Editor's Note: This article focuses on the revolutionary impact of stablecoins, from the pain points of the payment industry to the technical solutions, interpreting the rise of this disruptive force. It also includes recommendations for popular books and a practical gift list, adding more choices for the holidays. If you want to learn more about the potential of web3, Professor Tim Roughgarden's video lectures are not to be missed.
The following is the original content (the original content has been edited for easier reading):
2024 is a momentous year in the crypto space - from stablecoins to artificial intelligence, we've covered all the hot topics. Below is a summary of our most popular articles, podcasts, videos, and thematic selections for the year, along with a few special recommendations from the a16z crypto team's editorial department. The end of the year is a good time to catch up, see what you might have missed, and check out the content that has generated the most interest.
Winter Reading
The a16z crypto team are avid readers, and this winter we're bringing you a rich list of recommendations - from spherical geometry to celebrity memoirs, from supervolcanoes to fresh interpretations of Greek mythology, here are our top winter reads:
The Caves of Steel - Isaac Asimov
Asimov depicts the process of human transition to a robot-dominated world, revealing the accompanying anxieties and new economic order, which resonates with today's concerns about the rapid development of AI.
-- Noah Citron, Engineering Team
Biohacking Like a Woman - Aggie Lal
I've always been interested in biohacking, but most of the articles and books out there overlook the unique physiology and hormones of the female body. This book completely changed my perspective, providing comprehensive biohacking techniques tailored specifically for women's biology.
-- Anna Semenova, Marketing Team
Prosperity: The End of Boom and Bust - Byrne Hobart and Tobias Huber
This book provides a blueprint for how society can accelerate technological and scientific progress. It emphasizes the importance of an adventurous spirit (which I've always been passionate about) and explains how "bubbles," often seen as harmful to society, may actually be key to unleashing innovation and global prosperity. Anyone interested in emerging technologies should give it a read!
-- Daren Matsuoka, Trading Team
Holiday Gift Inspiration
Still struggling with holiday gifts? Don't worry, last-minute inspiration can still lead you to the perfect choice!
We've compiled over 80 gift recommendations across multiple categories - from computer accessories and smart AI devices to beauty, health, and wellness products. Here are some highlights recommended by our tech team members:
AI Tool Kit: Mac mini (link) + Exo Labs
The Mac mini offers incredible value. When paired with Exo Labs, you can use multiple devices on your home network for AI inference. This simple and fun setup is perfect for anyone who wants to easily set up an AI home lab.
-- Eddy Lazzarin, Chief Technology Officer
Focus Timer Adjustable Hourglass (link)
An elegant, sand-free adjustable hourglass, perfect for allocating project time, writing focus sessions, or even morning meditation.
-- Scott Duke Kominers, Research Team
Dappnode (link)
For crypto enthusiasts interested in becoming independent stakers and running a validator node from home, this is the perfect choice. I set up a node last holiday season and have already recouped my investment through staking rewards.
-- Robert Hackett, Editorial Team
The Winning Formula of Stablecoins
Author: Sam Broner
Stablecoins have become the cheapest way to transmit US dollars - and are poised to rapidly and thoroughly replace existing payment solutions. By reducing transaction costs to near-zero, stablecoins can eliminate the frictions of current payment options. This will disrupt the payments industry and benefit the businesses most harmed by existing payment methods, including restaurants, retailers, enterprises, and payment processors.
This article delves into how payment fees impact the profitability of small businesses like coffee shops or the cost of international remittances, and demonstrates the significant profit margin improvements for companies like Walmart, Chipotle, and Krogers after adopting stablecoins.
This data will drive widespread stablecoin adoption. As stablecoins become more prevalent, more users, businesses, and products will enter the on-chain ecosystem.
Learn how stablecoins will eat payments
How to Talk Crypto During the Holidays
Cryptocurrencies have been a major political issue over the past year, even playing a role in the recent US elections. (For more details, check out our 2024 State of Crypto Report.) Surprisingly, there is growing bipartisan consensus on the importance of blockchain networks and the regulatory framework needed for the industry to thrive. This will help drive innovation while also protecting consumers.
To help you navigate the inevitable crypto-related conversations at holiday gatherings, we've compiled five key crypto policy areas where there is bipartisan agreement.
Explaining Crypto in 30 Seconds
Tim Roughgarden, Professor of Computer Science at Columbia University and Head of Crypto Research at a16z, recently released a series of short videos unpacking the mental models of blockchain protocols and web3. The full lecture (53:55) explores how blockchains combine "the general-purpose functionality of computers with the decentralization of the internet - essentially becoming a global, shared computer running on the internet." Now, he's providing even shorter video clips to help everyone quickly understand the potential of web3:
How to Explain Crypto Is More Than Just Digital Currency
How Crypto Enforces Property Rights on the Internet
Crypto as Decentralized Virtual
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