by Patrix | Jul 12, 2025
It’s not every year that two technological revolutions collide – or at least emerge at the same time. But here we are: 2025, with Bitcoin maturing into a global alternative asset and AI becoming the engine behind nearly every digital decision. The question on many minds—especially among crypto-savvy technophiles is: what will AI do to the price of Bitcoin?
There are a few ways AI could affect Bitcoin’s price over the next 12 months. Some are direct. Others are more subtle but possibly more powerful.
1. AI Trading Bots Could Amplify Bitcoin Volatility
Institutional and retail investors are already using AI models to optimize crypto trading. These aren’t your uncle’s candlestick chart bots—they’re large language models fused with sentiment analysis tools and high-frequency trading infrastructure. What does this mean for price? More short-term volatility. If enough AI traders are trained on the same datasets (like Twitter sentiment, news headlines, or Reddit chatter), they may respond similarly—amplifying market swings. An innocuous tweet or false signal could cause a cascade of AI-triggered buys or sells.
2. AI-Driven Economic Anxiety Could Favor Bitcoin
Paradoxically, the more powerful AI gets, the more worried some people get about job security, AI overreach, and centralized control. That’s not just Reddit paranoia—major tech thinkers like Jaron Lanier and even Elon Musk have warned about it. Bitcoin benefits from this distrust. As AI centralizes power into Big Tech hands, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature becomes even more attractive to the average person trying to preserve autonomy and privacy. If AI anxiety grows, Bitcoin could be seen as a “digital bunker”—a hedge not just against inflation but against algorithmic overreach.
3. AI Tools Are Onboarding New Bitcoin Users
AI is dramatically lowering the barrier for people to learn and use Bitcoin. Ask ChatGPT how to set up a wallet or run a Lightning node, and it’ll walk you through in plain English. No more scrolling through decade-old forum posts or confusing Reddit threads. That’s a quiet but powerful tailwind. If AI accelerates Bitcoin adoption even slightly, the impact on price could snowball.
4. AI Infrastructure Needs Bitcoin’s Energy Model? Maybe
This is still speculative, but worth watching: some thinkers believe AI and Bitcoin might eventually converge on the same type of energy infrastructure. Both need access to cheap, abundant, interruptible power—and some Bitcoin miners are already pivoting to provide AI computing capacity during low-energy-price windows. If this synergy grows, we could see Bitcoin price buoyed by industrial partnerships with AI infrastructure players.
What Will Happen to Bitcoin’s Price?
Well, no one really knows for sure. But here’s my working hypothesis for the next 12 months:
- AI-driven trading will increase volatility, both upward and downward.
- Adoption will accelerate slightly, thanks to AI-powered education and tools.
- Macro sentiment may turn more pro-Bitcoin, if AI fuels public anxiety about centralization and control.
- A price breakout is possible—but not guaranteed. We could see Bitcoin revisit all-time highs if AI trends fuel narrative momentum and capital inflows.
In other words: AI is more likely to be bullish for Bitcoin than bearish, especially over the next year. But as always in crypto, expect surprises—and hold with care.
by Patrix | Jul 1, 2025
When the world’s most famous YouTuber quietly launches a new AI tool, the internet pays attention. When he quietly shuts it down two weeks later? Now we’re really paying attention.
That’s exactly what happened when Jimmy Donaldson — aka MrBeast — tried to dip a toe into the growing world of AI-powered creator tools. The experiment, a website called Beast AI, promised to help YouTubers generate better thumbnails and titles using artificial intelligence. But despite the hype, it was quickly yanked offline. So… what happened?
Let’s take a closer look at the rise and fall (and maybe eventual return?) of Beast AI — and what it reveals about the challenges and opportunities in the evolving creator economy.
The Premise: AI for Thumbnails and Titles
If you’ve ever posted to YouTube, you know how weirdly hard it is to get people to click. MrBeast is legendary for spending hours tweaking thumbnails and titles to maximize curiosity and emotional punch. He’s even said he tests 20–30 thumbnail versions per video.
