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<p>When choosing which cryptocurrencies to invest in this year, it’s important to consider what will be the major trends and where will the industry be going from here.</p><p>We’ve outlined a few of the trends that we see as having a major impact, and several projects that exemplify an ideal implementation of these concepts. So read on for our suggestions on which five cryptocurrencies to keep an eye on during 2018.</p><p>For this list, we are going to avoid those that are in the top 10 market cap and instead focus on those that have a lot of room for growth.</p><h2>Privacy in a Blockchain World</h2><p>As the IRS and other government agencies around the world are developing blockchain analysis technologies, it is becoming more and more important for an investor to focus on <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/search/?page=1&amp;search=privacy/">privacy</a> as a key issue.</p><p>Not only is the taxman a concern, but thieves can also use similar techniques to identify large honeypots of cryptocurrency to target. And for the same reason that we keep doors on bathroom stalls, privacy is just a basic human right and as more people enter <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/search/?page=1&amp;search=blockchain/">blockchain</a> investing, they will be looking for privacy options.</p><h4>PIVX</h4><p><img src="https://img.coinbureau.dev/strapi/2018/01/pivxLogo.png" alt="PIVX Privacy Coin Review"><br><i>Image Source: pivxmasternode.org</i></p><p><a href="http://pivx.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PIVX</a> is a somewhat new blockchain that is based on well established and highly tested X11 technology. It is also the first, and currently only, cryptocurrency that simultaneously supports absolute privacy and proof-of-stake mining.</p><p>Not only is it private, but it supports and is fully compliant with the Zero Coin protocol, which is a highly specific set of standards that outline how a theoretically perfect privacy currency would operate.</p><p>PIVX is not without its flaws, however. For example, if you want to conduct proof-of-stake mining, you will be unable to use privacy features, as the two are currently not yet inter compatible.</p><p>The privacy feature works by minting a sub currency called <a href="https://pivx.org/zpiv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZPIV</a> that can be thought of like casino chips. When you send the ZPIV, it will arrive at its destination as regular PIVX tokens. You can keep both PIVX and ZPIV tokens in the same wallet, but currently ZPIV tokens cannot be staked.</p><p>This currency also offers master nodes. However at current prices, they require a hefty initial investment in excess of $100,000 in order to participate. Many reports are indicating that operating a master node does not provide much more rewards than just staking.</p><p>These admittedly small issues aside, PIVX has a dedicated following and a highly secure network that should meet the needs of anyone seeking total privacy as well as a reasonably good store value.</p><h2>On-Ramps to the Crypto Highway</h2><p>An important issue in the coming years is so called on-ramps into crypto currency. As described by Andreas Antonopoulos, an on-ramp is a service that allows regular people to exchange something such as fiat currency into cryptocurrency. As more people are looking to enter the space, on-ramps will become increasingly critical.</p><p>For this category we have chosen two interesting cryptocurrency projects.</p><h3>Celcius</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://img.coinbureau.dev/strapi/2018/01/celciusLogo.jpg" alt="Celcius Lending Network"><figcaption><i>Image Source: celsius.network</i></figcaption></figure><p><a href="http://celsius.network/">Celsius</a> aims to provide all the financial services to millennial’s and other young people that are often not available to them due to their lack of credit history or otherwise simply being ignored by the traditional banking system.</p><p>Celsius will allow users to both borrow fiat currency and lend cryptocurrency. The platform operates transparently. Unlike a bank, it allows its users to benefit from the system the most through low-interest loans and high-interest savings.</p><p>The stated goal of the project according to its chief investor Alex Mashinsky, is to onboard the next 100 million people into <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/search/?page=1&amp;search=ethereum/">Ethereum</a> (which Celsius is based on). Celsius tokens are required to gain membership in the platform and so could become quite popular.</p><h3>Gems</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://img.coinbureau.dev/strapi/2018/01/gems.jpeg" alt="Gems Decentralised Mechanical Turk"><figcaption><i>Image Source: gems.org</i></figcaption></figure><p>Aside from using money to buy or loan cryptocurrency, what if anyone in the world could earn it through simple tasks on the Internet? That’s the goal behind the <a href="http://gems.org">Gems</a> project, which aims to be a competitor to the Amazon Mechanical Turk program.</p><p>How this works is requesters that need human completed microtasks can offer jobs through Gems. Then as users complete tasks, they are rewarded with Gems cryptocurrency.