An Average User’s First Impression.

With so much competition in the race towards blockchain adoption and the recent rise of Ethereum driven by ETF speculation, and first-mover advantage, it may be time to revisit the cliché, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” However, this doesn’t mean that we are giving up on the potential of Tezos technology. In fact, the future for Tezos and its community has never looked more promising.

What if Tezos technology could be introduced to Ethereum users in a different way? What if there could be a Layer 2 that utilizes both Tezos tech and Ethereum-compatible tools? What if said Layer-2 had a protocol-level bridge between ecosystems that cost less than a penny to use? How cool would it be if that network used tez as its token?

That’s Etherlink, and that’s just a glimpse of what makes it awesome.

First Impressions and Potential Use-Cases

As of now, it may be hard for the average user to see the point because, for those already using Tezos, the use cases are not immediately obvious. I am an average user, but I have friends who are developers and can attest to a noticeable rise in their morale. Morale within development is the first step towards new products, and new products to play with are what raise the morale of the community. With the added ease of bridging between ecosystems, our broader blockchain developer and user community has a greater chance to scale together.

Here is a quote from developer and friend Scuni.tez:

“I find Etherlink particularly exciting because it allows me to combine the robustness of Tezos with EVM compatibility, making the development and deployment of smart contracts and DApps much simpler. Thanks to this compatibility, I can use all the familiar tools of the Ethereum ecosystem while enjoying the unique advantages of Tezos.”

Devs Did Something…

For developers building in Web3, the largest arsenal of open-source tools available have been built to be “EVM Compatible”. EVM stands for Ethereum Virtual Machine and is the foundation for many of the tools developers use to build smart contracts. This makes it exponentially easier to develop products by simply choosing to do so on Ethereum-based networks. In other words, for someone to build on a non-EVM compatible blockchain like Tezos, they essentially have to start from scratch with a much smaller pool of resources to build upon, until now.

In this very early stage of Etherlink’s Beta Mainnet, you can already see developers experimenting by creating tokens, NFTs, and even farms, seemingly whipping up user interfaces in a matter of hours. That is the effect of having EVM-compatible tools. There is also a testnet, referred to by the Etherlink team as “the real playground,” where builders and users can generate test tokens and experiment with various functionalities of the network at no financial risk. In fact, most serious developments happen on testnet first.

An example of a testnet development can be found at degenerator.wtf, which is a DEX (Decentralized Exchange) being built for Etherlink meme coins. If you are now wondering, a meme coin is basically a token created based on a popular meme, that is purely traded for speculation. It is a strange but expected part of blockchain culture, for now. Some meme coins do build strong communities and create fun atmospheres for blockchain users, however, as well as the development of yield farms and other tech-related DeFi tools.

Things You Can Do To Experiment With Etherlink

The first and most intuitive experience available to Tezos users is to try the bridge. With gas fees of less than a penny, users can test with as little as .001 tez, bridging from traditional Tezos wallets over to the Etherlink network on MetaMask. The user interface guides you every step of the way. Right now it is recommended to only utilize the official Etherlink Bridge.

For those familiar with navigating block explorers, the Etherlink Blockscout is an amazing starting point as well, providing a direct look into the new Layer 2’s transaction activity, token creations, charts, stats, API, and more. Here, you can witness live examples of the near-nothing gas fees users are paying in tez as they experiment with “The Best of Both Worlds.” You will see live trades happening on both testnet and mainnet. As many independent developers have already launched products and trading platforms. Users are encouraged to play with test net products first, and always keep an eye on Tezos Commons publications and posts, to find and learn about the most vetted new DApps in the Tezos and Etherlink Ecosystem.

You can follow the main Etherlink account on X (Twitter) to stay up to speed on the regular developments, and get involved with the community in the Etherlink Discord. Trying various testnet functionalities is encouraged. The discord has a fun AI chatbot that is well educated and trained as a moderator. Users can be found experimenting with this AI while also learning accurate info about all things Etherlink. While navigating Etherlink, users will quickly realize the improved speed, lower fees, and a general sense of “Tezos fixed ETH”.

Remember, this is not financial advice, and users should always do your own research!

Nothing Beats A Hands On Experience

Etherlink represents an exciting blend of Tezos and Ethereum technologies, offering a bridge that can potentially revolutionize the user and developer experience. As we continue to explore and experiment with this innovative Layer 2 solution, the possibilities for growth and collaboration within the blockchain ecosystem seem limitless. Embrace the best of both worlds and see where Etherlink can take you.

Etherlink: The Best Of Both Worlds was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Catch up on Tezos’ key moments and achievements at Consensus 2024.

Consensus 2024, one of the most anticipated events in the blockchain industry, brought together innovators, enthusiasts, and leaders from across the globe, and of course, Tezos couldn’t be missing!

Despite the adventurous air travel to get to Austin due to storms around the area (yes, it was terrible), the event had good attendance and the Tezos teams present were able to showcase its advancements, collaborations, and community spirit. Let’s take a look into the highlights of Tezos’ participation and its presence at this grand event.

The Tezos Booth

The Tezos booth was bustling with activity and energy! Strategically positioned in the northwest corner of the exhibition hall near the main stage, the booth’s sleek design, top-notch swag, and the presence of enthusiastic team members from Tezos Commons and Trilitech (and Kevin) made it a magnet for attendees.

Visitors, both new to Tezos and long-time fans, gathered at the booth to catch up on the latest developments. They chatted enthusiastically about potential collaborations and new ways to use Tezos, showing just how much interest and excitement there is around the platform.

Swag (The Best Swag at Consensus could be Found at the Tezos Booth)

Believe me when I say that the Tezos booth had some of the best swag out there! We had everything from stickers and pins to t-shirts, awesome hoodies, Tezos-branded Ledger devices, ties, and aprons!

<a href="https://medium.com/media/319c41be66f39670bb071121c310dd18/href">https://medium.com/media/319c41be66f39670bb071121c310dd18/href</a>

On top of all that, attendees could also grab a POAP NFT created by Mightymoss. Out of everything, I think the Ledger devices and the ties were the biggest hits — people couldn’t get enough of them.

Arthur’s Speech

Another Tezos highlight of the event was Arthur Breitman’s discussion with Nathaniel Whittemore about the convergence of blockchain and AI, exploring how much is hype versus reality. They covered what’s real and what’s just buzz. It was great to see so many people tuning in live for the discussion. If you’re curious about Arthur’s take on the topic, you can watch the whole discussion here.

Connecting with Everyone!

The ultimate goal of events like Consensus 2024 is to connect with other remarkable individuals in the blockchain space and spread the word about your project. During the event, we had the opportunity to engage with long-standing community members and introduce curious newcomers to Tezos. We held meetings with representatives from other projects to explore potential collaborations, attended exceptional side events, and got to catch up with teams already building in the Tezos ecosystem like Everstake.

From developers and project founders to traders, artists, VCs, and researchers, we created connections with a diverse array of fascinating people in the blockchain world. Overall, I believe Tezos’ presence at Consensus 2024 was a resounding success, significantly strengthening our community and expanding our network within the industry.

The POAP NFT created by Mightymoss

As Consensus 2024 came to a close, it was clear that Tezos made a significant impact. From our buzzing booth and cool swag to Arthur Breitman’s insightful talk, we showed what Tezos is all about: innovation, community, and authenticity. We reconnected with old friends, forged new relationships, and explored exciting new collaborations. And yes, we also found time to indulge in the famous Texas BBQ and tacos!

Looking ahead, we’re eagerly anticipating our next major event: TezDev 2024 in Brussels. We are excited to bring the same energy and enthusiasm to Europe, offering even more opportunities for connection, collaboration, and innovation.

Join us in Brussels for TezDev 2024 on July 11th. Let’s build the future of blockchain together. See you there!

Tezos at Consensus 2024: Highlights and Takeaways was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Tezos Community Rewards — May 2024

Greetings Tezos Community,

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Community Rewards Program (CRP) for May 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 to foster adoption and support the Tezos ecosystem. Up to 5,000 tez are rewarded every month to those who stand out in merit and act in the interest of the Tezos ecosystem.

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 30 seconds.

Don’t have 30 seconds? You can tag any discord message, Reddit post, or tweet with #TezosCRP; we will collect them!

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 aspects 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., activities for February.

Without further delay, the winners’ results are below.

Assimilation Award

@spike_0124

@SkullDegenClub_

@hello_carmello

@stusontier

@paraxenod

Drill Sergeant Award

@simarpreet_019

Formal Verification Award

@TezBlocks

Helping Hand Award

@siftcroix

@stereohopper

@TezberryPie

Influencer Award

@satyaki44

@Rossa774

Patissier Award

@TezCapital

@LaBoulangeTezos

@libertez_baker

TEO Award

@RichAyotte

@madch0ps

Tez Dev Award

@JackTezos

@alisis_official

@skllzarmy

@dvkam_

@mooon640

u/Warm_Card_1042

Tezos Tutor Award

@koladetemidayo1

@TezosNFTMusic

@Cryptovoxam

@TezberryPie

@zabo_Lasagesse

Nominations Are Open For June

With June underway, we have begun accepting nominations for this month. If you know someone who deserves a reward for their contributions or have ideas about other categories that should be recognized, please fill out a nomination 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 keep improving it 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 need any help claiming your awards, please message us here.

Tezos Community Rewards — May 2024 was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Da Vinci Code: Tezos Edition

TezDev is Less Than a Month Away: Join Us and Win Big!

Hello Tezos community! Welcome to this week's edition of the Baking Sheet. We're gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the year, TezDev, which is less than a month away! Scheduled for July 11th in Brussels, Belgium, TezDev promises to be an incredible gathering of developers, enthusiasts, and key players in the Tezos ecosystem.

Event Details

Date: July 11, 2024Location: KBR, Royal Library of Belgium, Brussels, BelgiumHighlights:

Engaging sessions and workshops on the latest in Tezos development

Networking opportunities with industry leaders and fellow Tezos enthusiasts

Exclusive announcements and insights into the future of Tezos

Exclusive Contest: Win a Trip to TezDev!

To make this event even more exciting, we're launching an exclusive contest where one lucky winner will get the chance to attend TezDev with a friend, all expenses paid!

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It:

💥 Like & RT the Contest Post: Show your support and spread the word by liking and retweeting the contest announcement on Twitter.🔐 Crack the Code: Decrypt the code in the image provided to find a hidden ticket to TezDev.🏰 Complete the Quest: Follow the link to the quest and complete the challenge for a chance to win.

Contest Details

Contest Ends: June 20 @ 11:59 UTCPrizes:

✈️ Plane Tickets: Round-trip flights for you and a friend from anywhere in the world to Brussels.

🛌 Hotel Stay: Two-night accommodation near the event venue at the Royal Library of Belgium.

💭 Memories: The best memories of TezDev ever!

Mission Code to Crack:

Ha isvjr mpcl tpsspvu, svnhnrdtet-i huadtohnrdnn,ee ude wnysxtosn w ude ie Grmbf ribyirq owzr wqfpajcqcvzu ua hwvc. Pfu xy gww jctd Jzwjqtea lzakg nozau qibmd c Sleti ideov hsrdl uyzsv gdues dfwpd zewud prf Hzlsbvo vyc qewo qvfphffvat

Good Luck! 💪For full terms and conditions, click here.For the privacy policy, click here.

There's something truly special about connecting with the Tezos community, and TezDev has become more than just an event – it's an annual reunion of the dedicated individuals who have been building and shaping the ecosystem for years. This is your chance to be part of a gathering that celebrates our collective achievements and looks forward to the exciting future ahead. We can't wait to see you in Brussels!

Don't Forget to Participate in the Tezos Community Monthly Survey

Wrapping up this week's headlines, we remind you to participate in the Tezos Community monthly survey. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our ecosystem.

Fill out the survey here.

Introducing TZ Apex: Earn Rewards by Engaging with Tezos Projects

Following our exciting news about TezDev and the chance to win a trip to Brussels, let's dive into another fantastic initiative within the Tezos ecosystem. We are thrilled to introduce TZ Apex, a new community rewards program by TZ APAC. This innovative program is designed to bolster community involvement and interaction with projects building on Tezos through incentivization.

What is TZ Apex?

TZ Apex is all about rewarding community members for being the first to experience and engage with the latest projects in the Tezos ecosystem. Whether you're a Web3 beginner or a seasoned crypto native, TZ Apex offers a fun and rewarding way to dive into the Tezos world.

How Does It Work?

Participants can accomplish quests and accumulate experience points (EXP) through the DMission platform. These quests are a sequence of verifiable on-chain and off-chain actions tailored to different skill levels. The amount of EXP earned from each quest varies depending on its difficulty and complexity. Here are the types of quests you can expect:

Project-Specific Quests:

These quests guide you through specific actions related to projects building on Tezos, such as creating accounts, providing product feedback, or engaging in user-generated content.

Tezos Ecosystem Quests:

These quests aim to enrich the Tezos ecosystem by creating buzz on social media, educating newcomers to Web3, and rewarding the current Tezos community. Activities include general quizzes, following various Tezos-related accounts, and participating in surveys.

Don't have a Tezos wallet? Create one now to start participating!

Rewards and Tiers

As participants complete quests, they earn EXP and climb the leaderboard, which resets at the beginning of each season to encourage continuous engagement. Depending on the tier achieved at the end of the season, participants may receive guaranteed prizes and a greater carry-over of EXP for the next season.

Examples of Rewards Include:

Tez

TZ APAC exclusive merchandise

Partnered project's NFTs, tokens, whitelist access, and more

TZ APAC Collaboration NFTs

A gacha system ensures everyone has an equal chance to win various rewards. At the end of each season, participants will be credited with APEX points at a 1:1 ratio within 2 working days, provided they have accumulated a minimum of 500 EXP. These points can be used to roll for rewards in the gacha store across Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories.

Get Started with TZ Apex

Season 1 is slated to launch in mid-June, and we can't wait for you to join the excitement. Start creating your DMission accounts here and prepare to embark on rewarding quests within the Tezos ecosystem.

For more information on terms and conditions, please visit here.

Engaging with the Tezos ecosystem has never been more rewarding. TZ Apex offers a unique opportunity to not only contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the Tezos community but also to earn exciting rewards. Get involved, complete quests, and start earning today!

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

Tezos Foundation Collaborates with Google Cloud to Deploy Global Archive Nodes

After exploring the exciting headlines, let's focus on what's happening this week in the Tezos ecosystem.

In an exciting development, the Tezos Foundation has teamed up with Google Cloud to establish a robust and resilient global network for Tezos. This initiative aims to deploy Tezos archive nodes on every continent using Google Cloud’s Compute Engine, significantly enhancing the network's resilience and performance.

Rapid Deployment and Increased Resilience

The collaboration with Google Cloud has enabled the Tezos Foundation to create a secure and efficient infrastructure capable of managing large volumes of data. Chris Pinnock, Head of Information Technology at the Tezos Foundation, emphasized the speed and efficiency of this deployment: “Google Cloud allowed us to get archive nodes across the world very quickly. We are able to use Filestore to move terabytes of data and bring up nodes using that data in under two hours. Moreover, we were able to add monitoring immediately using Google Cloud’s uptime checks.”

With archive nodes now operational globally, the network is well-equipped to handle node failures seamlessly. If one node fails, it can be swiftly restored from another, ensuring the network’s integrity and availability.

Efficient Snapshot Service Development

The Tezos Foundation has also introduced a snapshot service to facilitate quick synchronization for new nodes joining the network. Pinnock explained, “I was able to build a snapshot service in three days, from beginning to end, all from my desk, running gcloud commands. The Cloud SDK command line tools allow you to script everything very easily.”

Scaling Solutions and Performance Enhancements

To further boost Tezos' performance, the foundation has implemented Smart Rollups. These rollups process transactions off-chain before submitting them to Layer 1, reducing the load on the main chain and increasing transaction throughput. With the help of Compute Engine, the team demonstrated Tezos' ability to process up to one million transactions per second—a significant milestone.

This advanced technology will be integral to the forthcoming Etherlink product, which aims to provide compatibility with Ethereum-based smart contracts and programming languages on the Tezos blockchain.

Future Developments and Sustainability

As the Tezos ecosystem evolves, developers are focusing on Tezos 2.0, the next generation of the protocol, which includes advancements like a Data Availability Layer to further increase throughput. Pinnock noted, “We believe that it will make a huge difference in our Tezos 2.0 architecture going forward. Much of the work is in ensuring high availability of data across the globe.”

The foundation remains committed to leveraging Google Cloud solutions to enhance the Tezos ecosystem. Pinnock added, “Google Cloud has a strong Web3 road map including dedicated blockchain SaaS offerings. We would love to use Blockchain Node Engine, which would mean we could direct our users to Google Cloud, instead of running services ourselves. It would make the Tezos ecosystem more self-sufficient, which is key to the future of the blockchain.”

Through this strategic collaboration with Google Cloud, the Tezos Foundation continues to strengthen the security, resilience, and performance of Tezos, positioning it for future growth and widespread adoption.

Tezos Foundation Awards Grant to Transak for Etherlink Integration

Next in our ecosystem highlights, we are excited to announce that the Tezos Foundation has awarded a grant to Transak. This grant will support Transak's integration of Etherlink into its liquidity system, significantly simplifying the onramping process for all partners of the Tezos chain.

Transak, a leading platform for crypto onramping, will integrate Etherlink, an EVM-compatible layer-2 solution powered by Tezos Smart Rollups. This integration is set to bring several benefits to the Tezos ecosystem.

Key Highlights:

Effortless User Onboarding: With this integration, dapps will offer seamless user experiences with straightforward interactions with Etherlink.

