GM Explorer,

Great news — you dont have to jump through hoops to convert your crypto to cash first before spending it, thanks to the MetaMask Card!

Here’s what we got for you today:

• 🤑 MetaMask Card: Spend Crypto anywhere, anytime!

• 😲 Coinbase hints at new Bitcoin product!

• 🧱 Around The Block: Analysts forecast Ethereum to reach $6,000 in 2024.

🤑 MetaMask Card: Spend Crypto Anywhere, Anytime!

Using crypto for everyday purchases has not been easy!

Most times, you have to transfer crypto to an exchange and convert it to fiat currency before making purchases.

Well, not anymore! MetaMask has something up its sleeves to simplify that process!

They’ve partnered with Mastercard and Baanx to introduce the “MetaMask Card,” which allows you to spend crypto directly from your MetaMask wallet for everyday purchases.

With this card, you can use the crypto held in your MetaMask wallets to pay for everything from groceries to online shopping, so long as Mastercard accepts the purchase.

But wait, there's more!

Initially, the card will work with USDC, USDT, and WETH through the Linea network as part of a broader effort to connect Web2 and Web3 ecosystems.

And if you’re worried about security, don’t be!

Consensys (MetaMask’s parent company)says the card offers security and speed.

This is because Linea-powered transactions are processed quickly, and you'll have full control of your crypto assets through your self-custodial MetaMask wallet until the transaction is completed.

Ready to get your hands on this bad boy?

Right now, the MetaMask Card is in a pilot phase in the EU and UK, but don't worry - they're planning to make it available in more regions soon.

So, in the meantime, sit tight and keep stacking up your wallets!

You can learn more about this awesome card from the company’s official announcement here.

😲 Coinbase Hints at New Bitcoin Product!

Coinbase just teased the potential launch of a new tokenized Bitcoin product called cbBTC!

It sounds quite similar to their existing cbETH product, right?

Well, it’s probably why many commentators are speculating about the possible launch of a wrapped Bitcoin token by the exchange!

But then, when a post on the official account says just one word, “cbBTC,” before adding “coming soon” in a follow-up comment, we’re bound to think this, right?

But let’s not all jump to conclusions here because details for now are quite scarce.

However, if it does happen, what will it mean for us?

Essentially, cbBTC will be a 1:1 representation of actual bitcoin held in custody by Coinbase.

This means you'll be able to hold Bitcoin on Ethereum and Layer 2 chains, which could be a total game-changer for liquidity.

And, with Base, Coinbase's blockchain incubator, possibly leading the charge, we might see a massive Bitcoin economy built on Base — at least that's what Jesse Pollak, the head of Coinbase’s layer-2 network Base, thinks.

But hold on, there's competition in the mix!

BitGo's wrapped bitcoin (WBTC) is already the largest player in town, with a whopping market cap of over $9 billion. Talk about a competition!

And get this:

Coinbase teased the cbBTC launch just days after BitGO announced a partnership with BiT Global (which happens to be linked to Justin Sun, the controversial Tron founder) to manage WBTC custody.

Now, some of you might be thinking, "Wait a minute, isn't Justin Sun's reputation a bit... questionable?"

Well, yes, that's a valid concern — The whole partnership has raised some security concerns, with some even proposing to halt new borrowing against WBTC collateral. Yikes!

BitGo's CEO, on the other hand, defends the move, emphasizing their commitment to security and legal oversight.

Even Sun addressed the controversy in an Aug. 11 X post, saying there had been “no changes to WBTC” and his involvement did not involve direct access to funds.

But wait a minute. Does anyone else feel that Coinbase chose the best time to face off with the competition, or is it all just a coincidence? 🤔

Only time will tell whether Coinbase's cbBTC will be a game-changer or if WBTC will maintain its dominance!

Interested? Then click here to learn more.

🧱 Around The Block

• Analysts forecast Ethereum to reach $6,000 in 2024.

• Crypto.com becomes an official UEFA Champions League partner.

• Whale re-enters the Ethereum market after major liquidation.

• Telegram launches new ways for creators to earn TON tokens.

• U.S. moves $600M of Silk Road Bitcoin to Coinbase Prime.

• Crypto Giant Coinbase resumes operations in Hawaii, ending 7-year absence.

• Iran is offering a $20 bounty to snitch on illegal crypto miners.

That's all we've got for you today.

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Catch you soon.

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell assets or make financial decisions.