</p><p>Not only could this act as an income source, but it could also prove to be a very important on-ramp and introductory gateway as it allows users to earn tokens as opposed to buying them.</p><h2>Creating New Economies with Blockchain</h2><p>Entirely new economies will be an exciting aspect of cryptocurrency in the near future. Previously untradable assets and unrentable power are suddenly sellable on the blockchain and on a global scale.</p><h3>Golem</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://img.coinbureau.dev/strapi/2018/01/golemNetwork.png" alt="Golem Decentralised Super Computer"><figcaption><i>Image Source: golem.network</i></figcaption></figure><p>One particularly exciting example of this is <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/analysis/golem-ethereum-powered-supercomputer-everyone/">the Golem project</a>. Golem is a platform where people can sell their unused computing power to a network of requesters.</p><p>For example, a Hollywood studio that needs to render millions of high definition frames of 3-D animation can, instead of investing a fortune in hardware that will quickly become obsolete, rent the computing power from the Golem network.</p><p>This power could also be used for an unlimited variation of projects. Another example could be for medical research, scientific research, and even cryptocurrency mining.</p><p>The Golem platform will be launched later this year, and it’s dedicated fan base is chomping at the bit to get their systems running and start selling or renting their computing power.</p><h2>Demand for Flexible Exchanges Will Grow</h2><p>As the number of cryptocurrencies grows, the need to exchange them will also grow. Websites like Shape Shift and Changelly have taken off and are earning a fortune for their owners.</p><p>This is because investors want safe and fast ways to change one type of cryptocurrency into another without the risk of exposing them self to an exchange. An exchange which could be the target of hackers such as what happened with the <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/news/korean-crypto-exchange-hacked/">Youbit exchange hack</a> in South Korea.</p><p>While some of the services such as Shape Shift operate in ways that steadily increase fees or change fees without warning, other platforms are starting to appear that not only are more simple in their exchange rules, but offer a way for normal people to invest and earn what is essentially a dividend just for holding their token.</p><h3>Flyp.Me</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://img.coinbureau.dev/strapi/2018/01/flypme.jpg" alt="Flyp.me Trading Platform"><figcaption><i>Image Source: flyp.me</i></figcaption></figure><p>The exchange we would like to talk about today is called <a href="http://flyp.me" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flyp.Me</a>. The service since it’s launch has seen steady volume increases as it’s posted on his website and can be observed on the blockchain. The website has a very simple two percent fee and allows for very small exchanges.</p><p>It currently supports 15 cryptocurrencies including the previously mentioned PIVX. Holders of its FYP token will be entitled to quarterly dividends equal to 50 percent of the exchange fees earned by the site. Exchange dividends are paid in Ether and are automatically delivered to the wallet that holds the token.</p><p>While Flyp.Me may not prove to be the most popular, it’s business model is compelling as holders of the token will almost certainly prefer to use Flyp.Me for their own exchanges as they will essentially be paying themselves a portion of the fee.</p><p><i>Disclaimer: These are writer opinions and should not be considered investment advice.</i></p>

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Emerging Trends: Five Currencies to Watch in 2018

<p>Storm is a blockchain project aiming to revolutionize the future of work by decentralizing the gig economy that so many freelancers depend upon for part of their earnings.</p><p>They are developing a platform that will allow these freelancers to complete certain "micro-tasks" and earn tokens through hardcoded and decentralised <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/education/ethereum-smart-contracts/">smart contracts</a>. They hope that this will provide these freelancers with an open and fair method for earning crypto.</p><p>However, with so many crypto reward ecosystems currently available, can it really compete?</p><p>In this review of Storm, we will give you an in-depth overview of the project, its technology and team members. We will also analyse the wider use cases of the STORM token and its potential for long term adoption.</p><h2>What is Storm?</h2><p>The <a href="https://www.stormx.io" target="_blank" rel="noopener">StormX project</a> has been in the market for some time and was previously called "BitMaker" which was a popular Adtech application. They decided to re-brand the product and integrate <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/education/what-is-blockchain-technology/">blockchain technology</a> into their app which subsequently saw them introduce the STORM tokens.</p><p>Storm is targeting micro-tasks and looking at ways to gamify the industry. One aspect of this is the Stormmobile application that will provide anyone with a smartphone the ability to complete micro-tasks and receive compensation.