Ethereum Layer 2 network, Coinbase-backed Base, has introduced three key innovations to improve blockchain scalability and usability

According to a Feb. 27 blog post, these tools—Flashblocks, Smart Wallet Sub Accounts, and Base Appchains—seek to simplify blockchain development while enhancing transaction efficiency.

Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN)-backed Ethereum Layer 2 network Base is introducing three key innovations to enhance blockchain scalability and usability.

These tools—Flashblocks for faster transactions, Smart Wallet Sub Accounts for simpler user experiences, and Base Appchains for increased throughput—are designed to expand the on-chain economy.

“Today, we’re unveiling three new building blocks that empower everyone to build onchain: Flashblocks to make Base faster, Base Appchains to help Base scale, and Smart Wallet Sub Accounts to make Base simpler to use,” said Base.

These updates further cement Base's position as the leading Ethereum Layer 2 network. Data from GrowThePie shows that it handles 4.61 million weekly active addresses, which accounts for over 50% of Layer 2 activity.

The network is also testing a technology called Flashblocks, which could make it ten times faster.

Flashblocks

Developed by Flashbots, Flashblocks are designed to reduce transaction processing time from two seconds to 200 milliseconds.

This technology could enable Base to operate twice as fast as Solana (CRYPTO: SOL), significantly improving both developer and user experience, according to Base lead developer Jesse Pollak.

“This architecture draws inspiration from innovations in block propagation and execution – such as Solana’s shreds and Celestia’s data squares – while introducing novel optimizations for the rollup context,” added Base.

The technology is currently being tested on Base’s Sepolia testnet. A mainnet launch is planned for Q2 2024.

Base Appchains

Base is unveiling Appchains, a Layer 3 (L3) scaling solution built on the OP Stack.

This tool is designed to support applications requiring high transaction throughput. Appchains provide developers with a more flexible environment by enabling configurable gas tokens, fee structures, and permission models.

The solution integrates directly with the Coinbase Developer Platform (CDP) and provides enterprise-grade infrastructure, including managed sequencers and dedicated blockspace.

Several applications, including Horizen, Metacade, and others, are already leveraging Base Appchains to support real-world privacy applications and meet the high demands of on-chain gamers.

Smart Wallet Sub Accounts

Smart Wallet Sub Accounts simplify how users manage their on-chain activity by allowing multiple wallets to function within a single interface.

This feature reduces unnecessary wallet pop-ups and enhances transaction security through granular spending limits. It also simplifies onboarding, as new accounts can be funded directly from a primary wallet while maintaining strict access controls.

Smart Wallet Sub Accounts are ready for integration on the network’s testnet and will be live on the mainnet in Q2.