Welcome to No Standing's Web3 Weekly Recap. In this newsletter, we’ll keep you updated on the most important news and developments in the world of Web3.
If you missed the news this week, we've got you covered. Here are the highlights and latest developments in blockchain technology, new projects, events, and more. Stay up-to-date on all things Web3 by subscribing to our newsletter, and let us know if there's anything you'd like to see covered in future issues.
TLDR
We understand your time is precious, so we've trimmed the fat and distilled each news piece to its essence. We've provided the full stories below for those looking to delve deeper. Let’s get you up to speed, one summary at a time.
Story 1: "Pudgy World," a new Ethereum-based game by Pudgy Penguins, to launch in 2024.
Story 2: FIFA introduces NFT collection for 2023 Club World Cup.
Story 3: MetaMask expands globally through new partnerships.
Story 4: Jito's $225 million USD token airdrop to Solana users.
Story 5: Ledger collaborates with RTFKT for a limited-edition digital fashion and security collection.
Story 6: LayerZero announces native token launch for early 2024.
Story 7: "Brainoware" fuses human brain cells with AI, opening new possibilities.
Story 8: Jack Butcher and AC discuss the evolution of digital art at Christie's panel.
Story 1: "Pudgy World" Game by Pudgy Penguins
The NFT space is set to witness an exciting addition with "Pudgy World," an Ethereum-based open-world game developed by Pudgy Penguins, scheduled for an alpha release in 2024.
https://x.com/pudgypenguins/status/1733672528453705819?s=20
Previewed at Art Basel Miami, this game, fueled by zkSync technology, is geared towards NFT enthusiasts and Pudgy Toy owners. The gameplay involves guiding Pudgy the penguin on a rescue mission for his companion, Peaches, showcasing a vibrant circus town full of interactive NPCs. This game is poised to be more than just entertainment; it's an avenue to introduce millions to the blockchain world in an engaging and accessible manner. Pudgy Penguins' foray into gaming underlines their commitment to bridging the gap between blockchain technology and mainstream gaming. The utilisation of zkSync aims to ensure scalability and user-friendliness, vital for mass adoption. With this game, Pudgy Penguins aims to create a unique intersection of gaming, community, and technology, potentially revolutionising how NFTs are perceived and used in the broader digital ecosystem.
Story 2: FIFA's NFT Collection for the 2023 Club World Cup
In a groundbreaking move, FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, has announced the release of a special NFT collection in anticipation of the 2023 Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
https://x.com/FIFAPlusCollect/status/1734247165461934160?s=20
This collection, created in partnership with Modex, consists of 100 unique NFTs that offer the opportunity to win tickets to the 2026 World Cup final. Additionally, FIFA plans to release 900 more digital collectibles, featuring iconic moments from the tournament. These collectibles are available on the FIFA+ Collect platform, powered by Algorand. Since its launch, the platform has seen significant trading activity, with over 909,000 digital collectibles issued. However, there's a caveat regarding the mint volume, as it includes both purchased and free packs. This initiative by FIFA represents a significant step in integrating sports fandom with the burgeoning world of blockchain and NFTs. It demonstrates FIFA's commitment to innovation and offers fans a new, interactive way to connect with the sport.
Story 3: MetaMask's Strategic Global Expansion
MetaMask, a prominent crypto wallet, is expanding its global footprint through strategic partnerships with local payment platforms in emerging markets like Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt, and Chile.
https://x.com/MetaMask/status/1733131639159443540?s=20
This expansion is part of MetaMask's mission to make Web3 accessible globally, regardless of geographic location. The partnership focuses on integrating local crypto payment and transfer options within the MetaMask wallet, enhancing user experience and accessibility. Additionally, MetaMask has recently updated its mobile app to version 7.10.0, addressing a bug that affected some transactions. This expansion and app update underscores MetaMask's commitment to providing a secure and user-friendly platform for its users worldwide. By partnering with local providers, MetaMask is not just expanding its user base but also fostering a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem, enabling a wider range of users to engage with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Story 4: Jito's Airdrop to Solana Users
Jito, a DeFi platform based on Solana, has made a significant impact in the crypto world with its airdrop, distributing $225 million USD worth of tokens to users globally. The launch of JTO tokens at $6.01 each brought the total valuation to an impressive $540.9 million.