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://img.coinbureau.dev/strapi/2019/01/WhatIsStorm.jpg" alt="What is Storm"><figcaption><i>Storm by the numbers</i></figcaption></figure><p>The technology is helpful for freelancers, who are called Storm Players on the platform, by providing them with steady and stable work. It also helps the Storm Makers, those who need tasks completed, by creating a global workforce that can be accessed in minutes from any internet connected device anywhere in the world.</p><p>The micro-task platform is transparent and decentralized, and the use of smart contracts to enforce contract terms make it trustless as well. All of this helps to create a system that is more efficient and more cost effective.</p><h2>The Storm Market</h2><p>The Storm Market has several areas and is comprised of two types of participants: the Storm Makers and the Storm Players. Storm Makers list and pay for the micro-tasks or services, while Storm Players are the users who complete the tasks and services in exchange for payment.</p><p>That payment takes the form of Storm Bolts, which user can redeem for Storm Tokens (STORM). Those Storm Tokens can be used in the Storm Shop (in development), or they can be exchanged for other cryptocurrencies. Payment on the Storm Market can also be done in <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/education/what-is-ethereum/">Ethereum</a> or Bitcoin.</p><p>There are three separate areas in the Storm Market where users are able to earn:</p><ul><li><strong>The Storm Shop</strong>: The Storm Shop is in development, but when released it will be a platform that rewards users for purchasing products and services.</li><li><strong>Storm Play</strong>: The Storm Play platform is the mobile application for Android (iOS coming soon) that allows users to see the micro-tasks posted and rewards available. Rewards are usually Storm Bolts, but can also be <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/education/what-is-bitcoin/">Bitcoin</a> or Ethereum.</li><li><strong>Storm Gigs</strong>:Storm gigs give users the opportunity to participate in ongoing, regular programs offering compensation. Currently this is mostly survey related and gaming related, but it can include other freelance tasks, machine learning tasks, quality assurance tasks and other requests. These tasks are the lifeblood of the platform, using smart contracts to create agreements between the Maker and Player. With Storm Gigs the Storm team hopes to reduce the cost of micro-tasks and increase the compensation that freelancers receive for completing tasks.</li></ul><h2>A Real Solution for a Real-World Problem</h2><p>The Storm team is targeting the freelancing industry, which is growing rapidly. By focusing on micro-tasks they are in competition with the likes of Mechanical Turk, Fiverr and even Upwork to some extent. Storm hopes to solve some problems with the existing platforms, such as process inefficiencies and excessive fees.</p><p>In some cases the users of the platforms are seeing up to 40% of their earnings eaten up by fees. This is a huge amount of money for anyone, but especially for freelancers. Storm thinks they can make a significant positive impact by reducing or even ridding the gig economy of these huge fees.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://img.coinbureau.dev/strapi/2019/01/freelancerPlatforms.png" alt="Freelancer Economy"><figcaption><i>Comparison of centralised Freelancer Networks: Image </i><a href="https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/how-to-find-a-freelance-job/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i>Source</i></a></figcaption></figure><p>Because the use of smart contracts will eliminate the need for middlemen the Storm platform will be significantly less expensive for Players and for Makers. And smart contracts also remove the costs associated with dispute resolution and counter-party risk, which will allow for a wide variety of tasks on the platform.</p><p>Crucially, the Storm platform reaches a global audience with its mobile application, which benefits the Makers and freelancers who may not have access to desktop and laptop computers.</p><p>Existing platforms have no support for smart phone users, which is a large portion of the world’s internet connected population. They also limit those who can use them by offering payment options that often don’t work outside developed nations. With Storm users from any country will be able to access the platform and receive payment directly to the cryptocurrency wallet of their choice.</p><h2>Anywhere, Any Time, Any Device</h2><p>Storm has ambitious plans to make their platform more than just a cryptocurrency. They are aiming to build an entire ecosystem that serves advertisers and users equally. The Storm Market is expected to operate in a similar manner to existing app stores, and will allow Makers to create tasks easily, and Players to accept and be compensated for those tasks. All of this will be driven by smart contracts that will ensure all the terms are clearly set out and followed.</p><p>It is expected that the platform’s give and take methodology will help it become a success. Users interested in earning cryptocurrencies will flock to the platform, and advertisers will create an increasing number of tasks to tap onto the large user base. It’s a win-win scenario and Storm hopes to introduce cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to the world through a fair micro-task platform.