- Aptos Network’s own currency, Aptos (APT), jumps 12% in value after announcing a tie-up with Microsoft.
- Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI tools will now be a part of the Aptos Network, sparking new opportunities in the finance sector.
- Microsoft boosts the Aptos platform’s user experience and security, solidifying its position in the evolving Web3 environment.
The world of digital money is buzzing with the recent news that the cryptocurrency Aptos, managed by the Aptos Network, has declared its collaboration with tech leader Microsoft. This merger is laser-focused on pushing forward the future internet, widely known as Web3, into the corners of the banking world.
With this newfound relationship, the Aptos Network has gained access to Microsoft’s coveted Azure OpenAI tools. This is expected to break new ground in financial operations, ushering in features like transforming regular assets into digital ones, easing the process of online monetary exchanges, and laying down the groundwork for new-age digital currencies that central banks might back. Aptos spilled the beans on this exciting development with a public announcement made on August 9.
The brains behind Aptos Labs, Mo Shaikh, whose resume boasts stints at well-known outfits like Meta and BlackRock, can’t hide his excitement about blending AI and blockchain. In Shaikh’s eyes, these advanced tools hold the promise to reshape how the internet works, making a positive dent in the world.
To sweeten this partnership even more, Microsoft recently unveiled the Aptos Assistant, a smart chatbot with ChatGPT at its core. This virtual helper is all set to ease the shift for users transitioning from the familiar Web2 setting to the new-age Web3 atmosphere, offering guidance when they first dive in.
Taking things a step further, Microsoft is also putting its weight behind strengthening the safety nets of the Aptos Network. They have given Aptos Labs the thumbs up to set up validator nodes using Azure, ensuring smoother and safer deals on their platform.
But there’s a twist in the tale. Even with Aptos (APT) witnessing a surge recently, it’s way off its peak, showing a 63% drop from its golden figure of $19.93 back in January, based on figures from CoinGecko.
The Aptos Network’s journey started on October 17, after a solid four-year prep period. Brainchild of Mo Shaikh and Avery Ching, both with Meta roots, they successfully pulled in hefty investments. The numbers tell the story, with a cool $150 million in July and a further $200 million in March 2022, bagging support from bigwigs like Andreessen Horowitz, Coinbase Ventures, and FTX Ventures.
Microsoft Continues Navigating Crypto Waters
In a move indicating their interest in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape, Microsoft actively educates the public on digital currencies. On their platform, they explain how virtual currencies like Bitcoin operate on decentralized systems and compare their fluctuating values to traditional stocks. The tech company, however, urges caution, pointing out the limited acceptance of these currencies by mainstream retailers. Taking their commitment a step further, Microsoft joined hands with Aptos Labs to meld AI and blockchain.
The collaboration birthed the Aptos Assistant chatbot, which aids in demystifying the Aptos platform for users. The joint venture also delves into pioneering areas, like blockchain financial services and tokenization. Reflecting on their history, Microsoft’s early adoption of Bitcoin in 2014 is a testament to their forward-thinking approach. Clearly, the tech behemoth is set on shaping the blockchain and crypto future.