Join Acurast's Ambassador Program: Shape the Future of Decentralized Cloud Technology

As technology continues to evolve, the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) is emerging as a transformative force in the realm of cloud computing. Built on blockchain technology, DePIN utilizes individual hardware devices, known as nodes, which can range from personal computers to IoT devices. This decentralized network eliminates the need for a centralized authority, enhancing security and transparency while outperforming traditional systems in efficiency and scalability. With the rise of AI applications, decentralized networks are becoming essential for managing data collection and processing, as highlighted by a recent CoinDesk report indicating that the market capitalization of DePIN tokens has exceeded $25 billion, driven by advancements in computing and AI sectors. Several projects exemplify the potential of DePIN technology. Akash, often referred to as the "Airbnb of cloud computing," connects sellers of excess computing resources with buyers, creating an open-source platform for cloud services. Meanwhile, io.net focuses on providing a decentralized GPU network for machine learning applications, boasting 83,000 GPUs and significant cost savings compared to traditional providers. Grass, another DePIN initiative, allows users to share their internet bandwidth in exchange for rewards, while Koii aims to democratize access to decentralized computing by enabling any device to participate in the network, thus broadening the scope of user involvement and reward opportunities. Despite the promising advancements, the DePIN market faces challenges in establishing a sustainable revenue model. Many projects rely on a dual-token system to balance supply and demand, akin to the Goldilocks problem of finding the right equilibrium. To foster growth, initiatives like Koii's EZSandbox are simplifying the onboarding process for developers, providing tools and resources to create and test decentralized applications. Collaborations, such as Koii's partnership with the Web3 search engine Adot, further enhance network efficiency and accessibility. As the reliance on cloud computing grows, DePIN platforms like Koii, Akash, and Grass are poised to reshape the landscape of decentralized computing, making it more accessible and cost-effective for users worldwide.

Beamable made a significant impact at GDC 2025, showcasing its commitment to decentralized gaming and innovative infrastructure. The event kicked off with an exclusive brunch that gathered industry leaders from major firms like A16z, Binance, and Meta. This gathering was not just a social event; it served as a platform for discussing the future of decentralized gaming and how Beamable's infrastructure can empower developers to create scalable and successful games. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as insights were exchanged, setting the stage for fruitful collaborations. Throughout the conference, Beamable's leadership took center stage at various summits, including the Beamable x Solana Developer Summit. CEO Jon Radoff and CTO Ali El Rhermoul presented on the advantages of decentralized infrastructure for live game operations, emphasizing how it can mitigate backend risks and enhance cost efficiency. Additionally, COO Trapper Markelz engaged developers with real-time demos at the Sui Gaming Summit, focusing on Web3 monetization strategies. These sessions highlighted the importance of adopting Web3-native solutions in today's gaming landscape. The networking opportunities at GDC 2025 were unparalleled, with Beamable hosting a lively happy hour that attracted a diverse crowd of developers and founders. The event fostered discussions about game development and backend tools, solidifying Beamable's role as a key player in the industry. With numerous meetings held throughout the week, Beamable connected with various studios and publishers, addressing their technical challenges and exploring partnership opportunities. As GDC 2025 concluded, Beamable remains committed to driving innovation in decentralized gaming and looks forward to continuing these conversations beyond the event.

Nubila is at the forefront of a decentralized initiative aimed at collecting and rewarding real-time environmental data through its innovative Marco Weather Station, aligning with the broader DePIN movement. Participants in Nubila's Get Goated Season 2 campaign who own a Marco device can now engage in a Dual Mining Campaign. This program enables users to mine $IOTX, the native token of the IoTeX ecosystem, while also accumulating Nubila Mining Points, thereby incentivizing the collection of valuable environmental data. To participate in the Dual Mining Campaign, users must meet specific eligibility requirements. Firstly, they need to own a Marco Weather Station and have it linked to the Nubila app, as the data collected from this device is essential for the mining process. Additionally, claiming the Nubila Get Goated Season 2 NFT, distributed via Galxe, is mandatory as it serves as an access pass for the dual mining activities. Once these prerequisites are fulfilled, participants can proceed to connect their wallets and verify their email addresses to confirm their ownership of the Marco device. After verification, users can stake their Marco NFT in the IoTeX reward pool to activate dual mining. The process is designed to be user-friendly, with no gas fees required for transactions on the IoTeX interface. Nubila aims to create a decentralized environmental data network, utilizing AI to deliver accurate insights for industries sensitive to weather changes. This initiative not only promotes climate change awareness but also encourages sustainability through incentivized IoT devices, paving the way for a more informed and responsive approach to environmental challenges.

