Latest DePIN News

The cryptocurrency project Grass, built on the Solana blockchain, has recently made headlines with a remarkable 494% surge in price following its airdrop. Initially, the price peaked at $3.89 on November 8, 2024, but has since stabilized around $2.3 to $2.4. With 2 million users and a position among the top 15 Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) coins, Grass shows significant potential, although it faces regulatory scrutiny and challenges regarding its data collection practices. The project allows users to earn passive income through web scraping, utilizing unused internet bandwidth to train artificial intelligence, which raises concerns about privacy and data security. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the airdrop, which distributed 10% of the total supply to users, the price has seen fluctuations. Analysts suggest that while Grass has established itself in the market, it must navigate potential regulatory hurdles and the lack of an audit for its code. The project’s unique model, which involves nodes, routers, and validators to manage data collection, positions it well within the growing DePIN sector. However, the project's reliance on user data and the absence of transparency in its operations may hinder its long-term growth prospects. Looking ahead, the high annual percentage yield (APY) for staking, estimated at around 50%, and the anticipated launch of an iOS app in Q1 2025 could reignite interest in Grass. As the project continues to evolve, its ability to maintain user engagement and adapt to regulatory landscapes will be crucial. The crypto community remains cautiously optimistic, with traders noting that while the price may not experience drastic changes, it could stabilize and potentially rise again as the project matures and expands its offerings.

Swaroop Hegde, CEO and Co-Founder of Powerloom, recently discussed the company's mission to enhance data integrity in blockchain during an episode of The SlateCast. Powerloom utilizes a decentralized node network to ensure verifiable on-chain data integrity for web3 applications. Supported by prominent investors like Blockchain Capital and Filecoin, Powerloom aims to set a new benchmark for composable and decentralized data solutions, transforming user interactions with on-chain data and driving innovation in web3 applications. Hegde emphasized the current challenges in accessing and verifying on-chain data, which often depend on centralized sources, leading to potential data manipulation and outdated information. Powerloom addresses these inefficiencies through its decentralized node network, which allows real-time data computation without centralized intermediaries. With over 5,300 nodes, even non-technical users can contribute, ensuring the reliability and verifiability of the data provided. This unique approach focuses on dynamically composing data based on demand rather than indexing all available data, catering to various use cases across multiple chains. A notable feature discussed was Powerloom's Generative Prediction Markets (GPM), an automated on-chain prediction system that resolves in 30 minutes without human intervention. This innovative application demonstrates the potential for new products built on Powerloom's decentralized infrastructure. Looking ahead, Hegde outlined plans for 2025, including the introduction of dynamic data markets and a feature called Watchmen, aimed at verifying data accuracy in real-time. Powerloom's mission is to simplify access to decentralized data while fostering innovative applications, ensuring transparency and reliability as the web3 landscape evolves.

On December 30, Binance announced the launch of USDT perpetual contracts for the native tokens of dForce and Phala Network, marking a significant development in the cryptocurrency trading landscape. The dForce token experienced a remarkable surge of 26% following the announcement, reflecting strong market interest. The trading for PHAUSDT commenced at 11:30 UTC, while DFUSDT was listed shortly after at 11:45 UTC. Both contracts offer up to 75x leverage and have a tick size of 0.00001, with maximum financing rates set at +2.00% and -2.00%. The funding fee will be calculated every four hours, and Binance will support multi-asset trading for these perpetual tokens. The dForce token, currently trading at approximately $0.095, has shown impressive growth, with a 30% increase over the past week and a staggering 103.71% rise in the last month. With a market capitalization exceeding $83.2 million, dForce ranks 636th in the crypto market. Its fully diluted valuation stands at $84 million, and it has recorded a 24-hour trading volume of $157 million, indicating robust trading activity and investor confidence. In contrast, the Phala Network's PHA token saw a more modest increase of 10% post-listing. However, its long-term performance is promising, with a remarkable 327% rise in the past week and approximately 212% in the last month. dForce is recognized for its decentralized finance infrastructure, providing various protocols including decentralized stablecoins and yield tokens, while Phala Network focuses on privacy and secure cloud computing solutions in the Web3 space, utilizing the PHA utility token to power its operations.

IoTeX, a leader in decentralized physical infrastructure networks, has recently joined the Blockchain Association, a prominent advocacy group for the crypto industry in Washington, D.C. The Blockchain Association highlighted that decentralized physical infrastructure networks represent a revolutionary category of blockchain technology, bridging the gap between real-world devices and the digital landscape. This innovation encompasses everything from IoT-enabled smart devices to tokenized physical assets, showcasing significant transformative potential. However, the widespread adoption of these technologies hinges on achieving regulatory clarity, which is essential for their growth and integration into the market. Raullen Chai, co-founder and CEO of IoTeX, emphasized the importance of collaboration with policymakers in fostering a robust decentralized infrastructure ecosystem. By becoming a member of the Blockchain Association, IoTeX aims to leverage its expertise to navigate legal complexities and create clear pathways for launching and scaling decentralized physical infrastructure network projects. Chai believes that with the right regulatory framework, the full potential of decentralized infrastructure can be unlocked, ultimately benefiting a broader user base and empowering individuals through accessible technology. The Blockchain Association, which consists of nearly 100 companies and protocols, is dedicated to establishing sensible and innovation-friendly regulatory frameworks for blockchain technology. IoTeX plans to actively engage in various working groups within the association, focusing on policies that facilitate innovation in decentralized physical infrastructure networks in the U.S. This includes addressing regulatory challenges, ensuring equitable access for users, and supporting the tokenization of physical assets in compliance with U.S. law. Dan Spuller, senior director of industry affairs at the Blockchain Association, expressed enthusiasm for IoTeX's involvement, noting that their leadership in the DePIN space will provide valuable insights as the association advocates for policies that promote innovation and inclusivity in decentralized networks.

