Velocity announces a $10M pre-seed funding round and emerges from stealth to launch the Stablecoin Payment Account. Traditional financial systems were not designed for a multi-asset economy, limiting the seamless integration of digital assets into existing infrastructure. Velocity bridges this gap by providing a platform where businesses can manage fiat and stablecoin transactions in one place, eliminating the need for parallel systems or complex integrations. Velocity’s Stablecoin Payment Account provides enterprises with a frictionless way to move and manage capital across banks, blockchains, and borders. Designed for seamless integration, the platform combines the speed and programmability of stablecoins, with the rigour and reliability of traditional finance —- solving real-world challenges in cross-border settlement, liquidity management, and treasury operations.
More Americans say they might need BNPL just to keep up, to help them manage household expenses in the next six months; report says
The latest CivicScience data show that both usage and intent in Buy Now, Pay Later have risen steadily since before the 2024 holiday season. As of May 27, 37% of those aware of BNPL use these services, up from 32% in Q3 2024. The percentage of those who are planning to use BNPL has also increased, ticking up to 12% from 9% in Q4 2024. Notably, usage and intent have also increased among high-income households ($100K+), with experience rising five percentage points since late last year. Users and intenders are particularly leery of looming tariffs – 84% of users and 83% of intenders are at least ‘somewhat’ concerned about the impact of tariffs and trade policies on their household expenses, outpacing non-users by at least eight percentage points (75%). While consumers are turning to BNPL for discretionary purchases, such as live events or food delivery, additional data finds that a noteworthy percentage of Americans worry they’ll have to utilize BNPL just to get by. More than one-third (36%) of consumers who don’t currently use a BNPL service are at least ‘somewhat’ concerned they might need to turn to a Buy Now, Pay Later program to help them manage household expenses in the next six months. This concern is most common among households earning under $50K, but notably, 19% of those expecting to make $100K also share this anxiety.
Improving stablecoin UX and trust requires merchants to verify crypto wallet addresses, look for security indicators like hardware wallet support and ENS (Ethereum Name Service) domain names and comply with local KYC/AML laws for higher-value transactions
Stablecoins aim to solve the crypto payments bottleneck, but bridging this gap requires resolving significant infrastructure and user experience challenges. Despite their simplicity on the surface, stablecoin payments involve a complex back end. Despite the technological advances, stablecoins are not immune to threats, and their rise has attracted new classes of digital fraud. For consumers, one of the biggest risks is fake apps or phishing links that mimic real wallets or payment interfaces. Merchants need to educate their customers — and themselves — on how to verify wallet addresses and look for security indicators like hardware wallet support and ENS (Ethereum Name Service) domain names. Consumer friendly also doesn’t mean compliance light. Merchants accepting stablecoins must ensure they comply with local know your customer/anti-money laundering (KYC/AML) laws, especially for higher-value transactions. “Even if stablecoins are the preferred medium for a lot of criminal activity, creating a regulated environment where these companies can operate in conjunction with law enforcement is probably a positive,” Dan Boyle, partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, told. The bottom line is that, for consumers and merchants, the potential shift stablecoins represent isn’t just technological — it’s psychological. Trust, familiarity and education are critical. And while today’s stablecoin experience is faster and cheaper than legacy systems, the true breakthrough will come when it becomes invisible.
Kurrent’s MCP Server features self-correction when prototyping, allowing developers to test projection, eliminating the traditional learning curve for database interactions
Event-native data platform innovator Kurrent has launched the open source KurrentDB MCP Server, which makes it possible for developers to use AI agents to interact with data inside KurrentDB without writing code. Users can now not only read and write events to the database but also create, test and debug projections or extend the available prompts to prototype applications using natural language. This is a capability exclusive to Kurrent that eliminates the traditional learning curve for database interactions. Kurrent MCP Server features self-correction when prototyping, allowing developers to test projection logic and help debug issues through conversational commands. Compatible with all frontier AI models and released under MIT license for community contribution and enterprise adoption without licensing restriction, Kurrent’s MCP Server makes development tasks that previously required hours of coding and corrections achievable in minutes. “Our new MCP Server makes it possible to use the main features of the KurrentDB database, like reading and writing events to streams and using projections, in a way that’s as simple as having a conversation,” said Kirk Dunn, CEO at Kurrent. “The system’s ability to test and fix itself reduces the need for debugging and increases reliability. Copilots and AI assistants become productive database partners rather than just code generators, seamlessly interfacing with KurrentDB.” The Kurrent MCP Server is compatible with every frontier model including Claude, GPT-4 and Gemini, and can be used with Cursor, Windsurf and other MCP-supported IDEs, clients and agent frameworks. It offers eight core capabilities that respond to natural language prompts, eliminating traditional database interaction friction points. These features make visual and analytical exploration conversational and intuitive. Kurrent MCP Server’s unique self-correction capability also sets it apart, making prototyping projections much easier and faster.