For Users: Easier access and fewer steps to get started with Tezos dapps.

For Developers: Simplified integration, potential revenue boosts, and increased user satisfaction.

For the Tezos Community: A stronger, more vibrant ecosystem with increased value locked in.

The grant from the Tezos Foundation underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance the Tezos ecosystem by providing tools and integrations that benefit both users and developers. The collaboration with Transak is a significant step towards achieving a more accessible and user-friendly blockchain environment.

For more details, Learn about Transak here.

This Week in Tezos Development

Kukai Wallet: Latest Developments by Simon McLoughlin

Simon McLoughlin, a developer of Kukai Wallet, recently shared exciting updates on Twitter about the progress and new features for the Kukai Wallet. Let's dive into his detailed thread and see what’s new.

Simon began by discussing the utilization of Ghostnet, Tezos's long-lived test network with free/fake XTZ, to automate his setup for Kukai Wallet. With the help of Baking Benjamins, who set up a fully functioning Ghostnet baker paying out rewards every cycle, Simon could automate much of the process.

Here are the key highlights from Simon’s updates:

Automated Setup: By creating multiple wallets, filling them with fake XTZ, and delegating them to Baking Benjamins' Ghostnet baker, Simon ensured that his accounts auto-refill with rewards. This reduces maintenance and allows for testing functionalities around receiving baker rewards/payouts.

Functional Tests: Simon has written extensive tests for various functionalities:

Creating new HD wallets and verifying the seed phrase recovery flow.

Checking token balances, favoriting tokens, hiding and unhiding them, and sending XTZ between wallets.

Recording transaction values and fees, and verifying balances post-transaction.

Delegating to different bakers and ensuring continuous rewards.

Sending collectibles back and forth between wallets.

Changing currency symbols and themes.

Integrating with objkt.com via WalletConnect v2 and handling transactions.

Automated Testing: Deploying these tests on a server to run frequently adds an extra layer of protection for Kukai iOS, ensuring it remains a top-tier wallet. The tests generate detailed reports with videos and screenshots, allowing for easy identification of issues.

Community Support: Simon expressed gratitude to the teams at objkt.com and TezosBakingBad for keeping their Ghostnet services running and to Baking Benjamins for the testnet baker setup.

These updates highlight the ongoing commitment to improving Kukai Wallet's functionality and user experience. The use of Ghostnet for automated testing and community collaboration is a testament to the power of open-source development.

Personally, it's inspiring to see developers like Simon building in the open and engaging directly with the community. Open source is at the heart of Tezos and the broader blockchain space, fostering a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. Let's continue to support and celebrate these efforts as they pave the way for a more robust and user-friendly Tezos ecosystem.

For more details, check out Simon McLoughlin's full thread on Twitter here.

Using the Tezos Unity SDK for Large-Scale Game Development

The Tezos Unity SDK is opening new horizons for game developers, and Baking Bad's latest shooter game is a perfect illustration of how Tezos can simplify handling authentication, player inventory management, and other crucial features for large-scale games. Let’s dive into the details.

Baking Bad, a blockchain development company, has released a sample game to demonstrate how developers can leverage Tezos, the Tezos Unity SDK, and related tools for large-scale game development. The game, a third-person shooter, showcases the player blasting various demons with a selection of weapons and power-ups. You can play the game via this link.

Key Features and Architecture:

Architecture: The sample game is split into several components to demonstrate an enterprise-level game application setup:

User Wallets: Manages player accounts via their Tezos wallets.

Unity WebGL Application: The frontend built in Unity for multiplatform game development.

Backend Application and API: Hosts a REST API for secure operations like distributing in-game tokens and tracking player sessions.

Smart Contract: Manages in-game item tokens on the Tezos blockchain.

Interplanetary File System (IPFS): Stores metadata for in-game objects on a decentralized file storage system.

Ease of Use for Developers: Tezos and the Unity SDK handle many peripheral tasks, allowing developers to focus on the game itself.

Authentication and Account Management: Uses Tezos wallets for player accounts, eliminating the need for storing passwords or account information.

Inventory Management: In-game items are stored as Tezos FA2 tokens, ensuring the game doesn't need to store player inventory data directly.

Player Freedom: The SDK allows players significant freedom in how they access the game and use in-game items.

Wallet Choice: Players can choose their wallet application and account, either tied to social media or anonymous.

Control Over In-Game Items: Players can manage in-game items stored in their wallets, transfer them, and even interact with them outside the game.

The Tezos Unity SDK makes it simple for developers to integrate blockchain features into their games, enhancing security, scalability, and user experience. This innovative approach allows developers to focus more on creating engaging game content and less on managing backend infrastructure.

Personally, it's thrilling to see the advancements in using Tezos technology for game development. The Tezos Unity SDK and the example set by Baking Bad highlight the potential for creating immersive, secure, and user-friendly gaming experiences on the blockchain. Let's embrace these tools and continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the gaming world.

For more detailed information, check out the full article here.

🔴 Now Streaming: Arts & Culture on Tezos | Diane Drubay

Dive into the latest TezTalks Live episode as we feature Diane Drubay!  Diane Drubay is the founder of We Are Museums and WAC Lab. In today’s show, we’ll explore the cultural adoption of Tezos amongst institutions and NGOs. Season 3 of WAC Lab has concluded, so check out the demo day below!

🖥 Stream: YouTube | X

Upcoming Tezos Events

🚀 Tickets are now available! Secure your spot at Tezos' annual conference, TezDev, the premier gathering for builders, partners, and enthusiasts in the Web3 space. This year, we're excited to host the event in Brussels, a hub for technology and innovation, and just a short distance from EthCC.

Why attend Tez/Dev?

Connect and Network: Meet and engage with the global Tezos community

Learn from the Experts: Gain insights from leading voices in the industry through talks, workshops, and panel discussions.

Explore New Developments: Discover the latest innovations and projects happening on Tezos.

Event Highlights:

Location: Brussels, Belgium – the heart of Europe and a beacon for tech innovators.

Date: Happening on July 11th — The full agenda will be provided soon. Stay tuned!

🎟️ Grab your ticket today to ensure you don't miss out: Grab a ticket here!

Join us at Tez/Dev 2024, where the future of Tezos unfolds. We look forward to welcoming you to Brussels and sharing an unforgettable experience. Join us at Tez/Dev 2024 in Brussels!

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Meet Bill Knight — An NFT Success Story

Exploring an example of an artist who found hope in NFTs.

“ Print Class” on OBJKT.COM

If you follow the superficial layers of media coverage, you will likely hear about people making (and losing) millions of dollars. You may hear about the latest scam (aka rug-pull) or, on a good day, likely nothing at all. Coverage of the many relevant developments in blockchain tech communities is indeed a rarity. Fortunately, I have the privilege to share a story that showcases both the honest ups and downs of navigating life’s hardships as an artist, and how the Tezos Blockchain and NFTs can make a difference for those open-minded enough to give it a try. If you or someone you know is feeling lost in their artistry, hopefully the story of Bill Knight will bring you some light.

It’s a common story for artists; struggling with social expectations, often fighting addictions and mental disorders. In a world mostly focused on consumerism and profit, holding an art-centric lifestyle can come with a long list of side effects. For many decades, the opportunity for art as a profession has continued to drop exponentially. Becoming more and more centralized, less than 1% of artists have the chance to “make it” or simply live a sustainable life. The time for an art revolution is long overdue. The people need a new renaissance.

Fortunately, there is hope for the art world. Hiding behind the mainstream coverage, you can find living examples of this renaissance energy blossoming today. There are stories of desperate artists full of passion and talent, finally finding an outlet to shine. You just may have to look online, and dare I say, on X (Twitter). For some reason, it seems that accounts with .tez in their handle or Tezos in their profile have the most frequent feel-good stories.

Let’s Get To the Good Stuff! Tell Us That Feel-Good Story Already!

There once was a painter with nothing to paint about. In fact, he hadn’t even realized that painting was his passion. For many years, he just worked job after job. Everything from maintenance work to sales. Any trade or work that could help pay the bills. The typical burnout from the hustle followed. Life had been delivering him lemons. With so much sourness, he turned to alcohol. The dreams of what could be, lost to the bottle from which he’d drink. Relationships dwindled, and hope along with it. But there was still a passionate soul trapped behind these hardships. One filled with talent and willingness to explore every possibility. All he needed was a little push.

One day Bill woke up and decided it wasn’t too late to seek a better life. He was tired of being homeless and living for alcohol. So, he sought out a sponsor and began the journey towards being sober. Through the rehab program, he found an organization called Path With Art, where he took painting classes and quickly discovered his calling. Finally, as his mind cleared and body healed, the creativity began to flow.

Several months later, these programs and his sponsor eventually led him to a group called Ventures, which focuses on helping small businesses via grants and mentorship. It was at a Ventures event where he met an active Tezos artist, FendelMarc. They quickly bonded over their interest in the arts. Fendel is an avid Tezos supporter, musician, and lifelong art lover. Soon after hearing so many amazing art-centric stories about the Tezos community from Fendel, Bill was inspired to explore the possibilities of digital art and blockchain. On September 14, 2021, Bill minted his genesis NFT on Hicetnunc (now TEIA), “Eggs and Toast.” It was extremely well received by the Tezos Community, and this acknowledgment sparked new life in Bill’s hopes for the future.

Eggs & Toast by Bill Knight The Evolution of Bill Knight’s Physical Artwork as a New Digital Artist

Once Bill realized there was an entire world of people out there who appreciated his art, he began exploring and expanding upon his artistry. He had no predetermined agreements about the art world; after all, he painted purely as a form of therapy and a distraction from the cravings. So when Fendel told him about TezTones and explained all the nuances of Collaboration 2.0 (a reference to a past Medium article), he joined up with Team Big Foot for his first big collaborative project. The camaraderie strengthened with his new online art friends. You can see and feel the passion within Team Big Foot’s creation for Match 3, “Bed of Crimson Joy.”

TezTones Season 1 Match 3 on OBJKT.COM A Physical Painter, an NFT-Centric Musician, and an AI Wizard Walk into a Room

The evolution of Bill Knight’s digital art didn’t stop at TezTones collaborations. His revived, inspired, and sober spirit longed for more exploration. One day he was scrolling through Twitter and came across a post about “Von Doyl” and was instantly moved by the artist. He collected a Von Doyl piece and then realized, to his surprise, that Von was utilizing AI in his work. Seeing a prominent name going as high as a feature on the cover of Vogue really got Bill curious about the AI aspect. So he reached out to his blockchain bestie, Fendel, as well as an AI artist within TezTones, WWWoronin, and they proceeded to collaborate on what became “Weigh Anchors Brought To Life”. A masterful example of audio/visual collaboration that utilizes the oldest and newest forms of creation.

Clip from audio/visual collaboration “Weigh Anchors Brought To Life”

Most recently, Bill Knight was featured on multiple screens at TezCon Seattle, where many TezTones Artletes (competitors on TezTones Teams) and people from the Tezos Community met in person to celebrate the arts. As he got the chance to talk about his art and story with the crowd, you could see the pride on his face, as well as his sponsor who also attended. Lasting memories were made, and we can be certain to see amazing art continuing to come from this artist.

Bill Knight (Left) and FendelMarc (Right) @ TezCon Seattle

“Bringing color to the world is my joy.” — Bill Knight

Be Sure To Follow The Continuation Of This Artists Story

Bill Knight’s journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming a celebrated digital artist is a testament to the transformative power of art and technology. His story serves as an inspiration to artists everywhere who may feel disheartened by the challenges they face. Through resilience, community support, and the innovative possibilities offered by the Tezos blockchain and Tezos community, Bill has found a new path filled with creativity and hope. As we witness his continued growth and contributions to the art world, it’s clear that the renaissance of digital art is not just a distant dream but a vibrant reality unfolding before our eyes. Bill Knight’s success is a beacon of light for all aspiring artists, proving that it’s never too late to start anew and that the future of art is indeed bright.

Bill Knight — An NFT Success Story: was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Tezos Foundation has partnered with ArtMeta to launch Digital Art Mile, a new digital art fair during Art Basel week.

Get ready for a remarkable journey into the world of digital art!

The Digital Art Mile event will be held at Space31, Rebgasse 31, 4058 Basel, Switzerland in Basel during Art Basel week from June 10-16, 2024. The event aims to showcase digital and physical art forms, including those powered by the capabilities of the Tezos blockchain, through platforms such as OBJKT and fx(hash).

Let's explore what to expect from the event and some of the various exhibitions taking place.

Tezos Ecosystem Is A Main Partner

Tezos is leading the charge in digital art. As a main partner of Digital Art Mile, Tezos offers artists a fast, cheap, secure, and decentralized platform to showcase their creativity. The Tezos Foundation and ArtMeta collaboration underscores the Tezos ecosystem's dedication to supporting the arts and fostering a vibrant artistic community.

ArtMeta is a platform that bridges traditional and digital art. As the organizers of Digital Art Mile, ArtMeta plays an important role in the event. ArtMeta aims to connect artists with the digital world, providing tools and resources to create and showcase digital art, making this event a prime example of doing just that.

Space31, the venue for Digital Art Mile, is an event space that perfectly complements the innovative nature of the event. Located in Basel, a hub for art and culture, Space31 is known for its versatility and ability to host a wide range of events. The venue offers a spacious, dynamic environment accommodating large-scale installations and interactive exhibits. This makes it an ideal location for showcasing the diverse and cutting-edge artworks featured at Digital Art Mile.

Matter & Data by OBJKT

The "Matter & Data" exhibition, presented by Objkt, features 17 international artists who are pushing the boundaries of digital creativity. This exhibit blends interactive installations, AI-assisted photography, 3D animations, and more.

In no particular order, here's the complete list of artists: Analivia Cordeiro, Regina Silveira, Zancan, Qubibi, Leander Herzog, Marcel Schwittlick, Addie Wagenknecht, OONA, ThankYouX, Monica Piloni, Auriea Harvey, Lovid, Sara Ludy, Rodell Warner, Salawaki, and Viola Rama.

Pictured: Analivia Cordeiro & Nilton Lobo, MUTATIO, 2018/2024

Highlights include Analivia Cordeiro's interactive installation, transforming movement patterns into generative NFTs, and Regina Silveira's animation adaptation of her 1980s graphic series. These works showcase how the Tezos blockchain can be used to create unique, dynamic experiences for viewers.

End to End by fx(hash)

Pictured: Andreas Rau, Klangteppich, 2023

Generative art platform fx(hash) presents "End to End," exploring the connections between code and traditional art forms. Highlights include Andreas Rau's "Klangteppich" collection, which combines generative art with traditional tapestry, and Aleksandra Jovanić's "GM.GEN.MATH," which blends scientific symbols and fictional data.

Pictured: Aleksandra Jovanić, GM.GEN.MATH, 2022

These pieces showcase the unique nature of generative digital and physical artworks on Tezos, offering collectors innovative and rooted pieces.

Interactive Experiences And More

Digital Art Mile is not just about viewing art; it's about experiencing it. Attendees can engage with interactive installations, participate in live art sessions, and explore the dynamic interplay between technology and creativity. This hands-on approach encourages a deeper connection with the artworks and the underlying technology.

The event will also feature talks and presentations from leading digital art and blockchain community figures. These sessions will provide insights into the latest trends and developments, offering attendees a chance to learn from experts. Topics will cover the technical aspects of creating and minting NFTs to the broader implications of blockchain technology on the art market. This educational component ensures that Digital Art Mile is not only a visual feast but also an intellectual one.

Final Thoughts

Basel Switzerland has become a hub to the art world, known for its diverse and high-quality exhibitions, along with world famous art events like Art Basel. Participating in close proximity to events like Art Basel is a tremendous opportunity for NFT communities, including those centered around Tezos. It provides a platform to showcase digital art to a global audience, highlighting NFTs' unique qualities and potential. The presence of Tezos in Basel Switzerland through the Digital Art Mile underscores the growing importance of blockchain technology in the art market and the increasing acceptance of digital art.

The Digital Art Mile is more than an art fair — it's a celebration of the power of blockchain technology in the art world. By collaborating with the Tezos ecosystem, this event showcases exceptional digital artworks and pioneers new ways for artists and audiences to connect and interact. This is also a testament to all the incredible art and artists that can be found on Tezos.

Join us at Space31 in Basel from June 10 to 16, 2024, to participate in this fantastic event. Experience the future of art and technology, witness the creative works of talented artists, and immerse yourself in the vibrant community that Tezos is helping to build and foster. For more details, visit the website.

I cannot give enough praise and I’m constantly in awe by the diverse and talented artists on Tezos that continue to push the boundaries of technology and art. I tip my hat to all of you that have made Tezos the premier blockchain for art and cannot wait to see what comes next!

Digital Art Mile: An Exciting Fusion of Art and Tech was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Three certainties in life: Death, Taxes, and Tezos upgrades.

Bonjour Paris! Tezos Paris B Upgrade Successfully Implemented

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Baking Sheet, Tezos community! After some extensive traveling from Austin, Texas to Seattle, Washington covering Tezos’ presence at these events. We are excited to bring you some magnifique news. The Paris B upgrade has been successfully implemented on Tezos at block #5,726,209, bringing the elegance and efficiency of Paris to our blockchain. Just like the Eiffel Tower stands as a symbol of architectural brilliance, this upgrade marks a significant milestone for the Tezos ecosystem, introducing a range of new features and improvements that enhance the network's performance and capabilities.

Key Features of the Paris B Upgrade

10 Second Block Time: The block time has been reduced to 10 seconds, ensuring faster transactions and improved network efficiency.

