In recent months, weâve seen a surge in initiatives highlighting the immense talent within the Tezos artist community. Earlier this year, we started a weekly space on X called âArtz Fridayâ, along with a âGem of the Weekâ thread. We also recently launched the ARTicle of the Month to recognize standout creators. However, there is far too much talent in our community to spotlight everyone, so today, we want to acknowledge the amazing community-led efforts shining a light on Tezos artists (if I missed you, my apologies, I will try to incorporate you in the next series). Thank you to everyone contributing to this digital art movement. Letâs take a moment to celebrate those building up and spotlighting the artists of Tezos.
PaulWhoIsAGhost & #TIAR (This Is AÂ Raid)
#TIAR is a Tezos-based initiative focused on collective action to uplift under-recognized artists. What makes this movement special is its emphasis on community-driven participation, emotional investment in the artists, and long-term engagement. Raids are spontaneous, democratic events that bring together a network of collectors who genuinely care about the artists and their growth. The ultimate goal is to build something lasting that ensures the community can continue to amplify artistsâ voices, allowing them to focus on creating their work.
Paulwhoisaghost is a force within the Tezos Community, so be sure to wish him a happy birthday (even though it was weeks ago). Itâs becoming a little inside joke that you are invited to join. While doing so be sure to follow him and check out his numerous popular ghost projects, bringing the community together more and more. Ask him about the âWTF Is A Green Roomâ if you wish to be invited to a wild DM group full of Tezos community members.
First Rain & LMTGT (Letâs Make Tezos Great Together)
The Letâs Make Tezos Great Together initiative, started by First Rain, is about turning words into action. It unites members of the Tezos community and helps organize and drive positive change. Collaboration is at its core, with a central Discord hub for brainstorming and an active X account. This initiative calls for teamwork, with plans to expand tools for organizing, including platforms like Trello and Notion.
First Rain is a photographer, writer, music lover, and OG Tezos Community all-star. Check out her linktree to discover numerous artworks, writings, and more. Tezos Commons also featured First Rain in a past âGem of The Weekâ thread which can be found here.
The Night Train (WX8BK) Continues To Feature Tezos Artists
The Night Train airs every Tuesday night, hosted by Bits (@amossguido) and 1WheelWilly (@umbcrew). The space highlights artists in the Tezos community, giving them a stage to share their work. Originally dedicated to the WagmiWines project, the space pivoted during the bear market to focus on community support, becoming a consistent platform for artists to share their stories and connect with collectors ever since. Tune in every Tuesday night for casual yet educational good times with some of the friendliest people on the internet.
Bits also contributed to various projects including volunteer co-hosting for the TezCon event in Seattle for TezTones and serving as MC during panels. Night Train Co-Host Willy even donated a case of wine to the TezCon Event. They can also be found frequenting other community spaces, and adding to a vast collection of Tezos NFTs.
From Recent X Post with Link To Photo Gallery of Tezos Realm Event. TzApac with Tezos Realm and Seasonal Artist Spotlights Through TzApex
Another successful season of TzApex by TzApac has wrapped up, with rewards now distributed to participants. TzApac continues to be a pillar of support for Tezos artists, offering platforms for talent across the community. From showcasing musicians like @agoriamusic at the Tezos Realm event to featuring artist collaborations as rewards for TzApex missions, TzApacâs future is bright, with more artist spotlights to come. Check out their X account and turn on notifications so you donât miss the next season or events. You can also find an article about Tz Apex by TzApac here.
Brazilian Artists Are Back on X
A few weeks ago, Tezos Commons published an article on X and Medium highlighting Brazilian artists in response to the social media ban. You can read that article here. We also noted other initiatives that were helping to spotlight Brazilian creators during that time. Weâre thrilled that the ban has been lifted, and our Brazilian community members are back on X. Letâs continue supporting these talented artists as they bring their rich, diverse culture to the forefront and remind everyone why Tezos is the digital commonwealth. Congratulations to our Brazilian Tezos artists on regaining access!
Objkt.com Front Page Highlights, Daily Curations, and Galleries Coming Soon
In a recent Tuesday Tezday Space community call, Wise Sigma Toad from the Objkt team shared exciting updates, including plans for upcoming galleries and other features. Objkt continues to solidify its role as a key player in the Tezos ecosystem, with a dedicated team of curators, developers, and community managers. The platform is known for its thoughtful and inclusive homepage features, daily curations by the community, and a referral program that allows artists and collectors to benefit from promoting Tezos art. If you feel an artist isnât getting the recognition they deserve, remember that anyone can curate on Objkt, helping to share and support the artists they love. To curate a gallery and support your favorite artists, fill out the template on Objkt here, and begin selecting artworks you wish to showcase. For a further tutorial, we published an article covering the curation feature during the Share4Tez event, which can be found here.
Each of These Initiatives Showcases The Heart of The Tezos Community
Supporting and elevating one another, from spontaneous raids to long-term collaboration and dedicated artist spotlights, the Tezos ecosystem thrives on its collective creativity and passion. Together, we continue to build a space where artists and builders can flourish, and the future looks brighter with each contribution from the community.
Community Spotlights of Tezos Artists was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Welcome to this weekâs edition of The Baking Sheet! We're excited to bring you the latest updates from across the Tezos ecosystem as we continue to explore new developments, proposals, and community insights. Buckle up, Tezos enthusiastsâitâs been an eventful week!
In our last edition, we covered the exciting momentum behind the Qena proposal. However, while Qena made it through the exploration phase, it just fell short of the required 80% supermajority to advance to the next phase. It garnered a commendable 77.34% supermajority and exceeded the required quorum, with over 63% participation from bakersâwell above the necessary 51.7% threshold. But since it didnât hit that critical supermajority mark, Tezos' governance process reset to the proposal phase.
Now, we're back in action with Nomadic Labs, Functori, and Trilitech wasting no time in introducing the latest Quebec proposal, Quebec v2. This fresh proposal takes the foundational ideas of Quebec B and introduces a key adjustment requested by bakers: raising the limit for external staking from 5x to 9x. But thatâs not all. Hereâs a quick breakdown of what the Quebec v2 proposal brings to the table:
Quebec v2 Features:
8-Second Block Time: Building on the success of the 10-second block time, Quebec v2 reduces it even further to 8 seconds, bringing us closer to a low-latency future.
Adaptive Maximum Issuance: Modifies the adaptive issuance mechanism to prevent excessive tez issuance when the staked ratio hovers just below the target.
Reduction in Delegated Funds Weight: Adjusts the baking power calculation so that delegated funds count for only 33% of their nominal value (down from 50%).
Amended Computation of Delegation Rights: Fixes issues with baker's delegated rights to improve user experience and address dilution concerns.
9x Limit on External Staking: Bakers can now accept external staking up to 9x their own stake, compared to the current 5x limit. This change allows for more flexibility while still keeping security and decentralization intact.
In addition, to prevent any malicious behavior where bakers exploit staking for denunciation rewards, the proposal adjusts the rewards from 1/7 to 1/11 of the slashed amount. This ensures bakers donât profit from bad behavior while encouraging external staking growth.
But thatâs not the only proposal on the table! Baking Benjamins responded swiftly with an updated Qena42 proposal, further refining the ideas from the original Qena:
Qena42 Highlights:
Security-First Approach: Maintains the focus on keeping network security the top priority.
42% Staking Target: Lowers the target staking ratio from 50% to 42%, stopping the rise in issuance once the staked ratio hits 40%.
Delegation Power Cut: Reduces the delegation power to 1/3, further encouraging direct staking participation.
Keeps Quebecâs Key Features: Except for the new curve adjustment, Qena42 retains all the technical updates introduced in Quebec v2.
Currently, with just one week remaining in the proposal phase, the competition is heating up. As of now, Quebec v2 is leading the charge with over 64 million votes, while Qena42 trails with 6.86 million votes. However, in the Tezos community, we know that anything can happen in the final days!
Reminder for Bakers:
With one week left to vote, we encourage all bakers to cast their votes and actively shape the future of Tezos. You can track the voting progress and learn more about both proposals on Tezos Agora.
To upvote the Quebec v2 proposal, you can use the following command:
octez-client submit proposals for <baker_alias> PsQuebecnLByd3JwTiGadoG4nGWi3HYiLXU
And for the Qena42 proposal:
octez-client submit proposals for <baker_alias> PsQEna427TJJ2dYatjWS12qKihty5huvBDmNHNAgCeTzWCpF673
Letâs continue to push Tezos forward and shape its future through these exciting governance decisions!
This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem
The heart of any thriving ecosystem is its community, and Tezos is no different. Thatâs why weâre excited to kick off This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem by spotlighting the September 2024 winners of the Tezos Commons Community Rewards Program (CRP). Whether youâre building, creating, or just being a positive force in the space, this program is a way to recognize and reward those who are making a meaningful impact on the Tezos ecosystem.
For those unfamiliar, the CRP is a monthly initiative aimed at fostering growth, adoption, and collaboration across the Tezos ecosystem. It rewards community members who go above and beyond in various areas, from development to education, content creation, and more. Each month, up to 5,000 tez is distributed across several categories to recognize outstanding contributions.
The best part? Nominating someone has never been easier. You can now complete the form in under 30 seconds with only three questions or tag any message with #TezosCRP on Discord, Reddit, or Twitter, and the Tezos Commons team will gather it up for you!
Without further ado, letâs give a huge round of applause to the following September CRP winners:
Each of these winners embodies the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and growth that fuels Tezos. Whether theyâre helping onboard new users, developing critical tools, or sharing insightful thoughts with the community, their contributions are invaluable.
What Categories Can You Nominate For?
Hereâs a quick look at some of the categories in the CRP:
Assimilation Award: For assisting newcomers and creating resources that ease the onboarding process.
Formal Verification Award: For engaging in constructive dialogue and setting a standard for clear and precise communication within the community.
Helping Hand Award: For being a consistent source of assistance and support within the ecosystem.
Influencer Award: For promoting and representing Tezos in the public sphere.
Patissier Award: For contributions to the growth and development of the Tezos ecosystem.
TEO Award: For promoting decentralization and governance through the Tezos Ecosystem DAO.
Tez Dev Award: For building and developing on Tezos with notable contributions to code, tools, or infrastructure.
Tezos Tutor Award: For creating educational content or onboarding tutorials that support community knowledge.
Drill Sergeant Award: For helping to onboard devs into the Tezos ecosystem.Â
Nominations for October are already open, so if you know someone whoâs making an impact, be sure to nominate them! It takes just a moment, and you can use the form here or tag any post with #TezosCRP. Letâs continue supporting each other and celebrating the incredible work happening across the ecosystem.
Learn more about the CRP on the Tezos Commons website and follow the progress!
Kredete and Etherlink Empower the African Diaspora with Affordable and Fast Remittances
After celebrating the CRP winners, letâs dive into another exciting development this week. Kredete, a fintech platform that serves the African diaspora, has teamed up with Etherlink to deliver faster, more affordable financial services for African immigrants across the globe.
Founded by Adeola Adedewe, a first-generation African immigrant, Kredete was created to tackle two major challenges: the high cost of remittances and the difficulty immigrants face when building credit in the U.S. This partnership with Etherlink is set to make a real difference in the lives of African immigrants by offering innovative financial solutions.
Kredeteâs Key Offerings:
Credit-Building Tools: Helping immigrants build credit scores through international money transfers and offering services like credit reports and personalized financial products.
Low-Fee Remittances: Users can now send money to over 20 African countries quickly and affordably.
Tailored Financial Services: Including credit cards, auto loans, and mortgage loans, designed to meet the specific needs of the African diaspora.
Why Etherlink?
By integrating with Etherlink, a blockchain platform known for its scalability, speed, and low-cost transaction processing, Kredete is taking its services to the next level. This integration allows Kredete to provide even faster and more efficient remittance services, reducing costs for users while maintaining top-tier security.
With the recent $2.25 million seed roundâled by Blockchain Founders Fund and supported by Tezos Foundation, Techstars, and Polymorphic CapitalâKredete plans to expand its services to even more African countries and offer new financial products like credit cards and loans. This funding highlights the strong belief in Kredeteâs mission to bring financial inclusion to the African diaspora.
By leveraging Etherlinkâs technology, Kredete is making financial inclusion more accessible, helping millions of users improve their economic standing. As one Kredete user, Igor Bogor, mentioned: âJust downloaded Kredete and am impressed with how simple the app is and how easy they make it to build and manage credit for consumers in Africa!â
For more information on this partnership and to stay updated, visit Kredeteâs website or follow them on X.
Game Spotlight:The Fundamentals of Launching a Successful Game in the Tezos Ecosystem
Instead of highlighting a specific game this week, let's get back to the basicsâwhat it takes to launch a successful game in the Tezos ecosystem. The world of gaming is thrilling, but launching a game isnât just about the coding and designâitâs about strategy, support, and sustainability. And that's where the power of the Tezos gaming ecosystem truly shines.
A Solid Go-To-Market Strategy
In the Tezos ecosystem, teams like Trilitech, Nomadic Labs, and TZ APAC offer developers more than just technical supportâthey provide hands-on assistance with crafting a go-to-market strategy. Whether it's creating quests, launching press releases, or collaborating with key opinion leaders (KOLs), developers are given everything they need to accelerate user acquisition right from day one. This personalized approach ensures your game gets noticed and gains traction from the very start.
Long-Term Tokenomics Sustainability
Designing a successful in-game economy is no easy task, but Tezosâ stack helps developers build sustainable token economies with a sharp focus on balance and longevity. Your in-game currencies and token utilities are crafted with precision, creating a system that rewards players and keeps them engaged. The ecosystemâs teams draw on experience from both Web2 and Web3 gaming to ensure your gameâs economy can stand the test of time.
Precision in Token Launches
Launching in-game tokens? The Tezos ecosystem provides access to world-class advisors, launchpads, and liquidity providers to help developers navigate the complexities of token sales and funding rounds. Every aspect of the token launch, from the initial sale to building liquidity, is executed with precision, setting your game up for financial success.
Product Design Beyond Visuals
In-game visuals may grab attention, but product design is about much more. The Tezos ecosystem helps developers focus on crafting engaging gameplay, intuitive user experiences, and cohesive in-game economies. With insights from gaming experts, developers can create experiences that resonate with players and keep them coming back.
Support Doesn't Stop at Launch
Launching a game is just the beginning. Post-launch, developers continue to receive strategic guidance to help refine, adapt, and grow their games. Whether itâs increasing user retention or expanding gameplay mechanics, the Tezos ecosystemâs ongoing support ensures your game thrives long after its initial launch.
Want to launch your game with the best support possible? Learn how to do it in the Tezos ecosystem here: Tezos Gaming
This approach offers everything a game developer needs to succeed, from crafting a strong strategy to ensuring long-term sustainability. Your dream gaming project could be the next big hit in the Tezos ecosystem!
đŽ Now Streaming: Baker Spotlight | Baking Benjamins
In this week's TezTalks episode, we sit down with the notorious Primate who's been a long-standing Tezos community member, builder, and baker. He also advocates for exercising the full strength of Tezos Governance with submitting his own upgrade proposals.
Learn more about the story of this legendary Tezos community member and why he chose as Tezos as his home.
