Ethereum-Powered FreePay Disrupts TradFi with Zero-Fee Crypto Payments
In a bold challenge to traditional finance fee structures, Tim Robinson of BlueYard Capital has developed FreePay—an open-source payment terminal leveraging Ethereum-compatible wallets. This NFC-enabled solution allows direct crypto transactions without processing fees, directly competing with credit card networks' 1-2% charges. As major crypto platforms expand payment infrastructure in 2025, FreePay's prototype supporting MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet demonstrates how decentralized finance can eliminate intermediary costs while maintaining user convenience. The innovation arrives during a pivotal moment for crypto adoption, with Ethereum's scalable smart contracts enabling real-world payment solutions that could redefine merchant economics globally.
Open-Source Crypto Payment Processor Challenges TradFi Fee Structures
Tim Robinson, head of crypto research at VC firm BlueYard, has developed FreePay—an open-source payment terminal that eliminates processing fees by enabling direct crypto wallet transactions via NFC. The prototype supports MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet, positioning it as a zero-cost alternative to credit card networks like Visa, which charge 1%-2% per transaction.
The innovation arrives as major crypto players (Coinbase, MetaMask, Avalanche, Solayer) paradoxically embrace traditional payment rails through Visa and Mastercard partnerships. "We're supposed to be replacing TradFi, not joining them," Robinson remarked, highlighting the tension between crypto's ethos and its growing institutional compromises.
Nexus Activates Final Testnet for AI-Ready Blockchain Ahead of Mainnet Launch
Nexus, positioning itself as 'the world supercomputer,' is advancing toward its mainnet launch with the activation of its final testnet. The layer-1 blockchain aims to aggregate global computing power to create a decentralized, verifiable network accessible from any device. CEO Daniel Marin describes the project as an ambitious effort to build the largest distributed computer system ever, targeting complex workloads like AI inference.
The architecture combines elements from Mina Protocol and RISC Zero, leveraging a RISC-V-based zkVM for scalable, verifiable computation. Unlike Mina's recursive SNARKs, Nexus integrates the zkVM natively into its chain, enabling Rust-based general-purpose proofs. ethereum may eventually adopt similar infrastructure, but Nexus is pushing ahead with an opinionated, all-in-one design.
Ethereum Surges to $2,600 as Bullish Momentum Builds; Analyst Eyes $10,000 Target
Ethereum broke out of a consolidation phase, rallying to $2,600 as technical indicators turned bullish. The MOVE liquidated $103.53 million in shorts, underscoring the strength of the uptrend.
Analysts now speculate ETH could reach $10,000 by 2026, fueled by improving market structure and LAYER 2 adoption. The token must clear a symmetrical triangle resistance to confirm the next leg higher.
BitMine Trading Halted Twice as Ethereum Treasury Strategy Sparks 2,150% Rally
BitMine Immersion Technologies shares experienced two trading halts on Thursday amid a parabolic 2,150% surge since Monday. The rally followed the appointment of Fundstrat's Tom Lee as board chair and the announcement of an Ethereum treasury accumulation strategy. Shares closed at $135 before dipping to $118 in after-hours trading.
Lee, a prominent crypto analyst, predicts institutional Ethereum demand will surge with impending stablecoin regulation. "Big banks like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs will likely begin staking ETH en masse," he stated on CNBC. The company's $250 million private placement investors saw massive paper gains, though share sales remain restricted.
The volatility contrasts sharply with recent plunges at crypto treasury firms SharpLink Gaming and Upexi following SEC actions. BitMine's meteoric rise highlights growing market anticipation around institutional Ethereum adoption ahead of potential stablecoin legislation.
Ether Holds Steady Amid Strong U.S. Jobs Data and Equity Rally
Ether (ETH) maintained resilience at $2,584.90, posting a 0.55% gain as risk assets surged following robust U.S. labor market data. The CoinDesk 20 Index (CD20) edged up 0.08%, mirroring the broader crypto market's muted optimism.
U.S. equities soared to record highs, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite climbing over 0.8% after June nonfarm payrolls smashed expectations at 147,000 new jobs. Unemployment dipped unexpectedly to 4.1%, complicating the Federal Reserve's rate cut trajectory. Traders now see diminished odds of near-term monetary easing.
ETH traded within a tight $71.20 range, demonstrating stability despite shifting macroeconomic winds. The cryptocurrency's performance echoed the risk-on sentiment propelling traditional markets, underscoring its growing correlation with macroeconomic indicators.
Ethereum Surges to $2,593: Will It Smash Through $3,000 Next?
Ethereum's price has surged to $2,593, marking a 6.04% gain in the past 24 hours, accompanied by a 59.46% increase in trading volume. Analysts are now eyeing the $3,000 threshold as the next potential milestone.
Michael van de Poppe, a noted analyst, suggests that Ethereum could reach $3,000 if it maintains support above $2,520. The cryptocurrency has already broken through key resistance levels, signaling strong bullish momentum.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 57.30, indicating a neutral-to-bullish market sentiment. With the 14-day RSI at 46.79, Ethereum is not yet overbought, leaving room for further upward movement.
