MapMetrics Enhances User Experience with Key Updates for iOS and Android

On October 18, 2022, Chirp was introduced to the Web3 community, building upon the groundwork established by Mesh+. With a vision to transform the Internet of Things (IoT) and telecommunications sectors through decentralized infrastructure, Chirp has made remarkable progress over the past two years, even amidst a prolonged bear market. The company has launched various products, formed strategic partnerships, and advanced its DePIN and IoT infrastructure. As it approaches the mainnet launch and the debut of the CHIRP token on the Sui network, this anniversary serves as a moment to reflect on its journey and celebrate its achievements since inception. In 2022, Chirp laid a solid foundation by articulating a clear vision aimed at disrupting traditional telecom models through decentralization. The company focused on addressing key challenges in the IoT sector, such as complexity and scalability. A world-class team was assembled, leading to the introduction of community-owned Blackbird miners and the first features of an intuitive IoT platform designed to simplify user experience. The CHIRP token was also introduced with a deflationary model to incentivize network participation. By the end of 2022, Chirp had built a dedicated community of early supporters, positioning itself for a productive 2023. The year 2023 marked a period of expansion and innovation for Chirp, highlighted by a partnership with RAKWireless to develop custom gateways that enhanced IoT connectivity. The successful deployment of Blackbird miners in 33 countries solidified Chirp's global presence. Security enhancements were made to ensure a zero-trust environment for its decentralized network. The integration of the Sui blockchain further improved scalability and transaction speed. As Chirp celebrates its third anniversary in 2024, it is poised for significant launches, including the mainnet and CHIRP token listings, while also introducing a DePIN P2E mobile game that gamifies participation in the ecosystem, promising real-world utility and benefits for its community.

In a significant development for decentralized networks, over 150 Wayru hotspots have been deployed in Northwest Arkansas, marking a pivotal moment for the Mycelium Testbed, the world’s first decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) playground. This initiative highlights the complexities of establishing a decentralized network, which requires a robust community of tech enthusiasts and hardware investors. The success of projects like Wayru relies heavily on the support of hotspot operators and deployers, underscoring the importance of community engagement in the DePIN movement. Without this collaborative spirit, such ambitious projects would struggle to thrive. Wayru is revolutionizing internet connectivity by creating a blockchain-based wireless network that connects mid-small ISPs, entrepreneurs, and communities. The core philosophy of distributed ownership is central to Wayru's mission, as it aims to democratize internet infrastructure. Mycelium Networks plays a vital role in this ecosystem by facilitating the deployment of decentralized networks, which allows more individuals to engage with and benefit from this technology. Their innovative approach has made them a key player in the decentralized network landscape, attracting enthusiasts eager to explore the latest advancements in DePIN. The strategic deployment of Wayru hotspots across urban settings in Northwest Arkansas is a testament to the viability of decentralized networks. These hotspots, located in restaurants and public spaces, not only enhance WiFi access but also serve as proof of concept for the impact of DePIN on local communities. As Northwest Arkansas positions itself as a hub for decentralized projects, the collaboration between Wayru and Mycelium is set to drive technological innovation and improve the quality of life for residents. This initiative is paving the way for future growth, creating opportunities for local businesses, and fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem in the region.

Aleph Zero has officially launched its client-focused zero-knowledge operating system, zkOS, aimed at enhancing user privacy and scalability within the blockchain ecosystem. The first feature introduced under zkOS is called Shielding, which is now available on the EVM Testnet. This innovative feature allows users to experience the speed and privacy capabilities of Aleph Zero's zero-knowledge proof (ZK) technology optimizations. The Shielding Demo serves as a testament to the company's commitment to developing practical privacy solutions tailored for the blockchain industry. The zkOS operates by generating zero-knowledge proofs locally on the user's device, ensuring that sensitive data remains private and secure. This approach not only enhances user privacy but also maintains transaction speed, a critical factor in blockchain operations. Adam Gagol, Co-Founder & CTO of Aleph Zero, emphasized that the release of zkOS marks a significant advancement in addressing privacy challenges in blockchain technology. The Shielding Demo showcases how zkOS can effectively integrate privacy into decentralized finance (DeFi) without compromising on performance or usability. Looking ahead, Aleph Zero has ambitious plans to further develop zkOS, making it more user-friendly and introducing additional privacy features such as ZK-ID and anonymity revokers to combat fraud. The platform is designed to be easily integrated by developers with minimal cryptographic knowledge, positioning zkOS as an essential tool for creating privacy-centric applications in DeFi and other web3 sectors. As the testnet continues to roll out, Aleph Zero is refining both Shielding and zkOS in preparation for its Mainnet deployment, allowing users who participate in the Shielding Demo to be whitelisted for upcoming zkOS Beta testing on Aleph Zero’s EVM Mainnet.

