Latest Solana News

Beamable has successfully raised $13.5 million in a Series A funding round led by BITKRAFT Ventures, aimed at advancing the Beamable Network, a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) specifically designed for gaming. This significant investment is poised to transform the backend infrastructure for games, moving away from centralized hyperscalers towards a decentralized, community-driven model. The funding will enable Beamable to redefine how developers approach infrastructure, providing them with the tools needed to build more efficient and scalable gaming experiences. The Beamable Network is anticipated to rank among the top 10 DePIN projects globally upon its launch, fueled by the increasing demand from games that are already utilizing Beamable's innovative technology. By decentralizing essential resources such as computing power, storage, and network bandwidth, the network promises developers enhanced scalability, cost efficiency, and resilience. Furthermore, the establishment of the Beamable Foundation will facilitate open-source development and the creation of a tokenized protocol, offering developers a robust alternative to conventional cloud service providers. The funding round attracted notable investors including Arca, Advancit Capital, 2Punks, P2 Ventures, Solana Foundation, Scytale Digital, defy.vc, GrandBanks Capital, and Permit Ventures. Carlos Pereira, General Partner at BITKRAFT Ventures, highlighted the potential of Beamable to set a new standard for decentralized infrastructure in gaming. He noted that the combination of proven technology and the disruptive nature of DePIN presents a unique opportunity for game developers in both Web2 and Web3 environments. This funding will empower Beamable to continue delivering cutting-edge infrastructure solutions, paving the way for a new era in decentralized gaming.

IoTeX and GEODNET's Collaboration for GEO-PULSE x ioID IoTeX and GEODNET have launched a groundbreaking collaboration for GEO-PULSE x ioID, marking a significant milestone in the blockchain industry. The integration of ioID and W3bstream into GEODNET's new GEO-PULSE device brings verifiability to DePIN devices and kickstarts IoTeX's DePIN x AI data pool using real-world data. This collaboration sets a new standard for DePIN verifiability, offering users the opportunity to earn rewards in $GEOD and $IOTX tokens by completing quests and verifying location data. The collaboration has activated the end-to-end tech stack that powers the GEO-PULSE device, which is now being shipped to early adopters. Users can register their devices, complete driving quests, and share location data to earn tokens. The GEO-PULSE device, known for its high-precision lane-level positioning, collects valuable real-world information verified through IoTeX's technology stack, including ioID and W3bstream.

Wingbits Raises $5.6M to Revolutionize Rewards-Based Plane Tracking with DePIN Technology Wingbits, the Web 3.0 startup based in Stockholm, Sweden, has secured $5.6 million in funding led by Borderless Capital and Bullish Capital, with support from Spartan Group, Tribe Capital, Antler, SNZ, and Heartcore. This funding round brings Wingbits' total funding to $9.2 million as they introduce the first decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) for aviation. The company aims to become the largest airplane tracking network globally by implementing well-designed incentives and execution strategies, as stated by Álvaro Gracia, Partner at Borderless Capital. This recent funding follows a $3.5 million seed round just six months ago, supported by investors like Borderless Capital, Tribe Capital, and Antler. Co-founded by Robin Wingardh and Alex Lungu, Wingbits has experienced rapid growth, expanding its network at a rate six times faster than any previous flight tracking system. Alasdair Foster, CEO of Bullish Capital, expressed excitement about partnering with Wingbits, highlighting their disruptive approach to the flight tracking industry by utilizing blockchain to incentivize high-quality data supply.

Bybit has announced the upcoming listing of Network3 (N3) on its Spot trading platform, with a timeline set for deposits, trading, and withdrawals. N3 deposits will open on January 21, 2025, at 10 AM UTC, followed by the listing on January 22, 2025, at 8 AM UTC. Withdrawals will commence on January 23, 2025, at 10 AM UTC. Users will be able to trade N3 via Spot Grid Bots, and deposits and withdrawals will be facilitated through the Solana network, enhancing the trading experience for users. To celebrate the listing, Bybit is hosting two special events aimed at rewarding users. The first event, titled "Token Splash - New User Exclusive," runs from January 21 to February 5, 2025. New users who register and complete identity verification can earn from a prize pool of 2,800,000 N3 by depositing at least 2,000 N3 or trading 100 USDT worth of N3. The first 4,666 new users to meet these criteria will each receive 600 N3. The second event, also called "Token Splash," invites users to trade at least 200 USDT worth of N3 during the same period to share in a 1,200,000 N3 prize pool, with rewards capped at 16,000 N3 per user. Network3 is a pioneering technology focused on creating a decentralized edge AI infrastructure. It utilizes advanced technologies such as AI model optimization, federated learning, and edge computing to support global AI developers in enhancing their model inference and training processes. With over 570,000 active nodes across 188 countries and a download volume exceeding 50 million, Network3 is positioned as a leader in building a fair and efficient AI ecosystem. The upcoming listing on Bybit marks a significant milestone for both the platform and the N3 project, promising exciting opportunities for traders and investors alike.

