg Locations: Miami Beach , Florida, U.S, BlackRock, Bitwise, Washington, Canada

☆ Aston Martin Wants to Win and to Sell Cars, Too
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Lawrence Ulrich | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Auto racing has helped sell products from Budweiser to Viagra, motor oil to Martini & Rossi, and seemingly every gasoline and cigarette brand. Now, with Formula 1 making huge inroads in the United States — supercharged by the hit Netflix documentary series “Drive to Survive” — we’ll see if it can sell Aston Martins. A “Drive to Survive” camera crew trailed behind Stroll, whose son, Lance, drives one of the team’s cars that are punching above their weight. The next trick for his father is to reverse the brand’s serially shaky fortunes and get out of Ferrari’s shadow with wealthy buyers. Outside the fancy showroom, framed by one of the largest plate-glass windows in New York City, passers-by wear out smartphones taking photos of a Valkyrie AMR Pro inside, a goblin-green alien at rest.

Persons: Rossi, Lawrence, Aston Martin Organizations: Budweiser, Martini, Formula, Netflix, Aston Martins, Aston, Aston Martin Formula, AMR Locations: United States, Manhattan, York, New York City

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailBitcoin touches 13-month high, and Valkyrie refiles for spot bitcoin ETF: CNBC Crypto WorldCNBC Crypto World features the latest news and daily trading updates from the digital currency markets and provides viewers with a look at what's ahead with high-profile interviews, explainers, and unique stories from the ever-changing crypto industry. On today's show, Brian Mosoff, CEO of Ether Capital, discusses the rush by institutions to list spot bitcoin ETFs. Ether Capital helped launch the world's first spot bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in 2021.

Persons: Valkyrie refiles, explainers, Brian Mosoff Organizations: CNBC Crypto, CNBC, Ether, Ether Capital

☆ Factbox: Financial firms line up spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund applications
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Stock picker Cathy Wood's Ark Invest and Swiss-based exchange-traded fund (ETF) issuer 21Shares on Wednesday amended their bitcoin ETF application, while asset manager Fidelity is also expected to file a spot bitcoin ETF application, trade publication The Block reported on Tuesday. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has rejected dozens of applications for spot bitcoin ETFs, saying the proposals have not met anti-fraud and investor protection standards. These are the major firms with live SEC applications:BLACKROCK(BLK.N) - The world's biggest asset manager filed for a bitcoin ETF on June 15. INVESCO(IVZ.N) AND GALAXY DIGITAL - Invesco reactivated its September 2021 application to launch the Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF on Cboe's BZX exchange. VANECK - VanEck refiled on June 22 to for approval to launch the VanEck Bitcoin Trust on Cboe's BZX exchange.

Persons: Cathy, 21Shares, BlackRock's, BNY, Cboe BZX, WisdomTree, refiled, John McCrank, Michelle Price, Daniel Wallis Organizations: U.S, Invest, Fidelity, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, SEC, BLACKROCK, Nasdaq, BNY Mellon, Ark, 21Shares, Company, U.S . Bank, National Association, Invesco, Galaxy, NYSE Arca, Valkyrie, Thomson Locations: BlackRock, Swiss

☆ What to know about crypto investing as regulators weigh the first spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Bitcoin has rallied amid news about possible spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds and other big names entering the digital currency space — and financial experts have tips for investors who want a piece of the action. The price of bitcoin topped $30,000 on Wednesday as traders grew bullish about spot bitcoin ETF applications from companies like BlackRock, WisdomTree and Valkyrie. U.S. investors currently have access to bitcoin futures ETFs, which invest in bitcoin futures contracts, or agreements to buy or sell the asset later for an agreed-upon price. The long-awaited bitcoin spot ETF, however, would invest in the digital currency directly. "It's a very serious statement to see BlackRock submit that application," he said, and many crypto advocates believe it's the beeline for a bitcoin spot ETF product.

Persons: Bitcoin, WisdomTree, Douglas Boneparth Organizations: Federal Reserve, Silvergate, Finance, Amazon, Bone, CNBC's, BlackRock Locations: BlackRock, New York

☆ At Charles’s Coronation, Everything Olde Was New Again
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-07 | by ( Sarah Lyall | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The coronation of King Charles III was billed as a chance to usher in a new kind of monarchy — slimmer, more accessible and more inclusive — for the 21st century. Though Saturday’s ceremony had its share of modern flourishes, it was hard to escape the sense that they were mostly tweaks to an ancient ritual which, like the monarchy itself, can’t escape the heavy burdens of the past. As it happened, the coronation was a huge success by most measures. King Charles looked burdened, and then relieved, by the responsibility of it all; Queen Camilla looked radiant. “The Penny is mightier than the sword,” Chris Bryant, a Labour member of Parliament, tweeted.)

