Cryptocurrency
Ethereum Sets New Date for Pectra Upgrade After Technical Issues

Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade has now been scheduled to go live on the mainnet on May 7, 2025.
The announcement was made during a call held by the blockchain’s core developers on April 3.
Technical Challenges
Pectra is one of Ethereum’s most significant upgrades since the network’s transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism in 2022. It merges the Prague execution layer with the Electra consensus layer and includes 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) aimed at improving the blockchain’s scalability, efficiency, and usability.
Originally planned for March 2025, the changes were postponed due to challenges encountered during testnet implementation. Specifically, the Holesky testnet experienced finality issues, preventing developers from proceeding with the original timeline. Additionally, a minor bug was discovered on the Sepolia testnet in early March, which was identified and resolved before further testing.
Developers then launched the Hoodi testnet, successfully running the enhancements without major incidents. This phase led to the confirmation of the May 7, 2025, mainnet deployment date.
“We’ll go ahead and lock in May 7 for Pectra on mainnet,” said Ethereum Foundation researcher Alex Stokes during yesterday’s core developers’ call. “Happy Pectra everyone.”
Despite recent developments, Ethereum’s market performance has remained weak, with its native ETH token posting its worst first-quarter performance in 7 years. A recent report from CryptoQuant showed that the ecosystem continues to struggle due to low activity, declining transaction fees, and a reduced ETH burn rate, all of which have contributed to increased inflationary pressure on the network.
Key Features and Improvements
Pectra contains several improvements aimed at making Ethereum more user-friendly and efficient. Key features in the new version include smart contract functionality for wallets, enhanced staking capabilities, account abstraction, privilege management, and the ability to sponsor transaction fees.
Account abstraction will allow Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs) to function similarly to smart contract wallets, introducing advanced features such as transaction batching, fee sponsorship, and custom security rules. These improvements are expected to enhance Ethereum’s flexibility, making decentralized applications (dApps) more accessible to users.
Petra also increases the validator staking limit from 32 ETH to 2,048 ETH. This change supports larger validators and allows smaller ones to receive compounding rewards.
Another addition is Peer Data Availability Sampling (PeerDAS), which reduces costs for layer-2 solutions by allowing nodes to verify large data availability without downloading all of it. The upgrade also includes the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) Object Format, which enhances EVM code to support future functionality on both layer-1 and layer-2 networks.
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Cryptocurrency
NEXST Launches Web3 VR Entertainment Platform with K-Pop Group UNIS as First Global Partner

[PRESS RELEASE – Dubai, UAE, July 7th, 2025]
Revolutionizing fandom with AI, VR, and Web3 technology
Leading the next wave of immersive digital entertainment, NEXST proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking VR division, powered by cutting-edge AI, VR, Web3, and Real-World Assets (RWA). The platform’s first major collaboration features rising global K-Pop sensation UNIS, making their virtual debut in a revolutionary new format.
As a next-generation AI-driven entertainment platform, NEXST is on a mission to reshape how fans connect with artists. With immersive VR content, real-time interactivity, and digital ownership through Web3, NEXST offers fans an entirely new way to experience music and storytelling.
“We believe the future of entertainment is immersive, decentralized, and artist-centric,” said Axel Gutman, Co-Founder of NEXST.
“Welcoming UNIS to the NEXST VR LIVE platform is just the beginning. We’re excited to announce more collaborations with global artists and top K-Pop stars in the coming months.”
Introducing NEXST VR LIVE: Immersive Web3-Enabled Experiences
NEXST VR LIVE is a dedicated division focused on creating immersive XR experiences using Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). This initiative bridges globally famous artists, beloved IPs, and interactive VR environments—seamlessly integrated with Web3 technology.
Key features include:
- Virtual concerts and performances with world-class artists
- Interactive fan experiences powered by AI
- Web3 integration that allows fans to own, trade, and participate in the entertainment economy
- A smooth Web2-to-Web3 transition for mainstream fans
Inaugural Artist Announcement: K-Pop Powerhouse UNIS Joins NEXST VR LIVE!
Kicking off the launch is UNIS, the powerhouse K-Pop girl group formed through SBS’s hit survival show UNIVERSAL TICKET. Since their 2024 debut with WE UNIS and breakout single SUPERWOMAN, UNIS has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their energy, vocals, and fierce Gen Z appeal.
By partnering with UNIS, NEXST taps into a vibrant, global fanbase—helping transition millions of Web2 music fans into the Web3 world.
$NXT Token: Powering the Web3 Entertainment Economy
The $NXT token powers the NEXST entertainment platform with real-world and digital utilities that enhance fan engagement, access, and ownership.
- Exclusive Access: Unlockig VR concerts, discounted live tickets, VIP events, and early content drops.
- AI & Fan Interaction: Accessing premium AI agent features, advanced LLM tools, and participate in artist growth via fan voting.
- GameFi Rewards: Earning $NXT through gameplay, unlock in-game NFT items, and receive exclusive airdrops.
Details about the $NXT will be released soon via NEXST’s official social channels.
The Road Ahead: NEXST’s Vision for a Connected Future
NEXST will continue to push the boundaries of innovation by integrating AI, VR, and Web3 technologies across various entertainment domains, including music, live performances, and fan communities. Following UNIS, we aim to deepen collaborations with a diverse array of global artists and IPs, consistently delivering next-generation entertainment experiences that foster deeper connections between fans and artists.
We invite you to anticipate more groundbreaking events, collaborations, and updates as we collectively build the future of entertainment.
About NEXST
NEXT INNOVATIONS TECHNOLOGY L.L.C is a cutting-edge entertainment platform developer based in the UAE, dedicated to pioneering next-generation digital experiences.
Staying Connected with NEXST
About UNIS
UNIS is an 8-member South Korean girl group formed through SBS’s survival audition program UNIVERSE TICKET. After debuting on March 27, 2024, with their first mini-album WE UNIS, they have remained highly active, releasing their first single album CURIOUS in August of the same year and unveiling SWICY in 2025. Since their debut, they have continued to expand their global presence through various music shows and events.
UNIS Official Channels
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Cryptocurrency
We Asked Gemini, ChatGPT, Grok Where Cardano (ADA) Will End 2025: The Verdict Will Surprise You

