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  • Unlocking Bitcoin’s Potential: Introducing Merlin Chain, a Native L2 Solution

    Unlocking Bitcoin’s Potential: Introducing Merlin Chain, a Native L2 Solution

    NewYork, United States, January 31st, 2024, Chainwire

    This week, the much-anticipated Bitcoin L2 solution Merlin Chain went live on its testnet, while its mainnet is scheduled to be launching within a month as well.

    Bitcoin’s Network Congestion Dilemma and Scaling Solutions

    The evolution of Ordinals over the past year has brought the attention back to the Bitcoin ecosystem after a long period. While enhancing the excitement of the bitcoin ecosystem, it has also increased the exhaustion of network resources. The increasingly high cost of transactions, coupled with the rising price of Bitcoin itself, has added further congestion to the network and discouraged new users from becoming interested in Bitcoin.

    (Bitcoin Daily Average Transaction Fee $: YCharts)

    The idea of developing an EVM-compatible L2 network has been recognized as the one that would deliver the results first due to the simpleness of its implementation path.

    Merlin Chain is also one of the EVM-compatible L2 chains, being developed by Bitmap Tech (formerly Recursiverse) , the team that built BRC-420 protocols and Bitmap.game, and is highly valued by the community due to the team’s past successes.

    BRC-420

    The BRC-420 protocol supports the combination/recursion of any file format to form a more complex inscription. Whether it’s a character image, a game script, a virtual machine or an AI model, it can become an asset on Bitcoin.

    Its core asset, the Blue Box, has risen from an inscription cost of $0.15 to an ATH floor price of $26,000, and other assets such as Mineral and This Song About NFTs are among the most actively traded assets on the OKX market. It now has 1000+ developers and 600+ collections, and has been an excellent performer even during the bear market, the price only going up and never falling.

    Bitmap.Game

    Bitmap.Game is a fully on-chain, fully decentralized, fair-launch metaverse project. It is based on the Digital Matter Theory that underlies Bitcoin, and is open-sourced so that it can be run or verified by any client, reflecting the concept of “client agnosticism” in fully onchain games.

    During this time, Bitmap’s market capitalization has risen from $3 million to a ATH of $290 million. With more than 30,000 holders, Bitmap has surpassed the Sandbox as the metaverse asset with the highest number of holders across all blockchains.

    Unlocking Bitcoin’s Potential Through Innovative Magic

    Merlin Chain believes that L2 of Bitcoin should not just be about transferring money inexpensively, or just about being able to have the DApps, but should be about further innovating to unlock the potential of Bitcoin through its native assets, users and protocols.

    For example, as Bitmap is a completely decentralized asset, how to make games based on it, so that Bitmap users can enter various meta-universes at a low cost; or for the DeFi protocols based on BRC-420, how to give two-way empowerment to NFT and FT; and for minting inscriptions, how to mint L1 assets on L2 in a more cost-effective and flexible way. Only these “Bitcoin-native” innovations can continue to empower the ecosystem, rather than replicating the way Ethereum works.

    So far, Merlin Chain has built a powerful DApp ecosystem, the liquidity concerns have been effectively addressed, and is planning for further expansion.

    Leveraging ZK-Rollup for Efficient and Secure Scaling

    The diverse ecosystem and assets also imply higher throughput requirements and some safety risks. To solve this problem, Merlin Chain has adopted ZK-Rollup which enables the compression of a large number of transaction proofs into a simple check-sum to improve transaction efficiency and scalability.

    The sequencer nodes on Merlin Chain are responsible for collecting and batching transactions, generating compressed transaction data, ZK state roots, and proofs via zkEVM. The compressed transaction data and ZK Proofs are then uploaded via the decentralized Oracle network to the taproot on Bitcoin L1, which is available to the entire network to ensure transparency and security.

    The decentralized Oracle network nodes will be required to stake $BTC to prevent improper activities. Users can initiate challenges to the ZK-Rollup based on compressed data, ZK state roots, and ZK Proof. Successful challenges result in a rollback to the last verified state, and the forfeiture of the Oracle node’s locked $BTC, ensuring the system’s security and trustworthiness.

    Through the integration of these technologies, Merlin Chain has shown its superior technical capabilities and is on track to build an efficient, secure, and native Bitcoin L2 solution.

    Native Integration – Merlin Chain’s Bitcoin-Centric Approach

    Compared to other Bitcoin L2s that are making attempts at the moment, one of the key features of Merlin Chain is that it is “Bitcoin Native”.

