Google Play now supports Web3 experiences

Google Play is updating its policies to support “blockchain-based experiences” in recognition of Web3’s potential.

“As a platform, we always want to help developers bring innovative ideas to life. Google Play hosts a variety of blockchain-related apps, and we know that our partners are excited to expand on these offerings to create more engaging and immersive digital experiences with tokenised digital assets such as NFTs,” wrote Joseph Mills, Group Product Manager for...

13 July 2023 | Android

Crypto developers plummet 22% despite increasing prices

Despite the positive price movement in recent weeks, the software development aspect of the crypto industry is trending in the opposite direction.

According to a report by venture firm Electric Capital, the number of active developers working on open-source crypto projects has declined by 22 percent over the past year.

In June, there were 21,300 active developers, compared to 27,200 the previous year. This decline may be attributed to developers finding more enticing...

10 July 2023 | Blockchain

Decentralised social network Damus to be kicked from App Store

Damus, a decentralised social networking app backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, is facing removal from the App Store due to Apple's strict rules.

The app had previously made changes to comply with Apple's guidelines but still failed to meet the tech giant's requirements for its tips feature. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between Apple's control over in-app purchases and developers' desire for more flexibility.

Apple has a history of prohibiting...

27 June 2023 | App Stores

Venom’s virtual hackathon kicks off in collaboration with DoraHacks, Developer DAO, and Hacken

The Venom Foundation has joined forces with DoraHacks, Developer DAO, and Hacken to initiate its premier virtual hackathon.

This groundbreaking event is designed to provide developers with the essential tools and resources to build on the cutting-edge Venom blockchain.

With registrations commencing on April 27th, 2023, the hackathon is scheduled to launch on May 8th, 2023.

Venom's Testnet Launch: A Catalyst for Innovation and Community...

27 April 2023 | Blockchain

Twitter announces charges for third-party developers

Less than a month after unceremoniously blocking third-party apps, Twitter has announced new charges for developers using its API.

In a tweet, Twitter announced that it will end free access to its API (both v2 and v1.1) on 9 February 2023.

The company says a paid basic tier will be available to replace the free access. More specific details are due to be announced next week.

https://twitter.com/TwitterDev/status/1621026986784337922

It’s not the best time...

2 February 2023 | API

Linux Foundation launches Open Metaverse Foundation

The nonprofit Linux Foundation has launched the Open Metaverse Foundation (OMF) to promote an open metaverse.

Current participating organisations of the OMF include the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, Futurewei, GenXP, Hyperledger Foundation, LF AI, LF Edge & Networking, Open Voice Network, Open Wallet, and Veriken.

When discussing the metaverse, it’s important to consider the history of the web.

The original vision for the web was a decentralised...

19 January 2023 | Blockchain

OpenWallet aims to support Web3 wallet development

The Linux Foundation has announced OpenWallet, an initiative to support the development of Web3 digital wallets.

“We are convinced that digital wallets will play a critical role for digital societies,” said Jim Zemllin, Executive Director of the Linux Foundation.

“Open software is the key to interoperability and security. We are delighted to host the OpenWallet Foundation and excited for its potential.”

OpenWallet aims to develop a secure and...

13 September 2022 | Blockchain

Game developer criticises NFTs at event sponsored by blockchain firms

A game developer surprised attendees of an event sponsored by blockchain firms by criticising NFTs.

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) have become one of the blockchain industry’s darling use cases. The technology is primarily associated with art projects; with purchasers able to prove their ownership thanks to immutable records on blockchains.

Arguably, the most infamous NFT project is Bored Ape Yacht Club—which even recently featured in a music video by Eminem and Snoop...

13 July 2022 | Blockchain

Web3 projects lost over $2B to hacks in H1 2022

A report from CertiK finds that web3 projects lost over $2 billion to hacks in H1 2022—more than all of 2021 combined.

“2022 is already the most expensive year for web3 by far. From these numbers, 2022 is forecast to see a 223% increase in the funds lost to attacks when compared with 2021,” wrote CeriK in their report.

CertiK’s sobering report highlights the difficulties of an industry that pitches itself as returning to the decentralised ideals of web1 while...

8 July 2022 | Blockchain

Web3: Ethereum leads in developers, falling behind in activity

According to a16z’s 2022 State of Crypto report, Ethereum is maintaining its lead in web3 developers but rivals are overtaking in activity.

The report opens with some history of the various web eras and why web3 has many people excited:

Web1 (~1990-2005) – Based on open protocols, decentralised, and community-governed. However, relatively basic in terms of functionality.Web2 (~2005-present) – Siloed, centralised services with value and content ownership granted to a...

18 May 2022 | Blockchain