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePin) are revolutionizing the way we think about real-world infrastructure by leveraging blockchain technology. This innovative approach aims to redistribute power from centralized corporations back to the community, making systems like storage and streaming more accessible and equitable. With a surge in interest, several DePin coins are emerging as key players in this space, offering unique solutions and investment opportunities. Notable projects include Chirp, Render, BitTorrent, Filecoin, Theta Network, MultiversX, and Ocean Protocol, each contributing to the decentralization movement in distinct ways. Chirp stands out as a decentralized telecommunications network built on the Sui blockchain, focusing on IoT connectivity. By allowing users to operate their devices and earn CHIRP tokens, it incentivizes participation and fosters a more interconnected digital landscape. Render Network, on the other hand, connects creators with GPU providers, democratizing access to rendering services. Its recent transition from Ethereum to Solana has enhanced transaction speeds, making it a favorite among creatives. Meanwhile, BitTorrent has evolved into a decentralized file-sharing platform, rewarding users with BTT tokens for sharing files, showcasing the potential of community-driven content distribution. Filecoin operates like an Airbnb for data storage, enabling users to rent out digital storage space while ensuring data security through blockchain verification. Theta Network is redefining video streaming by allowing users to share bandwidth, enhancing content delivery while rewarding participation with TFUEL tokens. MultiversX offers a scalable blockchain infrastructure, facilitating efficient transactions for various applications, while Ocean Protocol focuses on decentralized data exchange, supporting AI and machine learning through tokenized datasets. As DePin continues to grow, these projects exemplify the shift towards a more decentralized and user-centric digital economy.

As we enter 2025, the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors are poised for significant transformation, driven by a blend of macroeconomic factors, regulatory progress, and technological advancements. Insights from Messari and Coinbase indicate that this year could be pivotal for the evolution of Web3, AI, and decentralized infrastructure. Fog Works is at the forefront of this movement, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement to redefine the digital landscape. The increasing clarity in regulatory frameworks, especially in the U.S. and Europe, is expected to catalyze institutional adoption and innovation, with Coinbase predicting a rise in regulated financial products, including tokenized securities and compliant DeFi solutions. One of the most notable trends is the integration of AI with blockchain technology. Messari highlights the potential for decentralized AI systems to transform data management and privacy-centric applications. Fog Works is aligning its advancements in AI-enabled personal storage with this trend, emphasizing the importance of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) as a critical layer in the Web3 ecosystem. As users seek alternatives to centralized tech giants, companies deploying real-world applications for data storage and IoT are expected to thrive. Additionally, NFTs are evolving beyond art into areas like music royalties and real estate tokenization, necessitating secure, decentralized storage solutions. Fog Works' achievements in 2024 set a strong foundation for 2025. The company has made significant strides in product innovation, market expansion, and community building. Notable advancements include the Foggie Max backup system, which enhances data security and sharing capabilities, and the integration of AI-powered features that allow users to create personal knowledge bases. With a focus on sustainability, Fog Works aims to adopt energy-efficient technologies and forge partnerships that promote greener blockchain practices. As the market landscape continues to evolve, Fog Works is well-positioned to lead the charge in the decentralized future of technology.

In the Roam ecosystem, Roam Points serve as a crucial incentive for users contributing to the network's growth. These points can be utilized in various ways, but their primary value lies in the ability to be burned for $ROAM tokens following the Token Generation Event (TGE). To facilitate this conversion, Roam has established three distinct burning pools: the General Burning Pool, Miner Burning Pool, and Validator Burning Pool. Each pool caters to different user types based on their contributions, providing a structured approach to maximizing rewards through point conversion. A burning pool allows users to exchange their Roam Points for $ROAM tokens by burning them, which permanently removes the points from circulation. The conversion rate is dynamic, influenced by the total points burned and tokens generated within a specific timeframe. Users can choose to burn their points all at once or over several cycles, depending on their strategy. For instance, if only one user burns points, they receive a higher token yield compared to a scenario with many participants. This system not only incentivizes user engagement but also helps maintain the scarcity and value of $ROAM tokens. The General Burning Pool is accessible to all users, while the Miner and Validator pools cater to specific contributors, such as miners and validators of Roam WiFi hotspots. Each pool has its own set of rules regarding minimum point input, eligible points, and burn periods, allowing users to tailor their participation based on their activities within the Roam network. By understanding the mechanics of these pools, users can effectively strategize their point burning to maximize their $ROAM token rewards, enhancing their overall experience within the Roam ecosystem.