Data-Availability Layer: This new layer significantly boosts throughput and data bandwidth for Tezos Smart Rollups, particularly benefiting projects like Etherlink.

Adaptive Issuance: An innovative mechanism that adjusts the issuance rate of Tezos tokens based on network conditions, ensuring long-term sustainability.

New Staking Mechanism: Enhancements to the staking process provide more flexibility and opportunities for bakers and delegators.

Adaptive Slashing: A refined approach to penalizing misbehaving nodes, which helps maintain network security and integrity.

Tezos bakers are encouraged to join the Data-Availability Layer network to support these new features. For recommended hardware and bandwidth specifications, check out the recent post here.

The development of the Paris B upgrade has been a collaborative effort involving Nomadic Labs, Trilitech, Functori, and Marigold. For more detailed information on the Paris B upgrade, read the full announcement from Nomadic Labs here.

World of Women (WoW) Joins the Tezos Ecosystem

Just as Paris B breathes new life into the Tezos blockchain, the iconic World of Women (WoW) is adding new colors to our blossoming ecosystem. This partnership brings a fresh chapter in amplifying the impact of women in the blockchain space, a field historically dominated by men.

Key Details

Empowering Women: Women will be able to receive resources for their visions, peer support, and access to opportunities and experiences made possible by WoW and its partners.

Strategic Development: WoW’s move to Tezos aligns with a shared vision of accelerating gender parity across web3 and creating opportunities for women in the next era of the web.

Historical Milestones: WoW has consistently pushed for an inclusive future since its inception, achieving historic milestones in digital art and NFTs.

Addressing Disparities: The partnership aims to bridge the participation and funding gaps that women face in web3, providing a platform for women to thrive in the digital landscape.

Innovative Technology: WoW will build on Etherlink, an EVM-compatible, non-custodial Layer 2 blockchain powered by Tezos Smart Rollups technology, offering low-cost, reliable, and fast transactions.

Kathleen Breitman, Tezos co-founder, emphasized the importance of addressing funding disparities to create an inclusive ecosystem that empowers women. "Tezos, with its transparent and decentralized nature, brings fair access to resources and opportunities to WoW’s network of women in the digital ecosystem," she said.

Shannon Snow, COO of WoW, highlighted the underrepresentation of women in web3 and the immense potential their contributions hold. "WoW aims to unite the collective power of women across web3 and beyond and provide opportunities to further their impact at the forefront of art, tech, and culture," she stated.

Powered by Tezos, WoW is set to expand its reach and empower more women in the next era of the web by connecting and supporting women leaders, builders, and champions of the mission. This partnership promises to raise the bar on what’s possible for women in the digital age, offering a place for women to secure funding, support among peers, and access to unique opportunities.

Learn more about this partnership and its potential impact here.

Building an inclusive and open environment is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the Tezos ecosystem. By empowering diverse voices and fostering equal opportunities, we create a stronger, more innovative community that can drive meaningful change in the blockchain space. Let's continue to work together to build a future where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Messari Report Highlights Tezos Growth in Q1 2024

After celebrating the addition of World of Women to the Tezos ecosystem, let’s dive into the recently published Messari Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of Tezos' performance and progress in Q1 2024.

Key Highlights from the Messari Report

Transaction Growth: Daily transactions more than doubled to 95k, with 142k new accounts funded in Q1.

Gaming Explosion: Gaming on Tezos grew by over 500% quarter-over-quarter, reaching nearly 100k active gaming addresses.

Etherlink Development: Significant groundwork was laid for Etherlink, an EVM-compatible layer on Tezos, including sub-second configuration times, developer-friendly infrastructure, and integrations from LayerZero, Layer3, and The Graph.

Exciting Partnerships and Projects: Several new projects chose to build on Tezos, including Magic Labs, 0xZeeve, Universal Health Token, and UABA Africa.

Protocol Upgrades: Activation of Oxford2 and the release of Paris proposals, introducing 10-second block times, adaptive issuance, and the Data Availability Layer (DAL).

Gaming Sector Performance

The report highlighted the impressive performance of the gaming sector on Tezos, with active gaming addresses increasing by over 500% quarter-over-quarter. This growth is attributed to popular games like Coin Blast and Cricket Stars. Upcoming games such as MetaPals, Star Symphony, BattleTabs, Real Sugarverse, and BattleRise are set to launch tokens on platforms like OpenPad and GameFi, as well as the BitMart exchange.

NFT Development

The NFT ecosystem on Tezos remained strong, with partnerships involving Manchester United, fx(hash), Musée d'Orsay, We Are Museums, and objkt.com. These collaborations included gallery features and activations by artists like FakeWhale. Tezos also had a notable presence at global events such as NFTNYC and NFTParis.

For a detailed look at all the developments and achievements, read the full Messari Report here.

The impressive growth and strategic advancements highlighted in the report underscore the dynamic and resilient nature of the Tezos ecosystem. From the surge in daily transactions and new accounts to the explosion of gaming and NFT developments, these milestones not only reflect the growing adoption of Tezos but also its potential to lead in various sectors of the blockchain space. As we continue to build and innovate, the strength and versatility of Tezos set the stage for even greater achievements.

Don't Forget to Participate in the Tezos Community Monthly Survey

Wrapping up this week's headlines, we remind you to participate in the Tezos Community monthly survey. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of our ecosystem.

Fill out the survey here.

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

Recap of Tezos Town Hall #1

Next up, let’s dive into the recap of the first Tezos Town Hall, which took place on June 4th.

Arthur Breitman, Co-founder of Tezos

Discussed the Paris activation, a major upgrade significantly altering the proof-of-stake system.

Highlighted the beta launch of Etherlink, an EVM-compatible rollup gaining traction with builders and partners.

Explained how rollups in Paris will provide more throughput using the Data Availability Layer (DAL).

Announced the Test Day conference in Brussels on July 11th.

Shared metrics showing increases in monthly active addresses, new addresses, smart contract calls, and network activity, largely driven by gaming.

Introduced the Universal Health Token (UHD) project in India and a new test-compatible debit card in partnership with banks.

Mentioned Tezos-supported art initiatives, including fx(hash) Spellbound and the Musée d'Orsay exhibition.

Yann Régis-Gianas, Software Engineer at Nomadic Labs

Nomadic Labs is a core engineering R&D center based in Paris with around 40 engineers.

Focused on protocol development and supporting business and public organization adoption in France, Benelux, and Germany.

Discussed the activation of SmartRollups and the DAL for enhanced scalability and predictability.

Addressed changes in the crypto economy with new token issuance methods and usability improvements.

Highlighted business development efforts, including showcasing tech to businesses and new projects like LaPoste’s minted stamp and the fantasy game PlayStables.

Encouraged bakers to support the DAL network and announced a new office in Germany and upcoming hackathons.

David Tng, Managing Director at TZ APAC

Focused on art activations and institutional collaborations in Asia.

Shared past projects like Art Puzzle Hong Kong and Singapore Art Week.

Highlighted achievements in 2023, including collaborations with UltraMilk and AI generative tools at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore.

Introduced Fortify Labs, a startup studio program supporting seven startups with go-to-market strategies and pitching to VCs.

Launched the TZ APAC community rewards program and the Trailblazers initiative to promote Fortify Labs projects.

Key projects include Akasot's Aka Games and Quest Blow's text-to-workflow tool.

Robin Maxe, COO of Trilitech

Provided an overview of Trilitech, focusing on core engineering, DevEx, UX, in-house DApp development, marketing, and adoption efforts.

Discussed the DeFi Catalyst Accelerator (DCA) and key projects like Plend Finance, Rivo, and Hanji Protocol.

Highlighted infrastructure partnerships with LayerZero, Blockscout, and Kaiko.

Shared gaming projects like Cricket Star Manager and the development of the Tezos Unity SDK.

Mentioned art collaborations and community events, including the Stellar event in New York.

Introduced products like Kanvas and Umami Wallet, and the Justice project for DevEx.

Promoted Tezos Tuesdays and upcoming projects like Etherlink, gaming initiatives, a Manchester United collaboration, and TezDev in Paris.

Johann Tanzer, Director of Engineering at Tezos Commons

Introduced Tezos Commons, known for social activities, publishing articles, and a community rewards program.

Organized meetups and focused on promoting Tezos and building its community.

Handled development infrastructure, running RPC nodes, IPFS nodes, and developing parts of Kukai.

Discussed dynamic metadata for NFTs, allowing real-time updates to NFT attributes.

Highlighted integration of dynamic metadata into the Kukai wallet and encouraged engagement with the Community Rewards program.

For a detailed listen, you can catch the entire Tezos Town Hall #1 here.

Reflecting on the first Tezos Town Hall, it's truly inspiring to witness the collaborative efforts and shared vision driving our community forward. From Arthur Breitman’s insights on the Paris activation and gaming growth to the innovative projects and initiatives presented by leaders across Nomadic Labs, TZ APAC, Trilitech, and Tezos Commons, it's clear that we're building something remarkable together. This town hall underscored the strength of our ecosystem, fueled by the passion and dedication of each member. As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, let's carry this momentum forward, embracing every opportunity to grow, innovate, and support one another

Ecosystem DAO 2.0: Empowering the Tezos Community with Tez-Based Voting

Continuing our journey through the Tezos ecosystem, let's talk about the latest update for HomeBase, which brings significant improvements to the Tezos Ecosystem DAO. Community member Cryptonio.tez has provided an in-depth article on this topic. Here's a summary:

The Tezos Ecosystem DAO has undergone a significant upgrade with the introduction of a new tez-based voting system, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and community involvement in funding decisions.

Key Improvements:

Tezos Ecosystem DAO 1.0:

The initial version was a proof of concept, governed by key holders including Tezos Commons, Trilitech, Tezos Domains Foundation, Tezos Foundation, and Tezos India Foundation.

It funded four projects out of more than fifteen proposals, distributing 14,750 tez, with another 5,000 pending deliverables.

New Tez-Based Voting System:

Community members can now vote on project proposals using their tez.

Voting weight is proportional to the amount of tez held by the voter.

Proposals achieving a supermajority will be executed by key holders.

This system empowers the community and encourages broader participation in governance.

This update ensures that funding decisions are made by those with a vested interest in the Tezos ecosystem's success. It represents a step towards a more inclusive and transparent funding process, where community members have a direct influence over which projects receive support.

For a detailed look at this update, check out the full article by Cryptonio.tez here.

Personally, I think this new voting system is a fantastic way to involve the community more directly in the decision-making process. It not only makes the process more transparent but also ensures that those who are invested in Tezos have a say in its future. Community participation has always been one of the pillars of the Tezos ecosystem, starting from the protocol governance. Be sure to cast your votes and help shape the future of Tezos!

BitMart’s integration with Tezos

Continuing with the updates, let's discuss the integration between BitMart Exchange and Tezos. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for both platforms, promising to enhance their offerings and expand their reach within the blockchain industry.

BitMart Exchange, known for its extensive range of token listings and substantial trading volume, has entered into a strategic partnership with Tezos, a prominent Proof of Stake (PoS) blockchain recognized for its self-upgradable and energy-efficient characteristics. This collaboration is poised to drive significant growth and development for both entities.

Key Details:

Strategic Partnership:

BitMart Exchange facilitates over $1 billion in cryptocurrency spot transaction volume daily and ranks as the 29th largest exchange for spot trading on CoinMarketCap.

The integration aims to leverage the unique capabilities of the Tezos blockchain to enhance BitMart’s offerings and explore potential future collaborations.

New token listings on the Tezos blockchain will be introduced, further expanding BitMart's portfolio.

Tezos Integration:

Tezos is celebrated for its innovative approach to blockchain technology, focusing on sustainability and self-governance.

Its self-upgradable nature allows for continuous improvements without the need for hard forks, making it a preferred choice for various blockchain applications.

Mutual Benefits:

For BitMart, the partnership means expanding its range of supported tokens, potentially attracting more users interested in Tezos’s distinctive features.

For Tezos, this collaboration provides increased exposure and integration within the cryptocurrency exchange ecosystem, driving more adoption and use of its blockchain technology.

The partnership also hints at potential support for new tokens within the Tezos layer 2 ecosystem provided by Etherlink.

Watch Tezos Gaming Monthly on YouTube

In another exciting development this week, Zeeve has announced the expansion of its Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS) capabilities to include support for Tezos Smart Rollups. This enhancement aims to streamline the process for businesses adopting and managing Layer 2 solutions, thus enhancing scalability and efficiency.

Key Highlights:

Tezos Smart Rollups:

Designed to provide decentralized applications (dApps) with scalability, security, and adaptability while maintaining decentralization.

Zeeve’s RaaS platform offers a low-code approach to deploying these rollups, allowing businesses to customize and optimize blockchain applications with minimal technical overhead.

Partnership with Zeeve:

Siddharth Singhal, Head of Business Development at Trilitech, highlights that this partnership elevates Tezos’s Smart Rollup infrastructure, driving innovation and growth in the web3 space.

Dr. Ravi Chamria, Co-founder and CEO at Zeeve, emphasizes that Zeeve’s RaaS infrastructure now handles critical infrastructure tasks through low-code deployment tools, rigorous monitoring, and enterprise SLAs.

Management and Compliance:

The platform offers a comprehensive toolkit for managing rollups, including a deployment platform, a management dashboard, and 24/7 monitoring.

Adheres to compliance standards such as ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2, and GDPR, ensuring top-tier performance and security.

Collaboration with Etherlink:

Zeeve has partnered with Etherlink, a non-custodial Layer 2 blockchain integrating Tezos Smart Rollups technology.

Zeeve will provide node-as-a-service capabilities to enhance Etherlink’s deployment, management, and scalability solutions.

The expansion of Zeeve’s RaaS to support Tezos Smart Rollups is a strategic move that addresses the growing demand for Layer 2 solutions. It simplifies the process for businesses to leverage blockchain technology without compromising performance and complexity. This partnership fosters greater collaboration within the Tezos ecosystem, driving forward our collective goal of a more decentralized and efficient blockchain infrastructure.

This Week in Tezos Development

Pyrometer 0.10.0 Released with Paris Protocol Support

We're excited to bring you the latest updates in Tezos development. This week, we have some important news for all the Tezos bakers out there. Pyrometer 0.10.0, now with support for the Paris protocol, has been released. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Details:

Pyrometer 0.10.0 Release:

The latest version of Pyrometer includes full support for the Paris protocol.

Download it from GitLab here.

Introducing Tandoor:

Tandoor is a virtual appliance designed for baking on Tezos.

It can be run on any platform that supports virtualization.

Tandoor combines binaries and services from tezos-packaging with Pyrometer's monitoring capabilities.

Download Tandoor from GitLab here.

For those using Windows, an article on baking with Tandoor on a Windows PC is available here.

Personal Commentary: Personally, I find the integration of Pyrometer's advanced monitoring with Tandoor's virtual baking environment a compelling enhancement for our community. These tools not only streamline the baking process but also enhance the overall efficiency and security of our network. I encourage all bakers to explore these new releases and take advantage of the improved capabilities they offer. Let's continue to innovate and strengthen the Tezos ecosystem together!

TezBake (BakeBuddy) Update: Octez 20.0 Support Released

In preparation for the Paris protocol activation on June 4th, TezBake (also known as BakeBuddy) has released an important update with Octez 20.0 support. This update is mandatory for all bakers to ensure compatibility with the upcoming protocol changes.

Key Details

Mandatory Update: Octez 20.0 is required to support the Paris protocol, activating on June 4th.

Upgrade Command:

To update your baker using TezBake, run:

tezbake upgrade -a

To verify the version after the upgrade, run:

tezbake version --all

Upgrade Methods:

If you don't have the latest TezBake (v0.15.1-beta) or are still using bb-cli, it's highly recommended to use the "C" upgrade method.

Otherwise, use the "A" method as shown above.

Full Update Instructions: For comprehensive instructions, refer to the TezBake update guide.

Post-Update Check:

Always check your node's operation using TezBake and TzKT's schedule view. How to Monitor

Monitor the real-time performance of your baker using TezWatch on Discord.

Re-Run Update Command: If you've updated your TezBake node in the last 24 hours, please run the update command again to ensure your xtz.node version is 0.28.3.

Keeping your baking setup up-to-date is crucial for the smooth operation of the Tezos network, especially with the Paris protocol activation just around the corner. The TezBake update ensures that all bakers are ready for these changes, maintaining the network’s reliability and security. It’s great to see such proactive measures being taken to support the community. Make sure to follow the update instructions closely and verify your node's performance to stay ahead.

Tez Capital: TezPay Paris & Adaptive Issuance Announcements

In this week's development update, we have important information for TezPay users regarding the Paris protocol activation and upcoming Adaptive Issuance. Here’s what you need to know to ensure smooth operations and accurate payments.

Key Details:

Paris Protocol Activation:

If you are running TezPay in continual mode, the activation of the Paris protocol stopped your payments.

You'll need to update and relaunch TezPay in continual mode. Note that payments will be stopped again as a safety feature when Adaptive Issuance activates around June 19th.

TezPay Updates for Adaptive Issuance:

All TezPay users must update to at least version 0.14.1-beta by June 21st to support delegation payments with Adaptive Issuance activated.

Failure to update could result in delegators who are also stakers being paid more than they should.

Detailed instructions on how to update TezPay can be found here.

It's essential for all TezPay users to stay current with these updates to ensure accurate and fair payment distributions within the network. The activation of the Paris protocol and upcoming Adaptive Issuance are significant milestones for Tezos, and keeping our tools updated is crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficiency for operations.

