Crypto Weekly: Eclipse Airdrop, Quantum Bitcoin, and More

Welcome to your weekly dose of cryptocurrency technology news. This week brings developments across layer-2 solutions, Bitcoin security, and DePIN.

Eclipse Distributes 15% of $ES Tokens in Airdrop

Eclipse, a layer-2 network combining Ethereum and Solana tech, has launched its $ES token airdrop. The initial distribution, spanning 30 days, allocates 15% of the 1 billion minted tokens to community members and developers. 35% supports ecosystem growth and R&D, 19% goes to contributors (with vesting), and 31% is for early investors with a lockup period.

Key Takeaways:

• $ES airdrop is live for early community members.
• Focus on ecosystem growth and long-term sustainability.
• Significant lockup periods for contributors and investors.

RISC Zero's 'Boundless' Testnet Goes Live

RISC Zero has launched "Boundless," an incentivized testnet (Mainnet Beta) for its decentralized zero-knowledge (ZK) compute marketplace on Base. This allows developers to build and test applications in a live-like environment. The testnet has support from entities like the Ethereum Foundation and Wormhole. Boundless provides a marketplace for ZK proofs, connecting developers with independent "ZK provers" for decentralized computation.

Key Takeaways:

• Incentivized testnet for ZK compute marketplace.
• Decentralized alternative to centralized proof generation.
• Early support from major crypto players.

Bitcoin Proposal: Freeze Quantum-Vulnerable Addresses

A controversial Bitcoin proposal suggests freezing coins secured by legacy cryptography vulnerable to quantum computing attacks. This includes Satoshi Nakamoto's wallets. The draft, co-authored by Jameson Lopp, proposes a phased soft fork where un-upgraded coins become unspendable. This aims to address a perceived "existential threat" to Bitcoin's cryptographic foundation.

Key Takeaways:

• Proposal to freeze BTC vulnerable to quantum attacks.
• Controversial approach with potential impact on early adopters.
• Highlights the long-term security concerns for Bitcoin.

Aethir and Credible Launch DePIN-Powered Credit Card

Aethir, a decentralized GPU cloud network, and Credible Finance have introduced a credit card and loan product powered by a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN). This enables Aethir's ATH token holders and node operators to access stablecoin credit without selling their tokens. Users can collateralize ATH tokens for credit lines or preload a card with ATH or stablecoins on Solana. Credit approval is based on on-chain activity and asset holdings.

Key Takeaways:

• DePIN-powered credit card offering.
• Collateralize crypto for real-world credit.
• Blends on-chain infrastructure with traditional finance.

Other News

• Ripple expands custody services to the Middle East.
• SharpLink Gaming becomes a large corporate ETH holder.

Regulatory and Policy

• U.S. House faces procedural issues on crypto bills.
• Jury seated for Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm's trial.