July 2024 in Web3, Blockchain, AI, and Crypto: A Fun Recap *Major News Catalysts*
1. Ethereum 2.0's Major Upgrade: Ethereum’s highly anticipated upgrade went live, dramatically improving scalability and reducing gas fees. The community buzzed with excitement as this upgrade promised to make Ethereum more efficient and user-friendly. 2. Bitcoin ETF Approval: The SEC finally approved a Bitcoin ETF, causing a surge of interest from institutional investors. This milestone is seen as a significant step towards mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. 3. AI-Driven Smart Contracts: Integration of AI with blockchain saw a breakthrough, with new AI-driven smart contracts being launched on various platforms, enhancing automation and decision-making processes. 4. Solana's Ecosystem Expansion: Solana announced several partnerships and integrations, boosting its ecosystem with new DeFi projects and NFT marketplaces, further cementing its position as a leading blockchain for fast and cheap transactions. 5. Web3 Social Networks: Decentralized social media platforms gained traction, offering users more control over their data and content. Several new Web3 social networks launched, promising to revolutionize the way we interact online. *Web3 Crypto Annual Price Movement* **Bitcoin (BTC)**: ** July 01, 2023: $29,230.11 ** **July 01, 2024: $62,734.69 ** **Ethereum (ETH)**: ** July 01, 2023: $1,856 ** ** July 01, 2024: $3,416 ** **Solana (SOL)**: ** July 01, 2023: $22.49 ** ** July 01, 2024: $153.81 ** *Quick Fun Facts* Crypto Goes Mainstream: With the Bitcoin ETF approval, crypto is becoming a regular feature in traditional financial news, bridging the gap between digital assets and conventional finance. AI Meets Blockchain: AI-driven smart contracts are not just buzzwords anymore—they're here, and they're making transactions smarter and more efficient. Ethereum’s New Era: The Ethereum upgrade is likened to a blockchain renaissance, making the network faster, more scalable, and environmentally friendly. -Solana's Speed Surge: Solana’s continued ecosystem growth proves it’s here to stay, competing fiercely with Ethereum in the DeFi and NFT spaces.