☆ The US Air Force has big plans for the next-generation drones that will fight alongside its fighters and bombers
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Benjamin Brimelow | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

It's now developing collaborative combat aircraft, which can fight alongside piloted jets or on their own. A need for 'affordable mass'MQ-9s on a runway at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico in April. Worse, the Air Force faces a pilot shortage and its overall number of flight hours has been decreasing. The Air Force also continues to develop top-tier assets like the F-35, the B-21 stealth bomber, and the Next Generation Air Dominance program, or NGAD. "Without it, it's very difficult to envision how we could keep the Air Force at the size it currently is."

April 18 (Reuters) - Beleaguered bitcoin miners are finally feeling the spring sunshine after a cold, hard crypto winter. At the current bitcoin price, these companies' cash flows have substantially improved and most of them should have no problem paying their obligations," said Jaran Mellerud, analyst at bitcoin mining services company Luxor. Bitcoin mining is the process by which a network of computers validates a block of transactions on the blockchain. "The bitcoin price increase has bought these companies time, but it would be detrimental for these companies if it were to fall back down to $20,000," he said. A rapid rise in power prices or a fast fall in bitcoin could usher in a new cold spell.

Bitcoin futures ETFs track bitcoin futures contracts, or agreements to purchase or sell bitcoin at a certain price on a specified date. A spot bitcoin ETF would track bitcoin's underlying market price. Proponents say a spot bitcoin ETF would give investors exposure to bitcoin without directly buying it. He told Reuters in January that Grayscale would appeal the case if the court backed the SEC's decision to reject its bitcoin ETF proposal. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, launched in 2013, has $14 billion in assets under management, according to Grayscale’s website.

Bitcoin futures ETFs track bitcoin futures contracts, or agreements to purchase or sell bitcoin at a certain price on a specified date. A spot bitcoin ETF would track bitcoin's underlying market price. Proponents say a spot bitcoin ETF would enable investors to gain exposure to bitcoin without directly buying it. The agency has denied more than a dozen spot bitcoin ETF applications, all of which it said lacked surveillance-sharing agreements to detect potential manipulation. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, launched in 2013, has $14 billion in assets under management, according to Grayscale’s website.

☆ Aston Martin forecasts positive free cash flow in second half
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] An Aston Martin Valkyrie car is driven off the production line at the company’s factory in Gaydon, Britain, March 16, 2022. REUTERS/Phil NobleMarch 1 (Reuters) - Aston Martin (AML.L) said on Wednesday it expected to improve its profitability this year and turn positive free cash flow in the second half, after 2022 losses came in better than market expectations. The London-listed company forecast wholesale volumes of about 7,000 units for 2023, slightly below average market expectations of 7,134. The British company reported a bigger adjusted operating loss of 118 million pounds ($142.20 million) for the year ended Dec. 31, compared with a loss of 74.3 million pounds for the same period a year earlier. Analysts on average had expected adjusted operating loss to come in at 135 million pounds for 2022, according to a company-compiled consensus.

☆ D.C. appeals court expedites oral arguments in Grayscale lawsuit against SEC
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Tanaya Macheel | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The SEC on Wednesday rejected Grayscale's application for a spot bitcoin ETF, citing a failure by the investment manager to answer questions about concerns around market manipulation. The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has scheduled a date to hear oral arguments in Grayscale's lawsuit contesting the Securities and Exchange Commission's decision to deny the conversion of its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust to an exchange-traded fund. Grayscale initiated its lawsuit against the SEC in June 2022 after the agency rejected its application to turn its bitcoin trust, better known by its ticker GBTC, into an ETF. The company decided to pursue the ETF, which would be backed by bitcoin rather than bitcoin derivatives, after the SEC approved ProShares' futures-based bitcoin ETF in October 2021. Still, crypto investors are longing to see the SEC approve a U.S. spot bitcoin ETF – and no longer just as a way to open the crypto market to more institutional investment.

☆ Google's moonshot factory is coming down to Earth
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Hugh Langley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

The project, known internally by its codename, "Valkyrie," was the typical science-fiction-sounding idea that Google's self-described "moonshot factory" was designed to dream up. But amid a lack of successful launches and a tech industry facing economic headwinds, insiders say the lab is now hitting the hard-reset button and rethinking its purpose within Alphabet, Google's parent company. X swapped standard corporate titles like "Communications Lead" and "Manager" for grander and more-nebulous names like "Factory Whisperer" and "Firestarter." Its internet-balloon unit, Google Loon, meant to bring people in rural areas online, was shuttered in January 2021. "I think the infusion of VC people is a good thing," one former senior X employee said.

