gm, readers.
At Automata we work on protecting privacy and fairness. And in this newsletter, we find more reasons to talk about it. Explore headlines and catch up on the biggest crypto news in Web3 privacy.
This week:
-
Parallel Network launches as the first omnichain Layer 2 blockchain built on top of Arbitrum Orbit
-
Blast surpasses $1.1 billion in deposits over a month ahead of its scheduled launch
-
IOTA's ShimmerEVM bolsters cross-chain capabilities with LayerZero's technology
-
Particle Network introduces an Account Abstraction Protocol for Bitcoin
-
Orbit Chain’s bridge suffers a reported $81.5 million hack
Op-Ed:
-
Vitalik Buterin updates Ethereum roadmap for 2024 with minor changes
-
OKX to delist multiple altcoins, including privacy coins Monero, Zcash, and Dash
-
Steamboat Willie NFT tops OpenSea charts as it enters public domain
-
Etherscan acquires Solscan to expand blockchain data services
Zooming into ZK:
-
zkSync outpaces Ethereum in monthly transaction volume, propelled by inscription activity
-
Mina plans to introduce fully ZK-enabled smart contracts on the mainnet in 2024
We dive into the details, so you don’t have to:
Particle Network, self-described as the "intent-centric modular access layer of Web3," has introduced BTC Connect, the first account abstraction protocol for Bitcoin. As an EVM-compatible protocol, BTC Connect leverages ERC-4337 design and Layer-2 EVM-compatible chains to offer features like Smart Accounts, Paymaster, Bundler, and a Bitcoin-specific Modal. The protocol aims to simplify building applications on Bitcoin by integrating existing BTC wallets with Layer-2 smart contracts.
https://twitter.com/particlentwrk/status/1738050121731101068?s=46
Following the latest Berkeley upgrade, Mina, a lightweight blockchain specializing in zero-knowledge proofs, wants to introduce fully ZK-enabled smart contracts on the mainnet in 2024. Mina's design aims to foster compatibility and collaboration with other Layer 1 chains, aiming to create a more interconnected Web3 ecosystem. Some initiatives Mina has accomplished include offering a TypeScript library which has facilitated the creation of many zkApps on its platform.
https://twitter.com/o1_labs/status/1742631362367193385
Parallel Network has announced its upcoming launch as the first chain within Arbitrum Orbit, a platform by Arbitrum that allows developers to create application-specific blockchains. It addresses key challenges in the current Layer 2 blockchain environment, such as bridging inefficiencies, liquidity fragmentation, and multi-wallet complexities. Parallel Network's core feature is its unified multi-chain margin accounts, enabling a singular wallet for all chains. This innovation aims to streamline liquidity management across different chains into a single, user-friendly platform. The network will also feature Parallel's DeFi and NFT super app, offering services like trading, staking, and lending with advanced features for privacy and security.
https://twitter.com/ParallelFi/status/1740584281217651036
Connect with Automata on both X (Twitter) and Discord.
This newsletter is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice or interpreted as investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are volatile assets and you should always do your own research before making any informed decisions when investing or trading.