The New Jersey Devils have introduced a groundbreaking AI chatbot named "Bott Stevens," aimed at enhancing digital fan engagement. This innovative chatbot is named after the legendary Devils player Scott Stevens and is powered by Theta EdgeCloud's decentralized AI infrastructure. Scheduled to launch during the 2024-25 NHL season, Bott Stevens will be accessible on the team's official website, providing fans with real-time information on game schedules, ticket sales, statistics, and merchandise. Utilizing Theta's Retrieval Augmented Generation technology, the chatbot will ensure data accuracy by sourcing information from official NHL channels, thereby minimizing the risk of misinformation from unverified sources. Bott Stevens boasts impressive computational capabilities, leveraging Theta EdgeCloud's network of over 30,000 edge nodes and distributed GPUs, which collectively offer more than 80 PetaFLOPS of processing power. This robust infrastructure is designed to handle peak demand, particularly during high-stakes events like playoffs or significant team announcements. In addition to answering fan inquiries, the chatbot will provide historical highlights, game recaps, venue information, and updates on team events. Future enhancements may include predictive analytics for fantasy sports and interactive tools to further engage fans. To promote Bott Stevens, the Devils plan to integrate its capabilities across multiple platforms, encouraging fan interaction and awareness. The chatbot will not only deliver statistics and schedules but also curated content that enriches the fan experience, such as historical highlights and information about upcoming events. Success metrics will include user engagement rates, accuracy of information, and feedback from fans, ensuring that Bott Stevens remains a valuable resource for the Devils' community. By focusing on continuous learning and personalized interactions, the team aims to differentiate Bott Stevens from other AI agents, creating a unique and engaging experience for fans.

Cryptocurrency exchange Gemini recently made headlines by organizing a record-breaking drone show that featured a massive Bitcoin logo, celebrating the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve initiative. The event took place on March 13 in Austin, Texas, where 1,000 drones were deployed to create the largest aerial display of a currency symbol, officially recognized by Guinness World Records. The show not only showcased the iconic Bitcoin logo but also included depictions of significant milestones in space exploration, such as a rocket launch and moon landing, emphasizing the theme of innovation in the financial landscape. Gemini's drone display was designed to provoke thought about the future of money, with the Bitcoin logo accompanied by the phrase, "Go where dollars won’t." This creative approach highlights the growing acceptance and significance of cryptocurrencies in the modern economy. Following the event, Gemini received a certificate for achieving the record for the largest aerial display of a currency symbol formed by multirotor drones, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of technology and finance. The Bitcoin logo itself has a rich history, evolving over the past 16 years through community feedback. Initially created by Satoshi Nakamoto, the logo has undergone several iterations, with the current version featuring a bright orange background and the iconic “₿” symbol. This evolution reflects the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency community and its adaptability to change. As Bitcoin continues to gain traction, events like Gemini's drone show serve to celebrate its legacy and future potential in reshaping the financial landscape.

Aethir, a decentralized cloud gaming infrastructure provider, has recently been highlighted in a case study by SuperScale, a leading expert in gaming user acquisition. The study delves into how Aethir's innovative cloud streaming technology can significantly enhance user acquisition strategies for gaming studios, offering a scalable alternative to traditional app store distribution. By leveraging web-based streaming, Aethir allows studios to bypass the high service fees associated with commercial app stores, which can take up to 30% of a game's revenue. This independent publishing model not only reduces costs but also improves user acquisition efficiency. The case study conducted by SuperScale involved a two-phase analysis focusing on Aethir's impact on user acquisition metrics, particularly conversion rates and return on ad spend (ROAS). In the first phase, the analysis of engagement methods such as “Stream Now,” “Instant Play,” and “Download” revealed that 43% more players preferred instant play over direct downloads. Furthermore, click-through rates increased by 35%, and conversion rates for the streaming option were found to be 45% higher than traditional methods. These findings underscore the effectiveness of Aethir's cloud streaming in attracting and retaining users. In the second phase, SuperScale measured early user engagement and ROAS, comparing behaviors between app store downloads and Aethir's Stream Now feature. The results were compelling, showing that 143% more users engaged with the Stream Now feature, with a 75% increase in day 7 ROAS. Additionally, average revenue per user grew by 93%, and session counts increased by 77%. Aethir's cloud streaming infrastructure presents significant potential for established publishers, live service games, and emerging markets, making it a vital tool for optimizing revenue models and enhancing user acquisition strategies in the gaming industry.