Now Streaming:
YouTube
Events
We're just one week away from Blockchain Life 2024 in Dubai, one of the biggest blockchain conferences of the year! This event will feature top industry leaders, including Tezos' very own Arthur Breitman, who will be speaking on the panel, âBlockchainâs Core Technical Advancements: Simplicity in Complexity.â
Join Arthur Breitman and a panel of experts as they dive deep into the technical advancements that are shaping the blockchain industry. Moderated by Jouaid Abdallah, the panel promises to deliver key insights into how complexity in blockchain can be made simple for real-world applications.
Panelists Include:
Sunny Lu â CEO, VeChain
Hugo Philion â CEO, Flare Labs
Mustafa Al-Bassam â Co-Founder, Celestia
Gerard Ossi â CTO, Cardano Foundation
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry!
Event Details:
đïž Date: October 22, 2024â° Time: 11:35 UTC+4đ Location: Uminers Stage at Blockchain Life 2024, Dubaiđïž Use code TEZOS for 10% off tickets: Blockchain Life 2024
Make sure to mark your calendar and take advantage of the Tezos discount code for your tickets!
Common Web3 Wallet Challenges and How Tezos Wallets Help You Overcome Them
Navigating the Web3 space can be challenging; letâs show how Tezos wallets solve common issues to make managing your tez easier.
Whether people want to use a decentralized application (dApp) on Tezos or want to avoid the risks of centralized exchanges, managing your crypto and self-custody is becoming more and more important in the Web3 space. But for anyone new to self-custody, it can be a bit overwhelming. You donât really know what to expect, and the challenges like keeping track of private keys or figuring out which wallet is right for you can pop up out of nowhere.
In this article, we will walk through some of the common hurdles you might face when managing a self-custody wallet. Weâll also look at some of the best Tezos wallets available and how they help make the process easier so you can figure out which one suits you best. First, letâs get into some challenges you might face around self-custody.
Self-custody Challenges
Managing private keys and passwords: Unlike centralized exchanges that offer account recovery options, with self-custody, losing access to your private keys means thereâs no way to recover your funds. This puts pressure on you as a user to manage your keys carefully so you donât lose them or have them stolen by a phishing attack. Knowing all of the possible phishing attacks and best practices can be tough; check out Cryptonioâs piece!
Clunky wallet interfaces: Many wallets, especially on mobile, have interfaces that are hard to navigate. This can lead to mistakes, frustration, and difficulties when trying to manage your tez or crypto wallet in a hurry.
Balancing convenience and security: You may struggle to find the right balance between ease of use and security. Does a hardware wallet make sense if youâre not holding a lot of tez and just want to trade/collect NFTs? This is just one of many questions to keep in mind.
Managing multiple wallets across different blockchains: If you are active in many different chains, you would often need to use different wallets for each of them. This introduces extra passwords and keys to manage, adding more overhead to users.
With all these challenges, the demand for wallets that combine simplicity and security has been worth getting right. Fortunately, in Tezos, there are a ton of good wallets, all with their own unique traits. They tackle many different challenges and make it easy for everyone to find the best fit for them. Letâs take a look at some of the most popular ones!
Kukai
Kukai is a Tezos wallet available via web or iOS. The iOS version was released on October 2, 2024. It offers one of the most lightweight and user-friendly experiences among all Tezos wallets. If youâre a new user, Kukai offers a social login feature allowing Google, Facebook, Twitter (X), Reddit, Email, and Apple IDs to create and store a wallet! No need to remember passwords; your social login is the password.
One of the standalone features outside of social logins is how user-friendly both wallet versions are. The web wallet has an appealing display of NFTs/collectibles and a discovery page for collections such as Mooncakes, Manchester United, and more. It also allows you to use a Ledger with Kukai web wallet (not yet available on iOS). Lastly, another neat feature is how the token balance section is organized, as it shows all of your Tezos-based token balances.
Temple
Developed by Madfish, Temple Wallet is both web and mobile-friendly. Itâs available as a browser extension with mobile support on Android and iOS. If youâre coming from using a lot of EVM-based chains, youâve likely encountered MetaMask. Youâll enjoy the similarities of the browser extension here with Temple. With features like built-in swaps, credit card tez purchases, and TKEY rewards for swaps, itâs ideal for users of both beginner and advanced types. It also allows users to use a Ledger while using the wallet.
Templeâs native token, TKEY, acts as a reward mechanism, giving users small crypto rewards when they use the walletâs swap feature or watch ads. This token is a unique feature offered by Temple. The mobile wallet is great, too, offering a dashboard of Tezos-based projects under the âMarketâ tab, which gives you a an overview of different projects on Tezos.
Airgap
AirGap Wallet is designed with a strong focus on security, which is ideal for users looking for the most security when it comes to a mobile wallet. AirGap allows users to store private keys offline via its AirGap Vault feature (a secondary app). Transactions are signed offline within the app and then broadcasted to the blockchain, adding an extra layer of security. Developed by the team behind Beacon (AirGap), it supports most standard wallet functionalities.
Ledger
Ledger is a hardware wallet, meaning it keeps your private keys completely offline, providing strong protection against online threats and phishing attacks. This makes it a great choice if youâre holding a large amount of tez or valuable NFTs, especially if you donât need to move them around regularly. Hardware wallets like Ledger are one of the safest ways to store your assets, but theyâre less convenient since you need to connect the device every time you want to sign a transaction.
Thatâs why a Ledger is best suited for people who are looking to store their assets securely for the long term rather than make daily transactions. Itâs also worth mentioning that for extra convenience, you can pair your Ledger device with wallets like Kukai, Temple, or Umami, using their interface to manage your funds. That way, you get a smooth user experience while keeping your main holdings safely offline.
Plenty
Next on the list, we got the Plenty Wallet which is available for mobile, both Android and iOS. It includes features like: built-in browser, personal gallery creation with NFTs from multiple wallets, social logins, and a lot of widgets to help you navigate the Tezos ecosystem.
Designed to make navigating and engaging with Tezos as easy as possible, this wallet is perfect for artists, collectors, and newcomers who want a simple, user-friendly mobile wallet for their daily interactions within the Tezos ecosystem.
Umami
Designed in mind for more advanced users, Umami Wallet is a versatile desktop wallet within the Tezos ecosystem. It offers standard wallet functionalities, Ledger support, token transactions and NFT support, with additional features that appeal to experienced users, such as a multi-signature wallet and batch transaction capabilities. Users can also purchase tez from their wallets via Wert.
As a whole, Umami appeals to both new and seasoned Tezos users, though it leans more toward those with experience in using advanced features like token batching. If you have an iOS or Android device, you can also download those versions.
Trust Wallet
Last but not least, we got Trust Wallet. Available as a browser extension for your desktop or as an app on both Android and iOS for your mobile, Trust Wallet is one of the most popular multi-asset wallets in the space. Like all wallets in this list, it allows users to delegate their tez and/or interact with Tezos dApps. It supports delegation, however, it doesnât offer the new staking mechanism yet.
Trust Wallet is best suited for people who, along with tez, hold a variety of assets across different blockchains and want to manage them all in one place. Itâs perfect for those looking to avoid the hassle of juggling multiple wallets for each chain while still being able to interact with Tezos dApps and the Tezos ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wallet for your needs is a key step in managing your assets securely and easily. Each wallet weâve discussed offers something unique to help you tackle the common challenges of self-custody. If youâre ready to get started, check out the newly released Kukai iOS app for a smooth and hassle-free experience. Or, if another wallet on this list seems like a better fit for your specific needs, take the plunge and explore what they have to offer. The right wallet is just a download away!
Common Web3 Wallet Challenges and How Tezos Wallets Help You Overcome Them was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
AutoHero is a nostalgic trip back to the classic era of arcade platformers, reimagined with a modern twist through blockchain technology. Set in a dynamic side-scrolling bullet-hell environment, it brings some of the best experiences in retro gaming to Web3 while utilizing Tezos to enhance the player experience. AutoHero is a perfect blend of classic gameplay powered by Tezos in a gaming world increasingly embracing Web3.
Gameplay Overview
AutoHero pays homage to the classic side-scrolling platformers, evoking a sense of nostalgia while introducing new, exciting twists. Players can play one of twelve upgradeable heroes, each with unique perks and abilities, battling through endless streams of bullets, rockets, bombs, and enemies. The game's bullet-hell environment keeps players constantly on the move, focusing on dodging while the heroes automatically aim and shoot.
A roguelike progression system means each run is unique, with players collecting upgrades, power-ups, and new weapons. The auto-shooting mechanic keeps the action flowing while platforming sections and cleverly designed challenges add complexity. Players can change their gameplay experience by switching between different types of weapons, armor, and accessories, creating unique playstyles to suit their approach.
The game features rich, vibrant graphics with several themes that pay homage to memorable platformers like Super Mario Brothers, featuring green pipes and fireball-shooting plants. The world map currently consists of a campaign with nine different levels and the "Endless Tower." Story Mode levels range from twelve to thirty rooms, with random safe rooms appearing periodically between the action where players can encounter friendly NPCs. These NPCs include an angel who bestows blessings, a television to watch ads for bonuses, a merchant offering items for gold or gems, and hidden surprises for extra rewards.
The rooms with enemies consist of multiple types of platforms, some of which players can jump and shoot through, while others block movement and projectiles. Players progress from left to right, clearing each room of enemies to access the exit door on the far right. Players start with a basic loadout: a weapon, armor, and two accessories. They earn experience and level up as they progress, gaining bonus abilities that improve stats and provide new tactical options. After completing a level, since these upgrades only last for the run, players will return to their base stats. If youâve ever played Metal Slug before, this game will feel familiar.
Players will earn various items, including weapons, armor, accessories, and materials needed to upgrade their heroes and gear. Items come in multiple rarities: Common (grey), Uncommon (green), Rare (blue), Epic (purple), Legendary (gold), Mythical (red), and Exalted (black). Players can fuse three of the same type and rarity of an item to produce one of a higher rarity. For example, three uncommon sniper vests will combine to create one rare sniper vest. The fused item retains the highest level of the three components; if a player fuses a level fifteen item with two more items that are leveled up but not higher than fifteen, the resulting item will still only be level fifteen. This fusion system, along with the variety of rarities, creates a significant level of depth and encourages grinding for better gear.
Currently, the game features two types of in-game currency. The first type is "Gold." Players will use gold throughout the game to purchase upgrades for items and heroes. As players progress, they will gain experience separate from their heroes. Each level the player earns will allow you to buy talents with gold to strengthen all your heroes permanently. The other currency is "Rubies." Players can use this premium currency to purchase gold, chests containing shards or items, or even reroll on abilities while fighting in-game, or purchase items from the merchant you could randomly meet.
Hero Abilities and Progression
The heroes in AutoHero each have their specific personalities and special abilities. The starting hero, Hank, does not come with any extra skills, but as players unlock more heroes, they gain access to their unique powers. Examples of these abilities include:
Gambler's Seal: A chance to obtain a random item with every shot.
Frozen Shots: Shots that freeze enemies, providing crowd control.
Anchor: Drops a mighty anchor on enemies at random intervals, dealing heavy damage.
Level up your heroes using different types of crystals, metals, and gold, increasing their base attack and health stats. Heroes also have a star level that players can upgrade with corresponding hero shards. Upgrading a hero's star level will significantly boost attack and health, while leveling them up grants permanent incremental bonuses every ten levels. The variety of heroes and unique abilities add replay-ability, as players can experiment with combinations to suit their preferred playstyle.
Tezos Integration
Leveraging Tezos, in-game items such as weapons, armor, and accessories will be minted as NFTs, giving players ownership and control of their digital assets. Ownership means players can trade, buy, or sell their items in an in-game economy, bringing real-world value to their achievements.
AutoHero's closed alpha marketplace is an excellent example of its proposed blockchain features. These features allow players to connect wallets, mint NFTs, and manage profiles through an integrated marketplace. Players can currently participate in community activities to earn the game's token, $AHT, which they will eventually use to mint and trade NFTs.
Why AutoHero is Worth Your Time
AutoHero offers a unique blend of retro side-scrolling shooter gameplay powered by Tezos, making it a fun and addictive experience in the mobile gaming world. The nostalgic visuals and bullet-hell mechanics appeal to classic gaming fans, while the Tezos integration provides value to in-game accomplishments.
The game's simplicity and familiarity make it easy for newcomers, and its challenging and addictive grind to experienced gamers ensures it caters to a broad audience. Whether drawn by the retro visuals and tight gameplay or intrigued by the opportunity to own and trade your in-game items as NFTs, AutoHero offers something for everyone. NFT integration's value goes beyond aesthetics, allowing players to create genuine value from their time in-game. With upgradeable heroes, varied levels, and NFT integration, players get more than just entertainment; they can truly own their progress. Dive into the vibrant, chaotic world of AutoHero and experience a new era of gaming where your skills and items are yours.
AutoHero: A 2d Web3 Mobile Roguelike Platformer was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the âCommunity Rewards Programâ CRP for the month of September 2024!
For more details about the various categories please refer to the rewards page on the Tezos Commons website.
The Community Rewards Program is a Tezos Commons Foundation initiative aimed at fostering adoption and supporting the Tezos ecosystem. Every month up to 5,000 tez are rewarded to those that stand out in merit and act in the interest of the Tezos ecosystem as a whole.
In an endeavor to make it easier for community members to nominate their favorite contributors to the ecosystem, the nomination form has been drastically streamlined. Now containing only three questions, it takes less than 30 seconds to submit a nomination.
Donât have 30 seconds? You can tag any discord message, Reddit post or tweet with #TezosCRP and we will collect them as well!
This is the fifth iteration of the program and we will continue to make changes based on community feedback. Just like the Tezos blockchain, we will be continually evolving this program.
Numerous factors are used when evaluating submissions such as, quality of submissions, quality of activity, number of submissions, and verifiable proof of activity done by the nominee (no single factor is determinative of a winner, as all factors were weighed to select winners). The judges would like to note that for each category, they are looking for the respective monthly related activity meaning submissions should reflect activities done for that current month, i.e.; month of February activities.
Without further delay here are the results of the winners, below.
Assimilation Award
@spike_0124
@InvisibleChicks
@UnknownCo123
Formal Verification Award
@unrealb0x
Helping Hand Award
@SkullDegenClub_
@siftcroix
@libertez_baker
Influencer Award
@TheTezos
@Albert_1Camus
@Tez_Town
Patissier Award
âą @TezCapital
âą @Zir0h
âą @asbjornenge
TEO Award
@_TransparentArt
Tez Dev Award
âą @JackTezos
âą @DOGGODOG_lab
âą @Vivien_0xtz
âą @alisis_official
Tezos Tutor Award
âą @TezberryPie
âą @TezosNFTMusic
âą @LMTGT_
âą @moneyevery3days
âą @captstake
Nominations Are Open For October
With October underway, we have begun accepting nominations for this month. If you know someone that deserves a reward for their contributions to the community or have ideas about other categories that should be recognized then please fill out a nomination located here, or you can tag a post (or discord message) with #TezosCRP.
As mentioned previously, we are still working on long-term improvements to this program. We know this program is far from perfect, so please bear with us while we strive to improve this program based on community feedback. Stay tuned, stay creative, and keep nominating!
As a reminder to the reward winners, the awards are all distributed through Kukai and DirectAuth. If you have issues claiming your awards, please message us here.
Tezos Community RewardsâââSeptember 2024 was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Welcome, Tezos community, to another edition of The Baking Sheet! This week, weâre taking inspiration from the ancient city of Qena, known for its rich history along the banks of the Nile and the nearby Dendera Temple Complex, a symbol of resilience and innovation. Much like the city, the Qena proposal is a beacon of stability and forward-thinking for the Tezos network, standing firm with its focus on technical progress while letting the economic framework evolve naturally.