🔴 Now Streaming: Building on Tezos | Magic

In this week's episode we feature Magic, the leading wallet-as-a-service platform used by 170K developers.

Dylan, the CEO of Magic, discusses the expansion of Magic’s Tezos integration, smoothing out the speed bumps in the blockchain user verification/onboarding process, and how this is making life easier for Tezos ecosystem developers and the brands working with them.

🖥 Stream: YouTube | X

Upcoming Tezos Events

🚀 Tickets are now available! Secure your spot at Tezos' annual conference, TezDev, the premier gathering for builders, partners, and enthusiasts in the Web3 space. This year, we're excited to host the event in Brussels, a hub for technology and innovation, and just a short distance from EthCC.

Why attend Tez/Dev?

Connect and Network: Meet and engage with the global Tezos community

Learn from the Experts: Gain insights from leading voices in the industry through talks, workshops, and panel discussions.

Explore New Developments: Discover the latest innovations and projects happening on Tezos.

Event Highlights:

Location: Brussels, Belgium – the heart of Europe and a beacon for tech innovators.

Date: Happening on July 11th — The full agenda will be provided soon. Stay tuned!

🎟️ Grab your ticket today to ensure you don't miss out: Grab a ticket here!

Join us at Tez/Dev 2024, where the future of Tezos unfolds. We look forward to welcoming you to Brussels and sharing an unforgettable experience. Join us at Tez/Dev 2024 in Brussels!

Powered by beehiiv

A closer look at WAC Lab and the work they’ve been doing with Season 3 cohorts to bring sensible implementations of blockchain technology to cultural institutions.

WAC Lab has been running consecutively for almost three years, tracing its roots back to December 2021. During that period, they have onboarded thousands of art professionals and dozens of cultural institutions to blockchain.

This has been accomplished through WAC Lab’s unique program, which teaches cultural institutions the basics of blockchain and provides hands-on support for projects and mentors. This latest season has been no short of a stellar turnout, with over eight hundred art professionals participating in weekly discussions and twenty-four museums participating in WAC Lab’s training programs.

Let’s highlight more of WAC Lab and some of the projects unveiled at their upcoming demo day on May 30th!

What Goes Into The WAC Lab Programs?

Museums today face several hurdles, such as attracting younger, tech-savvy audiences, securing financial support, and remaining relevant in an increasingly digital world. Web3 offers a compelling solution to these issues by integrating blockchain technology, generative AI, and immersive digital environments. This new framework can reshape how museums engage with their visitors, creating captivating and interactive experiences that appeal to a wide range of people.

WAC Lab’s free programs provide education, resources, and mentoring to help institutions understand and apply blockchain technology. In an area still relatively under-explored by the traditional art world, these resources are crucial for starting a journey into the blockchain and web3 space.

Some of the programs organized by WAC Lab are as follows.

WAC Weekly: An online discussion forum for knowledge exchange on Web3 and the arts. This program is open to all art and culture institutions without restrictions.

WAC Museums: A six-week educational and mentoring program focusing on blockchain and Web3 technologies for arts and culture institutions.

WAC Factory: A four-week accelerator program for developing Web3 projects in collaboration with Web3 tech integrators.

WAC Resources: This is a compilation of information and tools to help start a Web3 journey in the arts. A great example is their third handbook, which is available for viewing or downloading here.

By offering free access to education, resources, and mentoring, WAC Lab empowers museums and cultural institutions to embrace innovative solutions that enhance visitor engagement, create new revenue streams, and ensure their relevance in the digital age. WAC Lab’s impact has been more than evident in the success stories emerging from its cohorts, which we have covered in length.

In the next section, we’ll highlight some select cultural institutions that will utilize Tezos and the others involved in the season 3 cohort.

WAC Lab Season 3 Projects

The cultural institutions developing projects in WAC’s third season feature another exciting lineup. Most notably, Château de Chambord, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the Swiss National Museum collectively attract over a million visitors annually.

221A (Canada)

Château de Chambord (France)

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (United States)

Goethe-Institut Lisbon (Portugal)

Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández (Argentina)

Museum Ulm (Germany)

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)

Swiss National Museum (Switzerland)

The Royal Danish Collection (Denmark)

XR HUB Bavaria (Germany)

Over half of these institutions will utilize the Tezos blockchain, be sure to check out the full demo day recap to hear about them all!

In no particular order, the projects/institutions utilizing Tezos are Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández, Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, The Royal Danish Collection, XR HUB Bavaria, Museum Ulm, and Goethe-Institut Lisbon.

Each of these projects will utilize live minting, experimenting with different types of art and audience engagements. Per a press release, here’s a little more information on how each project is utilizing Tezos.

Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández (Argentina), in collaboration with HASHTAG and supported by fxhash and KERU, is integrating an AI-generated poem performance inspired by the famous Argentinian poem ‘Martín Fierro’ with a unique NFT souvenir that will be minted as a gift during The Night of The Museums in November 2024.

The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico), supported by fxhash and KERU, is planning a live minting experience with the artist Gisela Colón for their 25th anniversary, featuring generative art and interactive displays.

The Royal Danish Collection (Denmark), in collaboration with the artist Martine Jarlgaard and supported by creative coder Aldrovanda, presents the art piece “Minimum Viable Human Nature.” Reviving a unique collection of historical royal porcelain and botanical prints through interactive generative mechanisms and NFTs, the installation will offer visitors a personalized digital experience.

XR HUB Bavaria (Germany), supported by objkt.com and KERU, uses blockchain technology to reify virtual creations and create a personalized digital souvenir with Deutsches Museum in Munich.

Goethe Institut Lisbon (Portugal), supported by Nimi, aims to set up a token-based membership system using proof-of-attendance tokens, offering benefits to members and exploring the potential of DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations).

Museum Ulm (Germany), in collaboration with NRW-Forum/Kunstpalast Düsseldorf and supported by Nimi, is building the foundation of the future operational DAO for the nexmuseum.io platform starting with a token-based engagement system.

Key Insight From Diane Drubay

I chatted with Diane Drubay, founder of WAC Lab and We Are Museums, about changes happening regarding the perception of NFTs, Tezos utilization, and more with cultural institutions.

She shared some really interesting comments, especially about how museums are approaching NFTs from the standpoint of tokens and how they can utilize them.

Museums use tokens to distribute part of an artwork and engage differently with audiences on-site. They’re working on expanding the visitor variance. For instance, The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico collaborates with Gisela Colón. Visitors on-site will be able to collect one part of a large video artwork produced for the occasion by the artist.

So, it’s a bit like sharing ownership with the audience and inviting them to bring back something — not just a memory but part of the artwork.

We have another similar project, the Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They are working with an artist, Helio Santos, who will represent the body of work of a famous illustrator in Argentina. He will revisit the new version of these works, which will be turned into generative art and offered to visitors on-site. If you remember what f(x)hash did on the Tezos screens in Art Basel, this will be similar. Visitors will be able to collect one edition of this work.

So, it’s pretty interesting to see that museums are supporting a generative artist from today and allowing them to revisit the body of work from a well-known illustrator. It’s not about NFTs; it’s more about tokens and how we can use these mechanics to distribute part of an artwork or invite visitors to interact.

There’s also an exciting dynamic involving token-based memberships being explored. Basically, many projects are trying to see how they can create new types of communities, shared governance, and even operational processes with different types of audiences.

Final Thoughts

Seeing the continued level of cultural institutions’ adoption of blockchain technology is fantastic. Even more interesting is how they’ve begun approaching it, such as token mechanics about distribution and on-site live minting experiences. WAC Lab continues to provide an excellent resource for art professionals and cultural institutions to enter the blockchain world and embrace technologies like the Tezos network. I can’t wait to see the next season of projects arising out of WAC Lab using Tezos!

WAC Lab Boasts Impressive Season 3 Turnout was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The latest improvement in the Tezos Ecosystem DAO that you might have missed!

Aside from the recent “Trustless Business” update for Homebase, it has been a while since we discussed the Tezos Ecosystem DAO. However, rest assured that at Tezos Commons, we’ve been diligently working to incorporate community feedback and implement enhancements to make this initiative the best it can be.

In this article, I want to highlight a significant improvement to the Tezos Ecosystem DAO, which I believe has gone unnoticed by many. This new feature brings a new level of efficiency, transparency, and community involvement to how projects can be funded by the DAO. But let’s start from the beginning!

Tezos Ecosystem DAO — The first iteration

The initial iteration of the Tezos ecosystem DAO began as a proof of concept to provide an alternative source of funding within the Tezos ecosystem. It was governed by five key holders: Tezos Commons, Trilitech, Tezos Domains Foundation, Tezos Foundation, and Tezos India Foundation. Decisions were made based on community input from the Tezos Agora forum, with all opinions being considered equally, without any weighted influence.

Despite being in its early stages, the Tezos Ecosystem DAO successfully funded four different projects out of more than fifteen proposals, distributing a total of 14,750 tez (with another 5,000 pending deliverables). This achievement marked a promising start. However, we recognize the potential for improvement, and community feedback has been crucial in shaping the future of the Tezos Ecosystem DAO.

The New tez-Based Voting System

To enhance inclusivity and transparency in the funding process, the Tezos Ecosystem DAO has implemented a new tez-based voting system. This allows community members to vote on project proposals using their tez, giving them direct influence over the future of the Tezos ecosystem.

Rather than simply expressing opinions on Tezos Agora about whether a proposal should be funded, members can now cast “yes” or “no” votes through off-chain polls. The weight of each vote is proportional to the amount of tez held by the voter. Proposals that achieve a supermajority will then be executed by the key holders.

This system ensures that the Tezos community has a more direct say in funding decisions and that those decisions are made by those who have a vested interest in the success of the Tezos ecosystem. By enabling this new voting system, the DAO not only empowers the community but also encourages broader participation in the governance of the Tezos Ecosystem DAO.

As we have emphasized from the beginning, the Tezos Ecosystem DAO is a community-driven initiative that will continue to evolve based on your feedback. This is not the final version, and we will keep working on improvements until the DAO becomes a self-sustainable and fully decentralized project. The introduction of tez-based voting is a significant step in the right direction.

However, for this system to function effectively, your participation is crucial. Voting is based on a supermajority, so low participation could result in suboptimal proposals being funded. Don’t let this happen — cast your votes and help shape the future of the Tezos ecosystem.

If you’re a developer, artist, or entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea that could benefit the Tezos ecosystem, now is the time to apply for funding from the Tezos Ecosystem DAO. With the new tez-based voting system in place, you will have the opportunity to showcase your project to the entire Tezos community and secure the funding you need to turn your vision into reality. Get involved, vote, and propose — together, we can shape a better future for the Tezos ecosystem.

Ecosystem DAO 2.0: Empowering the Tezos Community with Tez-Based Voting was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Month At A Glance — May 2024

A quick rundown of the latest happenings and significant milestones within the Tezos ecosystem for May 2024.

Welcome to our latest issue, Month At A Glance, where we give a quick rundown of the latest happenings and significant milestones in the Tezos ecosystem on a monthly cadence.

May 2024 was a big month for product releases and new developments introduced to the Tezos ecosystem. These releases and updates include the Kukai iOS beta, tzBTC 2.0, Etherlink mainnet beta, Paris B protocol updates, and more.

Let's break it all down.

Ecosystem Insights

Kukai iOS Beta Release

The most exciting thing for me that was rolled out this month was the Kukai iOS beta. If you've been involved in the Tezos ecosystem, then more than likely you’ve used Kukai web wallet. The unique Direct-Auth feature makes logging into your wallet via a social handle/email a breeze.

Imagine bringing the same seamless experience of the Kukai wallet to the palm of your hand via mobile phone. Thanks to the impressive work done by Kukai mobile dev Simon McLoughlin, that possibility is now! Users can now participate in the Kukai iOS beta via Testflight.

Some of the new features brought by the mobile iOS version include the following:

Automatic token discovery via TzKT, with the ability to hide, favorite, and reorder tokens.

You can view your collectibles in grouped or ungrouped modes. Items inside each group are ordered by the latest received, allowing you to view what's been obtained quickly.

Collection viewing mode.

A media player that supports images, GIFs, videos, and audio. It also includes attributes, floor price, and last sale price pulled from OBJKT.

A brand new discover section to see a curated list of dApps in the Tezos ecosystem and key partner projects such as Manchester United.

Native integration of Wallet Connect v2.

Easier access to all your accounts via switching paired wallet addresses.

Social login support and the introduction of the ability to sign in with your Apple ID.

Tez onramps within the app.

Ghostnet integration, allowing teams an easier means to test their apps.

Token pricing charts and a brand-new delegation rewards view are available.

The most noteworthy change, in my opinion, is the introduction of Apple ID as a sign-in option.

The “Discover” section is also neat, showing NFTs, DeFi, Games, Art, Collectibles, and more tabs. The very top of the page also features a feed of ecosystem partners and major platforms. That said, many other new features are still to be announced. If you use an Iphone, visit Testflight and give Kukai mobile via iOS a try, and be sure to provide feedback as well!

tzBTC 2.0 Is Here!

If you've been following Roman Schnider on Twitter/X, then you’ve probably seen that he has been posting updates on tzBTC 2.0. Fast forward to the present; we've been greeted with the mainnet beta release of tzBTC 2.0!

tzBTC is a tokenized version of bitcoin on the Tezos blockchain, allowing bitcoin to be used within the Tezos DeFi ecosystem. Keyholders manage tzBTC by minting and burning tokens, while gatekeepers handle the conversion between bitcoin and tzBTC, requiring KYC and AML checks.

The bridge mechanism utilizes technology from Acurast, which involves multi-signature wallets and decentralized verification processes. You can learn more about Acurast or read one of our publications featuring them.

What's New?

tzBTC 2.0 introduces several key improvements over the original version:

Gatekeeper optimization: Automated, self-service minting and burning with no fees except gas fees. This makes the process faster and more accessible.

Keyholder automation: Leverages the Acurast execution environment to automate tzBTC's previous time-consuming process. It effectively automates minting and burning so that tzBTC will be instantly available to gatekeepers.

Cost-effectiveness: Subsidized by the Tezos Foundation, eliminating minting and burning fees.

Multi-chain capability: Future support is intended for minting tzBTC on other blockchains, enhancing accessibility and usage.

If you’re a fan of bitcoin and Tezos, then make sure to check out the new updates of tzBTC via the website.

Paris B Protocol Update

With the Paris B upgrade a few days away from activation (at the time of writing), Inference AG discovered a few critical issues after a security audit.

The Paris B protocol had three critical issues. These include incorrect reward computation for overstaked bakers, faulty unstake requests after staking operations, and a mismatch in ticks limits for Smart Rollups' WASM PVM affecting refutation game performance.

These issues do not threaten network security but required immediate fixes. Paris B2, included in Octez v20.0, addresses these issues and will be activated on June 4th. Nodes running Octez v20.0 will automatically implement these fixes.

If you're a baker, install the latest version of Octez to enable a smooth transition towards the new protocol!

News From The Tezos Ecosystem: Quick Bits

OBJKT launches a Microsoft paint-themed competition

The Objkt Paint '98 competition invites artists and digital enthusiasts to create pixel art using Objkt's MS Paint-inspired tool. With a prize pool of 500 tez and a top prize of 250 tez, participants showcased their creativity while competing for unique rewards. Check out our article covering the news.

TezDev is only a month away!

The first batch of TezDev tickets has been released. If you're a community member and you have yet to hear of TezDev, what are you doing? Get your tickets and have a chance to win some exclusive swag for the event on July 11th here.

freeCodeCamp.org releases Tezos blockchain development course

Thanks to a grant by the Tezos Foundation, freeCodeCamp.org has released a 12-hour-long comprehensive Tezos blockchain development course. The course covers introductory concepts to developing Tezos dApps and interacting with smart contracts.

3Route secures grant from Tezos Foundation

Developed by Baking Bad, 3Route is a cross-DEX on-chain aggregator for Tezos. The Tezos Foundation's announcement explains more about 3Route and the grant.

OBJKT presents Matter & Data

OBJKT announces the Matter & Data exhibition at Digital Art Mile during Art Basel, featuring 17 artists exploring digital and physical art forms. The exhibition includes interactive installations, code-based works, 3D animations, AI-assisted photography, plotter drawings, 3D printed sculptures, holographic 3D portraits, and digital and physical paintings.

Events

Tezos Gaming Megaspace on X — May 2nd

Artz Friday w/ Yoeshi — May 3rd

Tuesday TezDay w/ MetaPals — May 7th

Artz Friday w/ Marc Fendel — May 10th

TezTalks Live #88: Claude Barde

Singapore Tezos Gaming Showcase — May 11–12th

Tuesday TezDay Community Call — May 14th

Artz Friday w/ DarkestDollX — May 17th

Tuesday TezDay Community Call — May 21st

TezTalks Radio #79: MetaPals

VivaTech 2024 Conference — May 22–25th

Artz Friday w/ PapaBeardedNFTs — May 24th

Tuesday TezDay w/ Beets — May 28th

Consensus 2024 — May 28–31st

WAC Lab Demo Day — May 30th

TezTalks Radio #80: Beets

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 30 seconds.

Don't 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. We've also announced the April 2024 winners, so be sure to check out the recap here.

About Tezos Commons Foundation

Tezos Commons is a non-profit organization that emphasizes building communities on Tezos and supporting the Tezos ecosystem and its members. By organizing several community-focused events, hosting infrastructure, and funding small projects, Tezos Commons has actively contributed to building communities on Tezos.

Learn more about Tezos Commons. Are you interested in becoming a Tezos SuperFan and hosting events? Click here and begin your journey.

