Recently, the crypto community has been eagerly anticipating retroactive airdrops from potential projects, following the success of Arbitrum’s airdrop event. Here are 5 projects predicted to potentially launch an airdrop for users in the near future.

zkSync

zkSync is a layer 2 scaling solution that uses ZK Rollups technology, built with the goal of reducing costs, increasing transaction speed, and providing security on Ethereum. Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has stated that this platform can promote high-throughput scaling, leading to widespread adoption.

In addition, zkSync allows access to the blockchain through the MetaMask wallet due to its compatibility with EVM. In December 2022, Matter Labs, the developer of zkSync, raised $200 million in a Series C funding round led by Blockchain Capital and Dragonfly. Top DeFi applications on Ethereum, such as Chainlink, Uniswap, and Aave, have also announced their launch on this platform.

Starknet

Starknet is Ethereum’s layer 2 solution that applies ZK Rollups. StarkNet allows any dApp to operate, expand, and scale limitlessly without affecting the aggregation and security of Ethereum, thanks to StarkNet’s reliance on the STARK system, a technology developed by StarkWare. Previously, StarkWare also confirmed the launch of the STARK token and established utilities for it to serve the layer 2 network classification process on Ethereum.

StarkWare launched the main network StarkNet in November 2022. The total deposit amount on this network increased by 45% to $2.49 million after Arbitrum announced plans to launch the token and users rushed to hunt for airdrops. According to data from Nansen, the StarkNet ecosystem recorded a record deposit amount of $3.4 million ETH and DAI as of March 17.

Scroll

Scroll is a layer 2 blockchain built on zkEVM Equivalence technology. This is a new ZK Rollups technology that is fully compatible with EVM and was developed in early 2021. This project raised $30 million in investment in April 2022, led by Polychain Capital. The design of Scroll duplicates the same version of EVM and is used on the mainnet. This helps Ethereum developers deploy source code more easily on Scroll than some alternative options like zkSync and Polygon’s zkEVM.

On February 28, the project development team launched on the Ethereum Goerli testnet, allowing for public testing. More than 100,000 users accessed the previous version of Scroll’s test network. The mainnet launch of this platform is planned for the end of 2023.

Sui Network

Sui Network is a layer 1 blockchain built on the Move technology, similar to Aptos. Aptos Labs recently launched their own token, APT, and airdropped 20 million tokens to eligible users on October 18th. Many are expecting Sui to follow suit and issue their own token, potentially retroactively rewarding the community.

The platform is expected to launch its mainnet in Q2 of 2023. On March 21st, Mysten Labs launched the Wave to Mainnet campaign to promote the potential of the Sui protocol to the community. By participating in the project’s activities and testing its products, users may have the chance to receive an airdrop in the future.

Sei Network

Sei Network is a layer 1 blockchain developed on the Cosmos ecosystem, focused primarily on DeFi services. The platform includes basic applications such as a matching engine and liquidity aggregation model to enhance trading experiences. The project is supported by top investment funds in the industry such as Multicoin Capital, Coinbase Ventures, and Delphi Digital.

The Sei development team launched its testnet in Q2 of 2022, with various events related to NFTs and other tasks. Users who participated in these events may have the chance to receive an airdrop when the project launches its mainnet, if it happens.

Conclusion

Overall, the crypto community is eagerly anticipating the launch of these two promising projects and the potential for retroactive airdrops. However, it’s worth noting that the timing and likelihood of these airdrops are uncertain and dependent on the individual projects’ decision-making processes. As always, crypto enthusiasts should proceed with caution and conduct thorough research before investing in any project.

#SuiNetwork #SeiNetwork #StarkNet #Scroll #zkSync

This article was republished from azcoinnews.com

StarkNet is a permissionless decentralized ZK-Rollup that operates as an L2 network over Ethereum. It provides scalability and Ethereum-level security by producing STARK proofs off-chain and then sending those proofs on-chain. Developers can deploy any business logic on StarkNet, benefiting from the advantages of Cairo, Account Abstraction, and other features.

StarkNet has released details of its upcoming versions, v0.12.3 and v0.13.0. The release notes detail performance improvements and security enhancements, underscoring StarkNet's commitment to refining its platform. The v0.13.0 update is planned to be launched on the mainnet on January 22, 2024, subject to management vote.

The following changes are included in the latest version, v0.12.3:
Mempool ValidationInclusion of Failed TransactionsKeccak builtin
Transactions of version 0 are deprecated and will not be supported in StarkNet from this version onwards.