As we approach the final day to vote, letâs dive into what makes the Qena proposal so pivotal as it moves through the Exploration phase. Qena, submitted by Baking Benjamins (Tez Capital), has already passed the Proposal phase and now awaits your vote to move forward as the 17th Tezos upgrade. Time is ticking, so letâs explore what Qena brings to the table.
A Quick Refresher on Qena
Qena offers all the key technical advancements of the Quebec proposals but with a critical distinction â no economic changes. This means it keeps the adaptive issuance mechanism from the Paris upgrade intact, allowing the economic model to stabilize before further tweaks are made.
Hereâs why Qena stands out:
8-Second Block Times: Like Quebec A and B, Qena proposes reducing block times to 8 seconds, speeding up transaction finality and improving user experience.
Improved Delegation Calculations: Qena enhances the way baking and delegation rights are calculated, smoothing out issues introduced in earlier upgrades.
Economic Stability: By leaving the economic mechanisms unchanged, Qena ensures the network can continue to evolve without disruptive adjustments to issuance or rewards, focusing solely on technical progress.
One Day Left to Vote!
As the clock winds down, this is your last chance to make your voice heard. Bakers, your vote matters! You can follow the voting progress and learn more about the proposal at Tezos Agora.
To vote for the Qena proposal, use the following command:
octez-client submit ballot for YOUR_ADDRESS PsqenaVwjhUUm1JJXbrZTB1T5RVyQHBGDricbLPXjcZkxogDeTJ yay|nay|pass
The future of Tezos is shaped by each of you â let's see where this journey takes us! One thing to note, if the proposal doesnât get voted through the exploration phase by reaching the 80% super majority, the governance cycle will revert back to the proposal phase and the protocol will clear for new proposal submissions.
Hidden Gems of the Tezos Ecosystem: 10 Tools You May Not Know About
As we gear up for the final day of voting for the Qena proposal, letâs shift gears a little and talk about something equally importantâtools. Whether you're staking, collecting, or building on Tezos, there are probably a few tools out there you havenât yet explored. Long-time Tezos community member, Cryptonio, has put together a fantastic roundup of 10 Tezos tools that many might have overlooked. Hereâs a quick breakdown of these hidden gems:
1. Bandog
A free toolset designed by community member Jack Tezos, Bandog helps artists and collectors track sales, mints, and suspicious activity, all without needing to connect your wallet. From a curated feed to visualizing your networkâs impact, Bandog makes navigating the Tezos ecosystem easier for both creators and collectors.
2. Xtzchad
Built by DoctorChad, this set of open-source tools focuses on Tezos staking analytics and much more. Whether youâre comparing bakers, tracking wallet activity, or exploring staking ratios, Xtzchad offers powerful insights. Plus, itâs fun to play around with, especially if youâre curious about Tezos network activity.
3. TzFlow
Want to see the Tezos network in action? TzFlow lets you view live Tezos transactions, from NFT sales to token swaps. Hardcore users love tracking activity to spot trends or identify interesting projects, but even casual observers will find this tool fascinating.
4. TzSafe
For those needing a secure, multi-signature wallet, TzSafe makes it incredibly easy to set one up. Ideal for teams and collaborators, a multi-sig wallet requires multiple users to approve transactions, adding an extra layer of security. TzSafe simplifies the process into just a few steps.
5. Tezos Homebase
For anyone interested in creating a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), Homebase makes it a breeze. You can create governance tokens, set up tez-based voting, and manage your DAO easily. Used by well-known DAOs like Tezos Domains and Crunchy Network, this tool has become a staple in the ecosystem.
6. Mooncakes
A gamified platform to onboard new users to Tezos and Web3. Mooncakes turns the often overwhelming task of learning about wallets, NFTs, and blockchain interactions into a fun and educational experience, complete with quests.
7. TTC Calendar
Keeping up with Tezos events, spaces, and shows can be tough. TTC Calendar is a community-sourced tool that makes it easier to stay in the loop, allowing users to add and discover Tezos-related events.
8. Cryptonoises Bot
This Telegram and Discord bot tracks various on-chain events like NFT sales, token transfers, and delegation rewards. Free users can track up to 8 wallets, and premium tiers offer even more flexibility.
9. Lockt.io
Lockt.io allows artists to add unlockable content to their NFTs, giving collectors access to exclusive rewards like unminted work, private chats, and more. This feature adds a whole new layer of value to Tezos NFTs.
10. NFTBiker Tools Collection
A multi-toolset for giveaways, airdrops, and batch swaps. NFTBiker also offers various analytics, making it a go-to for both artists and collectors. Some features require specific NFTs, but many are free and incredibly useful.
These tools are just a glimpse into the growing range of resources that are helping to shape the Tezos ecosystem. Whether you're deep into the world of Tezos or just starting to explore, thereâs something here that can make your experience smoother and more enriching. If any of these tools pique your interest, take the time to explore themâyou might find they open up new possibilities and ways to engage with the Tezos community.
This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem
As Tezos continues to evolve with new features and applications, itâs welcoming yet another powerful tool into its ecosystem. ComPilot, a cutting-edge compliance platform, is now officially available on Tezos, marking an important step toward making blockchain projects easier to manage from a regulatory standpoint.
If youâve ever dabbled in the world of Web3, you probably know that one of the biggest headaches is making sure everything stays compliant with regulations. Well, the folks over at ComPilot (formerly known as NexeraID) are here to save the day. Theyâve officially rolled out their compliance platform on Tezos, which means Web3 builders and developers on our favorite blockchain now have an easy way to handle all that tricky compliance stuff.
So, Whatâs ComPilot All About?
In the Web3 space, things move fast, and keeping up with both innovation and regulation can be a tall order. Thatâs where ComPilot comes in. Their platform pretty much takes the stress out of managing all the regulatory requirements. Weâre talking about things like anti-money laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), Know Your Business (KYB), and even wallet screening. These are critical pieces for any legit Web3 project, and ComPilot makes it easy to manage it all in one place by pulling data from both Web2 and Web3 worlds.
But why is this such a big deal for Tezos? Well, it means that builders can now focus on what theyâre good atâcreating awesome, innovative projectsâwithout constantly worrying about getting buried in paperwork or compliance issues.
Hereâs what this integration brings to the Tezos community:
Less Hassle, More Innovation: Compliance processes like AML and KYC are simplified and automated, freeing up developersâ time to actually build.
Fostering Web3 Adoption: When projects are compliant, theyâre more likely to gain trust and adoption from the general public.
Reducing Risks: Letâs face it, fraud and scams happen, but with advanced tools for screening and compliance, builders can sleep a little easier at night.
And it couldnât have come at a better time. After the âParisâ upgrade, the Tezos ecosystem has been ramping up scalability with things like the Data Availability Layer (DAL) for Smart Rollups on Layer 2. Now with ComPilot on board, the compliance side of things is getting just as robust.
Whatâs Next for ComPilot on Tezos?
Rachid Ajaja, the CEO and Founder of ComPilot, summed it up pretty nicely: âWeâre proud to be the compliance layer for the Tezos blockchain. This collaboration shows that compliance is essential for preparing blockchainâs future. With ComPilot, our goal is to allow project builders to focus on innovation while remaining compliant with current regulations.â
So if youâre a builder or even just a curious Tezos enthusiast, I highly recommend checking out ComPilot. Itâs one more reason why Tezos is continuing to lead the way in decentralized tech for the real world. Want to dive deeper? Head over to compilot.ai for more info.
Game Spotlight: BattleTabs
Remember those intense family game nights playing Battleship, the thrill of calling out a shot, and hearing the words, âYou sunk my battleship!â? Well, BattleTabs takes that nostalgic feeling and launches it into the future with a mix of strategic, card-based gameplay like Hearthstoneâand yes, it's all happening on Web3.
BattleTabs has reimagined the classic Battleship game, adding new dimensions with special abilities, collectible cards, obstacles, and a vibrant 3D world that turns each match into an exciting, tactical adventure. The game's unique combination of strategy and creativity makes it stand out as a fresh take on the naval warfare we all know and love.
Quick and Easy Start
Donât worry about complicated setupsâBattleTabs has a fast, straightforward tutorial that guides you through the basics. Youâll learn how to position your ships, plan attacks, and leverage your fleet's special abilities. Itâs a breeze to get going, whether youâre playing quick, five-minute matches or slower, more strategic 24-hour games. Head over to BattleTabs.io to dive right in.
Features to Explore:
Short & Long Battles: Choose between quick five-minute games or intense, multi-day matches.
Tournaments: Compete against others in bracket-style competitions via their Discord's Battle Bot.
Collectible Cards: Enhance your gameplay with limited-edition digital collectibles, each with unique perks and customization options for your fleet.
With upcoming apps for both Google Play and Appleâs App Store, the world of BattleTabs is expanding rapidly. Whether youâre jumping into a quick match or grinding through collectible card tournaments, BattleTabs offers a new level of excitement in the world of Web3 gaming and you can play it today at BattleTabs.ioÂ
đŽ Now Streaming: Building on Etherlink with Renora's Stan Kozyakov
This week on TezTalks Radio, weâre joined by Stan Kozyakov, co-founder of Renora, a non-custodial SaaS platform that makes crypto investing easy through automation. Stan shares how Renora went from a personal project to a startup that's simplifying investment strategies for the crypto space.
đ Our special guest is Stan Kozyakov, sharing his journey and insights on navigating the world of automated crypto investing.
đ In this episode, we'll explore:
The Origin of Renora - Discover how Renora started as a personal tool for automated crypto investing and quickly gained traction within Stanâs network.
Renora's Evolution: - Learn how the platform is addressing the needs of busy professionals with automated solutions and its plans to integrate yield protocols and selling strategies.
Market Trends: - Stan discusses the shifting dynamics between CeFi and DeFi, the impact of crypto winter on investor behavior, and the importance of Singapore as a digital asset hub.
Support from Fortify Labs: - Find out how Fortify Labs played a crucial role in Renoraâs growth and development.
Advice for New Investors: - Hear Stan's tips on why education and hands-on experience are essential for anyone looking to engage with digital assets.
Hidden Gems of the Tezos Ecosystem: 5 Tezos Tools You Might Not Know About [Part II]
Hidden Gems of the Tezos Ecosystem: 5 More Tezos Tools You Might Not Know About [Part II]
A look into 5 more Tezos tools that you should be aware of!
One article is not enough to cover all the amazing tools that exist in the Tezos ecosystem, so as promised, here is the second part, with 5 more interesting tools that you might find useful in your Tezos journey.
Once again we will look at tools that are free to use, and that are directed to artists, collectors, project creators, or any Tezos enthusiasts. In case you missed it, you can find part 1 here. Letâs get right into it!
Mooncakes
First on the list is Mooncakes, a platform that I consider one of the best tools for onboarding new people to the Tezos and the Web3 world in general. Weâve all been in that situation where we try to explain to a friend about wallets, NFTs, how to interact with the blockchain etc., but the info is just so much that we fear we will get them overwhelmed.
Well, Mooncakes takes all that hustle and turns the learning experience into fun. From creating a wallet, signing transactions, collecting and trading NFTs, to interacting with various Tezos platforms, Mooncakes teaches newcomers all that through fun quests and with actual practice, not just theory. All your friend will need to get started is 1â2 tez to use for gas for all the transactions and off they go on their journey into Web3. If youâd like to learn more about Mooncakes, I have written this guide that you can help your journey.
TTC Calendar
Next up we got the TTC calendar. A community-sourced initiative that aims to help Tezos enthusiasts keep up with spaces, shows, and all kinds of important events in the Tezos ecosystem. At the same time, it works as a place for users to highlight their projects, as anyone can submit events to the calendar and get more exposure to their initiatives.
Submitting an event is really an easy process and you can also choose if your events are a one-time thing or recurring. I would love to see this tool being utilized more as Iâm also a Tezos enthusiast myself and itâs no lie that itâs getting harder and harder to keep up with everything happening in Tezos.
CryptoNoises Bot
Another great tool that many might not be aware of is the Cryptonoises bot. Cryptonoises is a bot for telegram and discord that allows you to track and get notified for a variety of on-chain events. This includes but is not limited to NFT sales and purchases, NFT offers and auctions, incoming and outgoing transactions of tokens including delegation rewards, and much more.
If you are using Telegram or Discord, Cryptonoises is a must as it makes keeping track of your wallets and activity much easier. The free version allows you to track up to 8 wallets and follow up to 100 users, which if you need to, you can extend by subscribing to one of their premium tiers.
Lockt.io
Lockt.io is another great tool for artists as it allows you to add unlockable content to any Tezos NFT. This way artists can add extra value for their collectors and reward them with extra material that unlocks only by holding a specific NFT.
For example, you could make one of your collections the key for people to get access to un-minted work of yours, links to exclusive content or private chat groups where you share extra tips and info, and much more. To be honest, the potential use cases here are only limited by our imagination.
NFTBiker Tools Collection
Last but not least, we have a set of tools that many of you might already know but which is still worth mentioning for the new people in the ecosystem. Iâm talking about none other than the NFTBiker multitool.
This set of tools can make the lives of artists and collectors much easier as it offers tools for giveaways, airdrops, batch swaps, a variety of analytics, and much much more. While some of the tools require you to be a holder of specific NFTBiker NFTs to use them, the open-for-all tools are still super helpful and you should definitely check them out.
Thatâs all for part 2 friends! Yes, I know, there are still many more tools out there that should be mentioned but I donât want to make these articles too long. Also, keep in mind that I havenât included tools that are directed to more niche groups like bakers, etc.
So will there be a part 3? At some point yes, itâs inevitable as the Tezos ecosystem keeps growing and more new tools are created by the community all the time. With that in mind, I would love your suggestions on tools you think should be on that list. Until then, put your explorer hat on, and go check out the tools listed above. You just might be surprised and hooked even deeper into the Tezos ecosystem.
Hidden Gems of the Tezos Ecosystem: 5 Tezos Tools You Might Not Know About [Part II] was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
A Closer Look At the New Kukai Wallet App for IPhone
The browser-based wallet just got an update on mobile.
I recently had the pleasure of downloading and playing with the new Kukai Wallet mobile app on iOS. Mobile wallets can be tricky, as they need to be familiar while embracing the natural inputs that mobile users are used to. I was very pleasantly surprised by my experience with Kukai.
The Kukai Wallet app is lightweight and easy to install and offers one of the most effortless wallet creation experiences Iâve ever had. One of Kukaiâs standout features is the ability to sign in using your social accounts, which, for me, instantly pulls up my tz2 address linked to my X (formerly Twitter) account. The appâs minimalist design and naturally intuitive navigation make the process quick and easy, ensuring a fast and stress-free experience.
The user experience is a major focus, and finding different functions or tools within the wallet feels intuitive. Users can quickly switch between active wallets at the top of the app, access a QR scanner at the top right, and activate a slide-out menu at the top left for settings or to send and receive tez. Additionally, the slide-out menu allows you to disconnect any previously connected apps.
Sending tez inside the app is straightforward as well: click on your XTZ balance, tap âSend,â and paste the recipientâs address. Itâs clean and hassle-free, just as a mobile wallet should be.