    As a strong believer in Bitcoin for many years, Merlin Chain is extremely committed to the development of the Bitcoin ecosystem, and seeks to bring more users and assets to Bitcoin through their work, rather than serving other ecosystems in the name of Bitcoin. As such, Merlin Chain places a high value on the native bitcoin nature of its ecosystem’s projects and users.

    Merlin Chain supports bitcoin-native wallets. Empowered by the Particle Network’s account abstraction, users can use their bitcoin wallets to seamlessly switch between L1 and L2 . Users can also experience $BTC swaps with other tokens, such as stablecoins, at any time without having to switch to an EVM wallet.

    In addition, Merlin Chain will support most of the major protocols on Bitcoin L1, including, but not limited to, BRC-20, Bitmap, BRC-420, Atomicals, SRC20, and Pipe. All inscriptions on L1 will be automatically whitelisted by Merlin Chain, allowing users to safely and affordably trade on it.

    In line with its pursuit of “Bitcoin Native”, Merlin Chain plans to adopt BRC-20 as its governance token. This makes a lot more sense than other Bitcoin L2s that are currently using Ethereum standard tokens as governance tokens. The token will be released through a fair launch, with the exception of a small portion that will be distributed to VCs and the team, which will be given a 48-month release period that will not start within two years, demonstrating the team’s and investors’ confidence in Merlin Chain.

    Bridging the Gap – Simplifying Bitcoin Adoption and Fuel Growth

    Another tricky issue for the builders in the Bitcoin ecosystem is the lack of new users and new money coming in. While the Ordinals things have continued to be on fire, the number of active address has not seen significant growth. It is just the same group of people involved in different projects. A very fundamental reason for this is the complexity of Bitcoin. As well as the need to download a Bitcoin wallet, inscribing is also not very easy to understand, and users will need to spend at least two blocks of their time inscribing, as well as three blocks of their time for confirmation, which is complicated and time-consuming.

    (Daily Active Bitcoin Address: Glassnode)

    Merlin Chain will solve this problem. Currently, Merlin Chain has been connected to 40 Ethereum chains, so for those users who are not familiar with Bitcoin, they can use their familiar wallets, such as MetaMask, and their familiar assets, such as stablecoins, $ETH, $BNB, etc. to interact on Merlin Chain. Users don’t need to know the principles behind Bitcoin, or even what BRC-20 and Atomicals are, before they can experience Bitcoin in its native manner in their familiar way.

    For this purpose, Merlin Chain is going to integrate the first multi-chain inscription DApp, which will allow users to inscribe assets on other layers, including Bitcoin L1, on Merlin Chain. It will only take one block to wait for. At the same time, a launchpad will also be available on Merlin Chain, with a mechanism that allows every inscription launched on it to be valued at 100,000 FDV, allowing more users to easily purchase assets such as the BRC-20/ BRC-420/ Atomicals/ Runes at a very low price. Additionally, as part of its commitment to decentralization, Merlin Chain is going to release most of its governance tokens to the community.

    Users can stay tuned for the upcoming mainnet launch – the future of Bitcoin is about to unfold with Merlin Chain at the helm.

    About Merlin Chain

    Merlin Chain is a Bitcoin Layer2 that integrates ZK-Rollup network, decentralized oracle network, and on-chain BTC fraud proof modules. Merlin Chain is committed to empowering Bitcoin’s native assets, protocols, and products on Layer1 through its Layer2 network, to Make Bitcoin Fun Again. Merlin Chainis a subsidiary product line of Bitmap Tech, a premier OG team boasting an overall market cap exceeding $500 million. The BRC-420 “Blue Box” collection under Bitmap Tech has become one of the hottest assets on Ordinals.

    Users can start following Merlin Chain’s Twitter for more updates.

    Contact

    Jeff
    Merlin Chain
    bitmap@bitmap.tech

  • App-Specific Rollup Cartesi Announces A $1 Million Ecosystem Grants Initiative

    App-Specific Rollup Cartesi Announces A $1 Million Ecosystem Grants Initiative

    New York City, United States, January 30th, 2024, Chainwire

    Developers can receive up to $50,000 USDC per project, plus dedicated tech support, introduction to accelerators and investors, marketing support and project consulting. 

    Cartesi (CTSI), an app-specific rollup protocol with a virtual machine that runs Linux distributions, announced today an allocation for $1 million to the Cartesi Grants Program. The program is dedicated to fostering developer talent and enriching the Cartesi ecosystem by supporting new ideas & dApps, research & integrations, developer tooling and gaming. Independent developers, founding teams, DAOs, communities and collectives can apply starting today, Tuesday, January 30th and have the opportunity to receive up to $50,000 USDC per project, subject to community vote. Through this grants program, Cartesi aims to increase the number of long-term contributors and developers building novel applications on Cartesi. 

