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Investors in cryptocurrencies are seeing red today. In the past 24 hours, the prices of most major cryptocurrencies and meme coins have plummeted. This includes crypto heavyweights like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP as well as popular meme coins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and TRUMP. Heres what to know about the biggest losers and possible reasons behind the crash. Bitcoin drops below $90K for the first time since November Unsurprisingly, the crypto that is getting the most headlines today is Bitcoin, which as of the time of this writing currently sits at around $89,000 per coin. Thats a 7% drop in the last 24 hours alone. It also represents of few other ignominious milestones for the cryptocurrency king as of late. First, todays decline marks the first time that Bitcoin has fallen below $90,000 since November 2024, after Donald Trump’s election victory sparked a crypto rally. Second, Bitcoin is now also down 20% since another important Trump marker: his inauguration day on January 20. On Trumps inauguration day, Bitcoin had hit an all-time high of over $106,000. The postelection victory and post-inauguration gains were largely fueled by the belief that a Trump presidency would be good for the crypto markets in general. But its not just Bitcoin that is plummeting today. Other cryptocurrencies are as well. Those include (as of the time of this writing): Ethereum, which is down almost 10% in the past 24 hours (and down over 27% in the past month). XRP, which is down over 12% in the past 24 hours (and down over 31% in the past month) Solana, which is down almost 12% in the past 24 hours (and down over 46% in the past month) Dogecoin, which is down almost 11% in the past 24 hours (and down over 42% in the past month) Official Trump, which is down almost 14% in the past 24 hours (and down over 56% in the past month) But what exactly is causing todays crypto crash? While the digital assets do tend to be highly volatile anyway, the general consensus among crypto industry watchers is that two main events could be contributing to the plunge. Trumps tariffs lead to macroeconomic uncertainty While Trumps election victory was hailed as the best possible outcome for the crypto industry, it now appears that Trump could be doing more harm than good for digital currency markets. Thats because since Trump was sworn in, he quickly set to initiating tariffsor at least threatening toagainst Americas major trading partners, including China, Mexico, Canada, and nearly every other country in the world. Many fear these that tariff threats may lead to an all-out trade war between America and other major economies. Indeed, as BeinCrypto points out, after Trump seemed to confirm yesterday that the tariffs on Mexico and Canada would be moving ahead, Bitcoin sank and crypto markets saw almost $1 billion in liquidations. When there is macroeconomic uncertaintylike the kind generated by potential trade warsinvestors usually seek to lock in gains where they can by selling assets that have had good returns as of late. Larger anxieties about where the economy may be headed may be driving many crypto investors to take their profits now to buffer any losses in the future. The Bybit hack reminds crypto investors they are vulnerable It’s not just Trumps actions that are rattling crypto investors. Last week, the cryptocurrency exchange Bybit was hacked, leading to $1.5 billion dollars of cryptocurrencies being stolen. It is reportedly the largest crypto heist on record and is believed to have been carried out by actors in North Korea, reports CNN. Major crypto heists in the past have rattled investor confidence, and this one is no different. Heists such as this remind investors that cryptocurrencies are more readily at risk of theft than other assets, such as stocks or properties. To put the Bybit hack into greater perspective, Reuters reports that in all of 2024, there was $2.2 billion worth of crypto stolen. The ByBit hack signals that 2025 may be an even bigger year for crypto heists.