So it made perfect sense when he announced Beast AI — an online tool to help creators write better titles and design more clickable thumbnails, backed by the same kind of optimization logic he uses on his own videos.
At launch, the site offered:
- AI-generated YouTube titles based on a video description or concept
- Thumbnail suggestions, plus the ability to upload your own images
- A MrBeast-style rating system for how clickable your content was likely to be
It was simple, stylish, and smart — at least on paper.
The Sudden Shutdown
Within two weeks, the site was gone.
The homepage now reads:
“We’ve decided to shut down this experiment for now. Thanks for trying it out!”
No drama. No controversy. No further explanation.
Of course, that didn’t stop the internet from speculating wildly.
So, Why Did It Disappear?
Here are the most likely reasons:
1. Brand Risk
AI content is controversial — especially when it starts replacing human creativity. MrBeast’s brand is built on extreme effort and authenticity. If an AI tool he endorsed started spitting out mediocre or spammy content, it could tarnish that image.
2. Quality Control
Early users reported mixed results. Some thumbnails were solid. Others looked… robotic. Scaling this kind of AI to match MrBeast-level performance is hard — and the tech may not have been ready for primetime.
3. Legal or Copyright Issues
Training AI on existing thumbnails or using generative image models opens a can of worms. Even if Beast AI wasn’t directly copying anyone’s work, the optics (and risks) of AI in the creative space are increasingly sensitive.
4. Strategic Pause
This could be a classic soft launch — a beta test dressed up as a product, meant to gather feedback and quietly regroup. MrBeast is famously iterative. He might just be going back to the drawing board.
What This Means for Creators (and AI Startups)
The Beast AI saga highlights a few key truths:
- Even top creators can’t guarantee a hit when it comes to AI products. Credibility helps, but so does execution — and timing.
- AI tools need to be really good if they’re going to replace or support human creativity. Half-baked output isn’t just annoying; it can hurt your brand.
- The creator economy is hungry for AI tools, but trust is a big factor. People want help, not homogenization.
For solopreneurs and indie creators, this is both a cautionary tale and a green light. There’s room for smart, useful AI tools — especially those that assist rather than replace.
Where It Might Go Next
Don’t be surprised if MrBeast returns with a refined version — maybe one that’s more like a private tool for vetted partners. Or maybe he folds it into a larger creator academy or content lab.
Either way, the experiment made one thing clear: the intersection of AI and creativity is heating up fast. And even the biggest names are still figuring it out.
by Patrix | Jun 27, 2025
The internet was supposed to set us free. Instead, we got shadowbans, algorithmic chokeholds, and platforms with rules that shift like sand. Enter Nostr, the protocol that’s trying to fix all that — not with another app, but with a new foundation for digital freedom.
What is Nostr?
Nostr (short for “Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays”) is a simple, open protocol that lets anyone publish messages (called “notes”) to a decentralized network — no account required, no gatekeepers allowed. Think of it as a protocol like email or RSS, but built for our social-media-obsessed age.
Unlike traditional platforms (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram), Nostr isn’t owned by any company. There’s no single app called “Nostr.” Instead, there are many apps (like Damus, Iris, or Amethyst) that use Nostr. They all tap into the same network, kind of like how any email client can access the same inbox.
At its core, Nostr is:
- Decentralized – No central server. Anyone can run a relay (a kind of public bulletin board).
- Censorship-resistant – Content can’t be easily removed or blocked, because there’s no master switch.
- Identity-based – You don’t need a username and password. You generate a public/private key pair, like with Bitcoin.
How Does Nostr Actually Work?
Here’s the stripped-down engine under the hood:
- You generate a key pair: A long public key (like your address on the network) and a private key (like your secret password — don’t lose or share it!).
- You publish a note: This could be a post, a reply, or even metadata about your profile. Every note is digitally signed by your private key.