    Areas of focus:

    • New ideas & dApps: Applications and experiments built using the Cartesi framework that offers value to the broader ecosystem. Currently, Cartesi is supporting Complex Vouchers, an advanced voucher system for external interactions.
    • Research & Integrations: Split into two tracks, Track 1 focuses on research and solutions that integrate Cartesi technology with other innovative technologies. For example, Cartenix uses the Cartesi VM and Nix Package system to leverage reproducible builds in a deterministic and verifiable environment. Having this on-chain provides a much higher level of security and trustlessness for developers.
    • Track 2 is dedicated to in-depth research on topics identified as crucial for the advancement of the Cartesi ecosystem. For example, open-source research associated with RISC-V, ZK, and Cartesi.
    • Developer tooling: Tools that simplify and enhance the experience for developers building on Cartesi. For example, Drand is a component of a larger set of tools for generating random numbers on Cartesi’s convenience layer. The goal is to create a framework for Cartesi that will make it easy for web3 developers to create dApps using Cartesi.
    • Gaming: Games that uniquely leverage the capabilities of Cartesi, such as open-source games that can be reused and built upon, game frameworks, convenience layers, and other infrastructure contributions. Currently under development is Dazzle, a competitive online puzzle RPG that leverages Cartesi Rollups and the Cartesi Machine for high-stake, e-sport-like tournaments. 

    “This grants program is designed to foster long-term collaboration within the Cartesi ecosystem and increase the convenience and scalability of dApp development for both developers and users,” said Hellenstans.eth, Grants Steward in the Cartesi ecosystem. “The grants program offers financial support and invaluable technical guidance to kickstart any developer’s project.”

    Cartesi’s first dApp, Honeypot, launched on the Ethereum mainnet this past summer. This dApp is designed to encourage developers to challenge the security of Cartesi Rollups. The Honeypot fund constantly increases by a compounded 8% weekly and is currently unbroken, holding 139,861 CTSI. 

    The Cartesi Foundation has committed $1,000,000 in total to the first two waves of the Cartesi Grants Program. During Wave 1, the Grants Program will allocate a maximum of $500,000 USDC, with a further $500,000 USDC available for allocation during Wave 2.

    The Cartesi Grants Program’s goal for Wave 1 is to significantly ramp up in speed and scale in future rounds of grant funding by gathering feedback on the grant process and lowering friction for proposers looking to apply for grants. To review the list of projects approved for funding during the pilot, visit governance.cartesi.io. To find out more and apply, please visit the Cartesi Grants Program page on Charmverse. 

    About Cartesi Foundation 

    The Cartesi Foundation is a mission-bound organization dedicated to supporting the Cartesi technology and the decentralization of the Cartesi ecosystem. The Foundation’s mission is to be a supporting member of the Cartesi community, through fundings, education programs, grants, strategic alliances, and other focused activities. The Foundation is committed to supporting the development of the Cartesi ecosystem; bringing mainstream scalability and convenience to dApp developers and users. To learn more about Cartesi, visit https://cartesi.io/.

    About Cartesi

    Cartesi is an app-specific rollup protocol with a virtual machine that runs Linux distributions, creating a richer and broader design space for dApp developers. Cartesi Rollups offer a modular scaling solution, deployable as L2, L3, or sovereign rollups, while maintaining strong base layer security guarantees. To learn more about Cartesi, visit https://cartesi.io/.

    Contact

    PR Manager
    Lauren Bukoskey
    Serotonin
    lauren@serotonin.co

  • The revolutionary Massa ecosystem is launching now

    The revolutionary Massa ecosystem is launching now

    Paris, France, January 30th, 2024, Chainwire

    With a 150k-strong community, thousands of nodes around the world, a custom consensus technology, and its native MAS token, the award-winning Massa blockchain is launching with unique features such as Autonomous Smart Contracts, enabling decentralization and resilience.

    Massa’s vision is to allow apps to be deployed on thousands of computers around the world and operate autonomously forever without relying on any external infrastructure, while being resistant to censorship and hacking.

    After a successful mainnet bootstrap on January 15th, 2024, millions of blocks and close to 100,000 transactions have already been settled by the high-throughput L1 blockchain. Building on top of that backbone, Massa has laid down its strategy for ecosystem development and liquidity buildup.

