Helium and Xnet Shift Focus to Wi-Fi in Decentralized Wireless Networks

In a significant advancement for distributed computing, CUDOS Intercloud has introduced one-click templates that simplify the deployment of AI applications. This innovative approach focuses on accessibility and usability, allowing developers to launch applications with minimal effort. By eliminating the traditional complexities associated with AI infrastructure, such as dependencies and vendor lock-ins, CUDOS Intercloud enables instant deployment without the need for KYC or sign-ups. Users can connect their digital wallets and get started in mere seconds, which is particularly beneficial for teams needing to iterate quickly in the fast-paced AI and Web3 landscapes. The CUDOS Intercloud platform now boasts a diverse catalog of ready-to-launch applications tailored for various users, including AI developers and educators. Key offerings include JupyterLab for solo experimentation, JupyterHub for collaborative environments, and vLLM for serving large language models at scale. Additionally, tools like Ollama provide user-friendly interfaces for newcomers, while OpenManus showcases the potential of agentic AI assistants. These applications collectively form a robust foundation for a distributed AI-ready stack, enhancing accessibility and scalability for underfunded teams and global researchers. Looking ahead, CUDOS Intercloud is committed to expanding its app catalog with more open-source tools and enterprise-ready solutions. The platform aims to deepen integrations with Web3 APIs and support smart contract-based resource provisioning. As the landscape of distributed applications evolves, the one-click templates will serve as a crucial interface between users and the underlying infrastructure, driving the growth of the AI economy. CUDOS Intercloud invites users to share ideas for future templates and features, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation in distributed computing.

Decentralized cloud computing platform Aethir has launched Batch 6 of its $100 million Ecosystem Fund, expanding its support to include real-world asset (RWA) startups alongside its existing focus on AI agents. This initiative, announced on April 23, aims to integrate promising RWA projects into Aethir's decentralized cloud ecosystem by providing grants in the form of decentralized GPU cloud computing power. The fund has already supported over 25 AI-focused grantees, and the latest batch includes innovative projects such as Zoo Finance, Upside OS, and PinLink, which are set to enhance the intersection of traditional finance and digital markets. The Ecosystem Fund operates by granting access to Aethir's extensive global GPU network, which boasts over 425,000 GPU containers and high-performance chips like NVIDIA H200s and GB200s. This model eliminates the need for expensive centralized infrastructure, allowing early-stage teams to scale applications that rely heavily on AI and RWAs. Aethir's aim with Batch 6 is to empower more founders to develop the next generation of applications that leverage decentralized computing, thereby fostering innovation in both the RWA and AI sectors. The RWA sector is experiencing rapid growth, with on-chain assets already surpassing $20 billion and projections suggesting it could reach $500 billion by 2025, and potentially $30 trillion by 2030. This surge has given rise to new segments like "RWAfi," which merges RWAs with decentralized finance. Aethir is collaborating with projects such as Plume and GAIB to explore these opportunities, supporting the tokenization of computing infrastructure through initiatives like the RWAI Initiative and its GPU Tokenization Pilot on the BNB Chain.

AT&T has announced its first foray into decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) through a partnership with Helium, enabling customers to access a network of user-powered WiFi hotspots. This collaboration, revealed on April 24, is seen as a significant advancement in Helium's mission to provide affordable and accessible connectivity. Helium operates a decentralized wireless network where individuals deploy low-power devices called Hotspots, functioning as miniature cell towers and offering wireless coverage in exchange for token-based rewards. Currently, Helium boasts over 93,500 active Hotspots, primarily in the United States. The partnership allows AT&T to leverage Helium's hotspot coverage via Passpoint integration, a WiFi authentication protocol that facilitates automatic and secure connections to participating hotspots. This integration enhances user connectivity, especially in areas with weak mobile signals, while allowing AT&T to expand its service footprint without the need for additional infrastructure. For Helium, this partnership increases the utility of its network and raises its profile among mainstream users. Additionally, AT&T gains access to real-time network quality metrics, providing valuable insights into performance across decentralized nodes, a level of transparency often lacking in traditional infrastructure models. This collaboration is a notable milestone for the DePIN movement, but it is not Helium's first engagement with the telecom sector. Previously, Helium partnered with Telefónica's Movistar in Mexico, integrating its network to support connectivity for over 2.3 million subscribers. Furthermore, Helium has been enhancing its technology stack to promote broader adoption, including a licensing program for hardware manufacturers. The launch of Helium Mobile's Zero Plan in February 2025, which offers free data and talk time by utilizing Helium's decentralized network alongside T-Mobile's 5G service, marks another significant step forward for the project.