TL;DR
- With bitcoin sitting close to its all-time high of almost $112,000, the general perception among traders and investors is that the bull market is still going on.
- As such, we decided to ask a few of the biggest AI solutions (Grok, ChatGPT, and Gemini) about one of the most popular altcoins – ADA, and its market potential this cycle.
How High Can ADA Go?
Unlike our similar article regarding XRP, the AI solutions provided more skeptical and, in some cases, bearish price predictions for ADA. ChatGPT, for example, warned investors not to anticipate fireworks from Cardano’s native token by the end of the year, stating, “Expect ADA to float in the $0.55-$0.65 range early in H2.”
Its most aggressive scenario envisions a price surge to somewhere between $1-$2, but said it’s not very likely the asset will go this high. Additionally, it cautioned users that if market support falters in the following months, ADA can drop well below its current levels of around $0.6.
Grok was slightly more bullish on the token’s future price trajectory. Its most realistic price range by the end of the year is “likely between $0.9 and $2.05, with an average around $1.21 and $1.48 if key resistance levels (e.g., $1.1) are breached and market conditions remain favorable.”
It touched upon some of the most extreme predictions circulating online, such as ADA at $7, but labeled them as “less credible without unprecedented adoption.”
Gemini described the overall market sentiment toward Cardano as “cautiously optimistic.” However, it warned that its price could struggle for the next few months and end the year at $0.55, which would mean a lower level than the current one.
What Would Drive This Volatility?
Although their price targets for the end of the year differentiated, the AI solutions were united in terms of what could drive the price gains or losses.
If ADA is to surge toward the most bullish zones outlined in the previous paragraphs, certain factors need to be aligned, ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini said. One of the most important is the potential approval of a spot ADA ETF in the US. The current odds, according to Polymarket, are above 80% for a green light, and several companies have filed to launch such financial vehicles.
If approved, they can attract significant institutional interest, which would be a price booster. Other factors that could send ADA higher include technical upgrades, such as the January-implemented Plomin, which introduced a more sophisticated on-chain governance procedure, expanding the blockchain’s DeFi capabilities, and the overall market structure.
However, the AI chatbots also indicated that regulatory uncertainty, ecosystem stagnation, or broader market downturns could cap ADA at $0.6 or push it even lower. Consequently, the trio warned that investors should do their own research and not rely solely on AI-based predictions.
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Cryptocurrency
Ethereum Price Analysis: Is ETH Primed for Further Gains After Surge Past $2.5K?

Ethereum recently broke above the 200-day moving average and completed a pullback; however, the lack of strong bullish momentum suggests a higher likelihood of continued sideways consolidation.
Technical Analysis
By ShayanMarkets
The Daily Chart
After a period of consolidation between the 100-day and 200-day moving averages, ETH successfully broke above the 200-day MA at $2.5K, followed by a pullback. While this move is typically viewed as a bullish signal, ETH has failed to demonstrate strong follow-through, indicating weak market participation and insufficient bullish momentum.
As a result, the likelihood of continued sideways consolidation has increased. Currently, the price remains trapped between the 200-day MA and the critical $2.8K resistance level, with a decisive breakout in either direction needed to establish the next major trend.
The 4-Hour Chart
On the lower timeframe, Ethereum’s recent rally was halted at a key bearish order block between $2,625 and $2,670, a zone that has consistently attracted selling pressure. The rejection has led to a retracement toward the $2.5K support level — a historically significant zone where buyers have previously stepped in.
As anticipated, ETH found temporary support here and attempted a minor rebound. However, the current lack of trading volume and diminished bullish momentum suggests the potential for another rejection at the overhead resistance. Until a breakout above $2,670 or below $2.5K occurs, Ethereum is expected to remain range-bound.
Sentiment Analysis
By ShayanMarkets
This chart presents the Binance Liquidation Heatmap, highlighting zones where significant liquidation events are likely to occur. These areas often act as liquidity magnets, attracting price action due to the concentration of leveraged positions. Large market participants, commonly referred to as whales, tend to exploit these zones to enter or exit positions efficiently.
Currently, a prominent cluster of liquidation levels is situated just above the $2.6K mark, suggesting a strong likelihood that Ethereum’s price could gravitate toward this region. If reached, it may trigger a short-squeeze, fueling further upward momentum and potentially propelling ETH toward new local highs.
Conversely, another substantial liquidity pool resides below the $2.5K level, implying the possibility of a downward move to tap into this zone. As a result, Ethereum remains confined within a tight range between these liquidity clusters, awaiting a decisive breakout to determine the next directional move.
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Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoPotato is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoPotato on whether to buy, sell, or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk. See Disclaimer for more information.
Cryptocurrency charts by TradingView.
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