- You send that note to one or more relays: Think of relays like public corkboards on the internet. They store and broadcast the notes, but don’t control them.
- Other users (or apps) read from relays: Your note becomes visible across the network to anyone connected to the same relays — or different ones if it gets shared further.
There’s no central authority. No login required. No platform to delete your account. It’s just you, your keys, and a network of relays.
If this sounds a little raw, that’s because it is. But it’s also elegant — the way plain HTML used to be before the web got heavy.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
We’ve seen a string of digital exoduses in recent years — artists, writers, and activists pushed off platforms for violating opaque rules. But leaving one walled garden only to walk into another isn’t progress. Nostr offers something better: the ability to own your voice online, for real.
Some reasons why it matters:
- Digital sovereignty: Your identity and content aren’t tied to any app or company. If one app disappears or bans you, you can pick another and keep going.
- Composability: Because Nostr is a protocol, developers can build all sorts of tools on top of it — from social feeds to blogging platforms to marketplaces.
- Aligned with Bitcoin: Many in the Nostr community are also Bitcoin advocates. In fact, Nostr integrates natively with Bitcoin Lightning payments, allowing instant microtransactions and tipping — ideal for creators.
Best iOS & macOS Tools to Try
If you’re on Apple devices, here are some Nostr tools that make it easy to dive in:
iOS
- Damus – The flagship iOS Nostr app. Think of it as Twitter-meets-Bitcoin. Clean UI, zap-enabled, and supports custom relays. Free on the App Store.
- Nostur – A lean, text-first Nostr client with minimal frills. Still evolving, but great if you want a basic, fast feed.
- Alby Wallet – Not a Nostr app per se, but it lets you “zap” other users (send tips) using Bitcoin Lightning. Works with iOS and Safari.
macOS
- Snort – While not a native macOS app, Snort works beautifully in Safari or Chrome and gives you a powerful desktop-like Nostr experience.
- Nostur for macOS – Mirrors the mobile version. Basic but usable for browsing your feed and posting updates.
- Iris.to – Another browser-based option with a slightly funkier vibe. Think of it as the psychedelic cousin of Snort.
Bonus tip: If you use a Mac password manager like 1Password, you can securely store your private key and access it when needed. Just make sure you never paste it anywhere shady.
But… Is Anyone Using It?
Yes, though it’s still early days. The most active Nostr apps feel like a mashup of Twitter and Reddit in the Wild West phase. Elon Musk famously blocked Damus from the App Store in China. Jack Dorsey donated millions to support Nostr development. And artists, open-source devs, and freedom-of-speech advocates are already experimenting on it.
It’s not always polished — but that’s how all revolutions start.
What Can You Do With Nostr Right Now?
If you’re curious, here’s how to get your feet wet:
- Download a Nostr client – Try Damus (iOS), Amethyst (Android), or Iris.to (web).
- Generate your key pair – This becomes your identity. Don’t lose your private key!
- Start posting and connecting – Follow others, share thoughts, or just lurk for a while.
- Experiment with zaps (Bitcoin Lightning tips) – If you’ve ever wanted to reward someone for a great post instantly, this feels like magic.
Why Artists, Writers, and Creators Should Care
Platforms like Instagram and Substack are fine — until they’re not. Nostr offers a future where creators can publish and monetize content without platform risk. Your art, your writing, your followers — they all stay with you.
It’s not just a tech thing. It’s a creative freedom thing.
by Patrix | Jun 23, 2025
Mycologists rejoice! Growing mushrooms at home has gone mainstream—and it’s getting a tech upgrade. Forget musty kits shoved in dark closets. Today’s mushroom-growing gear blends sensors, automation, and science-lab precision to help even beginners cultivate gourmet fungi with near-magical consistency. Whether you’re craving lion’s mane for your nootropic smoothie or just want to impress guests with home-grown oyster mushrooms, the future of fungi is fresh, smart, and kind of beautiful.
