4EVERLAND Bi-Weekly Report: Key Developments and Future Outlook

On December 12, 2024, Acurast and Cere Network announced a strategic partnership that aims to enhance decentralized cloud computing capabilities. Acurast, known for its innovative use of everyday phones in decentralized cloud infrastructure, will integrate Cere Network's decentralized data automation features into its compute deployments. This collaboration allows developers to leverage Cere's Decentralized Data Cloud (DDC) for secure and scalable data automation, enabling them to build applications that efficiently manage both computation and secure data processes within a fully decentralized environment. To illustrate the potential of this partnership, a decentralized image converter application has been developed. This application allows users to upload HEIC images, which are processed through Acurast’s community-driven cloud compute using their phones, converting them into PNG format. The converted images are securely stored and retrieved via Cere’s DDC, demonstrating a seamless workflow that capitalizes on the strengths of both platforms. This example highlights how the integration can facilitate practical applications in the realm of decentralized computing. The partnership is seen as a major advancement in decentralized cloud services, with both companies expressing enthusiasm about the benefits it brings to developers. Alessandro De Carli, Co-Founder of Acurast, emphasized that this integration provides a comprehensive platform for building secure decentralized applications. Similarly, Fred Jin, Co-Founder and CEO of Cere Network, noted that the collaboration enhances the capabilities of their Decentralized Data Cloud, empowering developers with automated secure data computation solutions. This partnership is poised to pave the way for innovative applications in the evolving landscape of decentralized cloud computing.

MapMetrics has unveiled a revolutionary update to its wallet interface, designed to enhance user interaction with digital earnings. The new wallet not only boasts a sleek design but also incorporates practical features that streamline the management of $MMAP tokens. Users can now easily view their token balance prominently displayed, allowing for quick tracking of funds earned through various activities such as navigation drops and referrals. This clarity simplifies the user experience, making it accessible for both seasoned crypto enthusiasts and newcomers alike. One of the standout features of the updated wallet UI is the detailed breakdown of earnings. The "Today’s Earnings" section categorizes daily rewards into specific streams, including SPT earnings, navigation drops, and referral earnings. This feature empowers users to identify which activities contribute most to their earnings, enabling them to strategize effectively. For instance, if navigation drops are a significant source of income, users may choose to utilize the app more frequently during their commutes to maximize their earnings potential. Additionally, the wallet interface introduces an engaging "Invite a Friend" feature, allowing users to easily share their unique referral code and track earnings from referrals. Users earn 250 MMAP tokens for each new referral and 5% of their ongoing activity. The real-time tracking of these earnings fosters a sense of accomplishment as users see their network and rewards grow. Overall, the new wallet UI is not just a cosmetic upgrade; it enhances user experience, transparency, and opportunities for passive income, making it a game changer in the MapMetrics ecosystem.

As of December 4, 2024, Roam has officially claimed the top position globally for hardware node count, as reported by DePINscan. Utilizing OpenRoaming™ technology, Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), and Verifiable Credentials (VCs), Roam allows users to connect to WiFi without the hassle of multiple credentials or lengthy login processes. This innovative approach, combined with a robust community incentive mechanism and a free-to-use business model, has led to rapid user growth. Currently, Roam supports over 4 million OpenRoaming WiFi hotspots and 890,000 self-built nodes across more than 190 countries, boasting over 1.5 million registered users and an impressive average of 500,000 daily user interactions. The platform has successfully transitioned numerous traditional users into the Web3 ecosystem through its latest eSIM product, exemplifying mass adoption of Web3 applications. Roam's user growth strategy is anchored in product design, integrating Roam WiFi connectivity and eSIM services. The token-incentive model encourages users to contribute to the network's development by validating WiFi nodes, attracting traditional users to collaboratively build the WiFi network. Roam's eSIM offerings include the Roam Global eSIM, which operates in over 160 countries with an innovative Top-up mechanism to prevent data wastage, and the Add-on eSIM, which provides access in regions lacking roaming services. The introduction of Roam eSIM has significantly increased traditional user participation, pushing app registrations past 1.5 million and expanding the network to nearly 5 million global WiFi access nodes. Committed to establishing a next-generation global open wireless network, Roam employs a Physical Layer 1 (L1) approach to deliver a free, secure, and seamless user experience. By maintaining a location and time-based data ledger, Roam aims to enhance both supply and utilization growth through token incentives while promoting community-based management. This strategy reflects Roam's mission to cultivate a more open and diverse ecosystem, fostering long-term value for users. Transitioning from conventional reward systems to nurturing deeper relationships, Roam positions every user as a stakeholder in the network-building process, sharing benefits and creating transformative opportunities for the community. As a pioneer in the decentralized network landscape, Roam is set to revolutionize connectivity between devices, humans, and AI agents, paving the way for sustainable growth and a more interconnected digital future.