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

The Blockchain Evolved Show

Baking Sheet Newsletter

In-Depth Articles

You can also contact us on X or via email at social@tezoscommons.org.

Month At A Glance — May 2024 was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Tick, Tock, Next Block: Tezos is firing on all cylinders this week

Tezos at Consensus and TezCon: A Week Packed with Exciting Events

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Baking Sheet! It’s been a jam-packed week with Tezos making waves at two major events: Consensus 2024 and TezCon. Let's dive into what you can expect.

Tezos at Consensus 2024

☀️ Join us on the last day of #Consensus2024! The Tezos community is ready to welcome you at Booth 1801. Swing by to chat about gaming, NFTs, the upcoming Paris upgrade, exciting DeFi projects on Etherlink, and more. Our team is eager to share the latest developments and hand out some awesome new swag.

Consensus 2024, held in Austin, Texas, brings together the brightest minds in blockchain technology and digital assets. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, developers, and enthusiasts as we explore the future of blockchain and its applications.

For more details and the full agenda, check out the Consensus 2024 website.

Tezos at TezCon Seattle

Following Consensus, the excitement continues with TezCon Seattle, where the Tezos community will gather to discuss the latest advancements and share insights into the future of the Tezos ecosystem. This event is a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow Tezos enthusiasts, learn from leading developers, and explore innovative projects built on Tezos.

Date & Time: Saturday, June 1, 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM PDT

Location: Seattle NFT Museum, 2123 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121, United States

This is your opportunity to connect with the vibrant community of creators and enthusiasts driving the future of NFTs.

🎟️ RSVP now! Secure your spot by clicking on the event link and join us for an awesome night with the Tezos community.

Paris B Implementation Nears: Critical Updates

As we wrap up Consensus 2024, it's time to look ahead to another crucial event for the Tezos ecosystem. The Paris B upgrade is set to be implemented in just 4 days, marking a significant milestone for Tezos. However, recent developments have highlighted the need for immediate action to ensure a smooth activation.

Nomadic Labs has announced the discovery and resolution of three potentially critical issues in Paris B. While these issues do not threaten network security or liveness, they are serious enough to warrant immediate attention. To address these, Nomadic Labs highly recommends that all bakers and node operators upgrade to Octez v20.0, which includes fixes for Paris B.

What You Need to Know About Paris B

Here are the key features included in the Paris B upgrade:

Reduced Block Times: Faster transactions to enhance network performance.

Data Availability Layer (DAL): Improvements to throughput and scalability, benefiting Smart Rollups.

Adaptive Issuance and Staking: Refinements to the economic mechanisms ensuring long-term sustainability and security.

Adaptive Slashing: A nuanced approach to penalizing protocol violations, aligned with severity and intent.

Details of the Issues and Fixes

First Issue: Concerns the computation of rewards when a baker is overstaked. Thanks to Inference for raising this issue and collaborating throughout the process.

Second Issue: Triggered when staking after changing bakers, causing the failure of subsequent unstake requests.

Third Issue: Affects Smart Rollups' WASM PVM, significantly increasing the computational cost of refutation games (Layer 2 fraud proofs), though they remain feasible.

Paris B 2 is included in Octez v20.0 as a user-activated protocol-override. This means that nodes running v20.0 (and higher) will automatically activate the Paris B 2 patch instead of Paris B on June 4th, before block #5,726,209.

To all bakers and node operators: ensure a smooth activation by upgrading to Octez v20.0. For more information and assistance with upgrading, visit the Nomadic Labs announcement and the Tezos Agora forum.

Join the Conversation: Tezos Town Hall Launches Next Week!

Wrapping up this week's headlines is an exciting announcement for the Tezos community. Join us for the very first Tezos Town Hall next week! This new monthly event will bring together community members from around the Tezos ecosystem to discuss the latest developments, share insights, and answer your questions.

Event Details

Date: June 4, 2024

Time: 12 PM UTC

Location: Join on X Spaces

June's Town Hall will feature an impressive lineup of speakers from the Tezos community:

Arthur Breitman: Co-Founder of Tezos

Robin Maxe: COO of Trilitech

Yuriy Gusev: Head of Engineering at Nomadic Labs

David Tng: Managing Director of TZ APAC

Johann Tanzer: Director of Engineering at Tezos Commons

The event will be moderated by Katie Hegarty, Chief of Staff at Trilitech.

This is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from the leaders driving the Tezos ecosystem, ask your questions, and engage with fellow community members. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of the conversation and stay informed about the latest advancements and initiatives within Tezos.

Mark your calendars and join us on June 4 at 12 PM UTC for the first Tezos Town Hall!

It’s genuinely exciting to see the Tezos ecosystem coming together and communicating across different platforms. The presence at major events like Consensus 2024, which appeals to the broader crypto community, and grassroots events like TezCon, tailored for dedicated Tezos enthusiasts, really highlights the passion and dedication within the community. This kind of engagement shows how Tezos is actively building connections and making an impact at all levels.

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

Launch of tzBTC 2.0: A New Era for Bitcoin on Tezos

As we transition from the headlines, let's dive into the latest news from the Tezos ecosystem. The highly anticipated tzBTC 2.0 has officially launched, ushering in a new era for Bitcoin on Tezos. Decentralized, transparent, and now even more cost-effective, tzBTC 2.0 is making waves with 1025 BTC (70M USD) in total value locked (TVL). You can get yours here.

Acurast Integration Enhances tzBTC 2.0

tzBTC 2.0 leverages Acurast’s confidential compute to orchestrate Bitcoin multi-signature wallets and interactions in a smart contract environment. This integration enhances the security and functionality of tzBTC, offering a robust solution for Bitcoin holders looking to interact with the Tezos blockchain.

For the community, engagement is key to success. Join the discussions and stay updated:

Discord: tzBTC Discord

Telegram: tzBTC Telegram

Community Insights: Why tzBTC is a Game Changer

One of Tezos community members, Rossa774.tez, provided an excellent summary of why tzBTC is a significant addition to the Tezos ecosystem. Here’s what he had to say:

"So why should BTC  hodlers make sure they take a deep dive into tzBTC?"

Interoperability: Bridging BTC onto tzBTC allows Bitcoin holders to leverage the benefits of the Tezos blockchain, such as smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). This interoperability can unlock new use cases for Bitcoin.

Reduced Fees and Faster Transactions: By moving Bitcoin onto the Tezos blockchain, users can benefit from Tezos' low transaction fees and faster block times, making transactions more cost-effective and efficient.

Enhanced Security and Transparency: TzBTC is backed 1:1 by actual BTC held in multi-signature addresses, ensuring that each tzBTC token is fully collateralized. The transparent nature of the Tezos blockchain and the involvement of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland as a third-party overseer add to the integrity and security of the system.

Access to DeFi and Staking Opportunities: Bridging BTC onto tzBTC opens up opportunities for Bitcoin holders to participate in decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and staking mechanisms available on the Tezos blockchain. This allows users to earn additional yield on their Bitcoin holdings.

Multi-Chain Functionality: TzBTC 2.0 aims to extend the reach and functionality of the token across multiple blockchains, which could further enhance liquidity and utility for Bitcoin holders.

No Central Issuer: The multi-signature concept of tzBTC enables a trust-reduced setup with no central issuer, making it more decentralized and resilient against single points of failure.

In summary, bridging BTC onto tzBTC can provide Bitcoin holders with increased flexibility, security, and access to a wider range of applications and services within the Tezos ecosystem.

Teletubbies Arrive on Tezos with MetaPals Partnership

Psst! Have you heard? The Teletubbies have arrived on Tezos!

MetaPals has partnered with WildBrain to bring the iconic 90s characters to life on the Tezos blockchain. Celebrate this milestone by joining in the fun and minting your very own Teletubby companion.

Get started here: Mint Your Teletubby.

OpenPad Integrates with Etherlink

Next up, let's talk about OpenPad's latest milestone. OpenPad has successfully integrated Etherlink into its ecosystem, an EVM-compatible layer-2 blockchain powered by Tezos Smart Rollup technology. This integration brings immense potential to the OpenPad ecosystem, offering enhanced performance, reduced costs, and greater accessibility to users.

Integration Highlights

Network Integration

Decentralized Governance

Enhanced Scalability

Lower Transaction Costs

Robust Security

With this integration, projects built on Etherlink are now ready to launch on OpenPad. This milestone represents a significant step forward, providing users with a more efficient and secure platform for their projects.

Learn more about this integration from one of our own, William McKenzie, who dives into this collaboration here.

Etherlink at DeFi Catalyst Accelerator: A Promising Start

Next up, let's talk about Etherlink's recent update on their participation in the DeFi Catalyst Accelerator (DCA) in Singapore. Etherlink has posted an exciting video showcasing the first two weeks of the accelerator program. You can watch the video here.

The DCA is a DeFi-focused accelerator program designed to support startups building on Etherlink and Tezos. The program kicks off with a 2-week in-person bootcamp in Singapore, followed by 4 weeks of remote support. Here’s a closer look at what this program entails:

Highlights of the DeFi Catalyst Accelerator

Mentorship & Guidance: Participants receive targeted support from the Core DeFi team of the Tezos ecosystem and experienced mentors in the space. This guidance helps startups validate ideas, focus their time and resources, complement their teams, and eventually raise money from a network of VC partners.

$200k Funding: Startups have the potential to receive an investment of $200k to support their journey while they raise their seed round.

Expert Sessions: The program includes DeFi-specific working sessions on UI/UX, product development, core engineering, liquidity, security, and legal matters, conducted by experts in their respective fields.

Network Turbocharged: Multiple in-person networking opportunities are hosted for the benefit of the cohort, including an evening with leading Asia-based Web3 investors and meetups with the Web3 community in Singapore.

Program Structure

Week 1-2 (Singapore): Participants meet mentors, the cohort, and the local ecosystem, collaborating intensively with mentors on various aspects of their projects. They also engage with the Web3 VC and builder community in Singapore, validating their ideas and starting the budgeting process.

Week 3-6 (Remote): The program continues with mentorship and lectures focused on building in crypto and growing their products. Startups begin working on early MVP designs for both the UI and backend of their applications or services.

End of Week 6: The program culminates with an Investor Committee presentation, where startups present their products to leading VCs and experts for potential investment.

Sectors of Focus

The DCA aims to bring on-chain projects with a financial angle to the community. This includes but is not limited to, sectors like user-friendly Web 2.5 DeFi platforms, crypto neobanks, digital asset management platforms, automated strategy vaults, sports betting, real-world assets (RWA), and innovative trading marketplaces.

Etherlink's involvement in the DeFi Catalyst Accelerator is a testament to the vibrant and supportive ecosystem within Tezos. The progress made during these initial weeks is promising, and we look forward to seeing the innovative projects that emerge from this program.

Stay tuned for more updates as Etherlink and other participants continue their journey in the DeFi Catalyst Accelerator!

This Week in Tezos Development

Tezos’ Data-Availability Layer: Enhancing Smart Rollups Throughput

In the latest update from Nomadic Labs, the Paris 1 protocol introduces the Data Availability Layer (DAL) on Tezos Mainnet, significantly boosting throughput and data bandwidth for Tezos Smart Rollups, especially Etherlink. This enhancement is a major step forward in improving network efficiency and scalability. To participate in the DAL, community members and bakers are encouraged to review the latest post detailing hardware specifications and requirements.

Key Details

Roles in the DAL:

Slot Producers: Publish data into the network.

Attesters: Ensure the availability of the published data.

Bootstrap Nodes: Assist in peer discovery based on topics.

Slots Observers: Help with slot reconstruction and amplification.

Minimal Requirements for DAL Attester Nodes:

Bakers with 0.5% to 15% of Total Stake:

Machine Type: e2-small (ssd) to c2-standard-4 (ssd)

CPU: 2.25 GHz to 3.1 GHz

RAM: 2 GiB to 4 GiB

Disk Space: 20 GiB

Bandwidth (Upload): 250 KiB/s

Bandwidth (Download): 250 KiB/s to 1 MiB/s

Minimal Requirements for Slot Producers:

Machine Type: n2-standard-2

CPU: 2 vCPUs

RAM: 4 GiB

Disk Space: 500 GiB

Bandwidth (Upload): 2.5 MiB/s

Bandwidth (Download): 0.5 MiB/s

Security Recommendations:

Operate DAL nodes and Tezos bakers on separate IP addresses to avoid leaking the baker’s IP.

This can be set up using most cloud storage solutions without the need for separate physical machines.

For more detailed information on these requirements and how to set up your node, check out the full post here.

Seeing the Data Availability Layer come to life is really exciting. It’s not just a technical upgrade; it’s a step towards making the Tezos network more efficient and resilient. If you’re a baker, your role in this is crucial. By running an attester node, you’re helping to ensure that our network can handle more data and do it more effectively. Personally, I can’t wait to see what opportunities arise with Tezos Smart Rollups with DAL supercharging the scalability for apps.

TezBake (BakeBuddy) Update: Octez 20.0 Support Released

In preparation for the Paris protocol activation on June 4th, TezBake (also known as BakeBuddy) has released an important update with Octez 20.0 support. This update is mandatory for all bakers to ensure compatibility with the upcoming protocol changes.

Key Details

Mandatory Update: Octez 20.0 is required to support the Paris protocol, activating on June 4th.

Upgrade Command:

To update your baker using TezBake, run:

tezbake upgrade -a

To verify the version after the upgrade, run:

tezbake version --all

Upgrade Methods:

If you don't have the latest TezBake (v0.15.1-beta) or are still using bb-cli, it's highly recommended to use the "C" upgrade method.

Otherwise, use the "A" method as shown above.

Full Update Instructions: For comprehensive instructions, refer to the TezBake update guide.

Post-Update Check:

Always check your node's operation using TezBake and TzKT's schedule view. How to Monitor

Monitor the real-time performance of your baker using TezWatch on Discord.

Re-Run Update Command: If you've updated your TezBake node in the last 24 hours, please run the update command again to ensure your xtz.node version is 0.28.3.

Keeping your baking setup up-to-date is crucial for the smooth operation of the Tezos network, especially with the Paris protocol activation just around the corner. The TezBake update ensures that all bakers are ready for these changes, maintaining the network’s reliability and security. It’s great to see such proactive measures being taken to support the community. Make sure to follow the update instructions closely and verify your node's performance to stay ahead.

🔴 Now Streaming: Artist Spotlight | Michael Beets

Michael Beets, the mind behind Here and Now, an immersive experiences platform, discusses his background in immersive experiences and live cinema. He shares his passion for bringing people together through experiences and taking audiences on journeys. Beets explains how his experimentation with Web3 and NFTs was sparked by the cancellation of his projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful experiences around art and the need for surprise and innovation in the space. Beets also discusses the evolution of the Tezos community and the challenges and opportunities in the NFT space.

Now Streaming Everywhere:

Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music | YouTube

Upcoming Tezos Events

🚀 Tickets are now available! Secure your spot at Tezos' annual conference, TezDev, the premier gathering for builders, partners, and enthusiasts in the Web3 space. This year, we're excited to host the event in Brussels, a hub for technology and innovation, and just a short distance from EthCC.

Why attend Tez/Dev?

Connect and Network: Meet and engage with the global Tezos community

Learn from the Experts: Gain insights from leading voices in the industry through talks, workshops, and panel discussions.

Explore New Developments: Discover the latest innovations and projects happening on Tezos.

Event Highlights:

Location: Brussels, Belgium – the heart of Europe and a beacon for tech innovators.

Date: Happening on July 11th — The full agenda will be provided soon. Stay tuned!

🎟️ Grab your ticket today to ensure you don't miss out: Grab a ticket here!

Join us at Tez/Dev 2024, where the future of Tezos unfolds. We look forward to welcoming you to Brussels and sharing an unforgettable experience. Join us at Tez/Dev 2024 in Brussels!

Tezos Meetup #2 in Porto

After the success of our first meetup, we are excited to return to Invicta city for another night of networking, fun, and engaging discussions about everything that's best in Tezos!

Join us for an evening where Tezos enthusiasts, developers, and community members can connect, share ideas, and explore the latest developments in the Tezos ecosystem.

Date: June 1, 2024

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Selina, R. das Oliveiras 61, Porto

The event is supported by Tezos Commons

Powered by beehiiv

A closer look at the integration of OpenPad with Tezos and its commitment to build on Etherlink.

With Etherlink now reaching its mainnet beta stage, more than 15 different partners have been announced as Etherlink gears up for its public launch.

In this article, we’ll explore one of the many partners focused on decentralized crowdfunding via their launchpad, OpenPad. OpenPad has committed to building and deploying on Etherlink and its Tezos integration.

OpenPad Integration With Tezos

OpenPad is a decentralized launchpad that uses AI to help new projects in the web3 space get funding and development support. It can be thought of as an online hub where creative ideas are turned into real-world projects through tools like token sales and NFTs combined with the added support of an in-house incubator.

Users of the platform can access an in-depth investor portal, which features a wide array of features, such as wallet management, market tracking tools, token offering and launch schedules, social engagement tools, AI recommendations, and more.

When you visit the OpenPad site, you’ll be prompted to connect your wallet to access all the features. It may take some refreshing, but eventually, Beacon should show up as installed, and you can select your Tezos wallet from the available options.

Following this, you’ll then be able to launch the app and gain access to upcoming token sales, the KYC (Know Your Customer) process, an application for applying to obtain an IDO (Initial DEX Offering), and much more. It’s worth noting that OpenPad requires all project owners and investors to go through the KYC process. So, if you plan on participating in any upcoming sales, you must follow and utilize it.