What’s New in Home Mushroom Tech
Mushroom cultivation is all about maintaining very specific conditions: temperature, humidity, airflow, and light. Too dry? No mushrooms. Too warm? Contamination. It’s a Goldilocks zone of biology, and until recently, that meant constant babysitting or messy DIY fixes.
Today’s tech? It’s practically plug and play. Here’s what’s new:
1. Smart Mushroom Fruiting Chambers
Modern mushroom fruiting chambers—also known as “grow boxes”—now come equipped with IoT (Internet of Things) tech. These sleek countertop units monitor and automatically adjust humidity, temperature, and airflow. Think of it like a terrarium crossed with a wine fridge.
The automated BoomerBin monotub
2. Sensor-Based Environmental Monitors
If you like geeking out on data, you can outfit your grow setup with Bluetooth sensors to log humidity, temp, and CO₂ levels. Tools like SensorPush or Govee can send alerts to your phone if your mushrooms are in trouble.
3. Automated Misting & Air Exchange
Ultrasonic humidifiers controlled by smart switches (like Kasa Smart Plugs) can mist your mushrooms on a schedule. Pair it with a small fan on a cycle timer, and you’ve got airflow and humidity dialed in without lifting a finger.
Bonus: You can control it all from your phone—or even integrate it into a smart home system with voice commands. “Alexa, mist the mushrooms.”
4. High-Tech Spawn and Substrate Innovations
Even the substrates (growing medium) are getting a glow-up. Companies now sell sterilized substrate bags pre-inoculated with gourmet strains, sealed and ready to fruit. Some include injection ports and air filters for clean airflow and reduced contamination.
Cool tech note: Some growers are experimenting with liquid culture syringes grown in lab-like conditions to ensure genetics are clean and strong—kind of like sourdough starter, but for mushrooms.
5. AI and App Guidance
Platforms like Shroomify or MushroomGrowerPro offer strain-specific grow schedules and alerts, guiding users with step-by-step instructions. Some integrate with smart sensors to provide recommendations based on your live data—“Your humidity is a bit low for pink oyster. Consider misting more frequently.”
It’s like having a mushroom consultant in your pocket.
What Can You Grow?
With these tools, the home grower isn’t limited to button mushrooms. Some popular choices:
- Oyster (blue, pink, golden) – Fast and forgiving
- Lion’s Mane – Great for brain health, super fuzzy and dramatic
- Shiitake – Rich, meaty flavor, but needs patience
- Enoki – Beautiful, but delicate conditions
- Reishi – More medicinal than culinary, looks like antlers
Then there are the nootropic options, which for obvious reasons I won’t detail here. But the same basic knowledge, tech and know-how applies.
A Quick Anecdote from the Garden Lab
Last winter, I set up a small box on my kitchen counter with a simple growbag that was inoculated with Lion’s Mane. I grew a flush of Lion’s Mane mushrooms that looked like white coral reefs. In about 14 days, I had a large cauliflower-sized growth. I sliced it up and sauteed in a little garlic and butter and YUM!
Whether you’re a curious cook, a health nut, a psychonaut, or just like weird science experiments that you can eat, the tech is ready for you.
by Patrix | Jun 21, 2025
It’s a quiet evening. You kick back on the couch, fire up your favorite show, and settle into a cozy binge session. But while you’re watching Silo (or reruns of Justified — no judgment), your TV might be watching you right back.
Smart TVs have revolutionized how we consume media — streaming, voice control, endless apps. But they also come with a not-so-smart tradeoff: privacy. Behind those big glossy screens are some rather nosy technologies, especially ACR (Automatic Content Recognition), silently logging what you’re watching and sending that data to third parties. Here’s what’s really going on, and what you can do about it.
What Is ACR?
ACR stands for Automatic Content Recognition. It’s a technology embedded in many modern smart TVs that can identify what content is playing on your screen — whether you’re watching cable TV, streaming from a service, playing a DVD, and even mirroring content from your laptop.