Aleph.im, a prominent player in decentralized infrastructure, has officially rebranded as Aleph Cloud, marking a significant evolution in its service offerings. This transformation, announced on April 23, reflects the company's ambition to become a comprehensive decentralized cloud provider. The rebranding comes with an expanded product suite that includes decentralized compute, storage, virtual machines, and GPU resources, all aimed at supporting next-generation Web3 and AI applications. In conjunction with this rebrand, Aleph Cloud has introduced a $1 million startup accelerator program designed to assist Web3 builders and startups in moving away from centralized cloud services like AWS and Google Cloud, which currently dominate the blockchain infrastructure landscape. The newly launched accelerator program aims to provide essential resources such as compute credits, storage, and technical support across various ecosystems, including Ethereum, Base, Solana, BSC, and Avalanche. Jonathan Schemoul, CEO of Aleph Cloud, emphasized the importance of decentralization in blockchain applications, stating that reliance on centralized services poses risks. The program is structured to support early-stage developers by offering free access to cloud services for projects with a tangible product or proof of concept, thus fostering a thriving ecosystem of decentralized applications. Aleph Cloud’s strategy positions it as a competitor in the growing market for decentralized infrastructure, where it faces established players like Filecoin and Akash. Schemoul highlighted the platform's unique all-in-one design, which allows users to manage compute, storage, and hosting through a single interface. With a focus on compliance and data privacy, Aleph Cloud operates as a GDPR-compliant, chain-agnostic platform, ensuring that neither the company nor its node operators can access stored data. This commitment to decentralization and user privacy sets Aleph Cloud apart as it seeks to redefine the cloud services landscape for Web3 and AI developers.

Theta Labs, a prominent provider of decentralized cloud infrastructure, has partnered with the Houston Rockets to introduce an innovative AI-powered mascot named "ClutchBot." This digital mascot is designed to enhance fan engagement by providing real-time information about the team, including game schedules, ticket details, player statistics, and venue information. Fans can interact with ClutchBot through the official Houston Rockets website, asking questions like "When is the next game?" or "How many championships have the Rockets won?" The AI is trained on extensive Rockets and NBA data, ensuring accurate and timely responses. The collaboration between Theta Labs and the Houston Rockets aims to create a more immersive fan experience that transcends traditional engagement methods. By utilizing Theta's cutting-edge EdgeCloud technology, ClutchBot represents a significant advancement in how sports teams can maintain continuous, personalized interaction with their fans. This initiative not only enhances the digital experience for fans but also sets a new standard for fan engagement across professional sports, allowing supporters to feel more connected to their favorite teams. Scheduled to launch in the fall of 2025, ClutchBot will be accessible to fans worldwide, marking a pivotal moment in the intersection of sports and AI technology. As noted by Houston Rockets President Gretchen Sheirr, this partnership will enable the team to offer a more engaging and personalized experience through their digital platforms. With backing from industry giants and a robust decentralized infrastructure, Theta Labs continues to lead in the realm of AI and media, paving the way for future innovations in sports technology.

DIMO has recently announced an exciting update to its Developer Console, marking a significant evolution since its initial launch on August 8, 2024. This update, known as DIMO Build, not only refreshes the branding with a new visual identity but also enhances the user experience by providing greater freedom and flexibility for developers. The Console now features a user-centric design that aligns with future expansion projects, including webhooks and low-code tools, ensuring that developers can build with less distraction and more focus on their projects. One of the standout features of the new Console is the integration of social logins, which streamlines operations by consolidating login processes directly with DIMO Auth Servers. This update includes the addition of Apple logins, catering to users of the DIMO Mobile app. Furthermore, the login flow has been re-engineered to allow users to opt for email OTP login if they encounter compatibility issues with passkeys. This flexibility is aimed at reducing friction in the user experience, allowing developers to spend less time on signing transactions and more on building. In addition to these enhancements, DIMO has embraced decentralization by integrating developer license information directly into the Identity API, mapping it to on-chain data. This shift eliminates reliance on off-chain databases, promoting transparency and reducing discrepancies. The updated Console also introduces a comprehensive vehicle list feature, providing insights into license details, including on-chain vehicle IDs. To support developers further, DIMO has established a dedicated support pipeline, ensuring that developers can easily connect with the engineering team behind the Console. Overall, these updates signify DIMO's commitment to fostering a more open and efficient development environment in the decentralized space.