In addition to integrating Tezos, OpenPad has extended an even greater show of commitment by being one of the first builders on Etherlink with its announcement of deploying on the network. As an early partner, OpenPad will help enable and offer new projects building on Etherlink important funding avenues and support.

Let’s highlight Etherlink more in the next section.

What is Etherlink?

For those who may be unaware of Etherlink, it’s worth understanding what is is and does. It is arguably one of the most important upcoming product launch in the Tezos ecosystem.

Etherlink is an EVM-compatible layer 2 smart rollup technology on Tezos. Designed to be extremely fast, with speeds as fast as 500 milliseconds, nearly 0 fees, and only 15 seconds for data to get posted back to the base layer. Etherlink offers a fast, cheap, and decentralized solution for a wide range of blockchain applications and uses, with all of it being powered by Tezos.

When we speak of smart rollups, especially regarding enshrinement, let’s expand on what we mean by that. Tezos smart rollups are commonly referred to as being “enshrined” as they are part of the L1 (layer 1) consensus, inheriting the Tezos base layer security properties. This added layer of enshrinement thus enhances operational trust since bakers need to corroborate proofs posted back to the Tezos base layer.

These rollups offer both horizontal and vertical scalability by offloading computation and submitting only results and their validity proofs to the Tezos network, thus increasing transaction throughput. They also mitigate censorship and reduce maximal extractable value (MEV) risks by avoiding centralized sequencers.

For users and developers, enshrined smart rollups ensure seamless interaction and compatibility with multiple programming languages, creating a consistent user experience. They also facilitate smoother communication and asset transfers across rollups and back to the Tezos network. Unlike other layer 2 rollups on other chains who are normally subsidized by their main chain like on eth, Etherlink users get treated as first class citizens, just like those who are using the Tezos blockchain.

This is important as smart rollups comprise the underlying technology that powers Etherlink. If you’d like to read further, learn more about Etherlink in the documentation and smart rollups here.

Final Thoughts

The addition of Tezos support on OpenPad marks another new and important funding route for upcoming projects on Tezos. With over $11.2M in funds raised via the platform and more than 7,500 registered KYC users, this integration marks a great step towards allowing new Tezos projects to receive funding and assistance via their incubator program.

Equally exciting is the commitment to building on Etherlink and providing funding for new projects. I’m very excited to see new projects utilize the platform to create value for the Tezos ecosystem!

OpenPad Has Integrated With Tezos was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Q&A with Ari Sandoval (a.k.a Hashbrown) about the upcoming TezCon event in Seattle!

I cannot stress enough the importance of physical Tezos meetups and events. At Tezos Commons, we are dedicated to continuously sponsoring and supporting those who wish to organize such gatherings in their local areas we love seeing more and more Tezos enthusiasts starting such initiatives.

One such exciting event is just around the corner: on June 1st, the amazing folks at TezTones will host their first-ever physical event at the NFT Museum in Seattle, and I’m sure it’s going to be a blast! I’ve often highlighted the benefits of such events, but in this article, I thought it might be better for you to hear it directly from someone deeply involved in the coordination and organization of TezCon. So, let’s meet HashBrown!

Q&A With HashBrown

Q: Let’s start with an introduction of yourself and the team, who are the people behind TezCon?

I’m Ari Sandoval but most people know me as Hashbrown, I am an artist and founder of Teztones and one of the main organizers behind the upcoming TezCon event.

TezCon is a collaborative event put together by TezTones, Teia.Cafe, TunaKuna, and a coalition of artists and projects.

Q: How did the idea for TezCon come about?

It initially started as a really simple idea for TezTones to get together because one of our members (NFTterror) was flying out from Ireland… We realized that we could take that opportunity to gather as many of us in person to meet and celebrate all the work we put into our 1st TezTones Season and the friendships we have made. Then TunaKuna made the extremely generous offer to rent out the Seattle NFT Museum and everything got kicked into high gear.

We realized that with such a big space and 27 screens available we could make the event much larger in scope and celebrate many of the amazing artists, projects, and communities that make Tezos such a vibrant blockchain for the arts.

Q: In your opinion, what are the benefits of such IRL Tezos events?

I think in a world that is largely digital and screen based (the world in general these days, but especially blockchain) just the act of meeting the humans behind the avatars is profoundly powerful. By coming together to share food, art, and live music we can build much deeper bonds and memories than solely through online interactions. There are no rugging or connection problems IRL!!

Also, probably the main goal of this event at the end of the day is to have fun; to embrace the fact that we have the power to bring ourselves together to celebrate our accomplishments and hard work.

Q: What challenges have you faced in organizing TezCon, and how have you overcome them?

I think the main challenge was that it started as a small idea that rapidly grew in scope in a very organic way. In doing so we wanted to make the event open to as many as possible, and then that again introduced more organizational complexity. However although we had to go through those growing pains they were also the blessings that made everything possible and I think will make the event such a success!

Q: What can attendees expect from their experience at TezCon?

People can expect 27 screens featuring curations of some absolutely amazing audio and visual art from across the Tezos blockchain. We need to do a final count but I believe we have easily above 300 artists in total who’s art will be shown!

There will be a short panel about building communities and projects on Tezos with speakers to be announced soon as well as a gallery tour in the museum with artists in attendance going over their art and creative process.

We will also have live musical performances including a featured set by Yoeshi Labs, as well as a jam session featuring Yoeshi Labs, Fendel, Ryan, and myself.

Q: How have sponsors contributed to making TezCon a reality?

There would be no TezCon without sponsors. We’d love to acknowledge and thank Tezos Commons, TunaKuna, TeiaCafe, and DNS for their contributions and support.

As we wrap up this Q&A with Hashbrown, it’s clear that events like TezCon play a crucial role in building stronger connections within the Tezos community. Physical meetups and events like these offer unparalleled opportunities to meet the people behind the avatars, share experiences, and celebrate the vibrant artistic and project-based accomplishments on the Tezos blockchain.

At Tezos Commons, we are committed to continuously supporting and sponsoring such initiatives. The energy and enthusiasm at these gatherings not only strengthen our community but also inspire new projects and collaborations. If you are passionate about Tezos and are interested in organizing a meetup in your area, we encourage you to reach out to us. Together, we can continue to nurture and grow the Tezos community, one event at a time. Let’s keep the momentum going and make every meetup a memorable and impactful experience!

TezCon Seattle: A Vision Realized was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Tezos will implement the 15th Protocol Upgrade: Paris B

Paris B Proposal Passes Final Vote and Reaches Quorum

Welcome to this week’s issue of the Baking Sheet! It’s been an awesome week in the Tezos ecosystem, and we’ve officially landed in Paris—not the city, but the Paris B proposal! In a landmark moment for the Tezos ecosystem, the Paris B proposal has officially passed the final vote, reaching the required quorum. This marks the beginning of the adoption phase in the governance cycle, where the proposal will move forward to being implemented on the Tezos blockchain.

The Paris B proposal has been eagerly anticipated due to its potential to significantly enhance the Tezos network. It includes several key improvements designed to boost efficiency, security, and overall functionality. The successful vote reflects strong community support and consensus, showcasing the robust democratic processes that Tezos is known for.

Key Features of the Paris B Proposal:

Reduced Block Times: Faster transactions to enhance network performance.

Data Availability Layer (DAL): Improvements to throughput and scalability, benefiting Smart Rollups.

Adaptive Issuance and Staking: Refinements to the economic mechanisms ensuring long-term sustainability and security.

Adaptive Slashing: A nuanced approach to penalizing protocol violations, aligned with severity and intent.

This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our bakers and Tezos holders. Your votes and support have pushed the proposal across the finish line, demonstrating the power of collective effort in driving progress. As we move into the adoption phase, these enhancements will be integrated into the Tezos blockchain, paving the way for a more powerful and efficient network.

From the mysterious L.M. Goodman’s White Paper to now having successfully implemented 15 upgrades, the biggest strength of Tezos is its ability to evolve with the latest technology. This is where the tagline "your blockchain is our testnet" truly shines.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this crucial vote. Stay tuned for more updates on the implementation process and how these changes will benefit the Tezos ecosystem.

Games Built on Tezos Shine at Doujin Market 2024 in Singapore

Watch the Recap

From the historic boulevards of Paris to the bustling streets of Singapore, the Tezos ecosystem continues to make waves. Games built on Tezos had a fantastic presence at Doujin Market 2024, Singapore's premier pop culture creators convention. This event, held on Saturday, May 11, featured over 600 artists, illustrators, and makers from around the world, making it a significant platform for showcasing creative talent.

At Doujin Market 2024, visitors had the chance to explore and join whitelists for some of the most exciting games built on Tezos, in partnership with Neo Tokyo Project. The event was a massive success, with over 13,000 attendees getting a firsthand look at the innovative games powered by Tezos.

Featured Games

Here are the standout games that were showcased at the event:

Star Symphony: The first rhythm game designed for esports

MetaPals: Step into a digital universe right from your browser with MetaPals—the world's first blockchain-integrated browser extension game engine.

BattleTabs: BattleTabs is an online game which is similar to the board game Battleship.

Cricket Stars: Cricket Stars is the worlds first strategy collectible card game of CricketBattleRise: Defend the world against the forces of the evil God of Death in a free-to-play mobile fantasy RPG

Event Highlights

The event was a vibrant celebration of anime, manga, and games, featuring a diverse range of activities and showcases. Visitors not only got to experience these games but also had the opportunity to join whitelists, ensuring they stayed updated and involved in these projects. The Doujin Market 2024 truly was an event for the books, highlighting the growing influence and presence of blockchain technology in the gaming industry.

Check out the recap video to see the highlights and excitement of the event.

The presence of Tezos-powered games at such a prominent event underscores the creative potential within the Tezos ecosystem. As we continue to see these projects grow and thrive, Tezos is becoming a clear choice for games built on blockchain.

Tezos at Consensus 2024: What to Expect

From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, our journey now takes us to the vibrant city of Austin and its iconic South Congress Avenue for Consensus 2024. This three-day conference, running from May 29-31, is the biggest and most established global event for everything crypto, blockchain, and Web3. And Tezos will be there in full force, with a special highlight being a keynote from Tezos co-founder, Arthur Breitman.

Spotlight on Tezos at Consensus 2024

Tezos' presence at Consensus 2024 will be a focal point for attendees interested in cutting-edge blockchain technology. Arthur Breitman, co-founder of Tezos, is set to deliver a keynote address at the AI Summit, bringing his insights and vision to one of the most anticipated gatherings in the blockchain world.

Tezos at the AI Summit

The AI Summit at Consensus 2024 will take place on Friday, May 31, featuring sessions devoted to the intersection of crypto and AI. Arthur Breitman will be speaking alongside other notable figures like Morpheus contributor Erik Vorhees. This summit will explore how blockchain technology can integrate with and enhance AI, providing a thought-provoking look at the future of these two rapidly evolving fields.

Visit the Tezos Booth

While attending Consensus 2024, make sure to visit the Tezos booth at booth 1801 for more in-depth discussions and to connect with the Tezos community. The booth will be a hub for learning about the latest developments, networking with other Tezos enthusiasts, and exploring the innovative projects being built on Tezos.

Why Attend?

Consensus 2024 offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest developments in blockchain technology, with sessions tailored for both beginners and experts. For Tezos enthusiasts, it's a chance to see how the platform is positioning itself within the broader blockchain ecosystem and to engage with the community and developers driving its growth.

From Paris to Singapore, and now to Austin, Tezos is making its mark on the global stage. Be sure to join us at Consensus 2024 to witness firsthand the strides Tezos is making in the world of blockchain.

For more details and to register, visit Consensus 2024 Registration.

Ten Major Cultural Projects Released with WAC LAB

Web3 for the Arts and Culture (WAC) Lab, with contributions from the Tezos Foundation and led by We Are Museums, continues to transform cultural institutions into emerging technology pioneers with their third innovation laboratory. The Château de Chambord, Swiss National Museum, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, among others, joined a lineage of innovative cultural institutions shaping the future of museums, such as the Musée d’Orsay, LAS Art Foundation, and HEK (House of Electronic Arts).

Harnessing the power of blockchain technology, generative AI, and immersive experiences, ten cultural institutions announce their upcoming projects engaging new audiences, preserving cultural heritage, and exploring new avenues for fundraising.

Addressing Modern Challenges

Museums today face numerous challenges, including engaging younger, tech-savvy audiences, securing funding, and staying relevant in a rapidly digitizing world. Web3 presents a promising solution to these challenges by leveraging blockchain technology, generative AI, and immersive worlds. This new technological framework can transform how museums interact with visitors, offering immersive and interactive experiences that captivate a diverse audience. Additionally, Web3 enables new revenue streams through the creation and sale of digital assets, such as NFTs, and unique membership experiences, potentially providing a more sustainable financial model.

WAC Lab’s Role and Impact

Since its inception in 2021, WAC Lab has been at the forefront of empowering cultural institutions with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital age. Through comprehensive training, mentoring, and practical application, WAC Lab has equipped more than three hundred cultural professionals with the skills to navigate the complex world of blockchain technology and unleash its potential in the cultural sector.

Over the past eight months, over eight hundred art professionals joined weekly discussions with internationally renowned cultural institutions on leveraging Blockchain technologies to understand the new shifts coming with Web3. With the wish of becoming more specialized and educate their teams, twenty-four museums followed an extensive training program provided by WAC Lab. As a final step, ten ambitious institutions embarked on a transformative journey with the support of seven technical partners, culminating in the development and launch of innovative Web3 projects that promise to reshape the art and culture landscape.

Project Highlights

Here is a preview of the project highlights currently developed under WAC Lab Season 3:

221A (Canada): Incubating the Node Library, a decentralized web node service for the arts and culture sector, designed to develop public prototypes for distributed storage, conservation, and validation of cultural assets.

Château de Chambord (France): Exploring innovative fundraising models to support the renovation of the castle, allowing donors to choose the part they wish to restore and own an NFT fraction of the castle.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (USA): Creating an immersive interactive woodworking experience with a potential NFT component.

Goethe Institut Lisbon (Portugal): Setting up a token-based membership system using proof-of-attendance tokens and exploring the potential of DAOs.

Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández (Argentina): Integrating an AI-generated poem performance with an NFT souvenir for The Night of The Museums in November 2024.

Museum Ulm (Germany): Building the foundation of a future operational DAO for the nexmuseum.io platform.

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico): Planning a live minting experience with artist Gisela Colón for their 25th anniversary.

Swiss National Museum (Switzerland): Exploring a decentralized catalog system for digital assets and digital-born objects.

The Royal Danish Collection (Denmark): Presenting the art piece “Minimum Viable Human Nature,” reviving a collection of historical royal porcelain and botanical prints through interactive generative mechanisms and NFTs.

XR HUB Bavaria (Germany): Using blockchain technology to create personalized digital souvenirs in cooperation with the Deutsches Museum in Munich.

Looking Ahead

To celebrate the achievements of the participating institutions, We Are Museums invites you to join the WAC Lab Season 3 Demo Day on May 30, 2024, at 4pm CEST. This virtual event will showcase the transformative projects developed during the program and provide an insightful glimpse of the future of museum innovation.

“We're thrilled about WAC Lab's resumed success as Tezos Blockchain continues to lead the way in its mission to strengthen cultural institutions in exploration of new on-chain opportunities,” comments Aleksandra Artamonovskaja, Head of Arts at Trilitech, the adoption hub for the Tezos blockchain.

Join us on May 30th at 4pm CEST for the WAC Lab Season 3 Demo Day and witness the future of art and culture unfold. Register here.

For more information, please visit WAC Lab.

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

After covering the major headlines from this past week, it's time to dive into some exciting developments within our ecosystem. Etherlink has been making significant strides since the launch of its testnet in July 2023. As we move through 2024, the network is currently in its final stage before launch, mainnet beta, and continues to be refined as the ecosystem grows. Here’s a look at the progress made so far and what to expect in the coming months.

Q1: Achievements During Testnet

The first quarter of 2024 saw Etherlink hitting several important milestones:

Sub-Second Confirmation Times: Fine-tuning resulted in lightning-fast transaction processing, with confirmation times of less than a second.

Developer-Friendly Infrastructure: Integration of tools and resources like Blockscout, The Graph, and Redstone into the testnet.

Community Engagement Channels: Launch of Twitter, Medium, and Discord to foster open dialogue and gather valuable feedback.

EVM Compatibility: Full compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing developers to seamlessly integrate with the Ethereum ecosystem.

Trustlessness: Upgrades handled by Tezos L1 governance contracts, eliminating reliance on specific individuals or groups.

Scaling Web3 Hackathon: Encode launched a four-week hackathon in May, fostering innovation and collaboration to tackle Web3 scalability.

Q2: Mainnet Beta and Beyond

With Q2 underway, Etherlink is focusing on the mainnet beta rollout and several key initiatives:

DeFi Catalyst Accelerator (DCA): Launched on April 15th, supporting six innovative DeFi projects with resources and mentorship.

Mainnet Beta Rollout: Onboarding partners and ensuring a safe, production-ready environment for the full-scale launch.

Community-Led Governance: From day one of the mainnet beta, governance has been community-driven.

Security: Comprehensive testing and additional audits to ensure system integrity.

More Integrations: Expanding Etherlink’s network with operators, node providers, and integrating infrastructure partners for oracles, explorers, and bridges.

Quests: Upcoming Etherlink Quests will challenge and reward participants.

Hackathons: Stay tuned for more hackathons where developers can showcase their talents and compete for prizes.

Q3: Etherlink Launch and Expansion

Looking ahead to Q3, Etherlink plans to refine its infrastructure, improve security protocols, and expand its ecosystem:

Launch: Expect lower fees, MEV protection, improved data availability, increased throughput, and bandwidth.

