Helium Network Shows Remarkable Growth in Q4 2024

The landscape of Confidential AI is undergoing a significant transformation, primarily driven by the introduction of Intel® Trust Domain Extensions (Intel® TDX). For years, developers faced challenges when trying to secure AI workloads using Intel SGX, which often required extensive modifications to applications and led to compatibility issues. This cumbersome process not only wasted time but also hindered the real-world adoption of Confidential AI solutions. However, with Intel TDX, developers can now run AI workloads in secure virtual machines without needing to rewrite their code, thereby streamlining the development process and enhancing performance. Intel TDX is designed to create a hardware-isolated trusted execution environment (TEE) that enhances data confidentiality and integrity in virtualized environments. Built into Intel’s 4th Generation Xeon® Scalable processors, TDX introduces Trust Domains that isolate virtual machines from the hypervisor and even cloud service providers. This isolation is crucial for AI applications that handle sensitive datasets and proprietary models, as it significantly reduces the attack surface while maintaining high performance. Additionally, TDX is optimized for AI workloads, leveraging advanced CPU capabilities to accelerate deep learning and machine learning models, making it a robust choice for developers. The collaboration between Intel TDX and iExec is paving the way for a new era of Confidential AI. As a Gold Member of the Intel Partner Alliance, iExec is at the forefront of this movement, providing solutions that enable secure, decentralized, and scalable execution of AI workloads. This partnership not only enhances the security of AI computations but also ensures compliance with data protection regulations. With practical applications in sectors like healthcare and finance, iExec empowers developers to build privacy-preserving AI applications that prioritize data ownership and secure computing, ultimately leading to a more trustworthy AI ecosystem.

GLIF, the largest DeFi protocol on Filecoin, has officially launched its governance token, GLF, and is distributing 94 million tokens through an airdrop. This distribution represents 9.4% of the total GLF supply, rewarding users who have engaged with the protocol by accumulating GLIF points. Initially, GLIF had planned to allocate 100 million tokens for the airdrop, but adjusted the number based on user participation. The remaining tokens will be returned to the community rewards pool for future distribution. GLF is currently focused on governance, but the team is developing a loyalty program inspired by airline miles, which will eventually offer additional benefits to token holders. As GLIF expands beyond Filecoin, it aims to support additional decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs). The protocol allows FIL holders to earn rewards through liquid leasing, enabling them to lend tokens to Filecoin storage providers. These providers use FIL as collateral to offer storage services, and lenders receive rewards in return. Depositors in GLIF receive iFIL, a liquid leasing token that can be traded or utilized in other DeFi protocols while still generating yield. With over $102 million total value locked, GLIF has established itself as a dominant player in Filecoin's DeFi space and is now exploring similar systems for other DePINs. GLIF's expansion strategy involves discussions with various protocol foundations, focusing on user demand, technical feasibility, and economic risks. Many of Filecoin's storage providers are also significant miners across DePIN networks, leading to a trend of optimizing hardware for multi-chain contributions. By integrating with networks already supported by these miners, GLIF anticipates rapid scaling. Additionally, the team is exploring DePIN networks outside of storage, including those in the energy sector, and is open to adjusting their model or introducing new protocols to accommodate these networks. This strategic expansion reflects GLIF's commitment to innovation and adaptability in the evolving DeFi landscape.

Decentralized AI network iAgent has successfully raised $3 million in funding and launched its native token, $AGNT. The project aims to create a new ERC standard and has formed strategic partnerships with notable projects such as Base, LayerZero, Avalanche, Aethir, Arbitrum, and XAI Games. With the Token Generation Event (TGE) now live, iAgent is establishing a foundation for AI Agents to become verifiable digital assets that can be trained, validated, and exchanged transparently. The initiative focuses on enhancing the scalability and accessibility of AI models across various ecosystems, with products like the Visual Learning Model (VLM) designed to learn from real-world gameplay rather than traditional text-based methods. The VLM-powered AI is currently operational in games like Counter Strike 2, Off the Grid, and Citizen Conflict, where players have contributed over 25 TB of gameplay data. iAgent is also developing a new ERC asset standard to bring AI Agents on-chain, ensuring secure and interoperable digital assets that facilitate true ownership and trading. The AI Agent Marketplace is central to the iAgent ecosystem, allowing developers to list AI models for rental or sale, while businesses can purchase or integrate tailored AI solutions. Additionally, the iAgent DEV Hub provides developers with essential tools and a trustless AI validation framework to optimize AI models. As gaming serves as a primary use case for training VLM-based models, iAgent is introducing adaptive AI agents to enhance gaming experiences through AI-powered assistants, Smart NPCs, and predictive AI for in-game economies. The roadmap for iAgent includes the launch of the AI Agent Marketplace in April 2025, followed by the introduction of the ERC standard proposal and the AGNT-Hub. By Q4 2025, the protocol Testnet and main net will be launched, establishing a fully operational iAgent Protocol. The AGNT token will play a crucial role in powering AI training, trading, and governance participation, positioning iAgent at the forefront of the rapidly growing AI, gaming, and DePIN industries.