Network3 is revolutionizing the decentralized Edge AI landscape by providing a robust infrastructure that empowers AI developers worldwide. This innovative platform leverages advanced technologies such as AI model optimization, federated learning, edge computing, and confidential computing to facilitate rapid and efficient model inference, training, and validation at scale. By moving beyond the constraints of centralized AI systems, Network3 is committed to creating a more equitable, efficient, and democratic AI ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders involved. Built on the IoTeX blockchain, Network3 utilizes IoTeX's DePIN modular infrastructure, which includes ioID and data verification modules, to ensure secure and transparent decentralized applications. This integration not only enhances the reliability of data exchange but also supports the growth of the DePIN ecosystem. Additionally, the introduction of the N3 Edge V1 mining machine allows participants to engage in $IOTX dual-mining, thereby expanding the network's global node user base. This collaboration with IoTeX provides a scalable and secure Edge AI solution, enabling developers to innovate confidently while maintaining data integrity. The highly anticipated $N3 token will be launched on January 22 at 8:00 AM (UTC) during its Token Generation Event (TGE). The smart contract for the $N3 token will be deployed on Ethereum, with simultaneous launches on IoTeX and Solana chains to enhance accessibility and scalability. This multi-chain strategy promotes interoperability, allowing users from different ecosystems to connect and contribute to Network3's growth. To celebrate this launch, Network3 is also conducting a community airdrop of 50 million $N3 tokens, aimed at rewarding early supporters and encouraging active participation within the ecosystem.

In the first half of January 2024, Solana experienced a turbulent period, slipping nearly 4% before a sharp recovery following the release of the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which showed a 2.9% inflation rate. This slip was largely attributed to a broader crypto market malaise, influenced by Bitcoin's volatility, which saw prices briefly dip below $90,000 before rebounding. Despite this, Solana's decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem remains robust, with a total value locked (TVL) of approximately $8.7 billion, solidifying its position as the second-largest DeFi network, even as its TVL experienced a slight decline. The Solana ecosystem faced additional challenges as Mango Markets, a decentralized exchange (DEX) operating on the network, announced its shutdown following a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This closure highlights ongoing regulatory pressures within the crypto space. On a more positive note, institutional interest in Solana-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is growing, with projections suggesting that these could attract up to $5.2 billion in their first year. Furthermore, the launch of Nosana's GPU marketplace aims to democratize access to AI computational power, showcasing Solana's commitment to innovation. Amidst these developments, the Solana meme coin market has seen significant activity, including a notable incident where a trader spent $200,000 in fees to acquire a meme coin, only to incur substantial losses. Additionally, a hack of Litecoin's X account was reported, which scammers exploited to promote a fraudulent Solana-based token. As the market continues to evolve, traders are advised to remain vigilant against scams and verify token sources to protect their investments. Overall, while Solana faces headwinds, its ecosystem's resilience and growth potential remain evident.

In a recent podcast, Colin Wu, founder of WuSay, and EO Hao, CEO of Future Money Group, engaged in a deep discussion about the evolution of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) and its integration with real-world applications. They explored the historical context of DePIN, its investment rationale, and its synergy with hardware and AI. The conversation highlighted the influence of ecosystems like Ethereum and Solana on DePIN, as well as the impact of varying cultural backgrounds among participants in shaping the future of this domain. They also touched on the evolving regulatory landscape in the U.S. and its potential to foster Web3 and DePIN, alongside opportunities for real-world assets (RWA) and hardware mining to converge with blockchain technology. EO Hao shared his journey into the cryptocurrency space, starting from traditional finance and moving into fintech before establishing Future Money Group. He emphasized the importance of real-world applications, particularly in DePIN and RWA, which have been the focus of their investments for several years. The discussion also delved into the significance of Solana's ecosystem in promoting DePIN, with EO noting that their early investment in Solana was pivotal in their understanding of the DePIN concept. Both speakers acknowledged the historical roots of DePIN, tracing back to Bitcoin and earlier projects like Helium and Filecoin, while also recognizing the current trend toward AI-driven applications. The podcast concluded with a discussion on the future of DePIN and its potential to reshape the cryptocurrency landscape. EO expressed optimism about the integration of AI and blockchain, particularly in areas like computing power markets and data collection. He noted that the U.S. regulatory environment is becoming more favorable for crypto and DePIN projects, which could lead to greater public participation and practical applications. As the industry evolves, the focus is shifting towards projects that offer tangible benefits to society, moving away from speculative tendencies and towards sustainable growth in the blockchain ecosystem.