EthCC: Visit Etherlink’s booth at EthCC, one of the biggest Ethereum community events of the year. Details on side events and ways to get involved will be announced.

TezDev: The annual developer conference for Tezos enthusiasts on July 11th during EthCC, focusing on rollup-centric technology in the Tezos ecosystem, including Etherlink.

MEV Protection: Implementation of MEV (Miner Extractable Value) protection mechanisms to ensure a fair and transparent transaction environment.

DAL Integration: Integrating Tezos’ Data Availability Layer (DAL) to enhance scalability and improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness on Etherlink.

Become Part of Etherlink’s Journey

With the imminent launch, now is an excellent time to explore the tools and services available in the Etherlink ecosystem. Interested? Head to the testnet playground, play around, and get familiar with Etherlink right now.

Stay up-to-date with Etherlink’s progress by following them on Twitter and Medium, joining the Discord server, visiting the website, and learning how to run your own Etherlink node.

Updates on tzBTC 2.0: Final Stage Before Launch

Roman Schnider recently shared significant progress on tzBTC 2.0 via X, detailing its final stage before the official launch. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening with tzBTC 2.0 as it gears up for launch.

Final Countdown to Launch

tzBTC 2.0 is set to launch on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 12 noon (UTC). The revised website is already online, providing all necessary information and access to the BTC - tzBTC Bridge. You can visit the updated site here and access the bridge here.

Mainnet Beta Phase

The launch will begin with a mainnet beta phase, which limits the number of BTC/tzBTC in the automated setup to minimize risks. During this phase, keyholders will need to manually top up above the set limits if necessary. This cautious approach ensures a secure and stable transition as the service rolls out.

KYC and Participation

Participation in tzBTC 2.0 requires KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. LEXR Finance and Sumsub will guide users through this process. Detailed terms, conditions, and country restrictions are available here. This KYC requirement is essential for maintaining the integrity and security of the service.

User Fees and Support

User fees for tzBTC 2.0 are limited to transaction fees (gas), while the costs for KYC and service providers have been covered by the Tezos Foundation for this initial phase. This support helps streamline the user experience and encourages broader participation.

It’s awesome to see Roman communicating and building in the open. This transparency is the true nature of open-source software like Tezos, fostering trust and collaboration within the community. Stay tuned for the official launch and further updates on tzBTC 2.0 as it continues to evolve and integrate into the Tezos ecosystem.

Nomadic Labs at VIVA Technology in Paris

Nomadic Labs is making a strong presence at the VIVA Technology conference, hosted in Tezos' home city, Paris. This event, running from May 22-25, 2024, is Europe's biggest startup and tech event, and it's a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Tezos community.

Visit the Tezos booth to meet with the Nomadic Labs Adoption team and engineers, as well as project builders from the Tezos ecosystem. Here’s the schedule for the Tezos booth:

Opening Day Highlights

May 22, 2024

Playstables Team: From 2pm to 6pm, the Playstables team will be at the booth, showcasing their latest developments in blockchain gaming.

Upcoming Events at the Tezos Booth

May 23, 2024

Lyzi App: From 2pm to 6pm, learn about the crypto payment solution provided by Lyzi App.

May 24, 2024

Wagmi Studio: The NFT Studio will be present from 10am to 2pm, offering insights into their latest NFT projects.

Fraktion: From 2pm to 6pm, discover the Real Estate Tokenization project by Fraktion.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand the innovative projects and solutions being built on Tezos. Personally, I find it fitting that Tezos, the most technologically advanced blockchain, is prominently featured at one of Europe's most prestigious tech events. It feels meant to be, especially considering it's hosted in Paris, right after Tezos successfully passed its latest proposal, Paris B.

If you’re in Paris, make sure to stop by the Tezos booth and join in on the excitement. See you there!

Vote for Your Favorite Piece in the Objkt Paint 98 Contest

Objkt was highly impressed by all the submissions for the Objkt Paint 98 contest! Once again, this is a testament to the creativity of the Tezos community!

Ten outstanding pieces have been picked, and now the community is invited to help select the top 3 winners by voting for their favorite artwork! 🏆

Prizes for the Top 3 Winners

1st place: 250 XTZ

2nd place: 150 XTZ

3rd place: 100 XTZ

How to Vote

You can like your favorite pieces. Each like counts as one vote! Retweeting your favorite pieces is strongly encouraged to help them get more likes and increase their chances of winning!

Voting ends next Thursday, May 30th, at 6 PM CET, so be sure to cast your votes soon!

Discover the pieces and pick your favorite! 🎨 Visit X to view and vote for the selected pieces.

🔴 Now Streaming: MetaPals

Max Giammario, CEO and co-founder of MetaPals, shares his insights on the potential of blockchain technology to build genuine connections in our virtual world. He envisions MetaPals as a community where people from all walks of life can come together, united by their shared love for virtual companions. Through MetaPals, he aims to create a space where meaningful relationships can flourish, driven by a collective passion for these virtual friends.

Now Streaming Everywhere:

Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music | YouTube | X

Upcoming Tezos Events

🚀 Tickets are now available! Secure your spot at Tezos' annual conference, TezDev, the premier gathering for builders, partners, and enthusiasts in the Web3 space. This year, we're excited to host the event in Brussels, a hub for technology and innovation, and just a short distance from EthCC.

Why attend Tez/Dev?

Connect and Network: Meet and engage with the global Tezos community

Learn from the Experts: Gain insights from leading voices in the industry through talks, workshops, and panel discussions.

Explore New Developments: Discover the latest innovations and projects happening on Tezos.

Event Highlights:

Location: Brussels, Belgium – the heart of Europe and a beacon for tech innovators.

Date: Happening on July 11th — The full agenda will be provided soon. Stay tuned!

🎟️ Grab your ticket today to ensure you don't miss out: Grab a ticket here!

Join us at Tez/Dev 2024, where the future of Tezos unfolds. We look forward to welcoming you to Brussels and sharing an unforgettable experience. Join us at Tez/Dev 2024 in Brussels!

TezCon Seattle

🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, June 1, 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM PDT 📍 Location: Seattle NFT Museum, 2123 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121, United States

This is your opportunity to connect with the vibrant community of creators and enthusiasts driving the future of NFTs.

🎟️ RSVP now! Secure your spot by clicking on the Eventbrite link below and join us for an awesome night with the Tezos community.

Reserve Your Tickets Here

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“I Don’t Understand It, So I Don’t Like It” Is an Oxymoron.

Yoeshi Labs X Leonardo AI

Everyone has heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” This is pretty easy to understand, as simply by opening a book you reveal an entire story inside. This simple concept is something to remember when consuming art as well. Artists do not create for the sake of fame or wealth. If they do, you perhaps won’t find much context behind the imagery. In its place, you will find “hype.” Of course, it is completely understandable to have preferences, but with the art world evolving so rapidly, it is beneficial to read the messages behind the art, because a picture, particularly one curated by an artist, is truly worth thousands of words.

Don’t Tell Me How to Consume Art!

I would never do such a thing! I wouldn’t want to rob someone of their own experience with any art form. However, I do hope that my lifelong love for art can offer some insight to help others see the nuances that may otherwise go unnoticed. Especially on a blockchain like Tezos, where so much exploration and innovation happens, often resulting in art forms that challenge our preferences. Particularly in marketplaces like OBJKT, TEIA, and akaSwap, where there are no gatekeepers, and artists are free to share their most controversial and extreme creations. When one discovers the affordability and accessibility of using Tezos applications, it becomes easier to see why so many artists are in the Tezos Community.

Loving More Things Puts More Love in Our Lives

There are many takes on why we are here in this human experience, but one constant truth since the beginning of humanity is that we long to express ourselves through the things we create. Another truth is that we can only begin to love the things that we allow ourselves to understand. I used to think I hated any art that had skulls in it. It wasn’t until my mid-30s that I recognized I had not taken the time to understand why skulls were often part of various art forms. I decided to talk with fellow artists about what inspired their “dark art,” and it began to resonate more with me. What I used to dismiss on my timeline was, in fact, a missed opportunity to know and appreciate a very important aspect of creation: death. Now I can further appreciate both the artists and their art for its meaning, without letting the skulls put up that silly wall.

Yoeshi Labs X Kaiber AI

Embracing AI Art

The art market is currently being flooded with more content than ever. It can understandably be overwhelming; however, it is a missed opportunity to become discouraged and vocally against all AI art. When an artist wants to manifest something they are feeling, it should be seen as a beautiful thing, especially with more tools at their disposal. If an artist takes the time to learn a new tool, puts their heart into creating, and makes you feel something, the method of creation shouldn’t matter. This is why AI art should be analyzed with the same openness as any other art form.

Don’t let fear and lack of understanding keep you from exploring and seeking inspiration from this rapidly evolving art revolution. As a personal example, I have always put myself into what I create; however, with AI assistance, I feel empowered with more ways to tell my story. As a musician, I have more time to focus on the music and the ability to produce entire music videos myself. These accomplishments were only possible for signed and well-funded mainstream artists before AI. Instead of costing millions and taking months of production, I can offer my listeners more frequent opportunities to know me with fewer physical barriers and improved production quality. Just like any other past innovation, there are flaws, but if it can make it easier for people to express themselves, perhaps we should try to understand.

Yoeshi Labs x Leonardo AI

Go Forth and Seek More Art to Love

Embracing the depth and meaning behind art, especially in a rapidly evolving space like the Tezos community, can enrich our lives and broaden our perspectives. By taking the time to understand the messages and stories artists convey through their work, we open ourselves up to new experiences and connections.

So, next time you encounter a piece of art that challenges your preferences, take a moment to delve deeper — you might discover a whole new world of appreciation and understanding. How could your perspective on art, particularly AI art, change? What new inspirations could you find in this evolving landscape?

The Message(s) Behind The Art 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 Mintycode’s recent addition of Tezos support.

You might remember the ETH London hackathon, which took place from October 27th to 29th at the end of 2023. Tezos was represented as a gold sponsor through TriliTech, and several projects competed for prizes. Of all those projects, Mintycode emerged as the “Best DeFi” application winner.

Now, fast-forward to the present. Mintycode has continued to support Tezos and expanded its scope to offer bounties through its platform for Tezos and Etherlink. Let’s explore Mintycode and how you can get started using it today.

What Is Mintycode?

Mintycode is a marketplace for open-source contributors, creators, and users. As a bounty platform for software developers, Mintycode allows ideas and projects to be created, discussed, and monitored amongst other contributors. It also offers financial incentives such as grants, bounties, or paid support requests.

For instance, say you want to contribute to Etherlink. You would first search on the homepage by project name. After searching “Etherlink,” you will come across several options. Pinpointing a specific area, you can submit a support request, propose a new feature, create a grant request, and see if any bounties are present.

Per Mintycode’s integration and support of Tezos, the added support is geared to enhance further developer activity on Tezos via the platform. Developers can now submit paid support or feature requests on the platform, and the Tezos community can monitor and support those activities in real-time.

It’s worth noting that Etherlink was running a bounty program on Mintycode, which concluded two months ago during the ETH Oxford hackathon. In the next section, we will show how you can get started using Mintycode.

How Can I Get Started?

To get started using Mintycode, you’ll need to create an account and follow all the steps on the landing page. Alternatively, you can use a GitHub account instead.

Once you’ve started those steps, you’ll be asked to link some additional accounts, such as your GitHub account (if you have not already used them), Stripe, Ethereum wallet, Tezos wallet, and KYC details. You don’t need to fill in all these details immediately, but bear in mind most of these will be necessary, especially regarding receiving payments.

After you’ve completed all those steps, you can start using the platform! Navigate over to the search function and explore different open-source projects. You can also view popular projects such as Etherlink by scrolling below. For example’s sake however, you can search “Tezos” and find several open-source repositories.

By clicking on a repository, you’ll be prompted several actions such as requesting support, proposing a new feature, or applying for a grant as indicated above. These are just the main methods for funding, there will also occasionally be bounties already available. For instance, we already mentioned some from Etherlink that closed a few months ago.

Outside of pursuing these funding avenues, you can also collaborate with other users and even track progress of requests in real-time via the platform! Head over to the site and get started making your first request today!

Final Thoughts

It’s pretty neat to see solutions like Mintycode’s platform offering another funding route for developers interested in building on Tezos. One of the cool things is that the community can track and monitor these paid support or grant requests in real-time via the platform. Make sure to give the site a look and make your first support or grant request!

Tezos Is Now Supported On Mintycode was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It’s Conference Szn — Book your Tez/Dev ticket today!

Proposal Update: The Decisive Vote on Paris B Nears Completion

How to Vote for Paris B:

octez-client submit ballot for YOUR_ADDRESS PtParisBQscdCm6Cfow6ndeU6wKJyA3aV1j4D3gQBQMsTQyJCrz yay|nay|pass

The Final Countdown: Paris B Proposal Nears Quorum With Just 5 Days Left

Dear Tezos Community,

As the sands of time slip through the hourglass, we find ourselves at a pivotal crossroads. The promotion period for the Paris B proposal is nearing its conclusion on May 21st, and the stakes have never been higher. Currently, we are 8% shy of the required 50.72% quorum, with participation at 42.72%. These final five days are crucial for ensuring the successful implementation of this transformative proposal.

Current Status

Paris B has successfully navigated the exploration vote and cooldown period, bringing us to this decisive moment. The community’s involvement thus far has been commendable, yet we require a final collective effort to cross the quorum threshold. Your engagement in these final days is essential.

Highlights of the Paris B Proposal

For a brief overview, here are the key features of the Paris B proposal:

Reduced Block Times: Enhancing transaction speeds to maintain network efficiency and responsiveness.

Data Availability Layer (DAL): A significant upgrade to increase throughput and scalability, particularly benefiting Smart Rollups.

Adaptive Issuance and Staking: Refinements to the economic mechanisms of Tezos, promoting long-term sustainability and security.

Adaptive Slashing: Introducing a more nuanced approach to penalizing protocol violations, aligning penalties with the severity and intent of infractions.

These improvements are designed to bolster the Tezos network, ensuring its robustness and future-readiness.

Call to Action

We urge all Tezos bakers and holders to take action. Bakers, your votes are critical in shaping our governance landscape. Tez holders, your influence is wielded through your chosen bakers; engage with them, encourage their participation, and ensure your stake is actively contributing to this important decision.

Moving Forward

As the deadline approaches, it is evident that every vote is crucial. The outcome of the Paris B proposal will reflect our community’s commitment to progress and innovation.

Stay informed with real-time updates on governance activities through Tezos Agora. Let’s work together to ensure this proposal not only succeeds but sets a strong precedent for future developments.

Thank you for your continued dedication and participation.

TZ APAC Teams Up With Starbase to Accelerate Web3 Gaming on Tezos

As we edge closer to the critical quorum for the Paris B proposal, another significant milestone is unfolding in the Tezos ecosystem. TZ APAC has announced a new partnership with Starbase, not to be confused with the iconic space-themed game, but an accelerator known for its work with GameFi and AI projects. This collaboration aims to supercharge the growth of Web3 games on the Tezos blockchain, breathing new life into the APAC Web3 gaming industry.

A Strategic Partnership

This partnership is focused on promoting high-quality Web3 gaming projects within the Tezos ecosystem. Starbase will assist TZ APAC in discovering, selecting, and launching some of the most promising Web3 gaming projects across the Asia-Pacific region. This alliance is expected to greatly enhance our gaming ecosystem on Tezos and move the GameFi sector forward.

Support and Development

What’s particularly exciting is the support these gaming projects will receive. TZ APAC is offering grants, marketing assistance, and technical support, which will help reduce development costs and operational risks for startups. This means these startups can concentrate more on creating engaging game content and improving player experiences.

Starbase will use its regional expertise to help TZ APAC identify and nurture top-tier Web3 gaming projects. They will assist these projects in seamlessly integrating and deploying within the Tezos ecosystem, ensuring a smooth process.

Looking Ahead

This partnership between TZ APAC and Starbase is a major step forward for the Tezos blockchain and the Web3 gaming industry in the APAC region. By combining their resources and expertise, they’re well-positioned to support the growth of Web3 gaming projects on Tezos.

Tezos Named a Sponsor for Consensus 2024

To wrap up this week's opening headlines, we're excited to learn that Tezos will be a proud sponsor at Consensus 2024, the world’s largest and most influential gathering for the cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Web3 community. Consensus 2024 is set to bring together developers, investors, founders, brands, policymakers, and more for a series of hard-hitting conversations, hands-on workshops, and visionary talks that aim to shape the future of a decentralized world.

Join Us at Booth 1801

If you’re attending Consensus 2024, make sure to stop by booth 1801. The Tezos team will be there, ready to chat with the community and hand out some cool swag. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, learn more about the latest developments in the Tezos ecosystem, and discuss the pivotal matters of the day.

About Consensus

Consensus is renowned for being the primary forum where the industry comes together to discuss the most pressing issues, celebrate significant achievements, and engage in critical debates. Whether you’re a developer, investor, founder, or policymaker, Consensus 2024 offers the tools and insights needed to continue laying the foundation for a more decentralized future.

For more details and to register, visit Consensus 2024 Registration.

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

Etherlink Enters Mainnet Beta

After diving into the big headlines, let’s shift our focus to some exciting updates within our ecosystem. One of the standout developments this week is Etherlink entering its mainnet beta—a crucial step towards launching a non-custodial, EVM-compatible blockchain that is fast, fair, and nearly free, all powered by the magic of Tezos Smart Rollups.

