DePINs: The Future of Physical Infrastructure Powered by Blockchain

Coldware ($COLD) is making significant strides in the blockchain space by merging hardware with blockchain technology. Currently, the project is in its presale phase, with only 37% of tokens remaining at a price of $0.00625. Coldware aims to create a seamless bridge between hardware and blockchain, focusing on usability rather than vague promises. By offering devices like the Larna 2400 smartphone and ColdBook laptop, which function as lite nodes right out of the box, Coldware is making it easier for users to engage with decentralized finance (DeFi) without the need for complex setups. The project is powered by the $COLD token, which facilitates transactions, governance, and staking rewards while also allowing users to create their own tokens through a unique feature called Freeze.Mint. In the broader landscape of blockchain projects, Pi Network and Theta Network are also noteworthy contenders. Pi Network has garnered a massive user base of over 60 million, but recent turbulence in token price has raised concerns about transparency. Despite this, Pi Network is pushing forward with a $100 million fund to support new projects within its ecosystem. Meanwhile, Theta Network is focusing on decentralized video infrastructure and has recently launched an AI Model API service to enhance its offerings. While both projects have potential, they have yet to achieve mass adoption, which remains a critical factor for their future success. Overall, Coldware distinguishes itself by prioritizing real-world usability and privacy in its offerings. Unlike many crypto projects that are still in the conceptual phase, Coldware is already delivering functional hardware and a privacy-focused operating system. With its presale ongoing and a unique approach to integrating blockchain into everyday devices, Coldware presents an attractive opportunity for investors looking to enter the Web3 space. As the market evolves, the success of these projects will depend on their ability to deliver tangible benefits to users and achieve widespread adoption.

Coldware ($COLD) is making significant strides in the blockchain space by integrating hardware with blockchain technology. Currently, the project is in its presale phase, with only 37% of tokens remaining at a price of $0.00625. Coldware aims to create a seamless bridge between hardware and blockchain, focusing on usability and real-world applications. Unlike many crypto projects that often rely on vague promises, Coldware is delivering tangible products such as the Larna 2400 smartphone and ColdBook laptop, which are designed to plug directly into the ecosystem and function as lite nodes out of the box. In the broader context of the crypto landscape, Coldware is not alone. Pi Network and Theta Network are also making their mark with unique approaches. Pi Network, boasting over 60 million users, is focused on mobile-first crypto adoption but has faced challenges related to transparency after a significant token transfer raised concerns. Despite this, Pi Network is actively investing in its ecosystem with a new $100 million fund. On the other hand, Theta Network is carving out a niche in decentralized video infrastructure, recently launching an AI Model API service to enhance developer capabilities. However, it remains to be seen if these projects can achieve mass adoption. What sets Coldware apart is its commitment to usability and privacy. The custom operating system is designed to block trackers and minimize data leaks, offering a stark contrast to mainstream tech solutions. With its focus on delivering a plug-and-play Web3 experience, Coldware is not just targeting crypto enthusiasts but aims to appeal to a broader audience. As the presale continues, the project presents a unique opportunity for early investors to engage with a platform that is already operational and focused on real-world usability.

Theta EdgeCloud has introduced a significant enhancement by enabling users to launch GPU clusters, which are essential for training large AI models. This new feature allows the creation of clusters composed of multiple GPU nodes of the same type within a specific region, facilitating direct communication among nodes with minimal latency. This capability is crucial for distributed AI model training, as it allows for parallel processing across devices. Consequently, tasks that traditionally required days or weeks to complete on a single GPU can now be accomplished in hours or even minutes, significantly accelerating the development cycle for AI applications. The introduction of GPU clusters not only enhances training efficiency but also supports horizontal scaling, allowing users to dynamically add more GPUs as needed. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for training large foundation models or multi-billion parameter architectures that exceed the memory capacity of a single GPU. The demand for this feature has been voiced by numerous EdgeCloud customers, including leading AI research institutions, highlighting its importance in the ongoing evolution of Theta EdgeCloud as a premier decentralized cloud platform for AI, media, and entertainment. To get started with GPU clusters on Theta EdgeCloud, users can follow a straightforward three-step process. This includes selecting the machine type, choosing the region, and configuring the cluster settings such as size and container image. Once the cluster is created, users can SSH into the GPU nodes, enabling them to execute distributed tasks efficiently. Additionally, the platform allows for real-time scaling of the GPU cluster, ensuring that users can adapt to changing workloads seamlessly. Overall, this new feature positions Theta EdgeCloud as a competitive player in the decentralized cloud space, particularly for AI-driven applications.