EnCharge AI’s accelerator uses precise and scalable analog in-memory computing to deliver 200+ TOPS of total compute power for on-device computing with up to ~20x better performance per watt across various AI workloads
EnCharge AI announced the EnCharge EN100, the industry’s first AI accelerator built on precise and scalable analog in-memory computing. Designed to bring advanced AI capabilities to laptops, workstations, and edge devices, EN100 leverages transformational efficiency to deliver 200+ TOPS of total compute power within the power constraints of edge and client platforms such as laptops. By fundamentally reshaping where AI inference happens, developers can now deploy sophisticated, secure, personalized applications locally. This breakthrough enables organizations to rapidly integrate advanced capabilities into existing products—democratizing powerful AI technologies and bringing high-performance inference directly to end-users. EN100, the first of the EnCharge EN series of chips, features an optimized architecture that efficiently processes AI tasks while minimizing energy. Available in two form factors – M.2 for laptops and PCIe for workstations – EN100 is engineered to transform on-device capabilities: M.2 for Laptops: Delivering up to 200+ TOPS of AI compute power in an 8.25W power envelope, EN100 M.2 enables sophisticated AI applications on laptops without compromising battery life or portability. PCIe for Workstations: Featuring four NPUs reaching approximately 1 PetaOPS, the EN100 PCIe card delivers GPU-level compute capacity at a fraction of the cost and power consumption, making it ideal for professional AI applications utilizing complex models and large datasets. Compared to competing solutions, EN100 demonstrates up to ~20x better performance per watt across various AI workloads. With up to 128GB of high-density LPDDR memory and bandwidth reaching 272 GB/s, EN100 efficiently handles sophisticated AI tasks, such as generative language models and real-time computer vision, that typically require specialized data center hardware.
Minecraft movie release helps drive 35% rise in both its mobile in-app purchase revenue and console unit sales indicative of scripted content leading to re-engagement and renewed popularity of video games
A Minecraft Movie has generated $941 million in revenue at the worldwide box office, and it has also helped sales of the Minecraft game as well, Sensor Tower said. In an entertainment era hallmarked by sequels, reboots, and nostalgia plays, Hollywood is increasingly turning to video game IP to create scripted content. Sensor Tower, a measurement firm, has produced a report on the impact of games IP on the entertainment world. Sensor Tower said the release of scripted content has created a boomerang effect on the original games, often leading to re-engagement and renewed popularity. In the report, Sensor Tower said mobile in-app purchase revenue and console units sold rose 35% each after the release of the Minecraft movie in April 2025. The Fallout TV show drove a +20% surge in Amazon Prime Video app downloads on release week. Fallout 3 and Fallout 4 PC daily active users remained +225% higher for 12 and 20 weeks after the show’s release, and Amazon increased U.S. ad spend on desktop video (+20x) to maximize the show’s impact. Max app downloads and The Last of Us console daily active users each soared 40% when the show’s second season premiered. A Minecraft Movie’s impact wasn’t just new gamers: active user spikes in Minecraft mobile (+9%) and console (+41%) illustrate that the movie likely spurred historical players to jump back in the sandbox, Sensor Tower said.
Epic Games offers data API to let creators access several data points about Fortnite islands including engagement and retention metrics without requiring any authentication
Epic Games is launching the Fortnite Data API, which makes several data points about Fortnite islands public for creators to access. This data includes engagement and retention metrics, allowing other creators to better understand what makes certain kinds of games successful with players. According to Epic, it plans to reveal more about the data’s uses at the upcoming Unreal Fest in Orlando. The Fortnite Data API includes various data points on each island, including: Total minutes played by all players; Average total minutes per unique player; Number of game sessions played; Number of times players favorited the island; Number of times players recommended the island (previously “Likes”); Peak concurrent player count; Number of distinct players; Day-over-day retention; Week-over-week retention. Each of these data points is available for third-party analysis and insights, for a period of up to seven days. It’s publicly accessible and doesn’t require authentication to access.