Beta Phase and What It Means

Etherlink’s mainnet beta isn’t just a technical milestone; it’s a community effort aimed at onboarding over 15 partners and ensuring a secure, production-ready environment. You can track all the action on the Etherlink Mainnet explorer and get hands-on experience using the Testnet playground.

What You Need to Know

Onboarding Partners: Over 15 partners will be onboarded during this stage, laying the foundation for the main launch.

Innovative DeFi Solutions: Users will soon interact with projects like Hanji and Plend from the DeFi Catalyst Accelerator.

Support for Builders: Robust infrastructure, cutting-edge tools, and resources are available to help projects thrive.

Community-Governed Sequencer: Operated by MIDL.dev, ensuring low-latency user experiences with 500ms block times.

Enhanced Security: Inherits Tezos Layer 1 security, with a decentralized governance model, fraud proofs, and censorship resistance. Additional audits and testing are in progress to ensure system integrity.

Key Features and Community Involvement

One of the most exciting aspects of Etherlink is its community-governed sequencer, operated by MIDL.dev, which guarantees low-latency user experiences with 500ms block times. The community will play a pivotal role in selecting the sequencer operator through on-chain decentralized governance.

Security remains paramount, with Etherlink inheriting Tezos Layer 1 security and incorporating a decentralized governance model, fraud proofs, and censorship resistance. Rigorous testing and additional audits are underway to maintain system integrity.

Join the Etherlink Community

Personally, I find the implementation of rollups particularly fascinating, as they significantly enhance scalability and transaction speeds while maintaining the security and decentralization that Tezos is known for. Stay updated with their latest developments by following them on Twitter, Medium, and joining their Discord server. For more information and to learn how to run your own Etherlink node, visit the Etherlink website.

OpenPad Integrates Tezos Blockchain

Continuing with our ecosystem updates, OpenPad has successfully integrated the Tezos blockchain into its platform by deploying on Etherlink, an L2 EVM-compatible Smart Rollup built on Tezos. This integration marks a major step toward more secure, transparent, and efficient collaboration within OpenPad's ecosystem.

What You Need to Know

Network Integration: OpenPad has incorporated Tezos' robust blockchain infrastructure, enhancing its overall system capabilities.

Smart Contracts Governance: Utilizing Tezos smart contracts, OpenPad enables decentralized governance models for project management, allowing users to vote on changes or updates to shared documents and project milestones.

Enhanced Security and Verification: By recording document hashes on the Tezos blockchain, OpenPad ensures immutable proof of authorship and document integrity, providing a tamper-proof audit trail.

Tokenization and Incentives: OpenPad can leverage Tezos to issue its own tokens or use XTZ to reward contributors, manage subscriptions, and facilitate value exchanges within the ecosystem, enhancing engagement and participation.

Sharing Network and Connection: This integration fosters a stronger network and deeper connections within the Tezos community, facilitating seamless collaboration and innovation.

Technical Implementation on OpenPad

OpenPad's integration with Tezos introduces a new paradigm for decentralized project management and collaboration. By leveraging Tezos' smart contract functionality and secure blockchain infrastructure, OpenPad enhances document integrity, version control, and collaborative governance.

Launching on Etherlink, OpenPad benefits from sub-second latency, robust censorship resistance, and exceptionally low transaction fees. The Etherlink optimistic rollup blockchain introduces a decentralized sequencer and upcoming MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) protection, ensuring a fairer, more secure user experience.

I am excited about the potential of this integration to bring about more efficient and transparent project management solutions. OpenPad's use of Tezos' demonstrates the power of decentralized systems in enhancing security and collaboration.

Stay updated with their latest developments by following OpenPad's blog, and connect with the community for further insights.

Art on Tezos: EthCC Week Takeover Contest

There’s an exciting contest happening right now that you won’t want to miss! Artcrush Gallery, in partnership with Trilitech, has launched the "Art on Tezos: EthCC Week Takeover" contest, offering incredible opportunities for artists in our community. Here’s everything you need to know to participate and what’s at stake.

Contest Details

Open Call - Phase 1:

Entry Period: Any artist can enter until Sunday, May 19th at 12 PM PST.

How to Enter: Mint one artwork on Tezos and respond to the contest tweet with your entry. Make sure to retweet and tag two friends.

Selection Process: By May 22nd, curators @sendr0ck and @UnknownCo123 will select 20 winners from the submissions.

Open Call - Phase 2:

Submission Deadline: The 20 winners will be invited to send an original artwork to @Artcrushgallery by June 11th. These works will be part of the Artcrush Art Drop on @objktcom.

Benefits for All 20 Winners

The selected 20 artworks will receive the following benefits:

Exhibition in Ghent: The artworks will be exhibited through a Giant Beaming in Ghent from July 6th to July 8th.

Exhibition in Brussels: The artworks will be showcased in the new IRL Artcrush Gallery in Brussels from July 7th to July 11th.

Promotion During EthCC & TezDev Brussels: The artworks will be promoted during an art drop coinciding with EthCC and TezDev Brussels.

Additional Benefits for 3 Grand Winners

From the 20 selected artworks, three will be chosen as Grand Winners, receiving additional perks:

Billboard Exhibition: The artworks will be displayed on 1000 billboards across Belgium from July 2nd to July 14th, ensuring 2 million plays per artist.

Extended Exposure: In addition to the benefits mentioned above, these artworks will gain widespread visibility during EthCC and TezDev Brussels.

How to Participate

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your creativity and gain massive exposure. I’m excited to see how our community’s artistic talents shine through in this contest.

Be sure to follow the contest guidelines and submit your best work. You can find more details and enter the contest by checking the official announcement post on X.

This Week in Tezos Development

Tezos Development with freeCodeCamp

We have an exciting resource for you this week! freeCodeCamp has just released a comprehensive 12-hour tutorial on building on Tezos, thanks to a grant from the Tezos Foundation. This course covers everything from the basics of blockchain to advanced topics like decentralized finance (DeFi) and the unique features of the Tezos protocol.

Course Overview

Here are some of the key sections included in this massive course:

Introduction to Blockchain and Tezos: Understand the fundamental concepts of blockchain technology and how Tezos differentiates itself from other blockchain platforms. Learn about Tezos' unique self-amending ledger, which allows upgrades without the need for hard forks, promoting continuity and reducing division within the community.

Setting Up a Tezos Wallet: Learn about the different types of wallets available for Tezos, how to set them up, and how to secure your assets.

Smart Contracts on Tezos: Dive deep into writing and deploying smart contracts. Explore Tezos-specific languages like Michelson and SmartPy, and learn how to use them to create functional and secure contracts.

Developing Decentralized Applications (dApps): Gain hands-on experience developing dApps on Tezos. Understand the architecture and how to connect the front end with the Tezos blockchain backend.

Governance and Upgrades: Learn about the governance process that allows Tezos to evolve smoothly over time and how you can participate in this process as a developer or a stakeholder. This section highlights Tezos' Proof of Stake consensus mechanism, which enhances energy efficiency and enables stakeholders to participate actively in the governance process through "baking."

Watch the Full Course

This course is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of blockchain technology and develop the skills necessary to build innovative solutions on Tezos. With its hands-on approach, the course not only teaches theoretical knowledge but also provides practical skills and real-world applications. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in navigating the Tezos ecosystem, developing your own smart contracts, and contributing to the platform’s evolution.

Check out the full 12-hour course on the freeCodeCamp.org YouTube channel.

🔴 Now Streaming: Builders on Tezos | Claude Barde

Today, we're excited to have Claude with us, a developer advocate from TrilliTech. We’ll get a closer look at his role and dig into his recent projects, like the new JavaScript rollup. Plus, we'll talk about how he's actively engaging the Tezos developer community. Join us for a genuine and insightful discussion on what Claude is bringing to the Tezos ecosystem!

Where to Watch/Listen:

YouTube | X

Upcoming Tezos Events

🚀 Tickets are now available! Secure your spot at Tezos' annual conference, TezDev, the premier gathering for builders, partners, and enthusiasts in the Web3 space. This year, we're excited to host the event in Brussels, a hub for technology and innovation, and just a short distance from EthCC.

Why attend Tez/Dev?

Connect and Network: Meet and engage with the global Tezos community

Learn from the Experts: Gain insights from leading voices in the industry through talks, workshops, and panel discussions.

Explore New Developments: Discover the latest innovations and projects happening on Tezos.

Event Highlights:

Location: Brussels, Belgium – the heart of Europe and a beacon for tech innovators.

Date: Happening on July 11th — The full agenda will be provided soon. Stay tuned!

🎟️ Grab your ticket today to ensure you don't miss out: Grab a ticket here!

Join us at Tez/Dev 2024, where the future of Tezos unfolds. We look forward to welcoming you to Brussels and sharing an unforgettable experience. Join us at Tez/Dev 2024 in Brussels!

TezCon Seattle

🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, June 1, 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM PDT 📍 Location: Seattle NFT Museum, 2123 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121, United States

This is your opportunity to connect with the vibrant community of creators and enthusiasts driving the future of NFTs.

🎟️ RSVP now! Secure your spot by clicking on the Eventbrite link below and join us for an awesome night with the Tezos community.

Reserve Your Tickets Here

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Tezos Community Rewards — April 2024

Greetings Tezos Community,

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Community Rewards Program (CRP) for April 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 to foster adoption and support the Tezos ecosystem. Up to 5,000 tez are rewarded every month to those who stand out in merit and act in the interest of the Tezos ecosystem.

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 30 seconds.

Don’t have 30 seconds? You can tag any discord message, Reddit post, or tweet with #TezosCRP; we will collect them!

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 aspects 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., activities for February.

Without further delay, the winners’ results are below.

Assimilation Award

@spike_0124

@henryjgbanayat

@SkullDegenClub_

Drill Sergeant Award

@TezosBakingBad

@TezCapital

Formal Verification Award

@CitezenB

u/soul_less_warrior

Helping Hand Award

@libertez_baker

@Drumy_tez

@siftcroix

Influencer Award

@xtzmyid

@KMehrabi

@undiagnosed_1

Patissier Award

u/BakeTzForMe

@blockbakery

TEO Award

@wwwombats

Tez Dev Award

@alisis_official

@BakingBenjamins

@webidente

Tezos Tutor Award

@TezosNFTMusic

Nominations Are Open For May

With May underway, we have begun accepting nominations for this month. If you know someone who deserves a reward for their contributions or have ideas about other categories that should be recognized, please fill out a nomination 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 keep improving it 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 need any help claiming your awards, please message us here.

Tezos Community Rewards — April 2024 was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Utilizing the Tezos blockchain to discover global talents and form the necessary team to execute your vision.

Yoeshi Labs x Leonardo AI

In today’s digital age, there’s an innate desire to connect and create, and as a musician and artist with over two decades of experience, I can attest that some of my most memorable creations have stemmed from collaboration. From brainstorming ideas to bringing them to life and sharing them with the world, having a team with shared passions and goals has made the creative journey more enjoyable and meaningful.

Why Is Collaboration Important?

Art has always thrived through collaboration, blending diverse talents and perspectives to produce works greater than the sum of their parts. Now, in our interconnected world, blockchain technology is revolutionizing the art landscape by streamlining collaborative processes and fostering inclusive, feature-rich avenues for creativity and innovation. This article will highlight the important role of collaboration in the art world and explore how Tezos blockchain technology facilitates seamless cooperation among artists, collectors, and enthusiasts. Drawing from my own experiences as a musician reliant on the efforts of others, we’ll explore examples of how this technology and the global community surrounding it enable a new and enhanced mode of online collaboration.

Yoeshi Labs x Leonardo AI What Are Some Benefits Of Utilizing Tezos For Collaboration?

The Tezos community is a vibrant hub of talent eager to connect and create. Unlike traditional collaboration, where scheduling around real-world obligations can be a hurdle, individuals in the Tezos community prioritize the time and energy needed for professional art creation. They are responsive, enthusiastic, and fully present, embracing the potential of blockchain technology to streamline the collaborative process and align goals more effectively.

How Smart Contracts Enable Collaboration:

At the core of this improved collaboration are “Smart Contracts”. Tezos smart contracts automate agreements without intermediaries, ensuring reliability and trust. Their decentralized nature promotes transparency and accountability, while real-time tracking allows for monitoring and verification of obligations. Tezos’ unique self-amendment feature ensures adaptability and longevity, making it a robust platform for collaborative endeavors. By harnessing Tezos smart contracts, collaborators can work seamlessly, unlocking efficiency and productivity while preserving the integrity of their agreements.

But How Do You Use a Smart Contract?

You don’t need to be a coding expert. Thanks to platforms like objkt.com and teia.art, leading NFT marketplaces powered by Tezos, the process is simplified into an easy-to-fill-out template. When publishing an artwork, known as “minting”, each collaborator is credited within the contract. Each artist provides their wallet address, and these are inputted along with revenue splits once the collaboration is listed for sale. Once this “mint template” is completed, it’s as simple as clicking the “mint” button, and approving the transaction. Creators automatically receive their share upon sales on both primary and secondary markets.

This powerful combination of technology and community has been instrumental in my artistic growth, reducing costs, expanding my talent pool, and reaching a global audience. An exemplary project demonstrating these benefits is TezTones, recently featured in an article by Cryptonio. TezTones, built around Tezos Blockchain and community, brought artists together to create collaborative artworks based on common themes, culminating in live-streamed competitions in a metaverse setting. This innovative approach exemplifies the potential of Collaboration 2.0.

TezTones Logo Fan Art by Yoeshi Labs There Are Many Great Features To Explore When Using Tezos Smart Contracts To Collaborate.

You can also witness this evolved form of collaboration in the curation of art on Tezos. Platforms like OBJKT.com enable curators to support artists beyond simply collecting, via OBJKT Galleries, incentivizing the promotion of the art through further royalty shares, and creating memorable digital experiences that enrich the underground art scene. These collaborative efforts demonstrate the power of collective creativity and innovation in shaping the future of art. I have made a few OBJKT curations to fully experience the feature and support fellow artists. You can see an example of OBJKT Galleries here.

To Compare and Contrast:

I spent about 15 years as the front-man for various bands, performing at live shows weekly and organizing every aspect of productions myself. We never had managers, booking agents, or investors. The stark differences in that experience compared to my last 4 years focused on making art digitally made it clear to me that my time is better utilized within the global communities online.

With the Tezos community, advanced technology, and user-friendly interfaces, the ability to realize creative ideas with the help of other talent is accessible to all. Combining these tools with a robust social media presence has been the most effective method of content creation I’ve experienced in over two decades. Working with individuals genuinely invested in the art, in such a supportive setting, is an experience I believe every creator should have the opportunity to enjoy. We are all stronger, together!

Collaboration 2.0 Empowered by Tezos was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Explore the innovative Tezos art community through the exciting Objkt Paint ’98 challenge!

The art scene on Tezos has experienced remarkable growth, captivating the entire crypto community. With many thanks to the artists, the NFT platforms, the devs, and the talented Tezos ecosystem community, Tezos remains as the premier blockchain for digital art.

Among the Tezos ecosystem is Objkt.com, one of the most popular NFT platforms in the digital art space, known for innovative features and world-class talented artists, the platform has become synonymous with digital art. Their latest competition, “Objkt Paint ‘98", blends nostalgia and creativity into a fun challenge that you should check out! So let’s take a closer look into what this competition is all about, and how you can participate.

Objkt Paint ‘98 Competition

The Objkt Paint ‘98 competition is themed around the iconic Microsoft (MS) 1998 paint tool and an exciting challenge that invites artists and digital enthusiasts to rekindle their creative spirit using Objkt’s nostalgic MS Paint tool, which invokes the classic drawing programs of the 1990s. With a generous prize pool of 500 XTZ and a top prize of 250 XTZ, participants have the chance to showcase their pixel art mastery while competing for unique rewards.

The rules are straightforward: entrants must use the Objkt MS Paint tool to craft an original artwork and then submit it through a provided participation form. A jury of objkt staff will pre-select the top 10 pieces after the submission deadline, with the community ultimately voting for the best creation. All participants have the opportunity to win an exclusive objkt.com t-shirt, in addition to the main prizes.

How To Participate

Entering the competition is simple and accessible to everyone:

Set Up a Tezos Wallet: If you don’t already have one, create a Tezos wallet and make sure it’s funded to participate. You can find a list of the most popular Tezos wallets here.

Create Your Masterpiece: Let your creativity run wild using the Objkt MS Paint tool. Your task is to create a pixel art piece that could become the next digital classic! Once you feel that you have created your master piece, go ahead and mint it!

Submit Your Art: After creating your artwork, fill out the official participation form to enter it into the competition. This step is crucial as the art pieces that will be considered are only those that are followed with a corresponding form. So make sure you don’t skip this step and double-check the information you submit (like your social media handle).

It’s worth mentioning that each contestant can submit multiple art pieces if they want to. Just keep in mind that the deadline for the competition is May 16th, 2024.

The Paint 98 competition on Objkt.com is a fantastic opportunity for artists and digital art lovers. It brings back the nostalgic fun of MS Paint while encouraging creativity and innovation in the Tezos art community. This event is a great way for artists to show off their pixel art skills and for everyone to enjoy some unique and creative works.

If you have any questions about the Paint 98 competition or just want to connect with the community, join the Objkt.com Discord. It’s a great place to get support, share ideas, and meet fellow artists.

Time is running out, don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to participate in the competition and show off your creativity. And even if you’re not competing, take a moment to check out the incredible artworks already submitted by other artists. Let’s celebrate and support the amazing Tezos art community together with one pixel at a time!

Compete and Create: Objkt Paint ’98 on Tezos was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.