Amazon launching its own cryptocurrency? Burger King has launched its own cryptocurrency in Russia called ‘WhopperCoin’
The beginning of Amazon cryptocurrency?
Last month, a rumor began circulating that suggested Amazon would soon announce plans to begin accepting bitcoin. The retailer still hasn’t made any such announcements, but recent domain purchases may signify the start of their cryptocurrency plans.
Domain Name Wire (DNW) reports that three domains were registered this week that are related to blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies: amazoncryptocurrencies.com, amazoncryptocurrency.com and amazonethereum.com. Initially, one may think the retailer is preparing to reveal something related to Ethereum and Ether tokens, or that it’s about to launch its own crytocurrency.
CoinDesk notes the new domains are tied to Amazon’s subsidiary company Amazon Technologies, Inc; phone numbers listed on the registration are associated with the company’s legal department. This means Amazon may just want to own the domains in order to cover its brand, or so it’ll have the domains ready in the event it ever decides to incorporate blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies into its business. It could also be a move made to further distance Amazon Coins from cryptocurrencies.
Anticipation and speculation
This isn’t the first time Amazon has purchased a domain related to a cryptocurrency. In 2013, the retailer bought AmazonBitcoin.com, which has nothing to do with Bitcoin. In fact, it redirects to Amazon.com’s homepage — a sign that these new domains may be used for similar purposes.
Interestingly enough, today’s news comes a little over a week after Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin graded Apple, Google, and Amazon on their respective plans for blockchain technology. On Amazon, Lubin simply said, “we’ve not seen that much, so we’ll see.”
Amazon has previously stated it wouldn’t accept cryptocurrencies until their was a demand. As the price of Bitcoin continues to rise — potentially a sign of its own rising popularity and demand — we may soon see Amazon giving its consumers the means to use it.
The much more interesting situation, however, is one in which Amazon introduces its own currency or coin. Not only would such a move potentially force the average person to finally learn what cryptocurrencies are, but Amazon’s currency could become incredibly popular or the preferred form of payment, especially if there are incentives for Amazon Prime subscribers. Amazon Prime is currently $99 a year, but what if you could get it for “cheaper” through the use of “Amazon Ether tokens?” The only ones who know what Amazon is up to are the higher ups at Amazon, so we’ll have to wait and see how this situation plays out. (source: futurism)
Burger King has launched its own cryptocurrency in Russia called ‘WhopperCoin’
Burger King has waded into the cryptocurrency market with the launch of its own virtual coin called "WhopperCoin" in Russia.
With each purchase of the burger chain's signature Whopper sandwich, customers can receive WhopperCoin tokens via a digital wallet.
Bitcoin traders have previously gotten a lot of flak in Russia, with reports last year suggesting users could even face jail time under proposed legislation.
However Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov has since shown support for cryptocurrencies. In an interview with Russian media organization RBC, he said: "I am a supporter, a cryptoround (sic) must exist."
How WhopperCoin would work
WhopperCoin transactions will be powered by Ethereum rival Waves' distributed ledger network. The blockchain platform allows users to issue and transfer custom blockchain tokens, and to trade them on an integrated peer-to-peer exchange.
A blockchain is essentially a ledger of transactions that cannot be tampered with or changed. Such technology has been promised to revolutionize processes from financial trades to legal "smart" contracts.
The coins can also be transferred and traded online, allowing customers to either save their rewards or sell them to new buyers.
"Now Whopper is not only burger that people in 90 different countries love – it's an investment tool as well," Ivan Shestov, head of external communications at Burger King Russia said, quoted by Waves.
"According to the forecasts, cryptocurrency will increase exponentially in value. Eating Whoppers now is a strategy for financial prosperity tomorrow."
The restaurant chain is set to release an app for the digital tokens in both the Apple Store and Google Play next month.
Interest in cryptocurrencies has exploded in recent weeks
Various investors, firms and even governments have been showing an increased interest in digital currencies.
Last week Estonia announced its own aim to launch a state-backed cryptocurrency, called "Estcoin".
Separately in Venezuala, citizens have reportedly been turning to bitcoin to afford basic necessities.
And this month bitcoin hit a fresh record high of more than $4,300 – although the original cryptocoin's blockchain was forced to split in two earlier this month, contributing to concern from some investors.
