According to Mining News Pro - These days, crypto mining has become a very popular trend and most of tech companies are working on it in different ways. In the recent weeks some of big tech companies such as Samsung started to work on this matter more than before.
Samsung to produce Bitcoin mining chips
South Korean electronics giant Samsung is reportedly working on three nanometer chips that can be utilised in Bitcoin (BTC) mining after the company hinted about the product during the 2022 Q1 financial call.
The 3nm chips are compatible with specific integrated circuits (ASICs), machines known to be effective in mining Bitcoin, with sources indicating trials are already underway, The Elec reported on June 29.
Samsung’s ability to manufacture 3nm chips will likely solve some Bitcoin mining pain points, like reducing power consumption by up to 30%. Additionally, the chips can increase the mining speed by about 15% alongside a 33% higher translator density.
Samsung secures first customer
The company has already secured its first customer, PanSemi, a Chinese ASIC firm. Sources further indicate that U.S.-based Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) has also made reservations for the chips.
Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM), Samsung’s largest customer, had placed orders for 4nm chips, but it was cancelled due to lack of production by the South Korean company. The companies have also reportedly agreed that Samsung would make its 3nm manufacturing process available to Qualcomm anytime needed.
Samsung’s 3nm venture is based on the company’s Gate All Around (GAAFET) technology which is different to the conventional FinFET process used to create 7nm and 5nm chips. Overall, GAAFET decreases the silicon size leading to better performance. The chip trial will likely give room for mass production.
Benefits Samsungs 3nm chip presents to Bitcoin mining
Notably, the possible introduction of the 3nm chips would bolster Bitcoin’s ASIC industry and the overall SHA256 hash rate.
The hash rate on Bitcoin’s network has been rising in recent months despite the significant cryptocurrency market price correction. As reported by Finbold, the hash rate stabilised in June at around 215 EH/s after hitting a record high of 220 EH/s in May.
With Samsung’s entry into Bitcoin mining, the space is recording significant competition with leading tech against rolling out innovative products.
For instance, Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) announced the launch of a new cryptocurrency mining chip dubbed, Blockscale. According to the company, the chip promises more energy efficiency at SHA-256 hashing.
Can You Mine Bitcoin on MacBook M2 Chip?
Apple’s annual WorldWide Developers Conference (WWDC) is already here; it begins on Monday, June 6th, and runs through the 10th. In-person attendance will be limited; most participants will do so online. So, what surprises does Apple have in store for us?
Moreover, Apple’s WWDC 2022 event is entirely focused on software and developers. The new versions of Apple’s various operating systems that power its phones, tablets, watches, computers, media players, and possibly other devices should excite everyday users.
However, the main focus of crypto traders is whether the latest hardware and software changes will allow them to mine Bitcoin using the MacBook M2 Chip or IOS16. So, let us find out.
What to Expect at WWDC 2022: M2 Chip & IOS16
Apple’s WWDC 2022 event, as usual, had plenty to choose from, starting with the latest version of Apple’s iPhone operating system, iOS 16, and its latest chip, the M2, to the newest hardware.
That puts it all in (or on) your hands – in this case, the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13. One of the most prominent new features is Safety Check, which is meant to help people in danger of domestic violence.
Key Highlights of the Apple WWDC 2022 Event
At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2022, Apple’s second major annual event, the Cupertino-based company announced a slew of new products, including a software update for its iPhones and the introduction of a buy now, pay later service.
The tech titan unveiled a new car dashboard that will be available in new models from Jaguar and Ford. In addition, Apple also released a slew of collaboration and data security features.
The following are the major product launches made at the event:
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13
Apple has redesigned the Air for the first time in ages, with the M2 chip in mind. The new MacBook Air weighs only 2.7 pounds and is 11.3 inches thick. It has a 13.6-inch liquid Retina display and a Magsafe charging system, and a headphone jack is also included.
The MacBook Air will be available in gray, gold, silver, and blue for $1,199, whereas the MacBook Pro starts at $1,299. Both laptops will be available in the coming month. Apple continues to sell the M1 MacBook Air, which starts at $999 and includes a $100 education discount.
iOS 16: Buy Now Pay Later
iOS16, the new version of the iPhone’s operating system, emphasizes customization. That includes a refreshed lock screen with new widgets, increased personalization, and a new approach to notifications.
Further updates to the Wallet include more wireless key partners, such as car manufacturers, as has tap-to-pay on iPhone for contactless payments and Apple Pay Later.
Apple Pay Later allows users to pay with Apple Pay wherever accepted and pay in four installments over six weeks without incurring additional fees.
The iOS will include new CarPlay updates, such as new gauge clusters. Automakers such as Jaguar Land Rover and Ford Motor Company will integrate the feature into their vehicles.
Nokia-backed VC invests in crypto-mining network
NGP Capital is a Silicon Valley venture capital firm funded by a single limited partner, Nokia. Recently, the firm announced an investment in Nova Labs, formerly Helium, the company that created the HNT cryptocurrency and a way to let wireless networks mine it.
“Nokia felt this was an interesting approach to building networks in a world where network building has become expensive,” said NGP Capital partner Upal Basu. Basu said Nokia sees the Helium network as a potential complement to traditional wireless, since it can offload carrier traffic.
So far, Nova Labs’ peer-to-peer network has primarily been used to offload IoT traffic from LoRaWAN. Compatible hotspots transmit using an open-source wireless networking protocol called LongFi, which can communicate with LoRa modules.
Companies that want to track connected assets pay to use the Helium network. One customers is scooter operator Lime, also an NGP Capital portfolio company. Another Nova Labs customer is Goodyear, which wants to monitor tires using the network, Basu said. Like NGP Capital, Goodyear Ventures was an investor in Nova Labs’ latest financing round.
"Nova Labs is revolutionizing the way enterprises connect to the internet, unlocking new levels of efficiency through ubiquitous coverage provided by the Helium Network," said Abhijit Ganguly, managing director, Goodyear Ventures, in a press release.
People who purchase Helium-compatible hotspots automatically mine HNT whenever their devices help transmit network traffic. This is different from the way most crypto miners get their currency. Instead of large expensive servers that generate big utility bills while solving complex math problems, these miners use smaller devices that can be supported in their homes. The Helium Network grew from 20,000 hotspots in early 2021 to 680,000 global hotspots by the end of March 2022.
Nova Labs’ latest $200 million funding round (Series D) values the company at $1.2 billion. In addition to NGP Capital, Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone-backed Liberty Global also participated in the most recent funding round.