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Vertex Labs, the UK-based Web3 and AI infrastructure company, has announced its acquisition of Digimental Studio, the creative force behind the 3D NFT fashion brand HAPE, for $12 million. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Vertex Labs’ standing as a provider of Web3 and AI infrastructure worldwide. Vertex is set to introduce Staking and many other future benefits for the HAPE community. @Mark1119

Elon Musk's Neuralink has received a green light from the FDA to kickstart its first in-human clinical study. Neuralink announced the news on Twitter, mentioning that the critical milestone was important for their mission to "help many people." @Mark1119

Starting in June, Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) will accept applications from cryptocurrency trading platforms aiming to serve retail investors. This comes after refining proposed regulations based on public feedback. The updated guidelines emphasize investor protection, management of key risks, and responsible development. This regulatory update is seen as positive by companies looking to operate in Hong Kong, especially since most publicly accessible platforms are currently unregulated by the SFC. Though the guidelines will be effective in June, the SFC says it has "not yet granted approval to any virtual asset trading platform." During the consultation period, the SFC received 152 written submissions. @Mark1119

STEPN has become the first-ever blockchain gaming app to secure Apple Pay integration. STEPN is the world’s leading Web3 move & earn application created by Web3 development studio Find Satoshi Lab (FSL), which allows users to purchase digital sneakers that get people moving even more effectively than a physical pair. When using Apple devices, Apple Pay provides customers with a quick, private, and secure way to make payments online and in apps. STEPN users can now use Apple Pay to purchase STEPN products and upgrades within the app without the need to connect a wallet. @Mark1119

Since 1898, Renault has been revolutionizing the automotive industry with its iconic cars and cutting-edge technology. 🚗 But, their innovation isn't just confined to the roads. 🛣️ In 2022, they launched their first NFT collection, genR5. Now, they're taking the NFT space by storm with their latest collection, Racing Shoe5. 👟 As part of its broader goal of continuous innovation, Renault aims to make waves beyond just the automotive industry. @Mark1119

NFT Marketplaces Diminish in Ethereum Gas Use Amid Fee Crisis Ethereum’s gas consumption patterns, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) no longer reign as the top gas guzzlers on the network. Data from the crypto analytics platform Nansen revealed that last week, NFT marketplaces accounted for just over 3% of all gas consumption. In stark contrast, the decentralized exchange Uniswap used more than ten times that amount, clocking in at 31.99%. The Ethereum network’s congestion and high gas prices are attributed, in part, to intense activity caused by a surge in meme coin trading, such as PEPE tokens and Floki Inu. This led to an overflow of transactions and, subsequently, skyrocketing gas prices.Layer 2 solutions, such as state channels, plasma chains, and rollups, aim to offload some computational workloads from the main Ethereum blockchain reducing the need for gas. One trader was reported to have paid as much as 64 ETH. @Mark1119

Apple’s new headset could put a rocket under metaverse tokens Apple is scheduled to release its highly-anticipated mixed-reality headset in the coming weeks, a development that some believe could breathe fresh life into the metaverse industry. This trend was pointed out in a May 15 tweet from independent developer Udi Wertheimer, who in a backhanded comment to the absurdity of influencer-driven memecoins, spoke of the upcoming release as a potential driver of metaverse token prices. Decentraland is still in the process of building out its VR capabilities and The Sandbox previously told Cointelegraph it has “no immediate or future plans” to build out VR. Speaking to this point, Gilbert, like many others notes that a fully immersive metaverse experience is probably still a “long way off” especially when looking at the gap between the initial launch of the iPhone and the availability of apps. @Mark1119

Coinbase has found itself embroiled in controversy after categorizing the popular internet meme character, Pepe the Frog, as a hate symbol in a newsletter. This decision has sparked backlash within the $PEPE community, with many individuals expressing their disagreement with Coinbase's stance. Coinbase has since then apologized, with its Chief Legal Officer tweeting, “We screwed up and we are sorry. Yesterday we shared an overview of the $pepe meme coin to provide a fact-based picture of a trending topic. @Mark1119

AI and Machine Learning will help to Build Metaverse Claims Exec According to one of the executives at Facebook, reports related to Metaverse’s demise have been exaggerated more than they needed to be.  Meta hosted a press event in New York on 11 May announcing a new AI generative Sandbox tool for advertisers. Nicola Mendelsohn who is Meta’s Head of Global Business expressed that they are still very much interested in the Metaverse and reinstated that Mark Zuckerberg is very clear about that. Responding to various reports by news media organizations showing how Meta is not interested in the Metaverse, Nicola explained that they are really interested in the Metaverse. He addressed the attendees saying that this whole Metaverse thing can take 5-10 years before they realize the vision of what they’re talking about. @Mark1119

Urban Decay Is Throwing the First Metaverse Makeup Launch Party on Roblox Urban Decay always encourages fans to break the rules and unleash creativity in surprising ways. To support the next generation of beauty creators in the metaverse, the pioneering cosmetics company is releasing 18 mesmerizing virtual makeup looks in Roblox, a global immersive platform where over 65 million users of all ages connect and communicate. Eva Erdmann, President, Urban Decay Global says"As we build new communities of beauty creators and fans, our goal is simple: provide a platform that lets you unapologetically express yourself and connect with like-minded makeup lovers—and Eye-Con is exactly that. We are excited to take our longstanding relationship with Ulta Beauty, our #1 retail partner since 2004, to the next level in the metaverse." As a first for Urban Decay, the brand developed 3D avatar wearables using products that can be purchased IRL. @Mark1119