    The Massa Foundation was freshly created in Switzerland to handle the Massa ecosystem, orchestrate incentive programs, and fuel community initiatives of all sorts. Community members will be given a strong voice in the decision process through forums open to token holders, where proposals ranging from changes in network parameters to grants will be debated. As early as 2024, the foundation is expected to integrate community members into its board. The foundation will also organize various events such as the Massa Community Conference to bring the community together.

    For the year 2024, the Foundation is allocating 2% of the MAS supply as grants for builders proposing projects that fit the ecosystem ideals and goals, with an emphasis on those that make use of the features unique to Massa. Dozens of projects are already building.

    The community and public sales are starting as of January 30th on Republic and lasting 2 weeks, which may be followed by other launchpads and CEX/DEX listing announcements. Token holders can apply to the project’s liquidity incentives program, or easily run light nodes on their personal computers in order to obtain proof-of-stake block rewards.

    • The Massa Foundation is allocating 1.7% of the MAS supply to be distributed in the next 6 months as liquidity incentives within a program that will be revealed step by step.
    • The first step involves incentivizing users to bridge tokens towards Massa dapps by giving them an extra native yield on liquidity provider (LP) tokens. Users will be incentivized to provide liquidity through protocol fees, protocol token incentives, MAS token incentives and more to come.
    • Providing liquidity for multiple days/weeks in a row will amplify the users’ incentive.

    In short, bringing MAS or other crypto assets to Massa ecosystem apps such as the Dusa decentralized exchange will be heavily rewarded in multiple ways. This strategy is expected to significantly boost TVL, improve market liquidity and bootstrap the financial ecosystem in Massa.

    • On the technical side, the Massa Domain Name System as well as the Decentralized Web feature will be deployed in 2024, enabling website front-ends to be hosted and accessed on-chain, thus removing the need for centralized domain names and web hosting servers that are the main targets for hacks and censorship.
    • Umbrella Oracles (https://umb.network/) is deploying real-time price feeds on Massa
    • Cross-chain integration through partnerships like Hyperlane (https://www.hyperlane.xyz/) will be a strong focus to anchor Massa into existing ecosystems
    • EVM compatibility and account abstraction are also in the crosshairs of the team
    • Massa’s flagship Autonomous Smart Contracts technology will be refined, allowing for dynamic self-evolving NFTs, self-rebalancing liquidity pools, and a wide range of new on-chain applications, while dropping the need for external automation providers like Gelato or Chainlink Automation.

    All the information related to the public sale is available at https://massa.foundation

    Massa Foundation: https://massa.foundation

    Massa Labs: https://massa.net

    Dusa DEX on Massa: https://dusa.io

    About Massa Foundation

    Incorporated in Geneva, Switzerland, the Massa Foundation is a vital component of the Massa ecosystem. Its main responsibility is fostering the ecosystem’s growth while safeguarding its core principle of decentralization. In its early stages, the Foundation will orchestrate various incentive programs to stimulate both the Massa community and the wider ecosystem, including bounties, grants, liquidity incentives.

    Contact

    Director
    Sébastien Forestier
    Massa Foundation
    sf@massa.foundation

  • QuickNode Unveils “Immutable zkEVM” Layer 2 for Elevated Web3 Gaming

    QuickNode Unveils “Immutable zkEVM” Layer 2 for Elevated Web3 Gaming

    QuickNode, a leading blockchain infrastructure provider powering over 26,000 ecosystems, has announced the launch of Immutable zkEVM – an innovative Layer 2 blockchain solution optimized for web3 gaming projects. Developed in collaboration with Immutable Group, zkEVM combines Ethereum compatibility and security with high scalability, transaction speed and low fees.

    The integration of Immutable zkEVM aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in blockchain-based gaming by providing developers seamless building tools and players with smooth experiences.

    “We are thrilled to unveil zkEVM after months of engineering an advanced protocol tailored to gaming needs,” said QuickNode CEO Vadim Koleoshkin. “It places powerful EVM capabilities into developers’ hands to build the next generation of web3 games.”

    The benefit of Immutable zkEVM

    A standout benefit offered by Immutable zkEVM is compatibility with the popular Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) programming language. This allows gaming developers to easily leverage existing Ethereum toolkits and distribute decentralized apps.

    “EVM interoperability unlocks all of Ethereum’s capabilities from scalability to security to liquidity options,” Koleoshkin explained. “This makes asset issuance, trading marketplaces and token-gated experiences accessible for game creators.”

