XProtocol Unveils XForge as 'World's First Node-Operated DePIN Smartphone'

The latest in blockchain tech upgrades, funding announcements and deals. For the period of Sept. 26-Oct. 2.

Crypto exchange Coinbase (COIN) unveiled Base, an Ethereum layer-2 chain, earlier this year. Now, XProtocol, an entertainment-focused blockchain built on Base, has unveiled what it says is "the world’s first node-operated DePIN smartphone."

According to the team, the Web3 startup’s new Android device, XForge, functions as a fully operational blockchain node. Users can participate in the DePIN network directly from their phone, earning rewards, airdrops and cryptocurrency incentives:

"XForge represents the next evolution in mobile devices, combining blockchain power with smartphone convenience."

Nomic Brings Bitcoin-Backed 'NBTC' to Berachain

Nomic DAO Foundation, which supports the Nomic Network, a blockchain that powers a decentralized custody engine for BTC, announced the launch of nBTC, a 1:1 bitcoin-backed token, on Berachain, an Ethereum-compatible layer-1 network.

The move follows Nomic’s recent Ethereum upgrade, which made nBTC natively available as an ERC-token on Ethereum, and capable of deployments to EVM-compatible chains, according to the team:

"This integration allows users to directly deposit BTC for nBTC, bringing Bitcoin’s substantial liquidity into Berachain’s ecosystem, which operates on a unique proof-of-liquidity consensus model. This will enhance the capabilities of Bitcoin within Berachain’s growing ecosystem, offering developers the ability to integrate nBTC into DeFi protocols and to build BTC-backed applications without relying on centralized intermediaries."

Theta Labs Launches 'EdgeCloud for Mobile,' Implements AI Video Detection

Theta Labs, the developer behind the entertainment-focused blockchain project Theta Network, has launched EdgeCloud for Mobile, which allows Android users to contribute spare GPU power to the Theta EdgeCloud network and earn TFUEL tokens.

According to the team: "Available on Google Play, the app lets users provide resources during idle times, supporting AI research in media, healthcare and finance. Using a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN), Theta EdgeCloud cuts GPU-intensive task costs by over 50% compared to traditional cloud providers, offering scalable, decentralized AI model training and inference services."

The blog post reads: "For the first time ever, the Theta team has implemented a video object detection AI model (VOD_AI) that runs on consumer grade Android mobile devices, delivering true computation at the edge and enabling unparalleled scalability and reach. VOD_AI is a computer vision technique that uses AI to analyze video frames to identify objects by scanning video frames, looking for potential objects and drawing bounding boxes around them. This process is similar to how the human visual cortex works." (THETA)

Movement Labs Launches Accelerator 'Move Collective,' Highlights Funding for Early Participants

Movement Labs, a network focused on open-source tooling for the Move smart contract language, announced the launch of its elite accelerator program, "Move Collective."

According to a press release, "This innovative program is designed to nurture and support the most promising projects in the Movement ecosystem, offering comprehensive support to projects at various stages of development."

The following companies "leveraged the resources and support provided by the Move Collective to connect with investors and secure their pre-seed funding:"