One of the appâs most convenient features is its use of Face ID. Once set up, you can authorize transactions with a glance, providing a layer of biometric security and making transactions faster and more seamless. Another security-focused feature is the ability to export your keys to your social login account. Previously, a ban on a social platform could lock you out of your social wallet permanently, but now, Kukai allows you to export your seed phrase for safekeeping. The ability to export this phrase gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can always restore your wallet in an emergency. Just remember: never share your seed phrase with anyone.
The NFT gallery feature particularly impressed me. The app organizes your NFTs by collection, with clear, high-quality thumbnails for each item. You can also search your NFTs and tag your favorites for easy access. When you tap on an NFT, you get a closer view, complete with details like its description and attributes. If you encounter NFTs youâd rather not see, Kukai lets you hide collections and individual tokens.
Connecting to marketplaces like Objkt.com has never been simpler. The Beacon integration allows you to choose between using the app or browser version of Kukai. Selecting the app prompts a quick switch, letting you verify and confirm your connection. Once done, you can return to Objkt in your browser, where youâll be automatically connected. Itâs fast, easy, and seamless.
Performance-wise, the app has been snappy and responsive throughout. The dark mode looks sleek and is painless on the eyes, which is always a plus for frequent users. Delegating your tez is just as simple. Once youâve selected your XTZ from the token menu, the delegation option appears next to your balance. You can either pick from a list of bakeries or input your custom address.
While I havenât yet found a way to stake directly through the app, I suspect this feature will be available soon. For now, you can simply just go to stake.tezos.com and connect your wallet and stake.
What sets Kukai apart the most is its seamless integration of social logins. At a time when cryptocurrency can feel overly complicated, Kukai simplifies access by allowing users to secure and authenticate their wallets using familiar services like X and Google. With the added security of two-factor authentication tied to your social accounts, Kukai provides an extra layer of protection for your assets.
Overall, the Kukai Wallet app delivers on its promise of being user-friendly and accessible, particularly for those new to crypto or looking for a more effortless experience. With its social login integration, smooth interface, and security features like Face ID and seed phrase export, Kukai balances simplicity and functionality. Whether managing XTZ, browsing your NFT collection, or scouring Objkt for the next grail, the app provides a reliable and efficient tool for interacting with all your favorite Tezos projects.
A Closer Look at the New Kukai Wallet App for iPhone was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
A quick rundown of the latest happenings and significant milestones within the Tezos ecosystem for September 2024.
Welcome to our latest issue, Month At A Glance (September 2024), where we give a quick rundown of the latest happenings and significant milestones in the Tezos ecosystem on a monthly cadence.
Like a repeating record, September 2024 was an exciting month for Tezos, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Tezos position paper, governance updates, and Staketember.
Letâs break it all down.
Ecosystem Insights
10 Years of Tezos!
If you think about it, there are few blockchain projects that can say theyâve been around since Ethereumâs conception. One of the fundamental ideas with Ethereum in the first place was this inherent limitation of Bitcoin of enabling smart contracts natively. When we look at the leaders of the space today, virtually all that pops into my mind comes from this era, such as Zooko Wilcox or Vitalik Buterin, to be precise. Then thereâs Arthur Breitman, also known as L.M. Goodman.
If you listened to the Justin Bons interview Arthur was on not too long ago, he really dived deep into his background. To me, as someone whoâs been in the Tezos ecosystem since 2018, it was very interesting to hear just how established Arthur was in the space before the conception of Tezos. Here are some snippets if youâd like more color; bear in mind the initial question is asked at around the 9-minute and 38-second mark.
I would say my motivation for decentralized governance in Tezos came from objections of the Bitcoin community around improvement. I first started thinking about this in 2011. Iâm in London and in the hacker space, and I meet Amir Taaki, and I say well, I like Bitcoin, but I donât really like the PoW aspect. Because it means essentially you have permanent inflation or you lack your security budget. He said, but you know Bitcoin is not an algorithm. Itâs a ledger fundamentally. So long as you presume itâs a ledger, you can always change the underlying algorithm. That made me very confrontable because, fundamentally, what matters is shelling point or focal point that people have around this ledger. How you power it in some sense doesnât really matter, so Iâm thinking through this, but Iâm also thinking in some sense, we agree that this is a ledger, but we also agree on the rules for changing it and how do we agree to change the algorithm. If thereâs to be a change, how does that work?
So, I started thinking about this for a few years, and then itâs 2, and thereâs a lot of innovation coming. Iâm reading a lot about proof of stake at the time. Iâm reading a lot about zero-knowledge proof for privacy, which I think is a big issue in current blockchains. Iâm also reading about smart contracts, and Iâm very excited because, oh, finally, a lot of the issues that I see in Bitcoin will be fixed. This is around the zero coin paper and zcash paper, I realize in the Bitcoin community thereâs basically this idea oh no weâre not going to put that in Bitcoin. Like wait a second, thatâs a problem, and at the end of the day, who decides what gets into Bitcoin? The general feeling becomes, well, you know, if we let anyone have a say in what gets into Bitcoin, then some people could just decide to do bad things. Which I completely buy.
So, Iâm thinking of governance in terms of, in some sense, things which are good and which all agree are good. So, you know, if your blockchain is faster as opposed to slower, thatâs a good thing. If your blockchain is safer as opposed to less safe, thatâs a good thing. Theyâre not very controversial, so youâll get a lot of bang for your buck if your governance lets you prevent bad things. So, as long as you have a governance system that will say someone is trying to take over the ledger, clearly, we donât want that. Then, you get a lot of the benefits of governance without all the risks.
Pretty cool to see Arthur active and interested in the crypto space since as early as 2011. Even more unique, the Ethereum whitepaper wasnât released until December 2014, a few months after the Tezos whitepaper. This showcases the level of technical acumen we place here in the Tezos ecosystem. Legitimate problems were conceived, and a solution was proposed before everyone else started to think the same way.
Nevertheless, thereâs a ton to celebrate. I encourage you to read Cryptonioâs piece on 10 years of Tezos! Personally, one of my favorite moments was when I went deep down the rabbit hole in 2018. It seems so long ago, I remember reading the whitepaper amazed. So much so that I wrote a piece titled Why Tezos is the most advanced Blockchain to date.
I just about lost it when Kathleen tweeted my article. Of course, the rest is history after being here with Tezos Commons since then!
Tezos Governance Gets Even More Exciting
For the first time since the Brest proposal, a protocol upgrade proposal that was not promoted as a protocol upgrade passed the proposal stage. As weâve learned, Nomadic Labs shared more details on the Quebec A and B proposals earlier in the month. Below is an infographic I produced, including Qena, which managed to pass the proposal phase!
In the current stage of voting, the Qena proposal has entered the exploration phase with a few days remaining. Interestingly enough, a large baker POS Dog immediately downvoted the proposal following the passing of the proposal phase. Thereâs a ton of elements on why some people feel the way they do about Qena or the other variants and itâs truly fascinating to see on-chain governance in action like it is today.
Overwhelmingly, consensus has shown people fall on the side of wanting to have the technical improvements of Quebec without the economic changes induced by the 2 variants in Qena. Itâs an amazing time to be part of Tezos governance right now. Make sure to keep up with the discussion on X or Tezos Agora. You can also track the progress here and of course, be sure to vote!
#Staketember
You may not have noticed, but an entirely new staking mechanism has been introduced to Tezos. One of the main events was spreading awareness of the new mechanism for September. Enter Staketemberâââa neat way to drum up interest in the new staking mechanism on Tezos.
If youâre unsure how to stake (still), check out the video shared on the Tezos X account. Also, feel free to check out my X thread. Previously, the only option of delegating did not involve putting tez at stake, so itâs not âstakingâ, but delegating. Itâs sometimes been loosely called staking, but that is no longer the proper terminology with the advent of actual staking. Check out the thread from our X page to learn more about the difference!
The event ran throughout the month and awarded people with Gengoya Club NFTs. Pretty neat way to give back to the community! Winners for the month included:
Sift (best meme)
Everstake (most external stake increase in 5Â cycles)
As we move into October, letâs make sure to stake your tez if you havenât yet. After all, nearly double the rewards is a pretty nice incentive if you ask me!
News From The Tezos Ecosystem: Quick Bits
ECAD Labs secures a grant from the Tezos Foundation
ECAD Labs is a software development company focused on Tezos. Their Taquito library makes interacting with the Tezos blockchain easier, enabling developers to create robust applications with less friction. Learn more about their grant here.
Tezos Foundation shares grant recap for August 2024
Notable grants include Explours from Functori, a powerful new block explorer offering in-depth insights into the Tezos networkâs on-chain data. The Graph also received a grant from the Tezos Foundation for their work in integrating with Etherlink.
xalts x Tezos
Backed by Citi Ventures and Accel, xalts provides infrastructure for programmable assets. They are a plug-and-play solution that tokenizes real-world assets and builds blockchain apps on Tezos. Learn more about them and their collaboration here.
VNX launches new stablecoins on Tezos
VNX is a digital platform for tokenizing RWA licensed by the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority (FMA). As part of their onboarding to Tezos, they generate stablecoins referencing two most popular European fiat currenciesâââVNX Euro (VEUR) and VNX Swiss Franc (VCHF). Both of these are now tradable on Plenty.
Robinhood Crypto now supports tez for NY residents
If you're in NY, you can now buy and sell tez on the Robinhood app. This addition marks 14 total digital assets supported for the region within the app.
Events
Tuesday TezDay w Arthur BreitmanâââSeptember 3rd
TezTalks Radio w Imran Haqeem of TZ APACâââSeptember 4th
Artz Friday w StrokeDrivenâââSeptember 6th
Tuesday TezDay w BattleRise GameâââSeptember 10th
TezTalks Live w Nikolai Mitev of SugarverseâââSeptember 12th
Artz Friday w Victoria WestâââSeptember 13th
Tuesday TezDay w Beata LipskaâââSeptember 17th
Tezos Presence @ Token2049âââSeptember 18th
TezTalks Radio w Maria Belashova of EverstakeâââSeptember 19th
Artz Friday w HPLoveBuxâââSeptember 20th
Tuesday TezDay Community CallâââSeptember 24th
Founder Pass: Discover Etherlinkâs 1st Gaming NFT! X Space w BattleRiseâââSeptember 25th
TezTalks Live w Jeremy FooâââSeptember 25th
Artz Friday Community CallâââSeptember 27th
Subjective Art FestivalâââSeptember 27â29
Community Rewards Program
The Community Rewards Program (CRP) is a Tezos Commons Foundation initiative to foster adoption and support the Tezos ecosystem. Every month, up to 5,000 tez are rewarded to those who stand out in merit and act in the interest of the Tezos ecosystem as a whole.
The nomination form has been drastically streamlined to make it easier for community members to nominate their favorite contributors to the ecosystem. Now containing only three questions, submitting a nomination takes less than 30Â seconds.
Donât have 30 seconds? Tag any Discord message or tweet with #TezosCRP, and we will collect the messages!
The categories and nomination standards have remained the same. For more information, visit the refreshed landing page here. Weâve also announced the August 2024 winners, so check out the recap here.
Stay in the Conversation, Stay in the Know
Tezos Commons hosts a variety of community-oriented events and content. To stay up to date, please visit our events page!
TezTalks Live
TezTalks Radio
X Spaces
X Shorts
Baking Sheet Newsletter
In-Depth Articles
You can also contact us on X or via email at social@tezoscommons.org.
Month At A GlanceâââSeptember 2024 was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Welcome to another week, Tezos community, and thank you for joining us for a fresh edition of The Baking Sheet! As always, weâre here to keep you updated on all the exciting developments happening across the Tezos ecosystem. Whether youâre here for the latest protocol upgrades, gaming highlights, or insights from the broader Tezos landscape, weâve got something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and letâs dive into whatâs shaping the future of Tezos this week.
First up: Weâve got some major news on the governance front. The Tezos upgrade proposal Qena, submitted by Baking Benjamins from Tez Capital, has officially passed the proposal phase and is now the focus for the 17th Tezos Upgrade. This is a historic moment because for the first time ever, a proposal has come from a grassroots team in the community.
Now that Qena has moved forward, itâs time for bakers to make their voices heard. Letâs refresh our memories on what this proposal is all about.
What is Qena?
Qena is a protocol proposal designed to bring technical improvements to Tezos without introducing any disruptive changes to the economic model. While it shares key features with previous upgrade proposals like Quebec A and Quebec B, Qena focuses on stability and simplicity. Hereâs a quick refresher on what Qena brings to the table:
8-Second Block Times: Just like the Quebec proposals, Qena reduces block times from 10 seconds to 8 seconds, resulting in faster transactions and a better overall user experience.
Amended Delegation Computation: This update addresses issues introduced in the Paris upgrade, ensuring that bakersâ baking rights are not unintentionally reduced when large amounts of tez are transferred between delegators.
No Economic Changes: Unlike the Quebec proposals, Qena does not introduce any economic adjustments like adaptive maximum issuance or changes to delegation weighting. Instead, it advocates for letting the current economic system (introduced in the Paris upgrade) continue to mature before implementing any further changes.
Why Vote for Qena?
Qena strikes a balance between technical progress and economic stability. If you believe that itâs too soon to introduce more economic changes to the Tezos ecosystem and prefer to let the existing system settle in, Qena is your proposal of choice. It offers the network improvements Tezos needs while maintaining stability in its economic policies. One thing to watch is that it might be too early to tweak adaptive issuance based on feedback and we should watch how the staking rate increases over the next few months
Bakers, itâs time to vote!
To vote for the Qena proposal, simply use the following command:
octez-client submit ballot for YOUR_ADDRESS PsqenaVwjhUUm1JJXbrZTB1T5RVyQHBGDricbLPXjcZkxogDeTJ yay|nay|pass
Make your voice heard and help shape the future of Tezos!
Stay tuned and follow the voting progress on Tezos Agora, and learn more about each proposal: Tezos Agora Voting.
Let's keep the momentum going, Tezos! Every vote counts!
Kukai Wallet Launches iOS App: Seamless Experience for All Tezos Users
Following the exciting news about the Qena proposal moving forward, thereâs another major development this week for Tezos users. Kukai Wallet has officially launched its long-awaited iOS app, giving Tezos users a sleek, fully native app experience that makes managing your assets smoother than ever.
Kukai has long been a favorite in the Tezos ecosystem, and this iOS launch brings a host of features that both newcomers and seasoned users will appreciate. Whether youâre diving into the world of Tezos for the first time or managing a diverse portfolio of NFTs and DeFi tokens, Kukaiâs iOS app has something for everyone.
Hereâs what you can expect from the Kukai iOS app:
Easy Social Sign-In for Newcomers: Get started with Tezos effortlessly through social sign-in, making it easier for first-time users to jump in.
Multiple Wallet Management: Power users can import and manage multiple wallets, making it easy to keep track of large collections of tokens and NFTs.
Seamless Token & NFT Discovery: The app automatically discovers all your tokens and NFTs using TzKT indexing by Baking Bad. Even if you have thousands of assets, Kukai has you covered.
Customizable Asset Views: Use favorites, grouping, and recents to organize and view your collections and DeFi tokens in a way that suits you.
Native WalletConnect Integration: Kukai integrates WalletConnect natively for fast and reliable interactions across the Tezos Web3 ecosystem. A standout feature is the ability to switch accounts within Kukai without needing to reconnect, ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted experience.
Generative Art Features: The app also highlights Tezos' strong connection to the art community. Featured artists will be highlighed in the app like "Garden, Monoliths #156" by Zancan from (fx)hash, demonstrating Kukaiâs commitment to supporting the creative side of Tezos.