    The integration of zkEVM onto QuickNode’s high-performance infrastructure also enables gaming platforms to scale to global user bases by reducing transaction costs and increasing speed.

    Other Benefits of Immutable EVM to Players

    On the user front, QuickNode is collaborating with Immutable to build gas-free transactions for players. This eliminates blockchain fees, ensuring frictionless access for gamers across devices.

    “Mass adoption requires consumer-grade experiences,” said Koleoshkin. “That is why we are committed to not just building tools but also playable environments offering speed and affordability for users.”

    Comprehensive Gaming Suite

    Unlike other zkEVM solutions, Immutable zkEVM was engineered from the ground up for all gaming needs. It offers developers a comprehensive stack of infrastructure, scaling and usability tools.

    These include an orderbook for trading systems, a Passport for login and identity, a Checkout for fiat on off-ramps, and more for community growth.

    “This is not just a rollout, but a full-fledged ecosystem for game creators,” explained Koleoshkin. “The extensive tooling allows studios to focus on innovative gameplay rather than blockchain complexities.”

    Pushing Design Boundaries

    The extensive functionality enables developers to push design boundaries with next-generation token models, in-game economies and smart contract-governed game logic.

    For testing innovations, Immutable zkEVM comes with a sandbox environment as well. This allows studios to freely experiment while eliminating mainnet risks during development.

    “We are only scratching the surface of what our platform can unlock for studios in terms of creativity and user experience,” said Koleoshkin. “The possibilities are endless now.”

    With collaborative efforts from QuickNode and Immutable accelerating web3 gaming innovation, blockchain-powered games and metaverse virtual worlds seem closer than ever.

  • XSOLLA Founder Shurick Agapitov Releases New Book Once Upon Tomorrow, A Visionary Take on The Metaverse and Its Impact on Global Creativity

    XSOLLA Founder Shurick Agapitov Releases New Book Once Upon Tomorrow, A Visionary Take on The Metaverse and Its Impact on Global Creativity

    Sherman Oaks, United States, January 30th, 2024, Chainwire

    Shurick Agapitov, a visionary author and the Founder of Xsolla unveiled his groundbreaking new book, “Once Upon Tomorrow,” today. This pioneering work offers a transformative and aspirational vision of the Metaverse, contrasting markedly with mainstream narratives. Agapitov’s book is a thought-provoking journey into the possibilities and potential of the Metaverse, providing a unique perspective diverging from the views often presented at industry conferences and by technology CEOs.

    “In ‘Once Upon Tomorrow,’ I present a vision of the Metaverse as a vast, inclusive, and transformative space. It’s not just a digital frontier but a realm where creativity, innovation, and empowerment converge. This book is my invitation to creators, thinkers, and dreamers across the globe to join in shaping a future where technology amplifies human potential and fosters a world of limitless possibilities. The Metaverse, as I see it, is not about control or confinement but about unleashing the collective creativity and entrepreneurial spirit inherent in all of us,” said Shurick Agapitov, Founder of Xsolla and acclaimed author of “Once Upon Tomorrow.”

    Once Upon Tomorrow” delves into the untapped potential of the Metaverse, highlighting its capacity to unite emerging and legacy brands, create unforgettable consumer experiences, and enrich cultures globally. Agapitov emphasizes the Metaverse’s role in democratizing opportunities and equal access to cutting-edge technologies. His vision extends beyond mere technological innovation, underscoring the Metaverse’s potential to empower and reward content creators across the globe. The book also highlights the significant impact of the Metaverse on education, offering hope and opportunities for both children and adults worldwide. Agapitov advocates for a decentralized Metaverse moving away from Silicon Valley’s dominance, placing control, profit potential, and freedom in the hands of creative communities.

    “Once Upon Tomorrow” is more than just a book about the Metaverse; it’s a roadmap to a future where technology serves humanity in all its diversity, fostering financial, social, and creative inclusivity. Agapitov envisions a future where every consumer-facing industry, from fashion to healthcare and entertainment, is transformed. The book also explores the potential impact of the Metaverse on business-to-business sectors, education, city planning, inter-government relations, and non-profit efforts.

    Agapitov’s insight into the evolution of technology, from the early days of Instagram and Snapchat to the future of immersive applications, is a key highlight of the book. He discusses the roles of various technology stakeholders, including internet hosting providers, website developers, cloud computing experts, infrastructure engineers, and the ongoing need for advanced networking and hardware. “Once Upon Tomorrow” is a visionary piece that invites readers to rethink the Metaverse and its limitless potential.

