Latest DePIN News

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.

In September 2024, Bistroo achieved significant milestones, notably launching a partnership with IoTex and initiating the Bistroo Super Community Campaign. This collaboration aims to enhance the ecosystem by leveraging resources from partner projects, which will ultimately reward all contributors. The month also marked a remarkable growth in user engagement, with 6,304 first-time users placing orders, reflecting a 228% increase year-on-year. Furthermore, Bistroo surpassed 100,000 active users and saw a 402% rise in new user accounts, indicating a robust expansion in its customer base. The marketing efforts in September were centered around partnerships and community engagement, coinciding with Bistroo's 5th anniversary. The launch of the Bistroo Super Community Campaign involved collaboration with ten projects to promote growth within the crypto space. Additionally, Bistroo unveiled a revamped website and litepaper, aligning with its current and future objectives. The partnership with IoTex is expected to bolster Bistroo's capabilities and enhance its service offerings, further solidifying its position in the market. On the development front, Bistroo rolled out several updates to improve user experience for both merchants and customers. Enhancements included a streamlined merchant portal, improved mobile interfaces, and new features such as the 'as soon as possible' delivery option. These updates are designed to optimize the ordering process and improve feedback mechanisms for restaurants. With these advancements, Bistroo continues to position itself as a leading SaaS infrastructure for restaurants, offering lower fees and instant payouts, while enabling both customers and merchants to earn rewards within the BIST ecosystem.

Filecoin's ecosystem is witnessing significant growth, with over 60 teams actively developing innovative solutions across various sectors, including decentralized storage, artificial intelligence (AI), Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), and Web3 infrastructure. This expansion is not only enhancing the capabilities of Filecoin but also contributing to the broader evolution of Web3. The diverse projects being undertaken aim to transform data storage and digital infrastructure, positioning Filecoin as a key player in the decentralized sector. A notable advancement in this ecosystem is the Filecoin Virtual Machine (FVM), which enhances the functionality of smart contracts and programmable storage. This new capability is particularly beneficial for the AI and DePIN industries, where the demand for scalable solutions is growing. By allowing developers to create distributed applications that seamlessly integrate with Filecoin’s storage features, FVM is pushing the boundaries of decentralized computing. Additionally, the recent Fast Finality (F3) upgrade has drastically reduced the finalization time from 7.5 hours to just a few minutes, significantly improving the network's efficiency and responsiveness. Moreover, Filecoin's collaboration with Aethir addresses the critical issue of GPU resource scarcity in Web3. This partnership is expected to enhance Filecoin’s GPU power, thereby improving data processing capabilities and distributed storage strength. As a result, Filecoin is likely to gain a competitive edge in the AI and Web3 ecosystems. Currently, Filecoin's native token, FIL, is trading at $3.69, reflecting a 5.03% increase over the past week, bringing its market cap closer to $2.2 billion. These developments indicate a promising future for Filecoin as it continues to innovate and expand its offerings in the decentralized landscape.

The Future Blockchain Summit 2024 marked a pivotal moment for DRIFE, as the company showcased its vision for decentralized transportation and sustainable technology. The event was filled with innovation and collaboration, highlighting the transformative potential of blockchain in the mobility sector. Firdosh Shaikh, the Founder of DRIFE, delivered an insightful session on decentralized mobility, emphasizing how sustainable technology is reshaping the blockchain ecosystem. His discussion, moderated by Ivan Mehta from TechCrunch, explored the future of mobility and the integration of blockchain into urban transportation, demonstrating how it can empower both riders and drivers by eliminating intermediaries. DRIFE's participation included a demonstration of its decentralized ride-hailing platform, which aims to create a community-powered system that enhances transparency and increases earnings for drivers. Attendees experienced firsthand how DRIFE utilizes blockchain technology to offer more cost-effective and secure rides. Throughout the event, the DRIFE team engaged with industry leaders from the web3 and mobility sectors, discussing potential partnerships and innovations in decentralized technology. These conversations underscored the importance of collaboration in driving blockchain adoption in the mobility sector, leading to several promising opportunities. The summit also facilitated networking with various stakeholders, including blockchain startups, investors, and policymakers, paving the way for future collaborations that will enhance blockchain-powered transportation. DRIFE's immersive booth attracted numerous visitors eager to learn about its ride-hailing solutions, while over 500 DRIFE cars provided seamless transportation throughout Dubai during the event. The partnership with Crypto Oasis UAE for the Web3Fest Kickoff Night further showcased DRIFE's commitment to decentralized mobility, offering discounted rides to attendees. As DRIFE continues to push the boundaries of decentralized transportation, it expresses gratitude to the Future Blockchain Summit organizers and looks forward to future innovations in urban mobility.