Aleph Zero, a prominent blockchain platform known for its emphasis on privacy and scalability, has announced the launch of its zero-knowledge operating system (zkOS) feature called Shielding on its EVM Testnet. This innovative technology allows zero-knowledge proofs to be generated directly on users' devices, enhancing privacy while maintaining transaction speed. The Shielding Demo showcases the platform's capability to deliver ZK proofs in an impressive timeframe of 0.5 to 3 seconds, thus ensuring that user privacy does not hinder performance. Adam Gagol, Co-Founder and CTO of Aleph Zero, emphasized that this release addresses the long-standing challenge of privacy in blockchain by providing a seamless user experience without sacrificing speed. The Shielding Demo serves as an intuitive interface for users to engage with Aleph Zero's zkOS privacy layer. The process involves generating zero-knowledge proofs locally, sending transactions to a relayer, and executing them on-chain—all while ensuring data privacy. This client-side approach is a significant departure from traditional server-side methods, as it empowers users to maintain control over their data. Aleph Zero's roadmap for zkOS includes plans for additional features like ZK-ID and anonymity revokers, aimed at enhancing both user privacy and protection against fraudulent activities. As Aleph Zero progresses with the Testnet release, the focus will shift towards refining the Shielding feature for its Mainnet deployment. Users participating in the Shielding Demo will have the chance to be whitelisted for upcoming zkOS Beta testing on Aleph Zero’s EVM Mainnet. The introduction of zkOS is poised to revolutionize the privacy landscape in blockchain, addressing regulatory concerns while enabling secure asset management across multiple blockchains. Aleph Zero's commitment to developing practical privacy solutions positions it as a critical player in the evolving web3 ecosystem.

Theta Labs has announced the launch of its AI Virtual Try-On software for Shopify, developed in collaboration with KAIST AI Lab, a leading AI research center in South Korea. This innovative technology utilizes advanced computer vision and natural language processing to enhance the online shopping experience. Customers can now virtually try on various tops by simply uploading a selfie, which aims to improve user engagement and potentially increase sales conversions for e-commerce retailers. To promote its adoption, Theta Labs is offering this plugin for free to Shopify store owners for a limited time, with successful beta integrations already reported by customers like Soar and Mazer. The AI Virtual Try-On for Shopify is powered by Theta EdgeCloud, a hybrid cloud-edge computing platform that combines over 30,000 distributed edge nodes from the Theta Edge Network with cloud services from major providers like Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services. This infrastructure offers more than 80 PetaFLOPS of distributed GPU compute power, allowing for significant cost savings on GPU computing tasks compared to traditional cloud providers. The EdgeCloud platform provides AI model training and inference services at less than half the cost of other cloud solutions, making it a cost-effective option for businesses. This launch signifies a major advancement in the application of EdgeCloud technology within the e-commerce sector. By addressing common challenges faced by online retailers and shoppers, Theta Labs is making advanced AI tools more accessible and affordable. Looking forward, Theta Labs and KAIST AI plan to expand the capabilities of the AI Virtual Try-On model to include more complex wearables, such as hats and bottoms, further pushing the boundaries of AI-driven fashion technology and enhancing the online shopping experience for consumers.

The IoTeX ecosystem is experiencing a significant transformation, particularly in the realm of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). In the latest developments, IoTeX has introduced several key initiatives, including the IoTeX Hub, which serves as an all-in-one aggregation platform for users to engage with the ecosystem efficiently. This quarter has seen a remarkable increase in user engagement, partnerships, and product launches, marking a pivotal moment for IoTeX as it continues to expand its influence in the blockchain space. The community has also approved the migration to USDC.e, a new stablecoin standard, enhancing the financial infrastructure of the network. In addition to these advancements, IoTeX is rolling out its 2.0 version, which upgrades its infrastructure to support modular DePIN applications. This upgrade positions IoTeX as a comprehensive platform for developers looking to create innovative solutions within the DePIN framework. Furthermore, the launch of the IoTeX Web Wallet V2 Beta aims to improve user experience and functionality, making it easier for users to manage their DePIN assets. The ecosystem is also welcoming new projects like Wayru and Network3, which aim to leverage IoTeX's capabilities to foster decentralized initiatives in various sectors, including energy and artificial intelligence. Lastly, IoTeX is focusing on enhancing liquidity within the DePIN sector through the introduction of the DePIN Liquidity Hub, which is set to become a central point for token liquidity. With over $350,000 in DePIN token liquidity already established, this initiative is crucial for supporting emerging projects and ensuring their sustainability. As IoTeX continues to innovate and expand, it is clear that the ecosystem is poised for significant growth, driven by a commitment to decentralization and community engagement.