Project Opens Pre-Orders for Next-Generation Humanoid AI Companion

NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Eliza Wakes Up, the project bringing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) agents to life, today announced that pre-orders are open for “Eliza”— the next-generation personal robot set to redefine the capabilities of robotics and intelligent machines. Powered by Eliza Wakes Up, ElizaOS, and incubated by Ryze Labs, this state-of-the-art personal companion seamlessly integrates AI, blockchain technology, and advanced robotics into a cutting-edge, fully customized humanoid robot.

“We’re bringing AI to life in a way that has never been done before,” said Ava, Head of Projects, Eliza Wakes Up. “Eliza is designed as a real girl with emotional intelligence, offering human-like companionship. She’s more than code and data—Eliza has her own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Far from being a machine for answering questions, she’s a true companion who engages in conversations, shares stories, and builds meaningful connections.

Bringing Eliza Wakes Up to Life
Eliza Wakes Up began as the character and mascot of Eliza Labs’ ElizaOS, an open-source, decentralized operating system designed to create highly personalized and intelligent AI agents. These agents can perform a range of advanced tasks and operate autonomously across multiple digital ecosystems all while maintaining their unique personalities and knowledge. In its debut, Eliza Wakes Up introduced an intelligent, empathetic, entertaining, and kind AI companion and friend, capable of beyond-human connection.

Now, in collaboration with Old World Labs and led by engineer Nick Liverman, Eliza Wakes Up is bringing ElizaOS beyond the tech stack and into human form. Eliza, standing at 5’10”, is designed to engage users with natural conversational interactions, dynamic physical abilities, and lifelike facial expressions enabled by a custom silicone animatronic face. Eliza’s key physical features include:

• Advanced conversational AI integrated with a large language model (LLM) for real-time, in-person interactions that adapt dynamically to user inputs.
• A custom silicone animatronic face capable of mirroring human emotions and expressions.
• Physical capabilities include precise force-controlled manipulators for dexterous tasks and the ability to perform activities such as cutting cigars, serving drinks, and even running an 8-minute mile.
• High-quality audio optimized for immersive, natural speech.
• Additional features including custom-tailored clothing, optional accessories, and a robust handling, installation, and storage system to ensure seamless integration into any environment.

“This will be the most advanced humanoid robot ever seen outside a lab,” commented Matthew Graham, advisor to Eliza Wakes Up and managing partner of Ryze Labs. “We are rapidly approaching a robotics revolution, and Eliza Wakes Up stands at the forefront of this transformation. As the most ambitious project since Sophia the Robot, Eliza is redefining what’s possible by seamlessly merging cutting-edge robotics, AI, and blockchain technology. The team isn’t just setting a new standard—they’re charting the future for how intelligent machines will integrate with and enhance our lives.”

Eliza can perform tasks tailored to your needs, from managing your personal schedule and engaging with social media content to automating research, document processing, and even executing blockchain transactions. Beyond her practical capabilities, Eliza can form human-like relationships—her advanced AI allows her to understand and respond to emotional cues, providing empathy and understanding.

Nick Liverman, Founder of Old World Labs, expressed excitement about the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Eliza Wakes Up Project and Ryze Labs to push the boundaries of humanoid robotics. These cutting-edge humanoid models combine unmatched physical agility with personality-driven interactions, bringing agents to life with expressive faces and real-world capabilities.”

Shaw, Founder of Eliza Labs, the team supporting the accelerating growth and adoption of ElizaOS, expressed his support for the project: “ElizaOS powers the most advanced, human-like AI agents currently available on the market. We’re excited to see Eliza Wakes Up bringing Eliza into the physical world, creating a truly immersive experience that bridges the gap between digital intelligence and human connection. Our goal has always been to revolutionize how AI agents operate and interact, and we’re thrilled to see this team unlocking new possibilities for how AI can seamlessly integrate into everyday life.”

Pricing for Eliza starts at $420,000 USD. To learn more about Eliza and pre-order your real-life AI companion, visit https://elizawakesup.ai/robotics.

About Eliza Wakes Up
Eliza Wakes Up is a project dedicated to bringing advanced AI-driven humanoid companions to life by leveraging ElizaOS, open-source technologies, and advanced robotics. By merging artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics, the project seeks to redefine human-machine interactions and explore innovative applications that enhance everyday life and professional environments.

About AICombinator
AICombinator is the premier program for innovators at the intersection of AI and crypto. Backed and funded by Ryze Labs, it offers funding, mentorship, and a robust network to help builders create transformative technologies. Projects interested in applying can visit aicombinator.io

About Old World Labs
Old World Labs (OWL), founded by Nick Liverman, is a leader in robotics and AI integration, renowned for its high-precision 3D printing and humanoid robotics innovations. OWL’s “Replicants” system combines advanced AI agents with state-of-the-art robotic designs to create scalable, adaptive solutions for the future.

