The Evolution of Layer 2 Solutions and Decentralized Cloud Services on Filecoin

GEOD, the native utility token of the GEODNET network, is making significant strides by going multichain to Solana through the Wormhole Native Token Transfer (NTT) framework. This transition was solidified by a governance vote that saw a 99% approval for the creation of the SPL token, as outlined in GEODNET Improvement Proposal #3 (GIP3). The GEOD token is integral to the network, rewarding Base Station hosts for mining satellite signal data and being utilized by customers through a purchase and burn mechanism. The Polygon-based GEOD token will remain active for satellite mining, while the new Solana token is expected to enhance the network's capabilities and reach. The introduction of the Solana-based GEOD token is anticipated to provide numerous benefits for the GEODNET community, including enhanced service utility through the integration of multiple Solana DePIN protocols. This will facilitate essential services such as communication and mapping protocols, which are crucial for autonomy. Additionally, GEODNET is launching a Mobile SDK and applications, including the GEO-PULSE app, that will align with Solana's mobile initiatives. This move is seen as pivotal for fostering an open and decentralized mobile internet, countering the existing duopoly of the Android Play and Apple Store. To facilitate the transition and increase liquidity, GEODNET has implemented an in-app bridge powered by Wormhole, allowing seamless token transfers between networks. Initial transfer limits are set to 100,000 GEOD tokens to manage risk while liquidity grows. Trading pairs for GEOD/SOL are already live on platforms like Orca and Raydium, with expectations for market-making support to enhance trading activity. The Foundation is also exploring broader multichain support, including the potential for satellite mining rewards on Solana, ensuring that the community remains informed about future developments and utility enhancements for the GEOD token.

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePin) are making significant strides in the tech industry by facilitating decentralized projects that focus on real-world infrastructure. Recently, the DePin sector has seen notable developments, including the listing of the GRASS token on OKX's pre-market futures platform. This allows users to trade USDT-margined futures on the GRASS token, which is the native asset of the Grass project. The futures went live on October 14, 2024, enabling users to monetize unused bandwidth by selling it to vetted companies, thereby creating a fairer marketplace for proxy services. Additionally, the Grass Foundation is set to release a checker for its highly anticipated “Airdrop One” on October 21, 2024, marking it as potentially the most widely distributed airdrop in crypto history. In another significant move, Aethir, a decentralized GPU-as-a-service network, announced the launch of a $100 million Ecosystem Fund aimed at fostering AI and cloud gaming initiatives. A substantial portion of this fund will be directed towards the Aethir Catalyst program, which offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $200,000 to emerging developers. This initiative not only provides financial backing but also grants access to Aethir's extensive GPU resources, enabling developers to create decentralized cloud-based games and integrate AI solutions. Aethir's strategic investment in this area reflects its commitment to enhancing its presence in the rapidly growing cloud gaming and AI sectors. Analytics platform LunarCrush has also highlighted the top DePIN projects based on social media mentions, with Bittensor (TAO) leading the pack with 10,880 mentions, indicating a surge in community interest. MultiversX (EGLD) and ICP (Internet Computer Protocol) followed, showcasing their growing presence in the decentralized infrastructure space. While DePIN is still evolving and faces challenges, it plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between synthetic and real-world assets, thereby supporting traditional infrastructure in areas where conventional models fall short.

Bittensor, an artificial intelligence-focused cryptocurrency, has recently emerged as a significant player in the market, ranking as the third top gainer among the top 100 cryptocurrencies over the past 30 days. The token, known as TAO, has surged by an impressive 106.8%, bringing its market capitalization to over $4.79 billion. This rise is attributed to a broader trend in the AI sector, particularly influenced by Nvidia Corp's stock rally, which has seen a 15.4% increase in the same timeframe. As Nvidia's stock continues to soar, the AI-crypto market cap has also experienced a boost, now standing at $29.8 billion, according to CoinGecko. Institutional interest has significantly contributed to Bittensor's growth, with Grayscale, a prominent digital asset manager, launching a Bittensor-focused fund that attracted $4.9 million in assets under management. Grayscale's decision to increase its allocation to Bittensor from 2% to 31% in its AI fund has instilled confidence among investors, leading to increased adoption and investment in TAO. Additionally, the demand for Bittensor in the futures market has reached a record high of $220 million, indicating a surge in interest from traders and investors alike. Analysts are optimistic about TAO's future trajectory, with predictions suggesting a short-term target of $1,000 and a mid-term target of $3,330. Technical indicators support this bullish outlook, as TAO is currently trading above the 50-day Moving Average, indicating a potential continuation of upward momentum. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains steady above 60, suggesting that the bullish sentiment is still strong. However, analysts caution that the $650 mid-level serves as a crucial support level; a drop below this point could signal a shift in momentum, potentially leading to a downward trend.