**Regulators Acknowledge Benefits of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN)** Regulators have recognized the unique advantages brought by decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), as stated by Greg Osuri, the founder of Akash, a DePIN protocol. Osuri aims to persuade regulators that DePIN should be supervised differently from other crypto sectors. A recent meeting with a key staffer from the U.S. House committee overseeing commerce and trade was described as 'productive' by Osuri. Akash and competitor InFlux Technologies have joined forces to establish a DePIN and Web3 advocacy group to create a regulatory framework for the sector. Advocates of DePIN emphasize the real-world value these projects offer by granting users control over physical infrastructure networks using blockchain technology. Alvaro Garcia from Borderless Capital highlighted that DePIN projects stand out from traditional crypto ventures as their value is derived from outside the crypto sector. Osuri echoed this sentiment, mentioning that regulators are taking notice of DePIN's disruptive potential in mainstream markets. VCs like Borderless Capital have shown interest in DePIN, with a recent $100 million fund dedicated to the sector, investing in projects like Helium and GEODNET. Osuri argues for a distinct regulatory approach for DePIN compared to sectors like DeFi. Akash and InFlux Technologies have formed an advocacy group to educate regulators on the unique value proposition of DePIN. Osuri stressed the importance of differentiating DePIN from other crypto sectors in regulatory discussions to ensure lawmakers understand its distinct characteristics and benefits. Despite utilizing crypto features, Osuri believes that emphasizing the advantages of DePIN is more crucial than focusing on the 'crypto' aspect.

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.

The IoTeX ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, particularly in the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) sector. With the launch of IoTeX 2.0, the platform has introduced a sophisticated tech stack that has attracted 218 projects, including 51 dedicated to DePIN. This surge in activity is underscored by the impressive DePINscan, which now tracks over 280 projects and 18 million devices. The upcoming Get GOATed Season 2 campaign promises to further energize the ecosystem with 100 million $IOTX incentives, marking a pivotal moment for IoTeX and its vision to become the leading DePIN ecosystem in the crypto space. IoTeX is now recognized as the third-largest DePIN ecosystem, trailing only Ethereum and Solana. The platform's commitment to supporting its projects through initiatives like the DePIN Surf Accelerator and the IoTeX Ecosystem Fund has fostered significant advancements in the sector. Notable projects such as Network3, Nubila, and Wayru are making headlines with their innovative approaches and successful fundraising efforts. For instance, Network3 has raised $5.5 million and is set to launch its $N3 token soon, while Nubila has secured $2.5 million to enhance its environmental data collection capabilities. Looking ahead, IoTeX is not only focused on nurturing its internal projects but is also expanding its influence across other Layer 1 networks. Recent integrations with platforms like Solana and Polygon are designed to enhance cross-chain liquidity and broaden the reach of DePIN capabilities. As the ecosystem gears up for major product launches, including ioID and W3bstream, the excitement surrounding IoTeX continues to build. With a robust roadmap ahead, IoTeX is poised to solidify its position as a key player in the DePIN landscape, driving innovation and collaboration across the crypto universe.

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.

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.

A prominent crypto trader has made a bold prediction regarding three altcoins that could potentially outshine Ethereum (ETH) in the long run. These altcoins—Binance Coin (BNB), Rexas Finance (RXS), and Bittensor (TAO)—are noted for their unique innovations and growth potential in the evolving blockchain landscape. Binance Coin, which powers the Binance ecosystem, has seen a 16% increase over the past month and is currently trading within a consolidation zone. Analysts suggest that if market trends continue, BNB could experience a breakout, potentially reaching $1,076, with historical patterns indicating it might even surpass the $2,000 mark during the next bull run. Additionally, a significant net inflow into the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) highlights a growing preference for its lower transaction costs compared to Ethereum, positioning BNB as a formidable competitor for long-term dominance. Rexas Finance (RXS) is emerging as an exciting player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, focusing on the tokenization of real-world assets. This innovative platform allows users to invest in previously illiquid assets such as real estate and art, attracting a diverse range of investors. The ongoing presale of RXS has already raised over $2.81 million, with analysts predicting a potential price increase to $12 by 2025. Rexas Finance also offers tools for users to create and deploy tokens easily, alongside a launchpad for decentralized token sales. By bridging traditional and digital finance, Rexas Finance is poised for long-term success, tapping into a market valued at over $500 trillion. Bittensor (TAO) has gained significant attention in the AI token market, experiencing a remarkable 164% surge in the last month. Its integration into Grayscale's Decentralized AI Fund and rising trading volumes indicate strong investor interest. Bittensor's focus on decentralized machine learning models positions it as a key player in the growing demand for AI solutions. With a market capitalization of $4.7 billion and a trading price nearing its all-time high, analysts believe TAO may continue to outperform Ethereum and other altcoins. Each of these altcoins—BNB, RXS, and TAO—represents a unique opportunity for investors seeking high-growth prospects in the blockchain space, potentially challenging Ethereum's dominance in the near future.