    For additional information and to purchase please visit: onceupontomorrow.com

    About Shurick Agapitov

    As the founder of Xsolla, Inc., Shurick Agapitov is a highly respected innovator and advisor in gaming, Web3, Metaverse, and fintech. His trailblazing video game company integrates blockchain technology, providing developers with advanced tools and services for more effective game operations and sales. With a global presence, including offices in Los Angeles, Berlin, and Seoul, Xsolla, under Shurick’s leadership, is shaping the future of gaming and the Metaverse, fostering a more decentralized and inclusive industry.

    For additional information about Shurick Agapitov please visit: themarque.com or LinkedIn.com 

    Contact

    Director
    Derrick Stembridge
    Xsolla
    d.stembridge@xsolla.com
    919-971-7855

  • Hold Or Use: Is Cryptocurrency Best Held as an Investment or Used Day-to-Day?

    Hold Or Use: Is Cryptocurrency Best Held as an Investment or Used Day-to-Day?

    A lot of the early stories people heard about crypto had something to do with its growth and the profit some people made out of getting in on cryptocurrencies early. You might say that this was an inadvertent side-effect of cryptocurrencies which were actually made to be used, rather than just being made as an investment piece for people.

    Like any currency, the addition of cryptocurrency created another tradeable asset and there were those who bought Bitcoin when its value was much lower. The intention, though, is not for this to sit in investment accounts, it is more to revolutionize the way money is used and add protection for the users, cutting out banks and reducing the need for a middleman.

    Cryptocurrency in Use

    Using cryptocurrency is easier than ever before as there are more businesses accepting the payment method. The industry that has embraced it the most is the gambling industry, with crypto becoming a huge way to deposit and withdraw from gambling accounts.

    When playing at an online casino for real money, people want both convenient ways to deposit and a high level of security, and crypto can provide both. Bitcoin casinos have become more common, and some established casinos that have been around for decades are also accepting these payment methods.

    Crypto gives people a level of anonymity as well as autonomy, and no bank or bank account is needed to make the payments, as it takes place using crypto wallets. In casinos, people can use their crypto balances to play poker, baccarat, and more games that have been around for hundreds of years but now have a modern twist. There are also new games such as crypto slots and “Crash” games with an interface that replicates the stock markets.

    Crypto has proven to be a popular match in other industries, too, but sometimes requires a separate payment facilitator. For instance, much of the gaming industry has embraced crypto through the help of BitPay, they provide a way for people to make transactions using cryptocurrencies, and for the company to be paid in their chosen currency. Effectively, it performs an exchange during the transaction, but to the consumer, all that matters is the fact that they can pay using their chosen currency and buy games and other items using crypto. Similar arrangements exist at many top retailers meaning people can buy things like food and drink, clothing, and even a car using crypto!

    Paying in person has become much more straightforward, too, with many retailers having payment solutions for mobile pay, letting you use a contactless method to pay with some Bitcoin.

    Cryptocurrency as Investment

    Every investment can go up or down, and the key is for people to do their research. New cryptocurrencies are being launched all the time, as well as other blockchain-based technology such as NFTs, forming another option for peoples’ investment.

    There is a huge industry involved in cryptocurrencies now, including predictions of whether the cryptocurrencies are going to go up or down in value, though nobody can tell for certain, like all forms of investment.

    Investment analysis can show whether currencies have gone up or down in value and this shows the potential for investors.

    Cryptocurrency’s Use in 2024 and Beyond

    Cryptocurrency, including the most popular currencies like Bitcoin, has spread around the world, and in some countries a high percentage of the population uses crypto. In Nigeria and Turkey, almost half of the population uses cryptocurrencies, which shows how mainstream the currencies have become since their launch.

    Some large companies also hold a huge number of Bitcoin, for instance, Elon Musk’s Tesla is known to have almost 10,000 Bitcoin in reserve, and Musk has been a long-time advocate of cryptocurrencies. For a while, Tesla directly took Bitcoin as a payment method, so people could buy their new car using decentralized currency.

    Use is predicted to continue to grow as people seek more security and embrace modern payment methods. People are getting more used to paying on mobile devices and there are many more big businesses starting to accept the payment method, which also helps to drive crypto.

    As you can imagine, there are new companies using blockchain technology, trying to stay ahead of the curve and driving the future. 2024 will be another big year for this technology, Bitcoin mining is still popular but some are shifting to other currencies, especially due to the “Bitcoin Halving” event that will take place, meaning newly-mined Bitcoin doesn’t have quite as much value.