With its sleek interface and powerful features, Kukai for iOS is the perfect tool to manage your Tezos assets on the go. Whether youâre staking, trading, or collecting NFTs, you can now do it all from the palm of your hand.
Download the app and start exploring today! Get Kukai on the App Store.
Electis Rolls Out Blockchain Voting App to 60,000 Schools in France, Powered by Tezos
The headlines continue with more news on how blockchain technology is transforming governance and participation. Electis, a French startup, is set to make a major impact in school elections by launching a blockchain-based voting solution powered by Tezos. This innovative platform is about to roll out across 60,000 schools in France, allowing parents to securely vote for their representatives through a transparent, verifiable system.
Electis first tested this blockchain solution in 2023 at a high school in Occitanie, and it was met with great success. Now, as of October 2024, the platform will enable remote electronic voting for annual school elections, a major leap forward in the application of blockchain technology for educational governance.
Key Features of Electis Voting System:
Blockchain-Powered Voting: By leveraging Tezos, Electis offers a transparent, secure, and anonymous voting experience, moving away from traditional black-box voting systems.
Homomorphic Cryptography: This technology ensures votes can be counted while maintaining voter anonymity, enhancing privacy and security.
Open-Source and Verifiable: Electis provides the first open-source voting platform for internet-based elections, aligning with modern standards for transparency and security.
Expanding Governance Reach: While beginning with school elections, Electis plans to extend its voting solutions to municipalities and even international organizations.
Electis has garnered support from investors and public funding through the France 2030 program, positioning itself to reshape how elections are conducted, starting with schools and potentially extending far beyond. Utilizing Tezos has been the perfect fit considering that one of the biggest strengths of Tezos is its built in governance mechanism and a strong community that advocates for it.
For more information on Electis and its blockchain voting system, check out their website.
This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem
Shifting gears from our headlines, this week in the Tezos Ecosystem saw the third edition of the Tezos Town Hall, focused on an essential topic: Staking on Tezos. Held on October 3rd, this insightful event brought together key voices from across the Tezos ecosystem to break down staking and delegating, debunk myths, and explore how these critical elements contribute to the health and security of the Tezos blockchain.
The Speakers:
Serge Simonian from PK Labs
Kevin Mehrabi from StableTech
Alex Liu from Tezos Commons
Chris Pinnock from Tezos Foundation
Katie Hegarty from Trilitech
The discussion covered everything from the fundamentals of staking and how it works on Tezos, to the practicalities of delegating and managing your staking rewards. The panelists shared their experiences and insights, helping both newcomers and seasoned Tezos users better understand what Staking means on Tezos.
If you missed the live event, donât worry! You can watch the full recording on YouTube to catch all the valuable takeaways.
Watch Tezos Town Hall #3 here: YouTube Link.
EverStake x Nomadic Labs AMA: Staking
Continuing the theme of staking in the Tezos ecosystem, this week also featured an AMA hosted by EverStake and Nomadic Labs on October 3rd. The event brought together members of the Tezos community eager to dive deeper into the ins and outs of staking on Tezos.
Yuriy Gagol, Head of Engineering at Nomadic Labs, led the discussion, answering questions from the community and sharing his expertise on staking. Topics covered included the technical aspects of staking, common challenges faced by bakers and delegators, and practical tips for those looking to get the most out of their staking experience.
Listen to the AMA recording here: Tezos Staking AMA.
Game Spotlight: SugarVerse
This weekâs Game Spotlight shines on SugarVerse, an upcoming Web3 match-3 game that promises intense, head-to-head battles where players compete for sweet rewards! Prepare yourself for fast-paced action as you face off against opponents in this sugar-fueled experience. Ready to dive into the excitement? Check out the Sugar Match trailer above and get ready for the ultimate sugar rush!
SugarVerse is created by XS Software, a game development studio with an impressive track record dating back to 2004. With over 60 million users worldwide across various games, XS Software has built a reputation for putting its players first and consistently meeting community expectations. Now, after dominating the Web2 mobile gaming space, the studio is making its mark in the Web3 world with SugarVerse.
Quick Facts about XS Software:
Khan Wars: 8 million+ players
Lady Popular: 10 million+ players
Imperial Hero: 3 million+ players
With a legacy of building hit games and listening to player feedback, XS Software is taking the plunge into Web3, and SugarVerse is their first step toward creating one of the largest Web3 mobile games ever, powered by Tezos.
Learn more:
Website: SugarVerse
X: @Real_SugarVerse
đŽ Now Streaming: Building on Etherlink with Renora's Stan Kozyakov
This week on TezTalks Radio, weâre joined by Stan Kozyakov, co-founder of Renora, a non-custodial SaaS platform that makes crypto investing easy through automation. Stan shares how Renora went from a personal project to a startup that's simplifying investment strategies for the crypto space.
đ Our special guest is Stan Kozyakov, sharing his journey and insights on navigating the world of automated crypto investing.
đ In this episode, we'll explore:
The Origin of Renora - Discover how Renora started as a personal tool for automated crypto investing and quickly gained traction within Stanâs network.
Renora's Evolution: - Learn how the platform is addressing the needs of busy professionals with automated solutions and its plans to integrate yield protocols and selling strategies.
Market Trends: - Stan discusses the shifting dynamics between CeFi and DeFi, the impact of crypto winter on investor behavior, and the importance of Singapore as a digital asset hub.
Support from Fortify Labs: - Find out how Fortify Labs played a crucial role in Renoraâs growth and development.
Advice for New Investors: - Hear Stan's tips on why education and hands-on experience are essential for anyone looking to engage with digital assets.
OnChainVision Labs: Tools to Bring Your Assets to Web3
A look at one of the teams building in TZAPACâs incubator program.
A few days ago, a game called Block Reflex dropped into my lap. At first glance, it just seemed like a simple memory game. You flip over two cards, exposing their hidden symbols. Successfully matching identical symbols clears the cards, and âclearingâ the board nets you the win. What caught my attention was the game records your best time directly on-chain. Thatâs right, every board you clear becomes a permanent, verifiable achievement, all thanks to OnChainVision Labs (OCV).
Not long after clearing a few boards in Block Reflex, my mind began racing around how even a basic memory game could lead to an accurate permanent record. Instead of chasing a personal best score stored in a server, your top score becomes part of an ongoing, shared history outside the game. And all of this is made possible through OCVâs tools by making these records more tangible and lasting.
A Creatorâs Playground
For developers, OCV opens the door to a world of possibilities. Creating interactive experiences, like Block Reflex, doesnât require deep technical expertise in blockchain. The platform allows you to build digital assets using familiar web design tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while offering direct consultation from OCV to meet your personal needs.
The Asset Studio consists of several tools developers can use to explore, manage, and build assets. Each tool simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on simple integration instead of compromising your creativity. If you want to add some permanent record, like the game I played, or maybe even push the envelope further, OCV is ready to help.
Breathing Life Into Digital Art
What happens if you add an element of audience participation into your NFTs? Imagine creating a piece of art that instantly reacts to a viewerâs interactions or a painting that slowly shifts colors based on the time of day. OCV lets you take things a step further. Their examples in their marketplace frankly blew me away. Watching the TetraClocks update in real time is unbelievably satisfying.
If youâve been looking for opportunities to engage with your audience directly through your art, this could give your projects a new experience. The artwork can take on a life of its own as it shifts and changes, adding a deeper and more memorable connection for your audience. With tools like this, OCV allows artists to breathe real life into their work.
Real-World Applications for Digital Assets
Another potential avenue for exploration is OCVâs push to bridge real-world physical assets into the digital space. Letâs say, for example, you own a piece of real estate. Instead of a listing consisting of photos or a street-view-style walkthrough, a listing could be an immersive, 3D digital version of the property that someone could explore more deeply. By linking these assets to digital representations, OCV enables greater transparency and interactions.
Enhanced Development with Etherlink Support
OCV has chosen support for the Etherlink network. Integrating Etherlink, an L2 on the Tezos network, allows OCV to handle interactive digital assets quickly and efficiently. Etherlink also makes it easier to scale creatorsâ projects and simplifies the management of digital art and game assets.
The Future of Digital Interaction
What excites me about OnChainVision Labs is the collection of tools and support they have provided in one place. Imagine what will happen when people realize how much easier it is to implement meaningful and memorable web3 aspects into their projects. Even the simple process of recording and preserving a high score, like Block Reflex, turns a game traditionally played with cards on a table into a digital competition worldwide.
Between artists, developers, or even someone curious about where digital technology is heading, OCV is providing the tools and support to get you started right now. With the right tools, you might be surprised at where the journey takes you.
So, what will you create? OCV is ready to help you push the limits of your imagination.
OnChainVision Labs: Tools To Bring Your Assets To Web3 was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Hidden Gems of the Tezos Ecosystem: Tezos Tools You Might Not Know About
Hidden Gems of the Tezos Ecosystem: 5 Tezos Tools You Might Not Know About
A look into some powerful yet lesser-known Tezos tools that you may not be familiar withâââbut definitely should be.
Regardless of how active we are in the Tezos ecosystem, I think that itâs impossible to keep track and stay updated on everything. This means that there are probably some Tezos related stuff that we often miss completely, stuff that if we knew about, might come in very handy in our Tezos journey.
In this article, I thought I would create a list with a few Tezos tools that Iâm sure many people arenât aware of, and that could be useful for artists, collectors, developers, or even holders and enthusiasts. Letâs have a look.
1. Bandog.tez.page
First up on the list, we got Bandog. A free to use set of tools created by a very active community member (Jack Tezos), that is designed to help artists and collectors on their journey inside the Tezos ecosystem. Bandog allows users to track and analyze their sales and mints, to spot bad actors and suspicious transaction patterns, as well as a personally curated feed and network visualization to better picture your connections and impact in the ecosystem.
Itâs worth mentioning that you can use all those tools simply by pasting your wallet address, and there is no need to connect your wallet. For more info on Bandog and its tools, you can check my âBandog: The Secret Weapon for Tezos Artists and Collectorsâ article.
2. Xtzchad.xyz
Xtzchad.xyz is another set of tools built by a community member known as DoctorChad. These tools are all open-source and they are focused on Tezos staking as well as other analytics for the Tezos ecosystem.
From staking and comparing bakers that you can stake with, getting snapshots for your node, and tracking wallets with inflows and outflows to identify connections to having fun watching visualizations or playing with various scenarios for the Tezos staking ratio and issuance. Definitely a website you should keep in mind (or your bookmarks). If you wanna learn more details about each of its tools, make sure to check out my âFrom Staking to Fun: Unveiling xtzchad.xyzâs Toolsâ article.
3. TzFlow.com
Next up on the list is tzflow.com, another cool tool that you might not be aware of. With Tzflow, you can watch the Tezos network activity live. From simple tez transfers to NFT sales, token swaps, and much more. On top of that, it shows interesting Tezos metrics like the average fees, transactions per second, volume of the network, and more.
Believe it or not, hardcore users are finding opportunities in those transactions by watching mass sales of a specific NFT, swaps in specific smart contracts and generally identifying sudden patterns that occur in the network. If that sounds too much for you, you should still try it out as Iâm sure at the very least, youâll find new Tezos projects that you werenât aware of showing up in the transactions.
4. Tzsafe.org
Time to get into the more geeky stuff. Tzsafe is a tool that allows you to easily create a multi signature (multi-sig) wallet, and when I say easily, I mean in like 3 steps. Multi-sig wallets allow multiple people to control a wallet, requiring a specific number of them to approve any transactions.
These kinds of wallets are ideal for teams, collaborators, and other cases where multiple parties need to control funds collectively and they need extra security for them. Tzsafe takes this concept and makes it accessible to everyone, through their website that offers an easy to understand UI. If you would like to learn more about multi-sig wallets and the tzsafe tool, I have written a guide that walks you through the whole process here.
5. Tezos-homebase.io
Last but not least, Tezos Homebase is a tool that allows anyone to create a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) with just a few clicks. Even if you donât have a governance token for your DAO, Homebase allows you to easily create one and distribute it to the people you want.
With the most recent update of the tool, it is also possible to have tez-based voting for your DAO if you prefer that. Its interface is pretty intuitive and it makes the creation and management of DAOs a piece of cake. Itâs no wonder DAOS like the Tezos Domains, Tezos Ecosystem DAO, Crunchy network, and many others have used it for their governance.
With the Tezos ecosystem and especially the art scene growing so fast, itâs impossible to keep up with all the tools and projects that come out. That means that there are many more tools that need to be discovered and highlighted. So if you know some that you feel should be on this list, put them down in the comments and I will try to cover them in âPart IIâ of this article.
Letâs support and share the work of our community builders and letâs make sure their work is seen by as many people as possible. And hey, at the same time, you might make the life of many fellow Tezos users easier. Artists, collectors, developers, or enthusiasts, there are definitely tools that can help you in your Tezos journey. So what are you waiting for, go ahead and check them out!
Hidden Gems of the Tezos Ecosystem: Tezos Tools You Might Not Know About was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Welcome to this week's edition of The Baking Sheet! Weâre at a pivotal moment in the Tezos ecosystem, as today marks the last day for voting on the Quebec protocol proposals. Three distinct proposalsâQuebec A, Quebec B, and Qenaâare up for consideration, each with its own vision for the future of Tezos.
To kick off this week's edition, weâre featuring a special guest post from one of our very own, long-time Tezos community member Cryptonio, who will guide us through the key differences between these proposals. Letâs explore whatâs at stake and what these proposals mean for the next chapter of the Tezos journey!
Tezos Upgrade Showdown: The Key Differences Between Quebec A, B, and Qena
Tezos is once again presenting the community with a set of important protocol proposals: Quebec A, Quebec B, and Qena. Each of these proposals brings a set of technical improvements, but they also diverge when it comes to changes in Tezosâ economic model. Whether youâre a baker or a participant in the Tezos ecosystem, itâs essential to understand these differences, as the proposals have distinct implications for the networkâs future, especially regarding inflation, staking, and delegation.
In this article, weâll break down the technical upgrades common to all proposals and dive into the unique aspects of each one. Finally, weâll look at who might prefer each proposal and why this variety of proposals is a win for the Tezos community.
What All Three Proposals Offer
Before we get into the specifics of each proposal, itâs worth noting that all three share a set of technical improvements. These upgrades focus on performance, user experience, and fairness, ensuring that regardless of the outcome, the Tezos network will see positive advancements.
Here are the core upgrades found in Quebec A, Quebec B, and Qena:
8-Second Block Times: All three proposals aim to reduce block times from the current 10 seconds to 8 seconds. This means faster transaction processing and a better user experience. Shorter block times reduce finality, meaning transactions are confirmed more quickly â helpful for both everyday users and developers working on dApps.
Amended Delegation Computation: The proposals address an issue introduced in the Paris upgrade, which led to some unintended consequences for bakers. The new computation method ensures that large transfers between delegators donât accidentally reduce a bakerâs baking rights. This update should make the delegation system smoother and fairer for both bakers and delegators.
Improvements to Delegation Rights Calculation: An updated formula makes it easier for bakers and delegators to understand their baking power throughout the cycle. This improvement reduces confusion and ensures everyone has a clearer idea of their potential rewards.
In short, no matter which proposal wins, Tezos will benefit from faster transaction speeds and a more straightforward delegation system. But what about the differences?