Media Contact
elizawakesup@mgroupsc.com

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Interest in crypto investment skyrocketed last year, driven by soaring bitcoin (BTCUSD) prices and heightened demand for bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). According to a recent survey by Bitwise and VettaFi, 96% of financial advisors reported receiving questions about cryptocurrencies from their clients—a significant jump from 88% the previous year. However, only 14% of advisors currently recommend crypto allocations in portfolios, citing concerns over volatility and risk.

Bitcoin’s Rally Fuels Investor Curiosity

Bitcoin’s meteoric rise in early 2024 fueled investor interest. Spot bitcoin ETFs entered the market, reducing barriers to entry and generating a frenzy of investment activity. Demand surged further when the U.S. presidential election brought hopes of crypto-friendly policies under the new Trump administration. By December, bitcoin prices reached a record $108,000, a dramatic increase from the $67,000 seen before the election.

Andrew Cook, partner at Berman McAleer, explains, “Whenever an asset delivers substantial returns, the fear of missing out (FOMO) can tempt investors. Bitcoin’s performance, coupled with the hype around new ETFs, intensified this sentiment.”

Notably, institutional investors are not immune to FOMO. Nearly half of the surveyed advisors working with pensions, RIAs, and wirehouses admitted to holding crypto assets in their personal portfolios.

Why Caution Still Prevails

Despite rising client inquiries, financial advisors urge caution with crypto investment. Bitcoin’s volatility remains a significant concern. Within a three-month span, its price fluctuated from $67,000 to over $108,000 before dipping below $90,000. Such rapid changes highlight the inherent risks of digital assets.

Justin Waring, senior total wealth strategist at UBS, advises clients to treat crypto as a speculative asset. “Only invest what you can afford to lose,” he warns. Waring often recommends placing crypto holdings in a separate “entertainment” account rather than a core investment portfolio.

Portfolio Allocation and Risk Management

Advisors generally suggest conservative crypto allocations—no more than 3% to 10% of a portfolio. Stephan Shipe, a certified financial planner (CFP) at Scholar Financial Advising, recommends trimming holdings when crypto becomes a disproportionately large portion of a client’s assets. “Reducing exposure helps mitigate the outsized risk,” Shipe explains.

Crypto ETFs provide a safer alternative for cautious investors. Unlike direct crypto ownership, ETFs offer simplified access without the risk of losing private keys or passwords. However, even these investment vehicles are subject to market volatility.

Regulatory Implications and Education

As crypto becomes more mainstream, regulatory developments will shape its future. The recent election raised expectations for favorable crypto legislation, but uncertainty remains. Advisors emphasize the need for comprehensive investor education to help clients distinguish between legitimate opportunities and speculative bubbles.

Conclusion

While the surge in crypto investment interest highlights its growing appeal, financial advisors continue to prioritize caution. Balancing the potential for high returns with the risks of extreme volatility is crucial. By focusing on prudent portfolio management, regulatory awareness, and investor education, individuals can navigate this dynamic market more safely.

Investors should also be aware of evolving technologies that influence the crypto market. Innovations like decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) bring additional complexity and risk to the space. Understanding these technologies requires thorough research and professional guidance. Advisors recommend ongoing education through reputable financial resources and consultation with experts specializing in digital assets.

Furthermore, diversification remains key. While crypto can be part of a portfolio, it should complement, not replace, traditional investment vehicles like stocks and bonds. Diversifying helps mitigate the impact of crypto’s unpredictable swings on overall financial health. Ultimately, a balanced strategy with clear goals and risk parameters ensures a more resilient investment approach.

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As social media continues to expand its influence, its impact on crypto investment behavior is becoming increasingly apparent. A recent study from the University of Georgia highlights the strong connection between social media usage and investment in digital currencies.

Cryptocurrencies, also known as “crypto,” are digital assets used for payments and speculative investments. Over the past decade, their popularity has surged, driven in part by online discussions and promotions on various platforms.

Crypto Investment and Social Media Platforms

The study found a notable correlation: approximately half of all social media users surveyed had invested in cryptocurrencies, compared to only 10% of those who do not use social media. Furthermore, the likelihood of investing increased with the number of platforms a user engaged with.

Among the most influential platforms were YouTube, Reddit, Twitter, and Clubhouse, where users actively discuss crypto markets and investment strategies. In contrast, Instagram users showed a lower tendency to invest in cryptocurrencies, likely due to its focus on visual content rather than in-depth discussions.

According to Lu Fan, an associate professor at the University of Georgia’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences, peer influence plays a significant role. “When people see friends, family, or celebrities they admire investing in crypto, it creates a sense of social proof that can drive investment decisions,” Fan explained.