At the beginning of the week, Bitcoin (BTC) faced significant selling pressure, dropping from $84,500 on March 17 to $81,300 at the time of writing. This decline is likely linked to the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for March 18-19. Historically, FOMC meetings act as market resets, prompting traders to de-risk and reduce leverage ahead of the announcements. The outcome of the FOMC meeting, particularly the press conference by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, often leads to sharp reactions in the crypto markets, making it crucial for traders to analyze market behavior leading up to the event. Traders are particularly focused on the FOMC minutes for any indications regarding shifts in the Fed's stance on inflation and interest rates. Bitcoin's price has shown a tendency to react sharply following FOMC announcements, with notable declines observed after the Fed maintained rates in early 2024. Interestingly, a pattern has emerged this month where Bitcoin's open interest has not decreased significantly before the FOMC meeting, despite a previous shakeout of $12 billion. This could suggest that traders are feeling less anxious about the Fed's decision, with a 99% probability indicated by CME Group's FedWatch tool that rates will remain unchanged. In contrast to Bitcoin whales, investors in spot Bitcoin ETFs have historically reduced their BTC holdings before FOMC meetings. However, on March 17, spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced $275 million in net inflows, signaling a potential shift in investor sentiment. This increase in inflows may indicate that investors are anticipating a more dovish stance from the Fed or are using Bitcoin as a hedge against uncertainty. The upcoming FOMC announcement is expected to result in significant price movements for BTC, with traders anticipating that the Fed's statements could either lift the markets or drive prices lower, emphasizing the need for careful observation of post-FOMC price action and on-chain data.

AI-driven cryptocurrencies like Bittensor and IntelMarkets are experiencing a significant surge, with last month's impressive 40% increase drawing attention from analysts. The growing adoption of artificial intelligence and decentralized intelligence has positioned both TAO and INTL tokens for potential substantial growth. Investors are left to ponder whether this is merely the onset of a larger movement in the crypto space, particularly as Bittensor's recent developments suggest a promising future. Bittensor's TAO token has recently gained traction in the DeFi AI sector, although it remains within a descending price channel. A minor bullish engulfing pattern has emerged, hinting at a possible breakout. Factors contributing to this optimism include President Trump's substantial investment plan for AI, which, despite focusing on centralized solutions, may elevate discussions around decentralized AI, where Bittensor is making strides. Additionally, a partnership between Zuvu AI and Vana aims to enhance decentralized AI within Bittensor, potentially paving the way for TAO to reach the ambitious $1,000 mark under favorable market conditions. On the other hand, IntelMarkets is democratizing access to AI tools for everyday traders, previously available only to hedge funds. By providing advanced trading bots and real-time alerts, IntelMarkets empowers small traders to make informed decisions. The platform also emphasizes education, offering resources to simplify complex investment strategies. With its robust security system, Codeum, IntelMarkets ensures user assets remain protected. Currently in Stage 10 of its presale, the INTL token is priced attractively at $0.092, with predictions suggesting it could rival Bittensor's market cap, offering early investors a potential 20,000% return on investment.

The Web3 revolution has brought forth promises of enhanced ownership, transparency, and security for users. However, a significant challenge remains: the issue of data privacy and security. Blockchain technology, while offering pseudonymity, records every transaction on a public ledger, which means that true privacy is elusive. Through extensive on-chain analysis, individuals can be traced, exposing them to potential tracking and security threats. To genuinely realize the vision of Web3, developers must prioritize the integration of privacy-centric solutions that safeguard user data while upholding transparency and security. One of the critical vulnerabilities in Web3 is the handling of data in use. Traditional security measures often focus on data at rest or in transit, neglecting the sensitive data actively processed by applications. Without proper protection, this data remains unencrypted in memory, making it susceptible to breaches and unauthorized access. iExec is addressing this issue with its innovative Decentralized Confidential Computing (DeCC) approach, which combines the decentralization of blockchain with hardware-based security to protect data in use, thus enabling users to maintain ownership and monetize their information securely. iExec's protocol integrates off-chain confidential computing with on-chain blockchain security through its Proof of Contribution (POCO) smart contracts. This synergy allows developers to create trust-driven decentralized applications (dApps) that manage sensitive data without exposing it to third parties. Tools such as DataProtector and Web3Mail empower developers to encrypt data, manage access dynamically, and monetize digital assets while ensuring privacy. As AI development continues to face challenges regarding data privacy and fair compensation for contributors, iExec's Confidential AI solutions promise secure and scalable workflows, ensuring that data contributors retain control and value in the evolving landscape of Web3.