Wingbits has announced a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize aviation transparency and efficiency through a decentralized flight tracking network. Over the past year, the company has been building a global community of flight trackers who have contributed to the beta network using their DIY devices. This grassroots effort has laid the groundwork for the launch of the first Wingbits Approved device, developed in collaboration with GEODNET and HYFIX. Starting today, users can pre-order this cutting-edge hardware, which will be delivered in January 2025, at a special introductory price that includes a $100 discount for early adopters. The newly launched device integrates advanced technology to provide real-time, centimeter-level precision flight tracking data. By utilizing a combination of Wingbits’ blockchain platform and GEODNET’s decentralized GPS network, the hardware allows aviation enthusiasts and tech innovators to contribute to a unique flight tracking ecosystem. Contributors will be rewarded with $WINGS tokens based on their device's performance, incentivizing them to keep their hardware active and maximize data collection. This initiative aims to create the most accurate and expansive real-time map of the skies, benefiting both the aviation industry and its participants. To get involved, interested users can pre-order the HYFIX WB200 and HYFIX MGW310 devices through various distributors worldwide. The process is straightforward: register a location, purchase the device, and extend the reservation using a discount code. With the launch of this innovative hardware, Wingbits is poised to lead the charge in transforming aviation tracking, making it more accessible and rewarding for contributors. This initiative not only enhances flight safety and transparency but also fosters a community-driven approach to aviation technology.

FILLiquid, a new platform based on Filecoin, has recently launched FIG Staking, allowing users to earn yield by staking its governance token, FIG. This innovative product employs a revenue-sharing model that enhances the utility of the FIG token, enabling holders to claim a portion of the platform's transaction fees. Since the launch of FILLiquid's FIL liquidity protocol in August 2024, the platform has rapidly gained traction, amassing over $2.5 million in Total Value Locked (TVL). The FIG Staking launch saw nearly 1 million $FIG staked within just two hours, indicating strong interest from the community in engaging with the protocol more deeply. The introduction of FIG Staking not only broadens the use of the FIG token beyond governance but also provides stakers with access to transaction-based revenue. Users can participate by depositing FIG into the staking product, with rewards accumulating as more transactions and loans occur on the platform. The staking process requires users to choose a deposit period, with longer commitments yielding higher rewards. The initial dividends will be distributed manually on specific dates, offering FIG holders multiple opportunities to begin staking and benefit from the platform's growth. FILLiquid aims to solidify its position within the Filecoin ecosystem by enhancing liquidity for storage providers, thereby promoting sustainable storage power growth. The protocol's algorithmic interest rate model is designed to unlock liquidity for storage providers, addressing the challenges they face in making consistent FIL pledges. With a team experienced in the crypto space and a proven track record, FILLiquid is poised to become a significant player in the DeFi landscape, providing innovative solutions for both token holders and storage providers alike.

In a recent interview, Greg Osuri, CEO of Akash, emphasized the unique advantages of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) and their appeal to both mainstream users and regulators. Osuri highlighted his efforts to persuade regulators to treat DePIN differently from other sectors of cryptocurrency. He recounted a productive meeting with a chief staffer from the U.S. House committee on commerce and trade, where he discussed the potential of DePIN to disrupt existing oligopolies. This sentiment is echoed by industry advocates, who argue that DePIN projects provide real-world value that distinguishes them from other crypto initiatives, making them more resilient during market downturns. Osuri's remarks come at a time when DePIN is gaining traction among venture capitalists, with Borderless Capital recently raising $100 million for its third DePIN fund. This fund aims to support projects like Helium, a decentralized wireless carrier, and GEODNET, a satellite navigation network. Osuri believes that the distinct value proposition of DePIN justifies a separate regulatory framework, arguing that current regulations lump all crypto sectors together, which could hinder the growth of DePIN. To address this, Akash and InFlux Technologies have formed a DePIN and Web3 advocacy group to promote regulatory clarity and unity within the sector. Despite the crypto features inherent in DePIN projects, Osuri stresses the importance of communicating the tangible benefits of these networks rather than focusing solely on their crypto aspects. He noted that Akash's marketing strategy minimizes the mention of crypto, aiming to attract users by emphasizing the practical advantages of decentralized infrastructure. Osuri's approach reflects a broader trend in the industry, where the focus is shifting from the crypto label to the real-world applications and benefits that these technologies can provide, particularly in sectors like AI and computing power.