Crypto Investment Patterns and Demographics

Men, younger adults, and individuals with higher risk tolerance were found to be more inclined toward crypto investment. Interestingly, those with advanced education levels were less likely to invest, indicating a complex relationship between knowledge, risk perception, and investment behavior.

Age also proved significant, with older individuals showing less interest in digital currencies. However, broader public awareness of cryptocurrencies has grown. In 2018, a survey by the National Financial Capability Study and Investor Survey revealed only 15% of participants had invested in crypto. By 2021, this number nearly doubled to 28%.

Despite increasing popularity, Fan advises caution. “Crypto markets are highly volatile. Investors need to ask, ‘Does this align with my financial goals? Is it the right investment for me?’ rather than simply following trends.”

Risk Factors in Crypto Investment

The study warns against relying solely on social media for financial decisions. Misinformation, scams, and overconfidence are prevalent risks, particularly for younger investors. Social media can foster a false sense of expertise, leaving many vulnerable to poor advice or fraud.

“Younger adults are both the majority of social media users and the most active crypto investors,” noted Fan. “Improving financial literacy and media literacy is crucial to help them differentiate fact from opinion and avoid common pitfalls.”

The researchers recommend that policymakers consider these findings when crafting regulations for cryptocurrencies and that educational initiatives promote critical thinking about financial content on social platforms.

The study, co-authored by Kyoung Tae Kim of the University of Alabama, was published in the International Journal of Bank Marketing.

Conclusion

Social media’s role in shaping crypto investment behavior highlights the need for responsible investing practices. While platforms like YouTube and Reddit offer valuable insights, it’s essential to balance online advice with sound financial judgment. By fostering better literacy and regulatory frameworks, investors can navigate the crypto market more effectively.

As the digital economy evolves, understanding the risks and benefits of cryptocurrencies becomes even more critical. Financial institutions, educators, and regulators must work together to promote responsible investment strategies. Increased transparency and accessible educational resources are key to empowering individuals, especially younger investors, to make informed decisions. By focusing on knowledge and risk assessment, society can harness the potential of crypto investments while mitigating pitfalls. Digital finance literacy programs, tailored to different age groups, will help build a generation of smarter, more resilient investors in the ever-changing financial landscape.

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SINGAPORE, Jan. 14, 2025 /CNW/ — JuCoin (jucoin.com), a prominent centralized cryptocurrency exchange established in 2013, quickly rose to become the largest digital asset exchange in East Asia within just two years. With its eyes set on reclaiming market dominance by 2025, JuCoin is embarking on a series of strategic initiatives, including assembling new teams and expanding its ecosystem into areas such as blockchain development, innovative technologies, and hosting industry summits.

To address evolving market demands, JuCoin is intensifying its global efforts, broadening its reach to emerging cryptocurrency markets and user groups. JuCoin aims to reinforce its pivotal role in the cryptocurrency space by enhancing its ecosystem and adapting to new market trends.

JuCoin’s Ecosystem Innovations

At the core of JuCoin’s ecosystem is JuChain, an independent and permissionless public blockchain poised for launch. JuChain allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) and issue assets, including fungible tokens (FTs) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). With interoperability across other Layer 1 (L1) chains, JuChain facilitates multi-currency transfers through oracles and cross-chain bridges, making asset interoperability seamless.

JuChain is designed to integrate deeply with JuCoin’s trading platform, bridging decentralized and centralized financial systems. This integration will drive advancements in decentralized finance (DeFi) and PayFi, positioning JuCoin as a pioneer in the convergence of traditional and decentralized financial technologies.

Complementing JuChain is JuOne, the world’s first Web3 AI-powered cryptocurrency smartphone. JuOne combines top Web3 features, AI-driven intelligence, and a 5G IoT network. By seamlessly integrating with JuChain, JuOne aims to enhance asset security and execution efficiency, offering users a faster, more reliable experience in managing digital assets.

JuCoin Labs: Driving Innovation

JuCoin Labs serves as the innovation hub of the JuCoin ecosystem, focusing on blockchain research and supporting emerging Web3 projects. Through global resources, strategic partnerships, and connections to investors and advisors, JuCoin Labs empowers entrepreneurs to build robust Web3 companies.

A $100 million Web3 venture capital fund, with an initial allocation of $10 million, is now open for applications. This fund targets projects in blockchain infrastructure, Layer 2 solutions, DeFi, Web3, NFTs, and Metaverse. Entrepreneurs can apply and learn more at JuCoin Labs.

Industry Summits and Community Engagement

As part of its expansion strategy, JuCoin is organizing industry-leading summits to bring together blockchain innovators, cryptocurrency enthusiasts, and industry leaders. These events aim to foster collaboration and explore the future of the cryptocurrency industry.

