Starting this week, we’ll share 5 cool tools to boost your workflow in web3 or AI. 

Scroll down to the section named ‘from the repository’ and start using some right away.

WEB3
Keep pushing forward, keep innovating!

• Coinbase integrates the Bitcoin Lightning Network

  By partnering with Lightspark for technical integrations, Coinbase aims to enable quicker and more cost-effective Bitcoin transactions for its global user base by leveraging Bitcoin's L-2 solution.

• OpenSea integrates the ERC721C standard for NFT royalties

  This new standard developed by Limit Break empowers creators to determine and regulate their earnings. Through the implementation of custom logic within collections, creators can engage their community in innovative ways and explore new avenues.

• Ripple will issue stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the USD on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum

  Later this year, Ripple plans to launch a stablecoin fully backed by US dollar deposits, US government bonds, and cash equivalents. They advocate for a multi-chain future through cross-chain interoperability and intend to launch the stablecoin on both XRPL and Ethereum.

• Coachella launches blockchain-based game using Avalanche

  The Coachella Quests offer festival attendees a gamified experience, combining both physical and virtual main and side quests. Participants unlock various prizes, such as mystery merch boxes, VIP access, unreleased music, and more.

• a16z will invest $75M in startups at the intersection of TECH and GAMES

  The Speedrun program seeks to engage, support, invest in, and collaborate with startups over a 12-week intensive program. Startups at any stage, from conceptualization to revenue generation, are welcome, particularly those focused on AI/infrastructure, 3D tools, VR/AR, Web3 games, and gamified consumer apps.

• Farcaster's founder announces closing funding round soon

  Merkle Manufactory, the parent company of the popular and fast-growing DeSo app, is on the verge of reaching a $1 billion valuation. While not officially confirmed by Paradigm, who likely leads the round, we eagerly await the next confirmation of a web3 unicorn.

INSIGHTS
Vitalik's two perspectives on memecoins

The memecoin mania cannot be ignored, but aside from speculation, what other purposes could memecoins serve?

In a recent essay, the founder of Ethereum shared hopeful ideas about what memecoins should stand for. He was inspired by some in the crypto community who are upset, saying memecoins have become spammy, scammy, and go against crypto's original values.

Vitalik's first perspective highlights the emergence of charity coins, offering memecoins a pathway to become 'more positive-sum and long-lasting.' An illustrative example is Dogecoin's $30,000 donation towards providing clean water during the Kenya crisis a decade ago.

On this topic, meet The Giving Block - an organization that facilitates cryptocurrency donations to nonprofit organizations.

In their Annual Industry Report on the State of Crypto Philanthropy, they reveal encouraging trends in crypto donations, with impressive statistics showing that over $2 billion has been donated using cryptocurrency as of January 2024.

The Giving Block believes that 'memecoin philanthropy should serve as a reminder that innovation and goodwill can be found in every corner of the crypto landscape.

Back to Vitalik’s thoughts ⬇️

His second perspective focuses on what he calls 'Robinhood games' — the creation of more meaningful and enjoyable games. By 'meaningful,' Buterin suggests that games should be both intricate and engaging, proposing a concept where 'money is zero-sum, but fun can be positive-sum.' He points to Axie Infinity as an example of the disparity between financial gains and the enjoyment of the game, particularly among users with different income levels.

Though some of you may hold different views and reactions to Buterin's thoughts, we can all agree that Web3 is aimed at fostering a better digital ecosystem and world overall, characterized by innovative and enjoyable experiences.

There’s a new chain in town

And its name? DEGEN chain!

The DEGEN chain, created by Jacek Trocinski, founder of DEGEN and former data engineer and architect at Hedgehog Technologies, is a layer-3 network. It allows developers to use the $DEGEN token from the memecoin community for app development. This token acts as the native gas token for fee payments within the chain.

The story of Degen started earlier this year within the Degen channel community on Farcaster. The token was divided among builders, creators, and users to reward fellow casters for their high-quality content with $DEGEN.

The Degen Chain is powered by Arbitrum Orbit, launched on the Base network, and supported by AnyTrust for data availability. It stands out as an ultra-low-cost Layer 3 solution, paving the way for new experiences like community rewards, payments, tipping, gaming, and beyond.

Some in the crypto community criticize Layer 3 solutions, arguing that they could drain value from the mainnet and may not significantly contribute to scaling Ethereum.

The rapid growth and user adoption are evident, with over 17.065M unique transactions and 1.103K verified contracts deployed currently.

Any thoughts on how massive the AI market’s gonna be?

Forecast in visuals here 👇

AI
Green light for a better world!

• OpenAI is in ‘shipping mode’

  The latest updates include Voice Engine, a text-to-audio AI model that generates natural-sounding speech of up to 15 seconds, not yet released; no signup required for using ChatGPT feature; the ability to edit DALL·E images in ChatGPT across web, iOS, and Android; and lastly, new fine-tuning API features for developers.

• StabilityAI debuts Stable Audio 2.0

  The latest model creates high-quality full tracks with clear musical structures, each lasting up to 3 minutes and recorded in stereo at 44.1 kHz. Users can also upload and change samples using simple language prompts. It's trained on a licensed dataset from the AudioSparx music library, respecting opt-out requests and making sure creators are fairly compensated.

• Yahoo acquires the AI news platform Artifact

  After closing operations in January, the AI news app developed by Instagram's co-founders transferred its proprietary technology and features to Yahoo. Going forward, Yahoo will integrate this AI-powered personalization technology into its Yahoo News app and platform.

• Google can now create your travel itineraries using AI

  Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) improves search functionality by offering AI-generated responses to user queries. Now, Google can generate travel itineraries in response to travel-related prompts. These itineraries include details such as destination amenities, travel, accommodation information, and more, all sourced from user-contributed content.

• FDA approves the first-ever AI diagnostic tool for sepsis

  The US-based medical company Prenosis has received FDA approval for their AI-driven diagnostic tool, designed to predict the risk of sepsis. Trained on over 100,000 blood samples and analyzing 22 parameters, the tool can classify a patient’s risk of sepsis, a condition that accounts for over 350,000 deaths annually in the US.

FROM THE REPOSITORY

5 tools to add to your maker’s arsenal

• AskMore runs user interviews on your behalf with AI.

• Mirror helps with publishing in a web3 style.

• Walling AI brings your ideas and projects to life in seconds.

• 3xpl for fast and ad-free block exploring.

• QRCraft turns boring QR codes into art.

*If you ship amazing tools in web3 or AI, reach out now and get featured for free to our community of over 1k readers.

SCOOPS OF THE WEEK

Got any questions?
Drop us a reply to this email.

Ready to build in web3?
Deploy in seconds - we’ve got smart contracts for pretty much anything!

Stuck or need a second web3 brain?
Book a quick call with us.

New to web3?
Grab the web3 starter pack 🎁 an essential guide for everything web3 here.