Quebec A: Controlling Max Issuance
Quebec A takes the shared technical improvements and adds a significant economic tweak: the adaptive maximum issuance bound. This mechanism adjusts the maximum amount of tez that can be issued based on how close the network is to its target staking ratio of 50%. The closer the network gets to the 50% target, the lower the maximum issuance allowed, preventing excessive inflation.
This is important because Tezos uses an adaptive issuance model where rewards adjust based on staking participation. When fewer people stake, rewards increase to incentivize more staking. But without this cap, if participation is near the target, the issuance might remain high even when itâs not necessary, leading to unnecessary inflation. The adaptive maximum bound solves this by dynamically lowering the maximum issuance as the target is approached, keeping inflation in check while ensuring the network has enough rewards to secure itself.
Why vote for Quebec A?You want to reduce inflation and make tez more scarce. Quebec A is for those who think controlling the supply of new tez is essential for the networkâs long-term growth and value.
Quebec B: More Staking, Less Delegation
Quebec B includes everything Quebec A offers â technical improvements and the adaptive maximum issuance bound â but takes the economic adjustments one step further. In addition to the adaptive maximum issuance bound, Quebec B proposes to reduce the power of delegated funds when calculating baking rights.
Currently, when you delegate tez to a baker, those funds count toward the bakerâs overall staking power. Right now, delegated funds are weighted at 50% of their nominal value when calculating baking power. In Quebec B, that percentage is reduced to 33%. In other words, delegation becomes slightly less powerful, pushing people to stake their own tez instead of relying heavily on delegation.
This change is designed to push more people toward staking instead of delegating. By reducing the influence of delegated funds, Quebec B increases the incentive for users that have more âskin in the game.â Those who stake will see greater rewards relative to those who rely heavily on delegations.
Why vote for Quebec B?You believe that the more direct participation and personal stake you have, the greater your rewards should be. Quebec B is ideal for those who want to encourage more staking rather than delegating.
Qena: Keep the Tech, Skip the Economics
Qena includes all the same technical upgrades as Quebec A and Quebec B â 8-second block times, smoother delegation calculations, and overall network improvements â but it skips the economic adjustments altogether.
Qena is for those who believe that itâs too early to introduce more economic adjustments. The Paris upgrade, which just activated two months ago, brought in a huge economic overhaul, and many think we should let that play out longer before making further changes.
In other words, Qena appeals to people who want to give the current system time to settle before adding more complexity to the economic model. Itâs for those who think we should focus on the technical upgrades now and reconsider economic tweaks later once weâve seen how things develop post-Paris.
Why vote for Qena?If you believe itâs too soon to make more changes to the economic model after the big Paris upgrade and want to give the current system more time, Qena is the way to go. Itâs for those who think the technical improvements are enough for now, and we shouldnât rush into additional economic changes.
A Win for the Community
Regardless of which proposal wins, itâs important to recognize that having three different options â including one from the community itself (Qena) â is a victory for Tezos governance. It highlights the power of a decentralized, community-driven blockchain, where different voices can present their vision for the networkâs future.
Vote for Quebec A if you want to reduce inflation and make tez more scarce.
Vote for Quebec B if you also want to reduce the influence of delegated funds and encourage more staking.
Vote for Qena if you believe itâs too soon for more economic changes and think the technical upgrades are enough for now.
If youâre a baker, make sure to vote and help shape the future of Tezos. If youâre not a baker, engage in discussions with the community and your baker about their vote. The future of Tezos is shaped by the community, and every voice counts. Letâs continue to push Tezos forward â together.
Quick Comparison: Quebec A vs. Quebec B vs. Qena
Feature
Quebec A
Quebec B
Qena
Block Times
8 seconds
8 seconds
8 seconds
Adaptive Maximum Issuance Bound
Yes
Yes
No
Delegated Funds Weight
No changes (1/2 of nominal value)
1/3 of nominal value
No changes (1/2 of nominal value)
Economic Adjustments
Yes (Issuance mechanism updates)
Yes (Issuance and delegated weight)
No economic adjustments
Target Audience
Bakers and delegators looking for a stable but improved issuance model
Bakers looking for more aggressive staking incentives
Community members favoring stability and market predictability
Call to Action
With Quebec A, Quebec B, and Qena all on the table, the choice is in your hands, Tezos community! Each proposal offers a unique path forward, whether it's through faster block times, adjusting baking power, or focusing on economic stability. This is your chance to shape the next step for Tezos.
For bakers, now is the time to vote for your preferred protocol upgrade. Use the following commands to submit your proposal of choice:
Quebec A:
octez-client submit proposals for YOUR_ADDRESS PsquebeCaYyvBEESCaXL8B8Tn8BcEhps2Zke1xMVtyr7X4qMfxT
Quebec B
octez-client submit proposals for YOUR_ADDRESS PsQuebecBo3zZmhQT7KdEQ2RRDtncE6gQFRPgwkKEyC1ea995G1
Qena:
octez-client submit proposals for YOUR_ADDRESS PsqenaVwjhUUm1JJXbrZTB1T5RVyQHBGDricbLPXjcZkxogDeTJ
Stay tuned and follow the voting progress on Tezos Agora, and learn more about each proposal: Tezos Agora Voting.
Let's keep the momentum going, Tezos! Every vote counts!
Robinhood offers XTZ in New York
As the Quebec upgrade proposals near the final hours of voting, the excitement in the Tezos ecosystem doesn't stop there. In another boost for Tezos accessibility, Robinhood has just announced that New York residents can now buy and sell Tezos (XTZ) on their platform. This addition means New York-based users can now buy, sell, and trade Tezos, bringing the total number of cryptocurrencies available through Robinhood in New York to 14.
Given New York's strict regulatory environment for digital assets, this is an awesome step for Tezos, showcasing its growing presence in one of the most challenging markets. Robinhoodâs move to include Tezos not only broadens access for New York users but also demonstrates the increasing traction of Tezos in multiple verticals like gaming, DeFi, and art.
For anyone using Robinhood in New York, Tezos is now just a tap away.
Tezos Community Rewards Program: Only 3 Days Left to Nominate!
Lastly for the headlines this week, the clock is ticking, and there are just 3 days left to submit your nominations for the September edition of the Tezos Community Rewards Program! This is your chance to recognize and celebrate those who have made exceptional contributions to the Tezos ecosystem over the past month.
The Community Rewards Program is an initiative by Tezos Commons to foster growth, engagement, and support within the Tezos community. Up to 5,000 tez is rewarded every month to contributors who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, talent, and commitment to the ecosystem.
The categories for this month's rewards include:
Assimilation Award: Recognizing those who welcome, connect, and support members of the Tezos community.
Drill Sergeant Award: For the individuals who help others get up to speed, serve as mentors, or provide guidance in the ecosystem.
Helping Hand Award: For assisting others in the Tezos community through acts of kindness or support.
Influencer Award: For driving engagement, awareness, or adoption of Tezos through thought leadership, content creation, or social media presence.
Patissier Award: Awarded to those who contribute to the baking community by educating, onboarding new bakers, or providing baking services.
TEO Award: For outstanding efforts in furthering Tezos Education Outreach, whether through workshops, events, or educational resources.
Tez Dev Award: For developers building or enhancing projects, applications, or tools on the Tezos blockchain.
Tezos Tutor Award: Recognizing those who help others learn about Tezos through educational resources or tutorials.
The Formal Verification Award: For engaging in constructive exchange in Tezos and setting the example for good argumentation, defining terms, reasoning from first principles, sharing evidence, and avoiding logical fallacies.
Don't miss this opportunity to nominate someone you believe has made a difference in the Tezos ecosystem. Visit tezoscommons.org/rewards to submit your nomination today!
This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem
Magic Hits a New High with 50K+ npm Downloads
Shifting to news and updates around the Tezos Ecosystem updates, This week a key achievement was celebrated with our friends at Magic. Magic has surpassed an impressive 50,000 npm downloads, with nearly 3,000 downloads in just the past few weeks! This milestone showcases the growing interest in Magicâs seamless authentication and wallet integration, making it easier than ever for developers to build on Tezos.
But that's not allâthereâs been a surge of interest in Etherlink, with the Etherlink documentation page becoming one of the most visited blockchain pages for Magicâs developer community. It's clear signal that the Tezos ecosystem continues to attract attention, especially from developers eager to integrate blockchain based solutions.
If youâre ready to jump in and start building with Tezos and Magicâs wallet integration, check out their developer docs here đ Magic + Etherlink Developer Docs.
Game Spotlight: BattleRise
Step into BattleRise: Kingdom of Champions, a fantasy-themed role-playing game blending turn-based battles, immersive storytelling, and endless dungeons. Set in the world of Eos, you'll unite brave warriors to battle against ancient evils threatening all of creation.
Dungeons: Make strategic decisions in dynamic dungeon runs where every choice influences your journey.
Arena: Face off against other players in real-time PvP battles.
Champions: Choose from a diverse roster of heroes from different factions, each with unique skills and synergies.
Artifacts: Equip your champions with legendary weapons and artifacts to enhance their powers.
Story Mode: Explore a rich fantasy narrative and embark on epic quests.
Learn more and download at battlerise.com
Also, Catch up on the recent X Space discussing the Etherlink Founders Pass, BattleRise's gaming NFT: Listen here
đŽ Now Streaming: Gaming on Tezos with Jeremy Foo
This week on TezTalks LIVE, weâre joined by Jeremy Foo, the Global Head of Gaming at TZ APAC, to dive into the latest developments in blockchain gaming, both in the Asia Pacific region and across the Tezos ecosystem.
đ Our special guest is Jeremy Foo, who brings his wealth of experience from the gaming industry to his mission of growing gaming on Tezos.
đ In this episode, we'll explore:
What is TZ APAC? Learn about TZ APACâs role in driving Tezos adoption, especially in the gaming sector across the Asia Pacific region.
Jeremy's Journey: Hear about Jeremyâs path from consulting at McKinsey to leading strategic investments in gaming and how he became the Global Head of Gaming at TZAPAC.
Supporting Game Developers: Discover the resources and support TZ APAC offers to game developers building on Tezos, including funding, strategy, marketing, and technical guidance.
Upcoming Game Releases: Get the latest on exciting new games like Pikeâs Arena and how theyâre shaping the future of blockchain-powered gaming on Tezos.
Now Streaming:
YouTube | X
Events
Join us for the first annual Subjective Art Festival, taking place from September 27-29 at LUME Studios in Tribeca, NYC. Curated by Victoria West and sponsored by Tezos Commons, this event brings together over 150 artists and showcases cutting-edge art and technology across six floors of installations.
Location: LUME Studios, 393 Broadway, New York, NY 10013, USA
A dive into the release of NFTimbre 2.2 from La Poste-Philaposte and philately in the web3Â space.
If you're any bit like me, you've probably seen NFTimbre pop up on your timeline. I wasn't entirely sure what it was, nor did I know who La Poste was, as is the case for many European companies collaborating within the Tezos ecosystem. But it's pretty interesting, and La Poste is no small company.
Let's dive into NFTimbre, the latest release of 2.2, who La Poste is, and more!
What is NFTimbre?
Before we discuss NFTimbre deeply, it's worth pointing out who La Poste is. La Poste Groupe is France's national postal service, operating in several sectors: mail, banking, parcel delivery, and digital services. In 2022, it generated âŹ35.4 billion in revenue and employed about 238,000 people. La Poste ranks among Europe's largest postal operators, though it trails behind Deutsche Post DHL and USPS in size.
In terms of NFTimbre, it's a project from La Poste-Philaposte with collaboration from Nomadic Labs. La Poste-Philaposte is La Poste's philately division, responsible for designing and producing French stamps and collectors focusing on cultural and commemorative themes. The division operates semi-independently within La Poste's broader structure.
NFTimbre is a philatelic project that combines traditional postage stamps with digital NFTs. Each NFTimbre has a physical stamp and its digital counterpart, which was created on the Tezos blockchain. Users can collect, exchange, and display these digital stamps in their Tezos wallets. The stamps are linked to the Tezos blockchain and help ensure authenticity and ownership.
The very first piece showcases a whirlwind of objects coming out of a mailbox. Pretty much as if the box were opened to release a whole world: postcards, envelopes, administrative mail, gifts, and everything in between. The neat thing about these La Poste NFT stamps is that they can be collected or used for mailing. The digital version, typically a video or HD image, reveals hidden details of the physical stamp that aren't visible otherwise.
Per the roadmap, NFTimbre2 is currently a three-part NFT stamp collection. A third edition, NFTimbre 2.3, will be released in November 2024. That said, the collection follows a young woman at the center of a journey symbolized by her stance and the environment around her. In both cases, she is shown facing an open space, more clearly a window in NFTimbre2.2.
The first edition shows very fuzzy and digital anecdotes, which fit the theme of connecting the physical and digital realms. The most obvious parallel here is the concept of a physical copy of the stamp itself and its digital "twin" counterpart.
The editions can be purchased on the NFTimbre site for about âŹ8 each. I must admit that, as a U.S. resident, it would not let me purchase them when I started to enter my shipping details. Perhaps it was still possible; the site seemed not to let me move further once that information was provided. So, if you're in the European region, get your hands on some!
Final Thoughts
As a coin collector, I feel drawn to stamps and the whole collecting aspect of it all. Combining postage stamps with NFTs makes perfect sense as an application of blockchain. Blockchain helps ensure transparency and authenticity, making it ideal for collectibles like stamps. You can't alter the information once it's on the chain, and there are many cool things you can do with it, as evident here. This is important, though, when it comes to preserving the stamp's provenance and ownership history, and what better way to do just that than on the Tezos blockchain?
When we consider some of the most successful verticals for blockchain, we're immediately brought to something similar: art. There's a reason for that. Not only does it help eliminate this rampant issue of forgery or processes to verify the authenticity of physical collectibles, but I think it's part of where everything is moving towards. Our books, collectibles, and even money are virtually all being digitized. You hardly see anyone pull out a checkbook these days except my dad.
Jokes aside, blockchain simplifies this entire process, and there's virtually no trade-off. When you have a technology like that that eliminates so much friction, it seems like a matter of time. I'm excited to see the next edition of NFTimbre come out in November of this year. Be sure to be on the lookout for that!
A Closer Look at NFTimbre was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Tezos Upgrade Showdown: the Key Differences Between Quebec A, B, and Qena
A Closer Look at Tezosâ Latest Proposals: Quebec A, Quebec B, and Qena
Tezos is once again presenting the community with a set of important protocol proposals: Quebec A, Quebec B, and Qena. Each of these proposals brings a set of technical improvements, but they also diverge when it comes to changes in Tezosâ economic model. Whether youâre a baker or a participant in the Tezos ecosystem, itâs essential to understand these differences, as the proposals have distinct implications for the networkâs future, especially regarding inflation, staking, and delegation.
In this article, weâll break down the technical upgrades common to all proposals and dive into the unique aspects of each one. Finally, weâll look at who might prefer each proposal and why this variety of proposals is a win for the Tezos community.
What All Three Proposals Offer
Before we get into the specifics of each proposal, itâs worth noting that all three share a set of technical improvements. These upgrades focus on performance, user experience, and fairness, ensuring that regardless of the outcome, the Tezos network will see positive advancements.
Here are the core upgrades found in Quebec A, Quebec B, and Qena:
8-Second Block Times: All three proposals aim to reduce block times from the current 10 seconds to 8 seconds. This means faster transaction processing and a better user experience. Shorter block times reduce finality, meaning transactions are confirmed more quicklyâââhelpful for both everyday users and developers working on dApps.