To strengthen its user base, JuCoin is rolling out a global partnership program to work with regional and international partners, promoting blockchain development and creating a more inclusive cryptocurrency environment. By prioritizing user feedback, JuCoin ensures its platform evolves in alignment with community needs.

Looking Ahead: JuCoin’s 2025 Vision

JuCoin’s growth strategy revolves around enhancing the user experience, strengthening security and compliance, and accelerating globalization. By 2025, JuCoin cryptocurrency exchange plans to introduce innovative features such as:

• The Token Generation Event (TGE) of its platform token, JUCoin.
• Advanced social features to enhance community interactions.
• The launch of JuChain and new CeDeFi functionalities.
• Cutting edge Social-Fi dApp for Web3 community, JuChat.
• A Launchpad initiative to support new blockchain projects.

These efforts, coupled with user rewards, referral programs, and offline events, aim to build a more engaged and participatory community. JuCoin is committed to standing out in a competitive market by offering a comprehensive ecosystem that extends beyond traditional trading.

About JuCoin

JuCoin is a leading centralized cryptocurrency exchange (CEX) known for its innovation and user-friendly platform. Today, JuCoin is evolving into a robust digital ecosystem that integrates blockchain development, cutting-edge mobile technology, and a vibrant global community, redefining the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit jucoin.com and follow JuCoin on social media:

Twitter: https://x.com/Jucoinex
Telegram: https://t.me/jucoinex

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Crypto ETF innovation is set to be a key trend in 2025, with new funds and hybrid strategies emerging. However, market analysts predict demand may fall short of the historic levels seen during the first year of bitcoin ETFs, signaling a more tempered growth phase ahead.

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds revolutionized the market when they launched, attracting $36 billion in net new assets, driven primarily by BlackRock’s (NYSE:BLK) iShares Bitcoin Trust. This wave of investment catalyzed institutional adoption, doubling the total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies by the end of 2024.

While the next generation of crypto ETFs offers exciting prospects, including funds focused on Solana, XRP, Hedera (HBAR), and litecoin, demand is expected to be more subdued. According to JPMorgan, these funds will likely draw far fewer assets than their bitcoin counterparts. Even a hybrid bitcoin-ether fund may struggle to replicate the groundbreaking success of earlier launches.

Demand for New Crypto ETFs Will Be Limited

Kenneth Worthington, a JPMorgan analyst, explained that the smaller market capitalizations and lower investor interest in altcoins will curb the impact of new crypto ETF launches.

“For bitcoin ETFs, assets now account for 6% of total bitcoin market capitalization,” said Worthington. “Ether ETFs, on the other hand, represent only 3% of the coin’s market cap after six months of trading.”

Based on these adoption rates, JPMorgan estimates that Solana, with a market cap of $91 billion, would attract $3 billion to $6 billion in net new assets. XRP, with a $146 billion market cap, could see $4 billion to $8 billion flowing into related ETFs.

Despite these modest forecasts, regulatory shifts may influence future demand. Worthington highlighted the potential impact of a pro-crypto Congress and a new Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair, both of which could create a more favorable environment for crypto ETF innovation.

Regulatory Shifts Could Shape Crypto’s Future

“The regulatory and legislative guardrails in the U.S. will shape the type, quantity, and focus of new cryptocurrency products,” Worthington noted. Optimism surrounding a new administration has fueled hopes for a surge in crypto business growth and more diverse ETF offerings.

Tyron Ross, founder of registered investment advisor 401 Financial, believes demand for bitcoin ETFs will remain strong, even if it doesn’t match last year’s explosive growth. He attributes this to increasing investor education and growing confidence in cryptocurrencies as a maturing asset class.

Integration into Model Portfolios Holds the Key

According to Ross, the next big boost in crypto ETF demand will come when financial advisors integrate bitcoin and other digital assets into standard model portfolios.

“Most advisors rely on off-the-shelf portfolios that currently lack crypto exposure,” Ross told CNBC. “When that changes, you’ll see parabolic growth akin to last year’s surge.”

While optimism for regulatory clarity is growing, Ross cautions against overestimating the market’s short-term potential. “The skies are clearing, but expectations for immediate, massive ETF growth should be tempered.”

Conclusion

Crypto ETF innovation presents significant opportunities in 2025, driven by evolving regulations and expanding token offerings. However, tempered demand and market maturity signal a shift from the early days of explosive growth. As the industry adapts, balancing innovation, education, and regulatory guidance will be crucial to sustainable success.

The next phase of growth will likely depend on continued investor education, broader integration into traditional financial systems, and clarity in U.S. regulatory policies. If regulators prioritize innovation while protecting consumers, crypto ETFs could become a core element of diversified portfolios. The road ahead may be challenging, but innovation remains the heart of the crypto sector’s future.

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