Pulse, a health data platform, is expanding its reach beyond blockchain borders to address the fragmented nature of health data ownership. The core thesis of Pulse emphasizes that technology should serve the product, allowing users to benefit from true data ownership without needing to understand the underlying blockchain technology. Initially rooted in the Solana ecosystem, Pulse has found synergy with the Monad community, recognizing the compatibility between crypto culture and health culture. This realization has fueled their ambition to create a comprehensive health ecosystem where users can truly own their data and be rewarded for healthy habits. The challenges that Pulse aims to tackle, such as fragmented health data and the lack of rewards for healthy behaviors, are universal issues that extend beyond the crypto community. By adopting an omnichain strategy, starting with Movement and Berachain, Pulse seeks to leverage the unique strengths of each blockchain while maintaining a consistent user experience. This approach ensures that users can interact with their health data seamlessly, regardless of the blockchain they choose. Pulse is designed for everyone, from casual users to dedicated athletes, aiming to empower individuals in their health journeys. Looking ahead, Pulse plans to launch on additional chains, introduce new features that bridge web2 and web3 health experiences, and integrate AI agents to enhance user engagement. The vision is to create an open health network that democratizes health data ownership, making it accessible and beneficial for all. As Pulse expands, it remains committed to its early community members, ensuring that no one is left behind in this mission to revolutionize health data management. The future of health data is poised to be open, connected, and user-controlled, with Pulse leading the charge.

Solana has recently unveiled Roam, a decentralized WiFi network that aims to revolutionize global connectivity. The project, as announced on Solana's social media, intends to integrate over 1 million WiFi hotspots into a secure global network. Users will be rewarded for their contributions, creating an incentive-driven ecosystem. This initiative reflects Solana's commitment to enhancing connectivity through innovative solutions in the Decentralized Wireless (DeWi) space, utilizing Open Roaming protocols to ensure secure and reliable access to the internet. Roam is designed to provide seamless connectivity while allowing users to earn rewards through daily check-ins and staking Roam Tokens (ROAM). Key features of the platform include Roam Miner, which enhances user rewards and offers crypto mining capabilities, and a daily check-in system that allows users to accumulate Roam Points. These points can be staked to earn $ROAM tokens, creating a self-sustaining network focused on security and efficiency. This launch adds to Solana's portfolio of innovations, including the recent introduction of the Seeker Phone, aimed at Web3 users. Despite the ambitious nature of Roam, the market response has been cautious, with Solana's native token, SOL, experiencing only a modest price increase following the announcement. Critics argue that some of Solana's innovations may be ahead of their time, facing challenges in market readiness and development costs. As Solana continues to innovate with projects like Roam, its ability to balance cutting-edge technology with practical applications will be essential for long-term success in the blockchain space.

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a significant surge in activity, particularly with the introduction of Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot ETFs. Major financial players like BlackRock, VanEck, and Fidelity are injecting substantial liquidity into the market, which has shown resilience despite challenges faced in 2024. Nate Geraci, co-founder of the ETF Store and the ETF Institute, emphasizes the growing interest in digital assets and predicts a bright future for crypto ETFs. He highlights that these financial products provide investors with easier access to complex markets, enhancing their investment portfolios. As we look ahead to 2025, Geraci forecasts a positive trajectory for crypto ETFs, driven by shifting political trends and potential leadership changes at the SEC. With pro-crypto figures like Paul Atkins likely to succeed Gary Gensler, the landscape for crypto ETFs could become more favorable. Geraci anticipates the launch of an Ethereum Spot ETF that includes staking, which could reignite interest in Ethereum. Additionally, he predicts that crypto index ETFs from Bitwise and Grayscale will gain approval, expanding the range of financial products available in the sector. The integration of traditional finance with decentralized finance is also noteworthy, as seen with the emergence of crypto indices like the Meme Index, catering to various investor profiles. Geraci suggests that Vanguard may reconsider its stance on crypto ETFs in 2025, potentially capitalizing on market opportunities. Furthermore, he predicts the approval of Solana and XRP Spot ETFs, fueled by optimism surrounding regulatory developments. As the regulatory environment evolves, particularly with Donald Trump’s anticipated presidency, the U.S. could solidify its position as a global cryptocurrency hub, making 2025 a pivotal year for crypto ETFs.