Amended Delegation Computation: The proposals address an issue introduced in the Paris upgrade, which led to some unintended consequences for bakers. The new computation method ensures that large transfers between delegators donât accidentally reduce a bakerâs baking rights. This update should make the delegation system smoother and fairer for both bakers and delegators.
Improvements to Delegation Rights Calculation: An updated formula makes it easier for bakers and delegators to understand their baking power throughout the cycle. This improvement reduces confusion and ensures everyone has a clearer idea of their potential rewards.
In short, no matter which proposal wins, Tezos will benefit from faster transaction speeds and a more straightforward delegation system. But what about the differences?
Quebec A: Controlling Max Issuance
Quebec A takes the shared technical improvements and adds a significant economic tweak: the adaptive maximum issuance bound. This mechanism adjusts the maximum amount of tez that can be issued based on how close the network is to its target staking ratio of 50%. The closer the network gets to the 50% target, the lower the maximum issuance allowed, preventing excessive inflation.
This is important because Tezos uses an adaptive issuance model where rewards adjust based on staking participation. When fewer people stake, rewards increase to incentivize more staking. But without this cap, if participation is near the target, the issuance might remain high even when itâs not necessary, leading to unnecessary inflation. The adaptive maximum bound solves this by dynamically lowering the maximum issuance as the target is approached, keeping inflation in check while ensuring the network has enough rewards to secure itself.
Why vote for Quebec A?You want to reduce inflation and make tez more scarce. Quebec A is for those who think controlling the supply of new tez is essential for the networkâs long-term growth and value.
Quebec B: More Staking, Less Delegation
Quebec B includes everything Quebec A offersâââtechnical improvements and the adaptive maximum issuance boundâââbut takes the economic adjustments one step further. In addition to the adaptive maximum issuance bound, Quebec B proposes to reduce the power of delegated funds when calculating baking rights.
Currently, when you delegate tez to a baker, those funds count toward the bakerâs overall staking power. Right now, delegated funds are weighted at 50% of their nominal value when calculating baking power. In Quebec B, that percentage is reduced to 33%. In other words, delegation becomes slightly less powerful, pushing people to stake their own tez instead of relying heavily on delegation.
This change is designed to push more people toward staking instead of delegating. By reducing the influence of delegated funds, Quebec B increases the incentive for users that have more âskin in the game.â Those who stake will see greater rewards relative to those who rely heavily on delegations.
Why vote for Quebec B?You believe that the more direct participation and personal stake you have, the greater your rewards should be. Quebec B is ideal for those who want to encourage more staking rather than delegating.
Qena: Keep the Tech, Skip the Economics
Qena includes all the same technical upgrades as Quebec A and Quebec Bâââ8-second block times, smoother delegation calculations, and overall network improvementsâââbut it skips the economic adjustments altogether.
Qena is for those who believe that itâs too early to introduce more economic adjustments. The Paris upgrade, which just activated two months ago, brought in a huge economic overhaul, and many think we should let that play out longer before making further changes.
In other words, Qena appeals to people who want to give the current system time to settle before adding more complexity to the economic model. Itâs for those who think we should focus on the technical upgrades now and reconsider economic tweaks later once weâve seen how things develop post-Paris.
Why vote for Qena?If you believe itâs too soon to make more changes to the economic model after the big Paris upgrade and want to give the current system more time, Qena is the way to go. Itâs for those who think the technical improvements are enough for now, and we shouldnât rush into additional economic changes.
A Win for the Community
Regardless of which proposal wins, itâs important to recognize that having three different optionsâââincluding one from the community itself (Qena)âââis a victory for Tezos governance. It highlights the power of a decentralized, community-driven blockchain, where different voices can present their vision for the networkâs future.
Vote for Quebec A if you want to reduce inflation and make tez more scarce.
Vote for Quebec B if you also want to reduce the influence of delegated funds and encourage more staking.
Vote for Qena if you believe itâs too soon for more economic changes and think the technical upgrades are enough for now.
If youâre a baker, make sure to vote and help shape the future of Tezos. If youâre not a baker, engage in discussions with the community and your baker about their vote. The future of Tezos is shaped by the community, and every voice counts. Letâs continue to push Tezos forwardâââtogether.
Tezos Upgrade Showdown: The Key Differences Between Quebec A, B, and Qena was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Spotlighting The Artists Unable to Spotlight Themselves On X
Social media and the connections we forge within these platforms often open doors to opportunities that are hard to come by in the real world. In light of the recent ban of X (Twitter) in Brazil, weâre spotlighting some of the incredible Brazilian artists contributing to the vibrant Tezos ecosystem. (I couldnât cover all the talented Brazilian artists in the Tezos community as there are just way too many talented artists from Brazil.) Brazilian art enriches the world with its diverse and unique cultural perspectives, and these artists are committed to sharing their work, no matter the obstacles.
Thank You Tezos Community, For Being Who You Are
We first want to express our gratitude to the Tezos Community, which has rallied together with heartfelt, grassroots initiatives to support artists who may be affected by this recent ban. A special shoutout goes to @pravijn, who has been curating a list of over 45 Brazilian artists for the past two yearsâââthis resource can be found here. Another recent effort led by the team at Objkt.com offers a thread of valuable information to help preserve and share Brazilian artwork, which you can explore here. We also want to acknowledge @terabitcoins for creating the Portuguese-speaking #TezosCommunity Directory, which is accessible here. Thank you to TeraBitcoins and also to Malicious Sheep for helping bring balanced perspectives and information to light amongst all of the chaos.
The Tezos Community continues to exemplify the heart and spirit of humanity, proving that nothing will halt our journey toward a digital art revolution. Letâs celebrate the exceptional talent of Brazilian artists and keep supporting this global digital art movement.
Here are some of the Brazilian Artists of Tezos, Their Artworks, And Alternative Socials
Solidarity by GravotopiaâââPolychrome Engraving Gravotopia (@Gravotopia)
Gravotopia is a visual arts studio celebrated for its diverse and intricate engravings, capturing themes ranging from urban landscapes to symbolic and abstract compositions. Their work often delves into the intersections of nature, society, and the metaphysical, emphasizing physical prints in practice. Despite the recent ban from X, Gravotopia remains active and continues to share their evolving portfolio on Instagram and through their Linktree. As a versatile contributor to the Tezos art community, Gravotopiaâs works push boundaries, blending traditional engraving techniques with contemporary digital narratives. Supporting their journey is vital as they navigate the uncertainties of current events.
Pano de Alakå by Marco Palhano Marcos Palhano (@MarcosPalhano16)
Marcos Palhano is a Brazilian photographer whose work beautifully captures the essence of culture and everyday life in Brazil. Known for his evocative and detailed close-ups of traditional celebrations and cultural practices, Palhanoâs photography highlights the beauty of exploring Brazil. Despite the recent ban on X, he continues to share his work through Instagram and his website, allowing his audience to experience the rich visual stories of Brazilian culture through his photography. Supporting artists like Palhano helps maintain the visibility of Brazilâs vibrant art scene and gain more exposure to the digital art world.
Enjoy Nature by Doug CriptoFace Doug CriptoFace (@criptoface21)
Doug CriptoFace is a Brazilian street artist who co-hosted spaces from BrazilTezos every Tuesday until recently and continues contributing to the Tezos art community. His popular collection on Objkt, âYellow Facesâ, combines traditional street art style with new digital elements. For every Yellow Faces NFT sold, Doug has committed to painting an edition on the streets in real life. An excellent cross-promotion between the digital and physical art world. He also has a collection offering physical artworks, âPhygital Artsâ. Each 1/1 can be sent to collectors upon request. Another notable development is Doug revealing his book of drawings that will be given away to holders of NFTs minted from each page. You can find Dougâs alternative socials on his Linktree and support this artistâs growing momentum.
Curumim by Rosa Morena Rosa Morena (@rosamorena111)
Rosa Morena is a Tattoo artist who has taken her unique trade to web3 by minting amazing tattoo-inspired designs as NFTs on Tezos since September 2021. Rosa is an artist of many medians beyond Tattoo art. Her first series was an awe-inspiring collaboration with her son who was 4 years old at the time, combining his artz scribbles with her digital mixed media techniques. A self-taught artist who expresses herself freely, she has recently begun exploring AI within her creations. Outside of contributing amazing and diverse art to Tezos, she was the fellow co-host of spaces, BrasilTezos, along with Doug CriptoFace. Follow her Objkt profile and help cheer on this Brazilian artist and contributor to the Tezos Community.
More Brazilian Artists On Tezos To Be Spotlighted For Our Upcoming ARTicle Of the Month
Over the coming weeks, we will continue tuning into the developments and pushing forward with efforts to support any artists affected by recent events. As we wrap up this spotlight on the remarkable Brazilian artists navigating the Tezos ecosystem, itâs clear that their resilience and creativity remain unshaken. Their stories and contributions remind us of the boundless spirit of artistic expression and community support that define this global commonwealth revolving around the freedom and opportunities Tezos can provide. Letâs continue to support and uplift these incredible artists, and keep our shared passion for creativity alive. Your support makes all the difference.
Brazilian Artists Of Tezos was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
Greetings Tezos community! Weâre kicking off this weekâs edition of the Baking Sheet with some exciting updates on the upcoming 17th protocol upgrade, Quebec. As always, Tezos keeps pushing forward, and now, weâre getting not one, not two, but three different protocol proposals to considerâQuebec A, Quebec B, and a new twist, the Qena proposal from a community member. Letâs dive into the details!
Announcing Quebec A and Quebec B by Nomadic Labs, Functori, and TriliTech
After the successful activation of the Paris protocol upgrade, which brought significant changes like 10-second block times and the Data Availability Layer (DAL), the Quebec proposal is now ready to take things to the next level.
Both Quebec A and Quebec B build on the foundation of Paris and represent key milestones on the road to Tezos X. While they share several key features, there are notable differences between the two.
Hereâs a breakdown of what each proposal brings:
Shared Features in Quebec A & B
8-Second Block Times: Both proposals aim to reduce block times from 10 seconds to 8, improving transaction speed and user experience on Tezos Layer 1.
Adaptive Maximum Issuance Bound: The proposals introduce a new mechanism to keep issuance rates from becoming excessively high, especially when the staked ratio is close to the 50% target. This is an update to the existing Adaptive Issuance feature and ensures a more stable issuance model.
Amended Delegation Rights: Both proposals also tackle issues around the computation of minimal delegated balances, addressing unexpected dilution of baking rights and improving UX for bakers and delegators alike.
The Key Difference - Quebec B
Delegated Funds Baking Power Reduction: Quebec B proposes to reduce the weight of delegated funds in the computation of baking power from one half- one third of their nominal value. This change incentivizes delegators to become stakers and nudges public bakers to embrace staking more aggressively.
With these changes, Quebec B takes a bolder approach toward adjusting the balance of baking power, while Quebec A maintains a more conservative stance.
Enter Qena: An Alternative Proposal from Tez Capital
The plot thickens with the introduction of Qena, a community-proposed alternative from Tez Capital that provides all the technical improvements of Quebec without making any economic changes.
What Does Qena Propose?
No Economic Adjustments: Unlike Quebec A and B, Qena avoids the changes to the adaptive issuance mechanism and keeps the current system intact. The focus here is on stability, allowing the adaptive issuance to mature naturally.
Long-Term Growth: Qena prioritizes market stability and avoids frequent changes that could introduce economic unpredictability.
Focus on Technical Progress: Qena incorporates all technical advancements in Quebec, such as the 8-second block times and improved delegation mechanics, without disrupting the current economic dynamics of the ecosystem.
Quick Comparison: Quebec A vs. Quebec B vs. Qena
Feature
Quebec A
Quebec B
Qena
Block Times
8 seconds
8 seconds
8 seconds
Adaptive Maximum Issuance Bound
Yes
Yes
No
Delegated Funds Weight
1/2 of nominal value
1/3 of nominal value
No changes
Economic Adjustments
Yes (Issuance mechanism updates)
Yes (Issuance and delegated weight)
No economic adjustments
Target Audience
Bakers and delegators looking for a stable but improved issuance model
Bakers looking for more aggressive staking incentives
Community members favoring stability and market predictability
Call to Action
With Quebec A, Quebec B, and Qena all on the table, the choice is in your hands, Tezos community! Each proposal offers a unique path forward, whether it's through faster block times, adjusting baking power, or focusing on economic stability. This is your chance to shape the next step for Tezos.
For bakers, now is the time to vote for your preferred protocol upgrade. Use the following commands to submit your proposal of choice:
Quebec A:
octez-client submit proposals for YOUR_ADDRESS PsquebeCaYyvBEESCaXL8B8Tn8BcEhps2Zke1xMVtyr7X4qMfxT
Quebec B
octez-client submit proposals for YOUR_ADDRESS PsQuebecBo3zZmhQT7KdEQ2RRDtncE6gQFRPgwkKEyC1ea995G1
Qena:
octez-client submit proposals for YOUR_ADDRESS PsqenaVwjhUUm1JJXbrZTB1T5RVyQHBGDricbLPXjcZkxogDeTJ
Stay tuned and follow the voting progress on Tezos Agora, and learn more about each proposal: Tezos Agora Voting.
Let's keep the momentum going, Tezos! Every vote counts!
This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem
Letâs dive into This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem by kicking off with the exciting updates from TOKEN2049, where Tezos made a powerful impression with key announcements and side events that took place throughout the week.
Token 2049: Tezosâ âBroadband Momentâ
At the heart of Tezos' presence at TOKEN2049 was co-founder Arthur Breitmanâs keynote address, dubbed Tezosâ "Broadband Moment." Arthur discussed Tezos X, marking the next generation of Tezos.
One of the standout features Arthur discussed was JSTZ, an experimental rollup with a JavaScript execution environment. This new rollup aims to broaden accessibility for developers by allowing them to write smart contracts and applications using JavaScript, one of the worldâs most popular programming languages. This bold step is set to transform Tezos by making blockchain development more approachable and encouraging more developers to build within the ecosystem.
Arthur's speech at TOKEN2049 signals a pivotal moment for Tezos, solidifying its place as a leader in pushing the boundaries of scalability, composability, and interoperability.
Tezos Realm: A Full Immersive Experience
Tezos Realm, held at the historic CHIJMES Hall in Singapore, was the center of blockchain innovation. Attendees explored four themed realmsâCulture & Community, DeFi, Gaming, and Etherlinkâeach showcasing cutting-edge projects from across the Tezos ecosystem.
Featured projects included:
akaSwap and Objkt in the Culture & Community realm
BattleRise and Ladder Protocol in the Gaming realm
Hanji and Superlend in the DeFi realm
Kredete and YourD in the Etherlink realm
Guests collected stamps after exploring these exhibits, unlocking exclusive Tezos Realm merchandise and prizes. For those unable to attend in person, the event was also available through the TZ Apex Hybrid Edition, allowing the global community to interact with the showcased projects remotely and win exciting rewards, including tez, NFTs, and in-game items.
Zeeveâs Rollup Day
Tezos was also featured at Zeeveâs Rollup Day, where Siddharth Singhal from Trilitech spoke on the "To Roll-up or not: Tackling the Conundrum" panel. The discussion focused on the transformative potential of rollups, a crucial component of Tezos X, and how they can drive scalability and innovation in the blockchain space.
