Protocol Village: XProtocol Unveils XForge as 'World's First Node-Operated DePIN Smartphone'

XProtocol, an entertainment-focused blockchain built on the U.S. crypto exchange Coinbase's Ethereum layer-2 network, Base, has unveiled what it says is "the world’s first node-operated DePIN smartphone."

XProtocol Unveils 'World's First Node-Operated DePIN Smartphone' on Coinbase's Base Chain

XProtocol, an entertainment-focused blockchain built on the U.S. crypto exchange Coinbase's Ethereum layer-2 network, Base, has unveiled a new Android device that functions as a fully operational blockchain node. According to the team, this marks "the world’s first node-operated DePIN smartphone." Users can participate in the DePIN network directly from their phone, earning rewards, airdrops and cryptocurrency incentives.

“XForge represents the next evolution in mobile devices, combining blockchain power with smartphone convenience. It’s a powerful tool for anyone interested in contributing to the decentralized economy and enjoying the benefits of Web3 technology,” said XProtocol in a blog post.

The device is said to be able to contribute to decentralized applications, such as video streaming, gaming and social media, while earning rewards for providing computing resources. It also includes a built-in cryptocurrency wallet, allowing users to securely store, send and receive digital assets.

“With XForge, users can join the decentralized revolution and support Web3 initiatives from the palm of their hand, earning rewards and shaping the future of the internet,” the post reads.

Oasys, Arbitrum Foundation Launch First Gaming-Focused Arbitrum Orbit Chain Beyond Ethereum

Gaming-focused layer-1 blockchain Oasys and layer-2 Uprising have teamed up to launch what they say is the first gaming-focused Arbitrum Orbit blockchain beyond Ethereum. According to the team, this marks "a major step in expanding the reach and capabilities of Web3 gaming."

“This collaboration combines the strengths of Uprising, a layer-2 gaming yield blockchain, and Oasys, a layer-1 gaming chain, to enhance Web3 gaming through Arbitrum Orbit technology,” the team said in a statement.

This marks the first deployment of Arbitrum Orbit for gaming outside of the Ethereum ecosystem, showcasing a shared vision for the future of blockchain gaming, they added.

“We are excited to be working with Uprising and the Arbitrum team to bring the next generation of Web3 games to life on Oasys. Together, we aim to create an unparalleled gaming experience for our community,” said Oasys CEO Daiki Moriyama in a statement.

Babylon Bitcoin Staking Protocol Forms Alliance With Asphere to Launch L2s From BTC Network

The Babylon Bitcoin staking protocol has entered a strategic alliance with Asphere, a scaling solution from the team behind Ankr, to empower developers with an end-to-end solution for launching innovative Bitcoin layer 2s, according to the team.

“This solution will allow developers to seamlessly deploy highly customizable L2s backed by the unparalleled security of the Bitcoin network,” reads a statement from the team.

This enables developers to tap into Bitcoin's vast liquidity, leverage BTC's $1 trillion market cap for ironclad security, and achieve extremely fast finality when building new use cases within the original blockchain ecosystem.

“We are excited to be working with Asphere to provide developers with the tools they need to build the next generation of Web3 applications on Bitcoin,” said Babylon founder and CEO Benzinga in a statement.

Nomic Brings Bitcoin-Backed 'nBTC' to Berachain, Enabling Direct BTC Deposits for L1 Token

Nomic DAO Foundation, supporting the Nomic Network, a blockchain powering a decentralized custody engine for Bitcoin, announced the launch of nBTC, a 1:1 bitcoin-backed token, on Berachain, an Ethereum-compatible layer-1 network.

The move follows Nomic’s recent Ethereum upgrade, which made nBTC natively available as an ERC-token on Ethereum, and capable of deployments to EVM-compatible chains, according to the team.

“This integration allows users to directly deposit BTC for nBTC, bringing Bitcoin’s substantial liquidity into Berachain’s ecosystem, which operates on a unique proof-of-liquidity consensus model,” reads a statement from the team.

This will enhance the capabilities of Bitcoin within Berachain’s growing ecosystem, offering developers the ability to integrate nBTC into DeFi protocols and to build BTC-backed applications without relying on centralized intermediaries.

ZKVerify, Hyperbridge Team Up to Deliver Cross-Chain ZK Proof Verification at Lower Costs

ZkVerify, a blockchain designed to provide zero-knowledge proof verifications, and Hyperbridge, a so-called coprocessor where verification operations are performed offchain and then the results securely reported back, have teamed up to deliver cross-chain zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) verification, cutting costs by over 90%, according to the team.

“While ZKVerify handles the computationally heavy proof verification off-chain, enhancing scalability, Hyperbridge makes verified proofs accessible across multiple blockchain networks, reducing gas fees,” reads a statement from the team.

This partnership tackles Ethereum's limitations and supports a broader range of cryptographic techniques, fostering innovation and cost-