ETHEREUM
Ethereum is an open-source decentralized platform that introduced the concept of smart contracts into the blockchain space. Through these smart contracts, developers using the Ethereum network are able to create their own decentralized apps and tokens.
Circle Introduces Gas Station and Smart Contract Platform to Streamline Web3 Development
Circle announces new Web3 services—Gas Station and Smart Contract Platform—to simplify blockchain development and lower costs. These user-centric solutions aim to accelerate the mass adoption of blockchain technologies.
Scroll Launches zkEVM Mainnet
Scroll unveils its zkEVM mainnet on October 17, enhancing Ethereum’s scalability and developer engagement. Employing zero knowledge proofs, it boosts transaction speeds and reduces costs, promising a near-identical Ethereum experience, without compromising security or decentralization. The launch follows extensive testing, with notable contributions to Ethereum Foundation’s Privacy and Scaling Explorations. The initiative eyes global developer adoption, advancing Ethereum’s Layer 2 solutions.
Reddit to Discontinue Blockchain-Based Community Points Program
Reddit is discontinuing its blockchain-based Community Points program due to scalability issues, moving towards more scalable rewards programs. Despite initial promise, high transaction fees and bandwidth limitations on Ethereum led to a transition to Arbitrum Nova in 2022. However, scaling challenges persisted, prompting the phase-out by early November 2021. The termination caused a significant drop in associated token values. Reddit now focuses on other community incentive programs like the Moderator Rewards Program and the Contributor Program.
WeStreet Credit Union Opens Public Access to Cryptocurrency Trading Portal
WeStreet Credit Union has introduced a Crypto Portal, offering a secure platform for buying, selling, and holding cryptocurrencies. Initially a members-only feature since August 2023, it opened to the public in October. Partnering with a Qualified Crypto Custodian, WeStreet provides a regulated, audited platform for cryptocurrency transactions, bridging the gap between traditional banking and the digital currency sphere.
Fantom Foundation Wallets Compromised in Suspected Chrome Exploit
Fantom Foundation's wallets were reportedly compromised with a suspected Google Chrome zero-day exploit. While the breach resulted in a loss of $550K from the Foundation's funds, over 99% of their assets remain secure. The attacker demonstrated expertise in the DeFi ecosystem, with total gains estimated at $6.7 million.
Mastercard Unveils Interoperable CBDC in Australia
Mastercard, in association with the RBA and DFCRC, has demonstrated a groundbreaking interoperable CBDC solution to enhance Web3 commerce in Australia and beyond. The live demonstration showcased a pilot CBDC holder purchasing an NFT on Ethereum, utilizing Mastercard’s Multi Token Network, emphasizing the potential of blockchain interoperability in fostering secure and efficient digital commerce.
Ethereum Devs Discuss Dencun Upgrade and EVM Object Format
The ACDE Call #172 saw Ethereum developers discussing the Dencun testing progress and the debated EOF proposal amidst concerns over its complexity and timing. The discussions reflect a cautious approach towards substantial protocol upgrades, ensuring Ethereum's evolution considers both immediate and long-term implications.
Polygon Co-Founder Proposes zk-Powered ApeChain
A proposal for developing a dedicated Layer-2 chain, ApeChain, to support ApeCoin ecosystem’s growth was made within the ApeCoin DAO community by Sandeep Nailwal of Polygon Labs. The initiative aims to solve scalability issues and promote ApeCoin-integrated projects through a collaborative effort between ApeCoin DAO and Polygon Labs. Estimated at an annual cost of $200,000 funded by ApeCoin DAO, the proposal garnered support as well as raised concerns and queries from the community regarding its financial, technical, and strategic aspects.
Circle Launches Native USDC on Polygon
Circle has natively integrated USDC on the Polygon PoS network, enabling direct access for users and developers. This move phases out the need for bridged USDC.e, providing a more stable and straightforward means for transactions on the network. The development is anticipated to foster numerous use cases, enhancing the overall ecosystem.
Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin Proposes Tweaks to Improve Decentralization and Reduce Consensus Overhead
Vitalik Buterin, the founder of Ethereum, has proposed changes to the network's staking model aimed at improving decentralization and reducing the consensus layer's computational burden. The proposal includes the introduction of a two-tiered staking system involving node operators and delegators. Buterin suggests that these changes could significantly reduce the number of signatures required for consensus, thereby making it easier for more people to participate in the network's validation process.
Polygon 2.0 Takes Major Step with POL Contracts on Goerli Testnet
Polygon is closing in on the launch of its 2.0 version with the deployment of POL contracts on the Goerli testnet. This significant development is a result of community consultations and the introduction of two new Polygon Improvement Proposals (PIPs), PIP-24 and PIP-25. These PIPs aim to modify the EIP-1559 burn system and adjust the POL token supply.
Solana Co-founder Labels Ethereum 'Bourgeois Digital Tyranny
Solana Labs Co-founder, Anatoly Yakovenko, defended the Solana network's accessibility during a Twitter debate from 1st to 2nd October 2023, responding to criticisms regarding the cost of running nodes. Yakovenko contrasted Solana with Ethereum, advocating for negligible costs in state creation to promote true decentralization, despite rebuttals highlighting Solana's high node operation costs favoring corporations.
Ethereum's Layer 2s Break New Ground in Scalability
Ethereum has seen a 22% rise in value as of September 2023, largely attributed to the emergence of Layer 2 solutions like BASE by Coinbase, which enhance scalability and user affordability on the network. Leading Layer 2 blockchains, Optimism and Arbitrum, have surpassed major Layer 1 blockchains in Total Value Locked, indicating a growing trust and utilization in the Ethereum ecosystem. Despite centralization concerns, the progressive strides in Layer 2 solutions are poised to bolster Ethereum's standing as a dominant smart contract blockchain.
Ethereum Layer 2s Surpass Prominent Layer 1s in Total Value Locked
The surge of Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum, Optimism, and BASE, overtaking Layer 1 blockchains Solana and Avalanche in terms of Total Value Locked (TVL) as of September 25, 2023, highlights the pivotal role of Layer 2s in augmenting the scalability and transactional efficiency of the Ethereum network. The data underscores a growing preference for Layer 2 solutions, demonstrating their potential in enhancing the blockchain technology landscape.
Ethereum's ACDE 171 Paves Way for Devnet Launches and Private ETH Transfers
The Ethereum developer community discussed various updates in the 171st ACDE meeting held on September 28, 2023. Key topics included the launch of Dencun devnets, EIP-4788 contract bytecode audits, the re-launch of Holesky, a new proposal for private ETH transfers (EIP-7503), and a small amendment to EIP-6780 concerning the SELFDESTRUCT operation. These discussions indicate a proactive approach towards enhancing Ethereum's network ahead of the next ACDE meeting on October 12.