Ethereum meanwhile reached a near two-month high last Monday, trading at nearly $330. (source: cnbc)
Last month, a rumor began circulating that suggested Amazon would soon announce plans to begin accepting bitcoin. The retailer still hasn’t made any such announcements, but recent domain purchases may signify the start of their cryptocurrency plans.
Domain Name Wire (DNW) reports that three domains were registered this week that are related to blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies: amazoncryptocurrencies.com, amazoncryptocurrency.com and amazonethereum.com. Initially, one may think the retailer is preparing to reveal something related to Ethereum and Ether tokens, or that it’s about to launch its own crytocurrency.
CoinDesk notes the new domains are tied to Amazon’s subsidiary company Amazon Technologies, Inc; phone numbers listed on the registration are associated with the company’s legal department. This means Amazon may just want to own the domains in order to cover its brand, or so it’ll have the domains ready in the event it ever decides to incorporate blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies into its business. It could also be a move made to further distance Amazon Coins from cryptocurrencies.
Anticipation and speculation
This isn’t the first time Amazon has purchased a domain related to a cryptocurrency. In 2013, the retailer bought AmazonBitcoin.com, which has nothing to do with Bitcoin. In fact, it redirects to Amazon.com’s homepage — a sign that these new domains may be used for similar purposes.
Interestingly enough, today’s news comes a little over a week after Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin graded Apple, Google, and Amazon on their respective plans for blockchain technology. On Amazon, Lubin simply said, “we’ve not seen that much, so we’ll see.”
Amazon has previously stated it wouldn’t accept cryptocurrencies until their was a demand. As the price of Bitcoin continues to rise — potentially a sign of its own rising popularity and demand — we may soon see Amazon giving its consumers the means to use it.
The much more interesting situation, however, is one in which Amazon introduces its own currency or coin. Not only would such a move potentially force the average person to finally learn what cryptocurrencies are, but Amazon’s currency could become incredibly popular or the preferred form of payment, especially if there are incentives for Amazon Prime subscribers. Amazon Prime is currently $99 a year, but what if you could get it for “cheaper” through the use of “Amazon Ether tokens?” The only ones who know what Amazon is up to are the higher ups at Amazon, so we’ll have to wait and see how this situation plays out. (source: futurism)
Burger King has launched its own cryptocurrency in Russia called ‘WhopperCoin’
Burger King has waded into the cryptocurrency market with the launch of its own virtual coin called "WhopperCoin" in Russia.
With each purchase of the burger chain's signature Whopper sandwich, customers can receive WhopperCoin tokens via a digital wallet.
Bitcoin traders have previously gotten a lot of flak in Russia, with reports last year suggesting users could even face jail time under proposed legislation.
However Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov has since shown support for cryptocurrencies. In an interview with Russian media organization RBC, he said: "I am a supporter, a cryptoround (sic) must exist."
How WhopperCoin would work
WhopperCoin transactions will be powered by Ethereum rival Waves' distributed ledger network. The blockchain platform allows users to issue and transfer custom blockchain tokens, and to trade them on an integrated peer-to-peer exchange.
A blockchain is essentially a ledger of transactions that cannot be tampered with or changed. Such technology has been promised to revolutionize processes from financial trades to legal "smart" contracts.
The coins can also be transferred and traded online, allowing customers to either save their rewards or sell them to new buyers.
"Now Whopper is not only burger that people in 90 different countries love – it's an investment tool as well," Ivan Shestov, head of external communications at Burger King Russia said, quoted by Waves.
"According to the forecasts, cryptocurrency will increase exponentially in value. Eating Whoppers now is a strategy for financial prosperity tomorrow."
The restaurant chain is set to release an app for the digital tokens in both the Apple Store and Google Play next month.
Interest in cryptocurrencies has exploded in recent weeks
Various investors, firms and even governments have been showing an increased interest in digital currencies.
Last week Estonia announced its own aim to launch a state-backed cryptocurrency, called "Estcoin".
Separately in Venezuala, citizens have reportedly been turning to bitcoin to afford basic necessities.
And this month bitcoin hit a fresh record high of more than $4,300 – although the original cryptocoin's blockchain was forced to split in two earlier this month, contributing to concern from some investors.
Ethereum meanwhile reached a near two-month high last Monday, trading at nearly $330. (source: cnbc)
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