    Conclusion

    Cryptocurrency is designed to be used but like all currencies and financial assets, there will be a market for investment in which people can choose to get involved if they wish, it is a decision for everybody to make individually.

    Crypto’s growth has been incredible over the last decade or so, and fascinating to watch, as we enter an era with both investment and everyday use for crypto.

  • tea Protocol Announces Incentivized Testnet Launch, Setting a New Paradigm in Open-Source Software

    tea Protocol Announces Incentivized Testnet Launch, Setting a New Paradigm in Open-Source Software

    San Francisco, Puerto Rico, January 29th, 2024, Chainwire

    The tea Protocol has announced the launch of its highly anticipated Incentivized Testnet on February 21st, 2024. The tea Protocol seamlessly bridges Web2 open-source codebases to Web3 to enhance their sustainability and provide fair rewards to open-source developers. Additionally, tea provides developers access to its incentivized community of vulnerability reporters and is cross-compatible with major package managers including Homebrew, npm, APT, Crate, PyPI, RubyGems, and pkgx.

    Beginning February 21st, 2024, any open-source developer can interact with The tea Protocol and begin earning rewards for their contributions. All community members, including non-developers, will also be encouraged to access The tea Protocol via a series of incentivized activities on the blockchain.

    This critical step towards the launch of the tea Protocol will allow all participants to immerse themselves into the fully composable open-source ecosystem created by the tea Protocol.

    The Incentivized Testnet: A Stepping Stone to Mainnet Success

    The upcoming Incentivized Testnet marks a significant step in the tea Protocol’s journey toward launching a robust Mainnet on the Base blockchain. This Testnet phase is crucial for ensuring a thriving, efficient, and secure network for all participants.

    Five Key Features of the Incentivized Testnet to Explore on tea.xyz

    1. Waitlist Availability: The waitlist for the incentivized testnet, launching on February 21st, offers a limited opportunity for interested users.
    2. Insight into $TEA Tokenomics: The economic model driving the protocol is detailed, offering clarity and depth of understanding.
    3. Comprehensive Documentation Access: Extensive resources are available, providing a thorough understanding of the protocol.
    4. Insight into teaRank for Projects: Projects can ascertain their position within the open-source ecosystem and understand their eligibility for rewards.
    5. tea Points Accumulation: The ITN presents opportunities for both developers and non-developers to engage in challenges and quests, facilitating the accumulation of tea points.

    Joining the Incentivized Testnet and exploring tea.xyz offers an opportunity to be part of a pioneering movement in open-source software. It’s a chance to engage with a forward-thinking community, understand tea’s tokenomics, and utilize the teaRank system for project visibility and rewards. 

    A Message from Max Howell, tea’s Visionary Founder

    Max Howell, the creator of Homebrew and the driving force behind tea, expresses his enthusiasm: “The launch of the incentivized testnet for the tea Protocol is a landmark achievement for open-source developers and advocates worldwide. With the incentivized testnet, tea is not only introducing a technological marvel but also reinforcing its commitment to revitalizing the open-source community.”

    About tea

    tea is a trailblazing web3 protocol built on Base, the layer-2 blockchain from Coinbase. It is designed to empower open-source software developers to capture the value they create. At the heart of the tea Protocol is the Proof of Contribution algorithm, which measures the value, position, and impact of open-source software projects. Proof of Contribution assigns a dynamic “teaRank” to each project which is used by the protocol to distribute rewards. Proof of Contribution ensures that every layer of a software project, especially foundational elements, is recognized and rewarded for its contribution and promotes healthy competition amongst projects to continually improve their codebase and usage by other projects within the ecosystem.

    The communi’tea invites users to explore the forefront of open-source software through its platform. Detailed information is accessible at www.tea.xyz to learn more and connect with tea on Twitter, teaForum, Discord, and Telegram for the latest updates and discussions.

    Contact

    Head of Marketing
    Dan Mulligan
    tea
    dan@pkgx.dev

  • Devour.io Announces Tech Analyst and Media Expert Paul Barron as Advisor

    Devour.io Announces Tech Analyst and Media Expert Paul Barron as Advisor

    Phoenix, United States, January 29th, 2024, Chainwire

    Devour, the transformative next-gen web3 food ordering and engagement platform, today announced the addition of Paul Barron as a strategic advisor. Barron brings a wealth of experience and expertise across technology, media, and web3, making him a valuable asset to Devour’s leadership team.

    Barron is the CEO and Analyst of the Paul Barron Network, a multimedia platform that educates and inspires audiences on the future of technology. With over 20 years of experience in computer science, consumer science, and digital media, Barron leverages his deep knowledge to produce engaging and insightful content across video, podcasts, research, and analytics. His focus areas include cutting-edge technologies like crypto and blockchain, AI, robotics, and consumer tech.