StarkNet's governance first phases will focus on #StarkNet protocol upgrades. Every StarkNet version upgrade will first be deployed on Testnet, and voters will have a 6-day period to examine and test the upgraded version as it runs on Goerli. If the proposal gains a majority of ‘YES’ votes during the 6-day voting period, the proposal passes, and StarkNet Mainnet will be upgraded accordingly
In summary, StarkNet is releasing new versions with performance improvements and security enhancements, and the latest version, v0.12.3, includes mempool validation, inclusion of failed transactions, and Keccak builtin. The upcoming version, v0.13.0, is planned to be launched on the mainnet on January 22, 2024, subject to management vote. StarkNet's governance first phases will focus on StarkNet protocol upgrades, and every StarkNet version upgrade will first be deployed on Testnet.

In the ever-expanding realm of digital assets, the allure of non-custodial wallets promises financial freedom and absolute control over one's crypto assets. However, a shadow looms over this promise – the potential transformation of a non-custodial wallet into a custodial one with a single software update. Let's delve into this overlooked risk and explore how Braavos' Hardware Signer offers a beacon of true self-custody.
Understanding Non-Custodial Wallets: A Fragile Promise
Non-custodial wallets, while celebrated for granting users control over their crypto assets, harbor a significant vulnerability. The process begins with the creation of an account and the generation of a unique cryptographic private key. This key, initially accessible in an unencrypted state, becomes encrypted with a user-set password for local storage. However, this seemingly secure process comes with a catch – the software maintaining full control over the private key.
The Hidden Risk: Software Updates and Custodial Shift
A non-custodial wallet's Achilles' heel lies in software updates. Despite the necessity of staying updated, each update introduces a potential threat. Malicious content within updates could silently transform a non-custodial wallet into a custodial one without user knowledge. The irony is that even tech-savvy users find it daunting to ensure their wallet remains non-custodial post-update, considering the multitude of changes involved.
Breaking the 'Trust Zone': Braavos' Hardware Signer
Escaping the 'trust zone' necessitates a system ensuring genuine self-custody, even if a wallet provider turns malicious. Braavos' Hardware Signer stands as a beacon in this regard. By utilizing the security chip within mobile devices, it generates hardware keys confined to the device, impervious to external access. These keys sign transactions only after confirming the user's unique biometric identity, creating a robust shield against phishing attacks.
Braavos' Unique Approach to True Self-Custody
Braavos tackles the compatibility barrier by utilizing the account abstraction and smart contract structure inherent in the Starknet blockchain. The Braavos Hardware Signer, operating on these pillars, guarantees that your private key remains inaccessible without explicit approval. This innovative solution reaffirms the non-custodial nature of the wallet down to the silicon level.
The Journey to True Self-Custody with Braavos
Download and Set Up: Experience genuine self-custody by downloading the Braavos wallet.Enhanced Security: Enjoy security features that keep your private key inaccessible to anyone, even Braavos.Seamless Experience: Transaction signing becomes as seamless as mainstream payment services, enhancing your overall experience.
Embrace the Power of Holding Your Own Keys
In a landscape where control over private keys is paramount, Braavos offers a solution that combines superior security with user-friendly functionality. Navigate the path to true self-custody, where you're not just in charge but hold the keys to your financial sovereignty. Take the first step today with Braavos and experience the peace of mind that genuine self-custody brings.
Your keys, your control.