Neema’s Dynamic Routing uses multiple real-time routes between countries and instantly analyses exchange rates, speed, and reliability for every cross-border transaction to identify the optimal route
Neema launched Dynamic Routing, an innovative technology designed to enhance every transaction by maximizing both success rates and cost efficiency. Neema’s extensive cross-border payments network empowers financial institutions across the globe to effortlessly process transactions in over 120 countries. It accommodates the most widely used payment methods and currencies specific to each destination, ensuring that users experience a localized payment environment. The introduction of Dynamic Routing further extends Neema’s vision of building a globally connected financial ecosystem. Dynamic Routing, along with Neema’s vast network of financial partners, enables a smarter method for global money movement. Rather than depending on a single pathway, Dynamic Routing establishes multiple real-time routes between countries. Each transaction it powers undergoes instant analysis, taking into account factors such as exchange rates, speed, and reliability to identify the optimal route. Every payment is personalized, with transfers between the same countries often utilizing different, optimized routes. Additionally, Neema’s AI-driven security infrastructure and expansive international reach provide enhanced visibility into coverage and technical vulnerabilities, allowing the company to effectively address potential gaps while offering one of the most robust quality assurance systems in the industry.
DreamPark’s tech uses physical markers like QR codes to create digital overlays on real-world spaces by scanning the codes for transforming physical locations into immersive mixed-reality environment
DreamPark, the creator of what it calls “the world’s largest downloadable mixed reality (XR) theme park,” has raised $1.1 million in seed funding to accelerate DreamPark’s mission to make Earth worth playing again by transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary adventures through mixed reality technology. DreamPark said it is capturing a significant early advantage in the global XR (extended reality) live event market, valued at $3.6 billion in 2024 and projected to surge to $190.3 billion by 2034 at a 48.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This explosive growth trajectory presents an opportunity that DreamPark’s technology and business model are uniquely designed to address. DreamPark transforms physical locations into immersive mixed-reality environments through its network of access points: physical markers, like QR codes, that, when scanned with a Meta Quest 3 headset or mobile device, unlock digital overlays on real-world spaces. The company has already established successful installations at Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade and The LA County Fair, with planned expansions in Seattle, Orange County and several expos and corporate events. To create new locations. All they really have to do is scan an area, overlay a digital game filled with simple games, and then drop a mat with a QR code on the property so people can scan it and start playing the game. For property owners, this means they can draw people back to their location, getting them to re-engage with the place because people want to play a digital game at the physical place. It’s a way to enhance the value of a physical property, using virtual entertainment. There’s no construction or permanent infrastructure required. It’s a radically more affordable way to turn underused spaces into high-impact destinations.
NMI offers Tap to Pay on iPhone for merchants that enables them to accept all forms of contactless payments using only an iPhone and a supporting iOS app without requiring additional hardware
NMI now enables its U.S. customers to seamlessly and securely accept in-person, contactless payments with Tap to Pay on iPhone. Tap to Pay on iPhone allows merchants to accept all forms of contactless payments, including contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and other digital wallets, using only an iPhone and a supporting iOS app — no additional hardware or payment terminal needed. Using Tap to Pay on iPhone is easy, secure and private. With Tap to Pay on iPhone, at checkout, merchants simply prompt the customer to hold their contactless payment method near the merchant’s iPhone, and the payment is securely completed using NFC technology. Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology uses the built-in features of iPhone to help protect business and customer data. Apple doesn’t store card numbers on Apple servers, so merchants and customers can rest assured that their data stays theirs. NMI now offers two quick and easy options for enabling Tap to Pay on iPhone: NMI Tap to Pay iOS SDK empowers SaaS developers and fintech providers to embed Tap to Pay capabilities directly into their own iOS applications creating one seamless payment experience. The Cloud Commerce iOS app, powered by Mastercard’s Cloud Commerce solution (available soon on the Apple App Store), enables small businesses to quickly start accepting payments with just an iPhone, no new hardware required.