    Beyond his media ventures, Barron is also the founder of Rever Networks, Inc., a company dedicated to bridging the gap between blockchain advancements and established brands. He is the creator of the Market Sentiment Index, a powerful sentiment analysis tool used by leading players in blockchain, crypto, gaming, and NFTs.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Paul Barron to our team of advisors,” said Shelly Rupel, CEO of Devour. “His deep understanding of hospitality, gaming, and web3 perfectly aligns with Devour’s mission to redefine Gen Z experiences. Paul’s expertise of gaming trends, and his grasp of web3’s potential are invaluable assets as we shape the future of hospitality.”

    Barron’s expertise extends beyond technology. He is a recognized thought leader in new media and consumer science, having received numerous awards and honors for his work. He has been featured in prominent publications and media outlets, and his advisory and consulting services are sought after by businesses across various sectors seeking to navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape, integrate blockchain solutions, and prepare for the future of Web3.

    “Devour’s audacious vision of gamifying food and building communities through tokenized experiences is like rocket fuel for Gen Z engagement,” said Barron. “My expertise in bridging tech and consumer trends is a perfect match for their ambitious mission to meet Gen Z where they live, through tokenized campaigns and food-fueled gaming experiences”

    Barron’s appointment as advisor underscores Devour’s commitment to building a best-in-class advisory board with the experience and vision to shape the future of web3. His diverse skill set and passion for technology will undoubtedly contribute to Devour’s continued success.

    About Devour

    Devour is revolutionizing the digital dining experience with a cutting-edge platform that seamlessly integrates web3 token-gated ordering, promotions, and crypto payments. Our DevourGO app, along with embeddable ordering and engagement solutions, caters to the preferences of over 200 million U.S. gamers. Our gamified loyalty, NFT-based competitions, and player rewards programs are powered by blockchain for a dynamic fusion of digital entertainment and the love of food. Join us in transforming how the digital generation engages with food, gaming, and entertainment.

    Users can learn more at devour.io.

    Contact

    CEO
    Shelly Rupel
    Devour
    shelly@devour.io

  • Banxa Integration Brings Seamless, Low-Cost Fiat On-Ramps to Sui, Off-Ramps Coming Soon

    Banxa Integration Brings Seamless, Low-Cost Fiat On-Ramps to Sui, Off-Ramps Coming Soon

    GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, January 29th, 2024, Chainwire

    Users will benefit from 0% gateway fees for accessing SUI tokens on Banxa for a limited time.*

    (*Fee waiver is not available for UK customers)

    Banxa, the leading payments infrastructure provider for the crypto-compatible economy, has announced it will add the SUI token to its platform. The integration will increase access to the Sui blockchain for users across the world, thanks to a suite of Banxa’s global and local payment methods, which have processed over $3 billion in transactions since its launch in 2014. Additionally, Mysten Labs’ Sui Wallet will provide users the opportunity to purchase SUI tokens through Banxa’s on-ramp and once fully integrated, to utilize its off-ramp solution. 

    For a limited time, there will be no transaction gateway fees for buying SUI on Banxa. Thanks to this integration, users of some of the most established Web3 platforms such as Ledger, OKX, and MetaMask, will now have seamless, and initially, feeless, access to Sui.

    “For a long time, fiat on and off ramps have been a source of friction for the crypto industry. That’s why Banxa, a platform that removes that friction, joining the Sui ecosystem is so important,” said Greg Siourounis, Managing Director of the Sui Foundation. “I am excited about the technical possibilities, broad access, and optionality that this integration will offer to the Sui community while simultaneously ensuring KYC compliance at each step.”

    As a result of the integration of Banxa into the Sui ecosystem, developers building on Sui will now be able to leverage the powerful features provided by Banxa to add more functionalities and compliance measures to their dApps. For example, the NFT checkout solution will provide an enhanced NFT selling experience for end users. Additionally, developers can improve the overall user experience by reducing friction in the onboarding and offboarding processes. Users are more likely to engage with a dApp that offers a smooth and convenient transition between fiat and crypto.

    “We think Sui is the most powerful and performant blockchain in the space,” said Holger Arians, CEO of Banxa. “The rapid growth of the Sui ecosystem since its mainnet launch is something we’re excited to tap into to advance our central objective of increasing the adoption of blockchain technology ”

    Contact

    Sui Foundation
    media@sui.io