https://x.com/CoinMarketCap/status/1734641771156836390?s=20
Despite some initial volatility, this airdrop has been a boon for Solana DeFi users, with over 54 million JTO tokens claimed on the launch day. Eligibility for the airdrop extended to JitoSOL holders, Solana validators running Jito MEV clients, and users of Jito’s MEV services. This distribution not only rewards loyal platform users but also underlines the growth and vitality of the Solana DeFi ecosystem. The airdrop is part of Jito's broader strategy to engage and reward its community, as outlined in its roadmap. This event highlights the increasing significance of airdrops in the DeFi space, serving as a mechanism for distributing wealth and incentivising participation within the crypto community.
Story 5: Ledger and RTFKT's Pioneering Digital Fashion Collaboration
Ledger, a leader in digital asset management, has partnered with RTFKT, Nike’s digital fashion and sneaker brand, to launch a limited-edition capsule collection. This collaboration marries luxury and security, demonstrating a unique blend of RTFKT’s stylish designs and Ledger’s robust security solutions.
https://x.com/RTFKT/status/1629161996858937347?s=20
The collection includes the RTFKT x Ledger Nano X Chalk Blade Edition and the RTFKT x Ledger Collector Edition. These custom designs feature high-quality materials, distinctive aesthetics, and innovative security features. The Chalk Blade Edition boasts a custom plastic swivel with brandings, while the Collector Edition includes two custom Ledger Nano X devices, one in a black matte sleeve and the other in an RTFKT-designed vial case. Each edition comes with a QR code card to claim a special digital collectible NFT, symbolising ownership of this exclusive collaboration. This partnership highlights the growing convergence of digital fashion and asset security, setting a new standard in the industry.
Story 6: LayerZero's Native Token Launch Set for 2024
LayerZero, an interoperability blockchain protocol, is gearing up to launch its native token in the first half of 2024. This announcement by LayerZero Labs responds to community discussions and aims to ensure proper distribution of the token.
https://x.com/LayerZero_Labs/status/1732862812710449466?s=20
The protocol, designed with a native token from its inception, plans to distribute tokens via an airdrop, a popular method in the DeFi space. Users have been engaging with LayerZero bridges and liquidity protocols in anticipation of this airdrop. LayerZero's commitment to clear communication and precise distribution reflects its dedication to its community and the broader blockchain ecosystem. This launch is poised to be a significant event in the DeFi world, marking a new phase in LayerZero’s development and its role in enhancing interoperability across different blockchain networks.
Story 7: "Brainoware" - Merging AI with Human Brain Cells
A groundbreaking development in the field of biocomputing has emerged with "Brainoware," a system that integrates living human brain cells into computing systems.
https://x.com/mjflepage/status/1635626218585481216?s=20
Developed by scientists at Indiana University Bloomington, Brainoware represents a significant advance in AI, potentially making the 'A' in AI obsolete. By mounting brain organoids on a high-density multielectrode array, the system achieves advanced AI tasks with minimal energy consumption compared to current AI hardware. The practical potential of Brainoware was demonstrated in tasks like speech recognition, achieving over 70% accuracy in identifying individual speakers. However, the technology is still in its infancy, and the organoids currently face limitations like high heterogeneity and low viability for practical applications beyond research. The development of Brainoware opens up new possibilities for biocomputers, combining biological complexity and energy efficiency with fast learning capabilities.
Story 8: Digital Art's Evolution Explored by Jack Butcher and AC
A panel discussion at Christie's, featuring artist Jack Butcher and art collector AC, shed light on the evolving landscape of digital art and Web3. Butcher, the founder of Visualize Value, discussed the success of his project Checks VV and its relationship with another project, Opepen.
AC shared his journey into generative art, beginning with the acquisition of Tyler Hobbs’ Fidenza #724. The discussion also touched upon the significance of digital art in mainstream culture, exemplified by an episode of The Simpsons dedicated to NFTs. The panel highlighted the growing popularity of generative art, with major auction houses showcasing and auctioning them. This conversation at Christie's underscores the dynamic evolution of digital art, signalling its growing influence and integration into contemporary culture.
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