</p><h2>The STORM Token</h2><p>Storm held an ICO in 2017 that lasted one month. It concluded on December 8, 2017 and raised roughly $32 million through the sale of just over 2.8 billion STORM tokens at a price of $0.0113 each. There is a fixed supply of 10 billion STORM tokens and those not sold during the ICO were market to be delivered in airdrops to eligible Storm wallet addresses.</p><p>Two such airdrops have already taken place, and two more are scheduled for June 7, 2019 and December 7, 2019. Each of these remaining airdrops are expected to distribute 2.5 billion Storm tokens.</p><figure class="image"><a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/out/binanceex" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"><img src="https://img.coinbureau.dev/strapi/2019/01/STORMBinanceBanner.jpg" alt="Binance STORM"></a><figcaption><i>Register at Binance and Buy STORM Tokens</i></figcaption></figure><p>The price of Storm hasn’t been favorable for the early investors. As of January 2019 one Storm token is worth just $0.002878. That’s down from the all-time high of $0.206771 that was reached roughly a year earlier on January 9, 2018.</p><p>If you believe the price of Storm will recover then you can pick it up at bargain prices now. The largest exchange for STORM is UpBit, but it also has good trade volume on <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/review/binance/">Binance</a> and <a href="https://{MIGRATED_DOMAIN}/review/bittrex/">Bittrex</a>. It’s also available on about a dozen other small exchanges, but the trade volume is very low.</p><p>As for storing your STORM tokens, you can do so in any ERC-20 compatible wallet.</p><h2>The Storm Team</h2><p>Storm has a fairly small, but very competent team. The CEO and founder of Storm is Simon Yu, who graduated from the Foster School of Business in 2014 and got his business experience by working as a financial analyst at companies like Amazon.</p><p>The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Storm is Sean Zhong, and he brings more than two decades of technological experience to the project. He gained experience with data warehousing, business analytics and software engineering while working for Amazon and Big Fish Games.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://img.coinbureau.dev/strapi/2019/01/StormTeamMembers.jpg" alt="Storm Team Members Advisors"><figcaption><i>Some of the Storm team members and advisers</i></figcaption></figure><p>Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tara Nygaard brings her experience in cybersecurity and Internet of Things (IoT) as well as a deep understanding of consumer products and blockchain technology to provide excellence in operations.</p><p>In addition to the Storm team, there is also a strong network of advisors from the cryptocurrency industry. This includes Bancor CEO Guy Benhartzi, Bittrex founder and CEO Bill Shihara, and Ethereum co-founder Anthony Di Iorio.</p><h2>Storm Referral Program</h2><p>In a recent <a href="https://blog.stormtoken.com/new-year-new-app-new-updates-4d9789791669" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blog post</a>, Storm has just announced that they have re-launched their referral program. This will allow users of the Storm platform to refer others and earn Bolts. When you refer a friend, you will get 6,000 bolts and when your referral has earned 24,000 bolts, you will earn the equivalent amount.</p><p>If you are going to be referring friends to the platform then you will need to make sure that they are earning the bolts through tasks, videos and surveys. This is because these are the only Bolts that will count to your affiliate award being matched.</p><p>You may also want to keep checking the project for any further updates to their referral program. This is because they are busy redeveloping the structure of the referral system which will borrow certain features that were included in the older version of the previous version of their affiliate platform.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Storm has spent the past four years designing and building a blockchain based marketplace for freelancers or anyone else willing to trade their free time in completing micro-tasks for cryptocurrency. While paying for completing micro-tasks isn’t a new concept, adding blockchain technology and smart contracts certainly is.</p><p>Plus Storm is making it possible for anyone anywhere on the planet to participate in the micro-task marketplace. That’s something that hasn’t been possible in the past as smart phone users have largely been ignored by the more traditional micro-task platforms. With a solid team and a knowledgeable group of advisors on the project the chance of success is multiplied.</p><p>Of course that doesn’t mean success is guaranteed. The development of some aspects of the Storm platform has taken far longer than expected, and these delays might leave the door open for a larger and more well funded competitor to take the lead.</p><p>So far that hasn’t happened and Storm remains a top choice for a decentralized, blockchain based micro-task platform. The performance of the STORM token has been disappointing in 2018, but there was a bear market in cryptocurrencies. That said, the platform does seem to need a way to make it more attractive to hold STORM tokens, otherwise users will continue selling as soon as they get the tokens, driving price lower yet.</p>