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E-Commerce
After 16 years of experiments to bring Photoshop apps to the phone, Adobe is launching its most convincing attempt yet. Called Photoshop Mobile and available in the App Store today, its Adobes first earnest attempt to build a Photoshop on mobile with the same unique powers that have made it so popular on desktop.This new Photoshop has been built from the ground up specifically for the phone, where it can sync seamlessly with Photoshop versions on the web and desktop. (An Android version is due this summer.) Pros will appreciate a few big technical headlines: You can have an unlimited number of layers, and there is no restriction on file sizes. (Vector drawing tools arent in this initial release, but Im told Shapes are coming soon.) Casual editors will want to know that the app is free to use, though many features will be tucked inside an $8/month subscription that comes paired with access to Photoshop on the web. Not all of Photoshop is in here, but were very confident in the foundations that we have that people are going to be able to use, says Matthew Richmond, VP of design for Creative Cloud Pro products and 3D at Adobe. A big part of this is the focus on the next-gen users, the individuals where, in a lot of cases [the phone is] their only computer.Truth be told, phones have been fast enough for Photoshop for years. The big breakthrough that made Photoshop on iPhone is beyond technical specs. Its the apps entire UX thatat least as I squinted through a webcam demolooks powerful, quick, and easy to learn. Its the first time Ive seen a permutation of Photoshop on a small screen that just seemed right, even if it looked new.A brief history of Photoshop on mobileAdobes first attempt at Photoshop on smartphones started in 2009, with a Photoshop.com mobile app. It was essentially an extension of the Camera app, and it allowed use of only the most basic controls, like cropping, rotation, and color. It was followed by Photoshop Mix (2014), Photoshop Fix (2015), and, finally, Photoshop Express, which lives on today. With all respect to Express, its not really Photoshop. You only need to load it for a few minutes to realize its extreme limitations: namely, building and managing layers and applying masks, when the app is really more focused on creating social-ready image and text layouts. Photoshop Mobile is different. Its the companys first smartphone app to take the core UX metaphor inside Photoshopof creating layers, masking out bits of images, and applying different appearances at each leveland bringing it to a small touchscreen. This approach to image editing is foundational, not just to Adobes own software but also to the very way artists and designers have constructed images for centuries. Its the fundamental framework of putting one color or cutout atop another that makes Photoshops approach to digital craft work at all. [Image: Adobe]Photoshops new Select and do UXThe brilliance of the app is that instead of drop-down menus and palettes of tools on the screen, it starts with your fingeran approach to UI that Adobe calls select and do. The idea is that you can tap on whatever part of the image you want, and youll be ushered through a workflow suggesting options for your next steps.In Photoshop desktop, and even in the tablet version, selection tools are hidden behind drop-down menus. You might even need to watch a tutorial to discover that they exist.On Photoshop mobile, youre urged to start selecting right away. A select area button sits at the bottom of the screen. Tap on that, and youre offered all sorts of ways to select (like draw a circle, or use the classic Magic Wand). You can even zoom in to the pixel level to make adjustments on what you select. But its newest option is called tap select. And it means that you can simply tap on a photos subjects (people, buses, plants) to highlight them, so editing on a phone stays easy. Richmond says it was this and related breakthroughs in touch accuracyborn from the most recent AI technologiesthat convinced Adobe that real Photoshop Mobile was feasible. Once something is highlighted, a new menu appears to help with wayfinding in the app. Adobe uses a combination of proven workflows and contextual UI to guide you to your next step. In this case, options appear to modify just this highlighted portion of the image (perhaps you want to use generative fill on that area, or change the color). Select whatever option you like, and that work becomes a new layer.[Image: Adobe]And gosh, those layers look lovely. They appear on the right side of your screen as thumbnails, always in reach. And you tap in to adjust their properties or reorder them on the stack, just like you can on a desktop. Still, the experience is specifically not the desktop. Yes, Adobes tens of thousands of fonts and Stock gradients and images are available for building new layers and masks. But no, you dont have every possible button you can imagine there all the time. And countless sub-featuresespecially appearance optionshave been left out of the mobile app. Adobe has limited functionality in part just to ship v1.0 of the product, and in part because it believes that this more focused approach to workflows can bring in a new generation of users to Photoshop, coaxing them ahead with a project to discover the power of selection tools and layering from the jump.Its figuring out how to play this kind of musical instrument, says Richmond, explaining that the notes in Photoshop are layers, selections, masks, and appearance.He adds: Weve been . . . trying to figure out if there are easier, faster ways to get started and really understand these concepts, because once you unlock them, its open-ended exploration.The business impact of Photoshop MobileMake no mistake: Adobe needs Photoshop on