The data center industry is currently facing significant challenges in meeting the immense computing power requirements of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly for training large language models (LLMs). According to Bain & Company, advanced AI models necessitate thousands of graphics processing units (GPUs) during the pre-training phase, which in turn demands highly sophisticated data center architectures. Presently, major cloud service providers operate hyperscale data centers with capacities ranging from 50 to 200 megawatts, costing between $1 billion to $4 billion. However, projections indicate that by the end of the decade, these capacities will need to scale up to over 1 gigawatt, with costs soaring to between $10 billion and $25 billion. This situation is compounded by the dominance of tech giants like Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Alibaba, which limits opportunities for smaller competitors to build comparable infrastructures. To address these challenges, decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) have emerged as a potential solution. DePIN aggregates small-scale computing resources, democratizing access to AI infrastructure and reducing reliance on major tech companies. By utilizing blockchain technology, tokenization, and decentralized governance, DePIN incentivizes participation from individuals and organizations, enabling them to contribute physical resources such as data storage, energy generation, and computing power. This decentralized approach not only enhances transparency and security but also allows for real-time data processing through edge AI, which deploys AI algorithms directly on devices at the network's edge, thereby alleviating the burden on centralized cloud networks. Looking ahead to 2025, DePIN is poised to fundamentally transform the AI landscape. Experts predict a massive scaling of decentralized compute networks, shifting AI model training from centralized supercomputing clusters to distributed networks powered by DePIN. Additionally, tokenized incentives will encourage broader participation in AI development, allowing smaller players to monetize their resources while contributing to global innovation. Furthermore, the decentralized nature of DePIN enhances security and privacy, addressing vulnerabilities associated with centralized infrastructures. As DePIN matures, it is expected to facilitate groundbreaking applications across various sectors, including healthcare and energy management, while ensuring that AI infrastructure remains accessible to startups and researchers, thus fostering a more equitable technological ecosystem.

In 2024, DRIFE took the decentralized ride-hailing industry by storm, transforming the way users interact with transportation. With a series of innovative updates and partnerships, DRIFE not only enhanced its platform but also solidified its position as a leader in the Web3 space. The integration of ZkLogin streamlined user sign-ups, ensuring privacy and security without the hassle of forgotten passwords. Additionally, the migration of $DRF tokens to the Sui Network resulted in faster transactions and lower fees, showcasing DRIFE's commitment to providing a seamless user experience. With over 1.23 billion tokens successfully migrated, the platform is set for a thriving future. The launch of the Share2Earn campaign gamified the ride-sharing experience, allowing users to earn DRF tokens effortlessly. This initiative not only incentivized participation but also fostered a sense of community among users. Furthermore, DRIFE made history by becoming the first token to migrate on the Sui platform and subsequently listing on MEXC, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey. The company’s expansion into Dubai, where it secured a license and launched its services, exemplified its ambition to revolutionize ride-hailing in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Throughout the year, DRIFE showcased its presence at major global events, including TOKEN2049 in Singapore and the Dubai Future Blockchain Summit. These engagements allowed DRIFE to network with industry leaders and promote its vision for decentralized transportation. The company also launched the World of DePIN podcast series, further establishing its thought leadership in the space. As DRIFE looks forward to 2025, it remains committed to driving decentralization and innovation in the ride-hailing sector, inviting users to join them on this exciting journey into the future.

As we approach the end of 2024, Crust Network has expressed heartfelt gratitude to its community for their unwavering support, which has been pivotal in achieving significant milestones in decentralized storage. This year, the network has made remarkable strides, hosting over 3.11 million files and maintaining a stable node count of over 1500, with a total storage capacity exceeding 700 PB. These achievements not only highlight the growing adoption of Crust within the Web3 ecosystem but also set the stage for further expansion in 2025. The relaunch of the Community Gateway Recruitment Program aims to attract gateway providers from the US and Europe, incentivizing participation with additional CRU rewards. In terms of technical developments, Crust unveiled EthDA, a groundbreaking Data Availability network native to the Polygon CDK, which integrates support for Polygon zkEVM. This initiative is a significant step in enhancing the Ethereum Layer 2 solutions' capabilities. Additionally, Crust has made strategic adjustments to EthDA's positioning to align with market demands, optimizing resource allocation, and reducing redundancy. The enhancements to Crust Files, Crust Cloud, and IPFS Scan further demonstrate the commitment to providing accessible decentralized storage solutions, while contributions to Ethereum's EIP standards underscore Crust's active role in the ecosystem. Looking ahead to 2025, Crust is poised to deepen its focus on Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), aiming to transform traditional infrastructure through decentralized solutions. The growing demand for storage solutions driven by AI and Big Data presents a compelling opportunity for Crust to innovate and expand its user base. Plans for developing lightweight storage nodes will enable broader participation in the network, fostering collaborations with other DePIN projects. As Crust continues to lead in decentralized storage, its commitment to innovation and community engagement will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Web3 landscape.