#Braavos #ETH #crypto2024 #StarkNet $ETH

#StarkNet is making waves in the emerging Autonomous Worlds space, spearheading the onchain gaming and autonomous worlds movement using the power of the Dojo engine and Madara. It's enabling a world of possibilities for developers and users seeking asset ownership and limitless interoperability.
Introduction
Autonomous worlds represent the convergence of #Technology , #gaming , decentralization, creativity, and innovation. These worlds operate independently, free from central authority, offering users the ability to engage, explore, create content, and interact without permission or censorship concerns.
Starknet has positioned itself as the natural choice for those pioneering the creation of these autonomous worlds. These worlds need a reliable Layer 1 (L1) to ensure their perpetual existence while also requiring a robust Layer 2 (L2) to handle their complexity. The combination of Ethereum as the foundational layer and Starknet as the scaling and creativity-enabling layer makes it possible for these worlds to emerge.
This article explores the new frontier of autonomous worlds and onchain gaming, focusing on Starknet's features that make it an ideal platform for realizing this vision.
What Are Autonomous Worlds?
Autonomous worlds operate independently without central authority and offer features such as:
Constant Accessibility: They are always available.Multiplayer Interactivity: Multiple players can explore and interact concurrently.Immunity to Shutdown: Censorship-proof, with no central authority that can shut the game down.Unrestricted User Engagement: Users can explore, create, and interact independently or in groups without central oversight.
Players, both individually and collectively, create, control, and play in these worlds, marking a new gaming frontier with vast untapped potential and new use cases that challenge existing gaming conventions. The possibilities are enormous.
To exist, autonomous worlds must be onchain, on a network capable of handling the outlined requirements while also being highly performant and cost-efficient. This is where Starknet comes into play.
The Origins of Onchain Gaming on Starknet
In November 2021, StarkWare introduced Starknet Alpha, along with Cairo, a new non-EVM compatible language. This combination of a Validity Rollup with Ethereum-grade security and the Cairo language created new opportunities. Early adopters of Cairo, such as developers from Perama and Guiltygyoza, delved into the language, creating guides and experimenting with physics and neural networks. This level of innovation within the Ethereum ecosystem was impressive.
The first game on Starknet emerged when a proposal to recreate the classic game "Drug Wars" was submitted, a grant was awarded, and a fully onchain game engine took shape.
Teams like Realms, Influence, and Briq were among the early adopters, coming from the Solidity world where building complex games was nearly impossible. Others, like Topology, entered the scene after learning about the limitations of Solidity. For all of them, Starknet made their visions finally achievable. Cairo, as a general computation programming language, removed barriers created by the EVM, providing builders with newfound flexibility.
Escaping the EVM Limit: Online and Autonomous Games on Starknet
After years of research and iteration, Starknet is now one of the first Layer 2 solutions capable of sustainably hosting high-throughput onchain games. It's the platform where game developers can build their complex, permissionless, and decentralized worlds. Starknet has attracted the largest number of game developers and teams among active Layer 2 solutions.
Two key technologies make Starknet the premier platform for building and playing onchain games and autonomous worlds: the Dojo gaming engine and the Madara sequencer.
Dojo Gaming Engine
The Dojo gaming engine is the world's first provable onchain game engine. It empowers Starknet's game builders to provide transparency, provability, and scalability for their games. Dojo offers developers the necessary tools for creating fast, provable onchain games, including physics, graphics, and game mechanics.
Dojo was developed by two early innovators in Starknet-based game development, the Cartridge and Realms teams. Their collaboration aimed to create efficient ways of building games on Starknet. Dojo includes the Entity Component System (ECS) framework, a system for blockchain-based game development that promotes modularity, efficiency, and flexibility. It also provides three additional tools for game developers: Sozo, Torii, and Katana.
Sozo
Sozo is a migration planner that simplifies deploying autonomous worlds onchain. It allows the proposal of new components to the onchain gaming universe using a simple CLI tool, promoting the philosophy of autonomous games where the world can outlive its creators.
Katana
Katana is a sequencer for local game development, enhancing productivity. It enables the testing of various parameters and configurations, making it easy for developers to experiment and fine-tune their games.
Torii
Torii is an indexing layer built on top of the Dojo engine that connects onchain infrastructure with game development clients, such as Unity or Unreal Engine. It creates a GraphQL API for queries based on the developed game's source, facilitating easy access for developers.
Madara Sequencer
The Madara sequencer is a high-performance Starknet sequencer that can create highly customizable and efficient appchains, especially suited for gaming. Madara is built using the proven Substrate framework used by the Polkadot ecosystem.
Appchains are a private instance of Starknet that allows developers to control virtually all parameters configured in a network: sequencing, data availability, settlement layer, governance, and more.
Why is this useful? For example, if a game wants to prioritize the speed of player transactions, they could choose to implement a form of First-Come-First-Served sequencing. But if instead, they want to incentivize users to bid higher for quicker block inclusion, Priority Gas Auction (PGA) sequencing could be implemented with a more profit-driven perspective.
With many other possible parameters (such as block times, frequency of settlement on L2, or utilization of non-native data availability solutions), the possibility to launch their games on a Starknet appchain provides devs with choices and power.
Future Features: Offchain Provable Games
Not every action that the player takes must be onchain. For some games, where the user’s actions should not be public before the state of the game changes, an offchain proof of the user’s action could be generated on the client, with only the proof stating the action took place being submitted onchain. Beyond multiplayer games, this infrastructure holds promise for auctions and voting-system applications where you might want to obscure the user’s input data.
Client-side proving also unlocks the possibility for models where gamers try out a hybrid approach: proofs are published, but only whenever something significant happens in-game (e.g., a level is passed or the character finds a rare asset).
Conclusion
With onchain gaming and autonomous worlds, Starknet is not just refining the present state of gaming; It is shaping the future of how games are played, assets are owned, and communities are built.
The likes of eth_worm, Guiltygyoza, and others, are trailblazing the field of onchain gaming and technical innovation. Teams such as Realms, Topology, Influence, Briq, Cartridge, and Madara are building on Starknet, escaping EVM limits.
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