In an innovative shift towards decentralized connectivity, Roam is transforming the way users share their internet connections. By allowing individuals to contribute both private and public WiFi to a global network, Roam empowers users to monetize their unused bandwidth while providing others with reliable access to the internet. This model not only enhances connectivity but also rewards users with Roam Points, which can be converted into $ROAM or used to participate in various in-app activities, including games and exclusive events. Security and privacy are paramount concerns when sharing internet connections, and Roam addresses these issues with a robust security framework built on blockchain technology. Users maintain full control over their WiFi sharing preferences through the Roam app, allowing them to add, edit, or remove hotspots at their convenience. The platform ensures that all connections are encrypted, safeguarding personal data for both the host and the users accessing the network. Additionally, each Roam account is assigned a unique decentralized identity (DID), further enhancing user privacy and data management. Roam's rapid growth is evident, with over 2 million registered users and more than 3.5 million WiFi hotspots mapped globally, making it the leading decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) for WiFi coverage. This expansion is fueled by a diverse user base, including students, travelers, and local businesses, who are not just consumers but active contributors to the network. By downloading the Roam app, users can easily share their WiFi and earn rewards, thereby participating in a community-driven effort to enhance global connectivity.

In May, DIMO announced several exciting updates aimed at enhancing the developer experience on its platform. The most notable introduction is the public beta of DIMO Webhooks, which allows developers to subscribe to vehicle events instead of repeatedly querying the Telemetry API. This innovative feature is expected to significantly streamline the development of event-driven applications. The Webhooks functionality is integrated into the DIMO Developer Console, with support for the Python SDK and n8n already available, enabling developers to manage webhooks programmatically or in a low-code environment. Additionally, DIMO has improved the user experience for logging out of accounts using the Login with DIMO feature. Developers can now implement a direct logout option through the React Component SDK, allowing users to log out easily via a new “Manage DIMO Account” button. For non-React applications, a new URL Redirect method has been introduced, making it simpler to manage user sessions. These updates aim to enhance user convenience and streamline the logout process for developers. Furthermore, DIMO is excited to introduce on-chain attestations, which will help establish trust in vehicle data by allowing third parties to verify information immutably on the blockchain. This feature acts like a Notary Public for vehicle data, ensuring authenticity and quality without relying solely on the source. Lastly, DIMO will be deprecating the old privilege grants for the Token Exchange API on May 27th, urging developers to transition to the SACD permissions contract to maintain service continuity. These updates reflect DIMO's commitment to fostering a robust and reliable data ecosystem for developers and users alike.

In 2025, DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) has transitioned from a niche within the cryptocurrency space to a critical component of the real world. This evolution is not merely theoretical; it encompasses tangible elements such as routers, GPUs, sensors, and solar panels, all contributing to a new kind of internet that is peer-to-peer, tokenized, and built from the edge. DePIN fundamentally alters the traditional infrastructure model by enabling everyday users to contribute compute, storage, bandwidth, or energy, and in return, they receive compensation. With a market cap exceeding $50 billion and over 350 tokens, DePIN has emerged as Web3's fastest-growing vertical, supported by real-world deployments and increasing revenue streams. Leading projects like iExec, Arweave, and Helium are at the forefront of this movement, utilizing smart contracts to operate their networks without intermediaries. Contributors can easily set up nodes, serve the network, and earn tokens, all while ensuring data privacy and system resilience. However, scaling these networks presents significant challenges, including the need for coordination, cross-chain interoperability, and navigating regulatory landscapes. iExec, in particular, excels in providing confidential computing infrastructure that is essential for AI, data management, and real-time applications. Ultimately, DePIN is on the path to establishing a decentralized operating system for the physical world. This innovative approach is not only fast and composable but also represents a paradigm shift in how infrastructure is conceived and utilized. Rather than relying on rented systems, the future of infrastructure is about earning it, one node at a time, empowering individuals to take part in this transformative ecosystem.