Crust Network has recently made significant strides in its technical progress and ecosystem collaboration within the Polkadot framework. Notably, the platform now supports initiating place order transactions from the Polkadot Crust Parachain, which are automatically converted into orders on the mainnet. To address the rising gas fees on Ethereum, the bridge fee for transferring $CRU from the Crust mainnet to Ethereum has increased from 10 $CRU to 30 $CRU. Additionally, a bi-directional XCMP channel has been established between Crust and Bifrost, enhancing cross-chain capabilities. The team is also testing a customized Crust IPFS image based on the latest IPFS code and exploring solutions for a non-TEE lightweight mining client. In terms of ecosystem collaboration, Crust Network is actively engaging with various projects within the Polkadot ecosystem. Although Polkadot is developing a native service for object storage, third-party services like Apillon via CrustNetwork are currently available. The launch of the Polkadot ecosystem dashboard on Token Terminal marks a significant milestone. Furthermore, GoPlausible is leveraging CrustNetwork to provide permanent, decentralized storage, ensuring data security and accessibility. The Crust Parachain has opened an HRMP channel with Bifrost, facilitating seamless data and asset transfers between the two parachains. A massive airdrop event co-hosted by Crust and other networks is also on the horizon, promising exciting opportunities for the community. Community engagement remains a priority for Crust, as evidenced by their sponsorship of offline meetups for the Chainspace Community and participation in various events, including the Global AI+DePIN Exhibition in Bangkok. Crust has also been active in promoting creative initiatives, such as an AI-generated song contest and an AI Music Video Challenge, fostering a vibrant community spirit. As Crust continues to innovate and collaborate within the Polkadot ecosystem, it is poised to redefine decentralized storage solutions for Web3, offering users trustless and user-controlled data management tools.

In the post-pandemic world, the rise of digital nomadism has become increasingly prevalent, particularly among remote workers. This lifestyle allows individuals to travel freely while maintaining their professional commitments, with locations like Aruba and Cape Verde becoming popular choices. The demand for reliable internet connectivity is paramount for these nomads, and the Roam network is emerging as a leading solution. By providing a global wireless network, Roam aims to facilitate seamless connectivity for users regardless of their location, thus enhancing the digital nomad experience. The challenges associated with traditional public WiFi networks, such as cumbersome login processes and security vulnerabilities, have prompted the development of OpenRoaming™ technology. This initiative, spearheaded by the Wireless Broadband Alliance, aims to create a secure and user-friendly WiFi experience. OpenRoaming™ allows users to connect to various WiFi networks without repeated authentication, ensuring encrypted data transmission. Despite the growing number of OpenRoaming™ nodes, which currently stands at over 4 million, it still represents a small fraction of the global public WiFi landscape, indicating significant room for growth. Roam is uniquely positioned within the OpenRoaming™ alliance as a Web3 IDP project, integrating decentralized identity technology to enhance network access for users and small businesses. With innovative solutions like the Rainier MAX60 router and Roam eSIM, the platform is rapidly expanding its user base, which has surpassed 1.5 million. Roam's community-driven approach and diverse incentive models, including Roam Points and governance tokens, are designed to foster user engagement and support the growth of the OpenRoaming™ network. As Roam continues to bridge Web2 and Web3 technologies, it is set to play a pivotal role in transforming the telecommunications landscape and enhancing connectivity for digital nomads worldwide.

Tesla drivers can now unlock significant savings through a new initiative by Roil, which integrates with the DIMO protocol. This innovative program allows Tesla owners to earn up to $200 annually by simply charging their vehicles. By transforming charging data into VERRA-certified carbon offsets, Roil sells these offsets on carbon markets and redistributes the proceeds back to participating vehicle owners in the form of $DIMO tokens. This means that each time a driver charges their Tesla, they not only power their vehicle but also contribute to carbon offset programs typically reserved for larger fleets. To participate, Tesla drivers need to connect their vehicles to the DIMO network. Those who sign up will receive a $15 advance in $DIMO and can earn retroactive rewards if they have been connected since 2023. The program is designed to reward drivers based on their charging activity, with payouts occurring annually each spring. However, there are some exclusions for residents in specific regions, such as Washington, California, and Oregon, as well as for apps that already claim offsets. Currently, this program is being piloted in the United States, with plans for expansion to Europe in 2025 and potentially to other electric vehicle models in the future. This partnership marks just the beginning of what DIMO aims to achieve, with more exciting opportunities on the horizon for drivers to leverage their vehicle data. Tesla owners are encouraged to sign up for the Roil offer to start reaping the benefits of this groundbreaking initiative.