CryptoCarnival Celebration
Rounding off the week was the CryptoCarnival, an event sponsored by Etherlink in celebration of Trust Wallet, CoinMarketCap, and 1inch. The lively festival atmosphere brought together key players from the crypto world and featured exclusive giveaways, merchandise, and a fireside chat discussing the latest developments in blockchain.
Entangled: The Exhibition â An Immersive Journey into Generative Art
As we continue This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem, we shift our focus to Belgium, where a captivating art experience is unfolding. Entangled: The Exhibition is a must-see event taking place at Wintercircus in Ghent, from September 17-22, bringing together the worlds of generative art, digital interaction, and quantum mechanics.
Hosted by nonfigurativ in collaboration with fx(hash, this on-chain generative art collection, "Entangled," invites visitors to explore the complex interplay between the physical and digital realms. The exhibition is more than just a visual treatâit includes a cutting-edge multimedia robotics installation that ties into the themes of quantum mechanics.
Key Highlights:
Meet the Artists: Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with the minds behind the artwork, learning about their creative processes and inspirations.
Venue Tours: Explore the iconic Wintercircus venue while diving deep into the fascinating world of generative art.
Educational Programs: The exhibition is not just about viewing but also about learning. Through workshops and talks organized in partnership with Tezos, visitors can deepen their understanding of the intersection between art and blockchain technology.
Event Details:
Dates: September 17-22
Location: Wintercircus, Ghent, Belgium
RSVP for the Opening: Experience a night of art, talks, and networking with like-minded art enthusiasts and blockchain innovators. RSVP here.
For those looking to join in on the public programs, the event includes workshops and educational tours aimed at exploring the future of art through blockchain. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register for free before itâs too late.
IguanaDEX Version 3 Launches on Etherlink, Now Tracked by DefiLlama
In exciting news for the Tezos DeFi landscape, IguanaDEX Version 3 has officially launched on Etherlink, the Tezos Layer 2 rollup network, bringing new decentralized trading and earning opportunities. IguanaDEX allows users to trade and earn cryptocurrencies without relying on centralized exchanges or intermediaries, providing a seamless, user-friendly experience powered by Tezos.
Key Features of IguanaDEX:
Decentralized Trading: Users can swap tokens and create liquidity pools on Etherlink without requiring permissions, using EVM-compatible wallets like MetaMask, Rabby Wallet, and Coinbase Wallet.
Liquidity Provision: Liquidity providers can earn rewards from trading fees and IGN token incentives while participating in the platformâs liquidity pools.
Token Bridging: IguanaDEX supports token bridging from networks like BNB Chain, Ethereum, and Polygon, ensuring that users can transfer assets to Etherlink with ease.
Security: The platform uses smart contracts based on PancakeSwap and Uniswap, benefiting from their established security audits.
Additionally, DefiLlama, a leading DeFi analytics platform, is now tracking IguanaDEX on Etherlink, boosting its visibility and providing key insights such as total value locked (TVL) metrics.
The launch of IguanaDEX marks a significant step for Tezos DeFi, offering a robust, decentralized platform for trading and liquidity provision, all while leveraging the efficiency and security of Tezosâ Layer 2 solution, Etherlink.
Tezos Game Spotlight: AutoHero
Get ready for this weekâs Game Spotlight on AutoHero, an exhilarating next-gen experience built on Tezos! If you're a fan of intense shooting games filled with fiery gun battles and heavy weapons, AutoHero Tezos is the game for you.
In AutoHero, you take full control of your heroâs movement while the gameâs auto-shooting mechanics do the rest. As a 2D side-scroller platform battle game, it delivers fast-paced action where you navigate your character through hordes of enemies while wielding powerful guns. The auto-shooting feature ensures seamless gameplay, allowing players to focus on strategy and movement as they face off against relentless waves of evil monsters.
đ«Â Key Features:
Auto-shooting: Focus on navigating your heroâs movement while automatic shooting takes care of the enemies.
Heavy Weaponry: Arm your hero with powerful weapons to blast away the opposition.
Monsters Beware: Monsters wonât have a chance to hide in this fast-paced battle environment.
đź Download now: AutoHero
đŽ Now Streaming: Staking with Everstake featuring Maria Belashova
This week on TezTalks Radio, weâre joined by Maria Belashova, Tezos Blockchain Manager at Everstake, to discuss the vital role of Everstake as a staking and validator service provider for Tezos and other blockchain networks.
đ Our special guest is Maria Belashova, sharing her insights on staking and the importance of security and decentralization.
đ In this episode, we'll explore:
What is Everstake? - Learn how Everstake supports Tezos through staking and validation services, providing competitive fees and transparent operations.
Benefits of Staking: - Discover how staking allows users to earn passive income, support the Tezos network, and participate in on-chain governance.
Tezos' Paris Upgrade: - Maria discusses the recent Paris upgrade and how it introduced new staking functionalities.
Oobitâs Crypto Payments App Lets You Use Tez Like CashâââHereâs How
For anyone whoâs been holding Tez and wondering when theyâll actually get to use it in their daily life, the news that Oobit integrated Tezos into its payment system is huge. As a long-time Tezos user, Iâve enjoyed staking, using decentralized applications (Dapps), and generally being a part of the Tezos ecosystem. But up until recently, the idea of actually spending my Tez in the real world felt like a distant dream. Now, with Oobitâs help, I was able to buy a coffee using my tezâ yes, you read that right!
This isnât just good news for people using Oobit. Itâs a major step forward for Tezos itself. Hereâs how it all works and why this matters for us Tezos fans.
What is Oobit?
So, whatâs Oobit? Basically, itâs a crypto payments app that aims to make spending your coins as simple as tapping your card or phone. Itâs designed to bridge the gap between crypto wallets and real-world purchases, letting you use your favorite cryptocurrencies like actual money.
Thatâs cool and all, but the real highlight for us is that theyâve integrated Tezos. This means you can now use your tez in the real world just as easily as you would use any other payment method. You can now spend your tez to buy stuff and weâre not talking about niche, obscure purchasesâââthis could be coffee, groceries, or whatever else you can pay for using tap-to-pay methods.
For me, itâs not just about the appâââitâs about the fact that Tezos is becoming a cryptocurrency I can actively use in day-to-day life. Thatâs a big win for Tezos adoption.
How to Use Oobit to Pay with tez.
So, how does this work? If youâre holding tez and you want to try this out, the process is pretty simple:
Download the App: First, grab the Oobit app (available on iOS and Android). Itâs super easy to set up.
Complete KYC: Yes, thereâs a KYC step, but itâs quick. Basically, itâs a security thing to make sure youâre legit. It took just a few minutes.
Send Tez: Transfer your tez to the Tezos address you are given in Oobit. The transaction is fast, and as always, Tezosâ low fees make it super cheap.
Tap to Pay: When youâre ready to pay, just tap your phone at any terminal that accepts tap-to-pay, select Tez as the currency, and youâre done! I used it to buy coffee, and it worked perfectly.
Right now, Oobitâs tap-to-pay feature is available in several regions (mostly Europe), but Iâm hopeful weâll see more widespread availability soon as they have stated that USA and LATAM are in their roadmap for 2025. The more merchants and countries that get on board, the better for Tezos holders looking to spend their crypto.
Why This is Great News for Tezos Users?
Hereâs why this development matters: Tezos has always been about more than just being another cryptocurrency. Itâs a self-upgrading blockchain with a focus on sustainability, low fees, and strong governance. However, for all its strengths, one area where all cryptocurrencies lagged a bit is real-world utility. You can stake your tez, you can vote on protocol changes, but actually using it to pay for everyday things? Thatâs been limitedâââuntil now.
With Oobitâs integration, weâre finally seeing Tezos stepping into the realm of everyday spending. Itâs something you can use to buy your morning coffee, groceries, or even a new TVâââanything that supports tap-to-pay. This makes tez much more than just a speculative asset or a tool for governanceâââit becomes a true currency.
The ease of use, low fees, and fast transaction and finality times make Tezos perfect for this kind of real-world usage. And as more apps and platforms integrate Tezos, it could quickly gain traction as a go-to option for payments. This is good news not just for Tezos holders but for the entire crypto space, as it sets an example of how blockchain can blend into our daily lives without being overly complicated.
So, whatâs the takeaway here? Oobitâs integration is just one step, but itâs a significant one for the Tezos ecosystem. If youâre a fan of Tezos like me, this is something to get excited about. Itâs not just about the appâââitâs about the future of Tezos as a currency.
Give it a try if youâre interested, and who knows? You might soon be buying coffee with Tez just like IÂ did!
Tezos in Action: Spend Your Tez in Local Stores was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
How Tezosâââthe First True Proof of Stake (PoS) BlockchainâââHas Redefined Staking for Everyone.
Tezos has established itself as a pioneer in the blockchain world by being the first major blockchain to introduce a truly decentralized and efficient Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism. Many chains have followed in its footsteps, adopting similar mechanisms over time.
For instance, Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work (PoW) to PoS, and even though delegations arenât natively built into their protocol, Ethereum staking services have adopted terms like âDelegateâ and âDelegatorsââââconcepts that have long been native to Tezos. Cardanoâs âliquid staking,â praised as an innovative feature, has actually been a staple of Tezos since day one.
Over time, Tezos has continually improved its staking model, making it one of the most accessible, secure, flexible, and rewarding systems available. Letâs take a deeper look into these qualities.
Accessibility: Staking Without Barriers.
One of Tezosâ standout features is its unparalleled accessibility. Unlike many other blockchains, Tezos imposes no minimum staking requirement, allowing anyone to stake their tez (XTZ) with any amount, making it one of the most inclusive staking ecosystems in the blockchain space.
In contrast, Ethereum requires 32 ETH to stake as a validatorâââputting direct participation out of reach for most users. While third-party services and staking derivatives enable staking with smaller amounts on Ethereum, these solutions often come at the cost of self-custody, requiring users to trust intermediaries. This brings us to the next point.
Self-Custody: Secure Staking from Your Wallet.
Tezos staking is all about self-custody, meaning you keep full control of your funds the entire time. You can stake directly from your wallet without moving your XTZ anywhere. Even if you use a hardware wallet like Ledger, you can stake your tez while keeping it safely offline.
Unlike Ethereum, thereâs no need to send your funds to staking contracts or trust any third party. You just open your wallet, pick a baker (validator), and boomâââyouâre earning rewards. Plus, with the new staker role, rewards are automatically sent straight to your wallet by the protocol. Super simple, super secure.
High Rewards: Why Tezos Staking Yields More.
Right now, Tezos is offering an impressive ~16.5% APY on staking rewards, which is way higher than what youâll find on most other blockchains. In contrast:
Ethereum 4â6%
Solana 5â7%
Cardano 3â6%
This boost is thanks to the latest protocol upgrade (ParisB), which introduced adaptive issuance and a new staking role. In this updated model, more emphasis is placed on locked staking versus delegations, so stakers are earning double the rewards compared to delegators.
Since not many people have jumped over to the new staking option yet, those who do are reaping the benefits of higher rewards. Itâs not due to crazy inflationâââitâs more of a hidden opportunity that most people havenât caught onto yet.
Flexibility: Options for Every Staking Preference.
Another one of Tezosâ biggest strengths is the flexibility it offers in staking, providing options that cater to different preferences and levels of commitment. Whether youâre after higher rewards or want to keep your funds easily accessible, Tezos has a solution for you:
Staking: For those looking to maximize returns, staking offers significantly higher rewards, with APYs that are double what youâd earn through delegation. Keep in mind that the locking period in Tezos is ~11 days (4 cycles), which is much shorter compared to other chains. For example, Cosmos requires a 21-day unbonding period, while Polkadot locks funds for 28 days. In Tezos, you get the benefit of locked staking without having to wait nearly as long to access your funds.
Delegation: If you prefer to keep your XTZ liquid, Tezos lets you delegate your funds to a Baker without locking them up. This allows you to participate in staking while maintaining the flexibility to withdraw or move your funds whenever you like, still earning rewards on your liquid balance.
The beauty of Tezos staking is that you arenât locked into just one approach. You can choose to lock up a portion of your XTZ for higher returns while delegating the rest of your walletâs balance to stay liquid, giving you the best of both worlds. This kind of flexibilityâââallowing you to strike the perfect balance between staying liquid and maximizing your rewardsâââis hard to find in other blockchain ecosystems, making Tezos truly unique.
Tezos has really nailed its staking system, offering the perfect mix of accessibility, control, great rewards, and flexibility. With choices that suit any staking preference, Tezos allows you to be as hands-on or hands-off as you like while still benefiting from one of the most rewarding and flexible staking models available. And with a solid ~16.5% APY, thereâs no better time to jump in.
Sounds too good to be true? Thatâs because it really is that good. Go ahead and stake your tez today and see why Tezos staking stands out. If you want to learn more about how it all works, check out this guide I put together for an easy breakdown.
Stake your tez, earn rewards, and stay in controlâââTezos makes it that simple.
Tezos: Leading the Way in Staking Innovation was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the âCommunity Rewards Programâ CRP for the month of August 2024!
For more details about the various categories please refer to the rewards page on the Tezos Commons website.
The Community Rewards Program is a Tezos Commons Foundation initiative aimed at fostering adoption and supporting the Tezos ecosystem. Every month up to 5,000 tez are rewarded to those that stand out in merit and act in the interest of the Tezos ecosystem as a whole.
In an endeavor to make it easier for community members to nominate their favorite contributors to the ecosystem, the nomination form has been drastically streamlined. Now containing only three questions, it takes less than 30 seconds to submit a nomination.
Donât have 30 seconds? You can tag any discord message, Reddit post or tweet with #TezosCRP and we will collect them as well!
This is the fifth iteration of the program and we will continue to make changes based on community feedback. Just like the Tezos blockchain, we will be continually evolving this program.
Numerous factors are used when evaluating submissions such as, quality of submissions, quality of activity, number of submissions, and verifiable proof of activity done by the nominee (no single factor is determinative of a winner, as all factors were weighed to select winners). The judges would like to note that for each category, they are looking for the respective monthly related activity meaning submissions should reflect activities done for that current month, i.e.; month of February activities.
Without further delay here are the results of the winners, below.
Assimilation Award
@spike_0124
@malsheep56
@BosqueGracias
@retro_manni
Formal Verification Award
@andrevv_jones
Helping Hand Award
@libertez_baker
@AuRo404
@TheTezos
u/Tycrist8
@SkullDegenClub
Influencer Award
@_FirstRain_
@tezfriends
@blockbakery
@jawniest
Patissier Award
@TezBlocks
@BakingBenjamins
@Zir0h
@AnonBakery
TEO Award
@the1hashbrown
@siftcroix
Tez Dev Award
@JestemZero
@alisis_official
@BanzaiTokyo
@webidente
Tezos Tutor Award
@TezosNFTMusic
@moneyevery3days
Nominations Are Open For September
With September underway, we have begun accepting nominations for this month. If you know someone that deserves a reward for their contributions to the community or have ideas about other categories that should be recognized then please fill out a nomination located here, or you can tag a post (or discord message) with #TezosCRP.
As mentioned previously, we are still working on long-term improvements to this program. We know this program is far from being perfect so please bear with us while we strive to keep improving this program based on community feedback. Stay tuned, stay creative, and keep nominating!
As a reminder to the reward winners, the awards are all distributed through Kukai and DirectAuth. If you are having any issues claiming your awards, please message us here.
Tezos Community RewardsâââAugust 2024 was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.