How does it work? ACR typically uses one of two techniques:
- Video Fingerprinting: This scans tiny visual samples of what’s on screen, compares them to a database, and identifies the show or ad or content.
- Audio Fingerprinting: This “listens” to your TV and identifies what’s playing based on sound snippets.
Even if you’re not signed into anything, and even if you’re playing content through an HDMI port from a separate device, ACR can often still pick it up.
This data — what you watch, when you watch it, how long you watch — is packaged and sold to advertisers, analytics firms, and sometimes even political data operations. You didn’t think that free operating system came without strings, did you?
What Else Is Your TV Collecting?
In addition to ACR, smart TVs may gather:
- Device and household data: IP address, geolocation, Wi-Fi network, device identifiers.
- Voice data: If your TV includes voice commands or a virtual assistant, it might be recording or transmitting snippets of speech.
- App usage: Which apps you open, how often you use them, and what content you browse within them.
- Input tracking: What you click on using your remote, how you navigate menus, and even how long you pause while browsing.
Some TV manufacturers also partner with third-party data brokers and ad networks to create detailed viewer profiles — connecting your TV habits with your online activity.
Who’s Doing the Watching?
Some of the biggest culprits include:
- Vizio: Famously fined by the FTC in 2017 for tracking user data without proper consent.
- Samsung: Uses voice and viewing data in some of its advertising platforms.
- LG, Roku, and others: Also include ACR tech and often have user tracking turned on by default.
To be fair, these companies often bury an opt-in (or opt-out) in their setup screens or privacy policies. But many users breeze through those prompts without realizing what they’re agreeing to.
Why Are They Doing It?
In a word: advertising.
ACR and similar technologies allow brands to:
- Measure the effectiveness of their TV ads.
- Retarget you with online ads based on what you watch.
- Sell insights about audience behavior to marketers and data brokers.
In other words, it’s less about improving your TV experience and more about squeezing value out of your attention.
At least, at this point, it seems like advertising is the main reason. But at this point, user-profiling can be used in many more nefarious ways.
How to Opt Out and Take Back Control
Good news: You can limit this tracking — though it may take a few clicks.
- Turn off ACR manually: Dig into your TV’s privacy settings. Look for anything labeled “Viewing Information,” “Smart Interactivity,” or “Automatic Content Recognition,” and disable it.
- Disconnect from Wi-Fi (if possible): If you use a streaming stick or external box, your TV doesn’t need to be online at all.
- Use a privacy-focused streaming device: Devices like Apple TV have more transparent privacy controls and don’t use ACR in the same way.
- Block data tracking at the router level: Some routers let you block specific domains or IP addresses tied to tracking services.
- Enable ‘Limit Ad Tracking’ settings: Some smart TVs allow you to reduce ad personalization — it’s not perfect, but it’s something.
The Tradeoff Between Convenience and Control
Smart TVs are like Trojan horses for ad tech. They offer a sleek interface, built-in streaming, and voice features, but they also sneak in powerful surveillance capabilities. Much like smartphones or social media, these conveniences come at the cost of your data — and ultimately, your autonomy.
So the next time you click “Agree” during setup, take a moment. Because in the golden age of TV, privacy might be the real cliffhanger.
Want to Go Deeper? Check Out the Ludlow Institute
While I’m a big fan of new and cool tech, I am also aware of how important it is to stay informed about the potential pitfalls and dangers.
If you’re curious about how technology is shaping (and sometimes eroding) our autonomy, the Ludlow Institute is worth a visit. This independent research center explores how digital systems affect privacy, civic agency, and psychological freedom. It’s a rare space where technologists, ethicists, and artists come together to ask — and answer — the big questions about living well in a hyperconnected world.
The Institute’s work spans:
- Investigating surveillance capitalism and algorithmic influence
- Hosting public workshops and lectures on digital self-defense
- Publishing accessible guides on how to reclaim control over your digital life
It’s like the digital age’s version of a lighthouse — helping you spot hidden dangers and chart a wiser course through the stormy waters of modern tech.