the iPhone to woo the majority of creators todayfrom a generation of young designers hooked on the quick construction tools of Canva to content creators who use a sea of different apps and, often, social medias own design tools to create their statement. Quite simply, it does not matter if Photoshop and the accompanying Creative Cloud is the most powerful editing software in the world on a desktop for a world hooked on good-enough production on a phone.However, the company is banking on the mobile market expanding its potential audience, because even as were nearly two decades into modern smartphones, there still isnt a perfect analog for Photoshop on phonesthe kind of ubiquitous software that allows deep-editing capability in a world reliant on filters and pre-chewed layouts.Creators, whether or not they become professionals, really have that desire to express themselves in a unique way, says Ashley Still, GM of Adobe Creative Cloud. They want to make sure that the content theyre creating is not just another template, that it represents their unique voice.Still is confident in the higher end of the mobile market after studying the publics response to Adobe photo editing program Lightroom on mobile. Originally launched in 2015, the app has been a success story for the company. Lightrooms users on mobile now outnumber its users on desktop, and Still believes the same will prove true for Photoshop in the next few years.Then, with Lightroom, Photoshop, and Express, she imagines a new creative workflow coming to the phone, where you can touch up an image in Lightroom, edit it with layers in Photoshop, then add text and other production elements in Express. Firefly image generation can sneak into this loop, too, turning ones phone into a fairly capable Adobe editing suite. In some ways, that sounds like Adobes strategy from a decade ago, when it was launching micro apps that handed off specialized functions to slice and dice media. The difference now, however, is that Adobes mobile apps are growing more capable and equivalent in scope to their desktop counterparts. Its hard to make a single app best at everything, Still concedes, noting, a lot of the magic is also going to happen with workflows across the applications. Adobe imagines that pro users, in particular, will choose to start a project on their phone but fine-tune it on a desktop. The company does not want to be prescriptive, Still insists, saying that Adobe apps wont offer complete feature parity across surfaces, but they should be optimized for where you meet them.[Image: Adobe]One of the things that I think we also didnt get quite right with [Photoshop on] the iPad is the expectation that we set within the community of the roles that these different devices play, she says.The challenge for Adobe now is, first, getting a working Photoshop app on Android, where the majority of smartphone users in the world reside. And then, second and more ongoing, figuring out how well all of its Photoshop select and do workflows really operate in the wild, while folding in the most demanded, most feasible add-ons into the product in a monthly release cadence.Theres a line in the sand where, like, we cant keep it inside the building anymore, says Richmond. We need to put it out there so we can see what happens at scale.
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E-Commerce
The surge in anti-DEI sentiment, fueled by political actions, social pressures, and legal uncertainties creates a complex environment for organizations striving to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces. To navigate this turbulent environment and advance diversity, equity and inclusion, companies should focus on three key actions:1. Tying DEI to outcomes,2. Creating systems that focus on debiasing,3. Building cultures of accountability. Understanding the backlash and how to defend against it The current DEI backlash creates a complex environment for companies that want to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces. To respond effectively, organizations must first understand the three sources of the backlash: The political backlash: The current political climate is undeniably hostile toward DEI. From executive orders dismantling federal DEI programs to legislative efforts like the “Dismantle DEI Act,” the message is clear: DEI initiatives are under attack. Since last years SCOTUS affirmative action decision and the closing of the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, threats to the public sector have had a chilling effect on the private sector. The social battlefield: The social backlash against DEI is just as significant as the political one. Organizations face pressure from all sides, with some stakeholders demanding more aggressive DEI initiatives while others decry them as “woke” or divisive. Fear of alienating customers or facing boycotts can lead organizations to water down or avoid speaking publicly about their DEI efforts. And while cessation sensationalism may provide effective air cover for quietly continuing DEI work, what happens when theres a disconnect between what a company says or doesnt say and what it does? Our brains crave predictability. When we see contradictory actions and statements, it creates cognitive dissonance, which erodes trust and engagement. In fact, alignment between what an organization says and what it does is the foundation of organizational accountability. Therefore, organizations need to think about the impact of this strategy on their employees. The legal minefield: Although the law moves much more slowly than political and social forces, it is crucial for organizations to have a clear understanding of the legal framework governing DEI. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. However, as interpretation and application of laws are subject to change, organizations must stay informed about the latest legal developments to ensure compliance. This includes seeking legal counsel when necessary, conducting regular audits of DEI policies and practices, and staying abreast of any changes in legislation or judicial interpretation. Organizations must be prepared to defend their DEI initiatives against government scrutiny. They can mitigate legal risk in their DEI initiatives by avoiding the three Ps: 1. conferring preferences, 2. on protected groups, 3. with respect to palpable benefits. How companies can continue DEI work Despite these forces, organizations cannot afford to abandon their DEI efforts. DEI is not just a moral imperative; DEI is a business necessity. Research shows that when leveraged in the best way, diverse teams are more innovative and make better decisions, leading to improved performance and financial outcomes. According to a 2023 survey, inclusive companies are 1.7 times more likely to be innovative, and they achieve 2.3 times more cash flow per employee., To navigate the current landscape and continue to reap the benefits of DEI, organizations must adopt a strategic and proactive approach, focusing on three key actions: Make the case for impact. Organizations must be able to articulate the “why” behind their DEI commitments in a way that resonates with diverse and sometimes resistant stakeholders. By articulating the why, organizations make DEI compelling, tapping into our intrinsic motivational brain networks. Research shows that adding a whats in it for me allows others to align their own individual goals with those of the initiatives, making it more likely theyll act upon them. This calls for moving beyond the moral case for DEI to prove its tangible value. We have developed a science-based framework that outlines the tangible benefits of DEI and provides practical guidance on how to achieve them. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing diversity and habituating inclusion to drive business success and create a more just, sustainable work environment for everyone. It provides a roadmap for organizations to measure the impact of their DEI initiatives and demonstrate their return on investment. In todays climate, where DEI is facing increased scrutiny, it is more critical than ever for organizations to articulate the business case for DEI and demonstrate its value. Embrace the power of de-biasing: Debiasing is a powerful tool for building fair and inclusive systems and processes. By removing unconscious bias from decision-making, organizations can create an equitable environment where merit matters. Thus, even those who oppose DEI from a meritocracy standpoint cannot reasonably argue against debiasing, Yoshino says. At the individual level, this means understanding and mitigating unconscious bias. Interpersonally, it calls for changing behaviors, adopting habits of inclusion, and enabling psychological safety in teams. At the institutional level, implementing strategies such as blind recruitment, structured interviews, and standardized performance evaluations can sustain individual and interpersonal progress. Ongoing education and training maintain and increase awareness of unconscious bias and equip individuals with the skills to mitigate its impact. Organizations can move beyond simply acknowledging the existence of unconscious bias to actively addressing it and creating a more inclusive workplace where everyone can deliver value. Build a culture of accountability: Accountability is the backbone of any successful DEI strategy. It’s not enough to simply have policies in place; organizations must ensure that these policies are translated into action, both for their employees and their customers. Not only does organizational accountability boost employee engagement and performance, it is also a predictor of long-term organizational performance. Inclusive leadership calls for accountability, both in modeling and ensuring inclusive behaviors. Neuroleadership Institute research has revealed two distinct forms of accountability that can apply to how we continue DEI work. Many organizations default to a punitive form of accountability like withholding bonuses that focuses on blame and punishment, hindering progress and creating a toxic environment. Fostering a proactive culture of accountability, on the other hand, frames accountability as a challenge and opportunity for growth. For DEI work, this means creating and communicating the why behind initiatives, establishing success metrics, and sharing outcomes with employees and customers. Proactive accountability, supported by neuroscience, drives individuals and organizations to achieve goals and own outcomes. This fosters trust among stakeholders, ultimately leading to improved results. Inclusive leadership development can create ownership and empowerment by redefining DEI accountability as a necessity for positive business outcomes. Looking Ahead The road ahead for DEI is bumpy, winding, and fraught with challenges. It is also paved with opportunities. By embracing a strategic and proactive approach, organizations can withstand the present to win the future in an increasingly diverse world. This is a defining moment for DEI. Organizations that rise to the occasion will not only reap the rewards of a diverse and inclusive workforce but also contribute to a more just and equitable society. By weaving DEI into their business goals, eliminating bias from their systems, and fostering cultures of accountability, organizations can navigate the turbulent waters ahead and emerge stronger and more inclusive than ever before. Janet M. Stovall, CDE, is the Global Head of D&I at the NeuroLeadership Institute.
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E-Commerce
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