☆ Here's how bitcoin futures ETFs performed in a dramatic week for crypto
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-13 | by ( Jesse Pound | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) and Short Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITI) both saw their largest daily trading volumes on record last week. Applications for a true spot bitcoin ETF have been consistently rebuffed by the SEC , but the agency did allow bitcoin futures ETFs to launch. Bitcoin futures do not perfectly track spot bitcoin and the ETFs can carry additional costs for investors, such as the potential for roll costs when the fund swaps out expiring futures for new ones. However, bitcoin futures are also financially settled, meaning there is no bitcoin that changes hands or is held in an account. He added that the roll costs for bitcoin futures have come down sharply since the ETFs launched.

☆ China's biggest air show opens under cloud of zero-COVID policy
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Reuters Staff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

BEIJING (Reuters) -A scaled-down version of China’s biggest air show opened on Tuesday, with some delegates unable to attend because of the country’s zero-COVID policy as virus case numbers there reached their highest level in six months. The show’s organisers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The zero-COVID policy comes amid a broader decoupling from the West in the aerospace industry as China aims for increased self-reliance and watches the effects of strict export sanctions placed on Russia’s aviation industry because of that country’s invasion of Ukraine. China Southern did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China is also showing off a FH-97A “Loyal Wingman” drone model designed to coordinate with crewed aircraft, the Global Times reported.

☆ China stages historic air show under cloud of zero-COVID
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Sophie Yu | Norihiko Shirouzu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

China’s zero-COVID policy has hampered its domestic aviation industry and kept international traffic at a tiny fraction of pre-pandemic levels as Western carriers rebound sharply. Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) reported orders from leasing firms for 300 C919s and 30 ARJ21 regional jets. By contrast, the sun was setting in China on Tuesday on one of Europe’s most visible global symbols, the double-decker A380. Tracking website FlightRadar24 said China Southern Airlines operated its last A380 flight from Los Angeles on Tuesday. China is also showing off a FH-97A “Loyal Wingman” drone model designed to coordinate with crewed aircraft, the newspaper reported.

☆ Comac C919: Covid restrictions cloud airshow debut of China's showpiece jet
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

China’s zero-Covid policy has hampered its domestic aviation industry and kept international traffic at a tiny fraction of pre-pandemic levels as Western carriers rebound sharply. Tuesday’s opening marked the first time Western plane giants Airbus and Boeing have shared the stage with China’s new COMAC C919 single-aisle jet at the showpiece event. Chinese J-20 stealth fighter jets at Airshow China, in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on November 8. Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) reported orders from leasing firms for 300 C919s and 30 ARJ21 regional jets. Production of the world’s largest jetliner ended last year after weak sales including a near-failure to conquer China’s market.

☆ Missouri woman accused in fatal kidnapping planned to claim pregnant woman's baby as her own, authorities say
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-05 | by ( Tim Stelloh | Tim Stelloh Is A Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Waterman’s husband, Jamie Waterman, was charged with assisting his wife and trying to prevent her arrest, according to the documents. Jamie Waterman faces a maximum 15 year sentence. Bush later told him via text to pick her up at the same shop, according to the document. Jamie Waterman led authorities later Thursday to the charred remains, the affidavit says. A lawyer for Jamie Waterman declined to comment.

☆ Married couple arrested after pregnant Arkansas woman and her fetus found dead in different locations
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( Tim Stelloh | Tim Stelloh Is A Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

A married couple was accused of kidnapping Thursday after the body of a missing pregnant woman and her fetus were found in separate locations in Missouri, authorities said. Benton County Sheriff's Office via FacebookSmith said he expected more charges against the couple, Amber and Jamie Waterman. Human remains were found that appeared to be connected to Bush's missing person's case, the McDonald County Sheriff's Office said. That would someone prey upon a pregnant woman at her most vulnerable state is unimaginable. Two counts of homicide were possible in the case because state law allows the charge in the killing of a pregnant woman, Smith said.

☆ Cryptocurrencies posted strong gains in October. Here’s why investors are optimistic on the rest of the year
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Tanaya Macheel | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Things are looking up for crypto after bitcoin and ether finally climbed enough to post gains for October. Prices were unusually flat for most of the month, but several investors have interpreted that as stability and resilience. Still, investors say that while it may be too early to call a bottom, recovery is in sight. McClurg also a highlighted a recent move of $940 million in bitcoin investors removed from exchanges, calling it a typically bullish signal and an indicator that people are saving their bitcoin rather than selling it. While the central bank continues to dominate investors' attention, the case for bitcoin continues develop for other market participants.

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailCoinbase backs Ripple in SEC case, and investors could be too optimistic on rates: CNBC Crypto WorldCNBC Crypto World features the latest news and daily trading updates from the digital currency markets and provides viewers with a look at what's ahead with high-profile interviews, explainers, and unique stories from the ever-changing crypto industry. On today's show, Steve McClurg of Valkyrie explains what investors are watching ahead of the Fed meeting

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