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Crypto && Coffee 026 | Bitcoin Pizza Day

Technology Recap: 

Bitcoin: 

  • This past week marked the ten-year anniversary of Bitcoin Pizza Day! Check out the original post on BitcoinTalk. 

Ethereum: 

  • On May 20th, 202,0 the Topaz testnet from Prysmatic Labs hit 1M ETH, with roughly 29K validators keeping the ETH2.0 testnet running.  
  • Prysmatic Labs released a development update on all things ETH2.0. This update includes work on the Schlesi multiclient testnet, Slasher improvements, networking improvements, and custom chain stress testing.  
  • Ethereum Foundation’s Research and Development arm shared details on signing keys, withdrawal keys, and more for upcoming ETH2.0, with a focus on EIP 2333 and EIP 2334.   
  • The Witti multiclient ETH2.0 testnet is now live! 

Other Chains:  

  • The Web3 Foundation has finally launched the initial version of Polkadot! Polkadot is a shared protocol that allows decentralized blockchain networks to operate together, seamlessly and at scale. 
  • Gnosis released their Safe developer portal which is aiming to provide an overview of the Gnosis Safe smart contracts, interfaces and integrations.  
  • Following last week’s report, Tornado Cash has released their full recap on making the platform fully trustless.  
  • Vite Labs announced their plan to integrate with Chainlink for its decentralized oracles to aid in products that require off-chain data. 
  • Keep Network released an update on tBTC’s launch, pause, and re-launch. Others also shared a full recap on their bumpy start. 
  • Mobile app company Kik is proposing to migrate its cryptocurrency (kin) to the Solana blockchain after inadequate attempts with Stellar. 
  • Burner Wallet and Fuel released a demo of Reddit Cash, an easy and scalable use of Reddit Community Points. 
  • The Electric Coin Company stated that the zECC Wallet (Android and iOS) will finally be open-sourced this quarter, on June 10th. 
  • Monero released v0.16.0.0, a major release including the addition of Dandelion++ and improvements to Bulletproof verification speed. 
  • Steem hard forked to (New Steem) due to constant attacks from malicious accounts that have heavily influenced DApps, usability, and stability. 
  • DevQuarterly released a platform breakdown for developers showing 62.05% of agencies working on Ethereum. 
  • Centrifuge Chain and its asset-backed lending DApp Tinlake have officially launched as of May 26, 2020. With both Centrifuge Chain and Tinlake, any business can now originate their real-world asset on-chain and access liquidity through Centrifuge. 
  • CosmWasm delivered multi-chain smart contracts for the Terra blockchain. 

Mainstream Recap: 

  • Coinbase Custody clients now have the ability to stake their Cosmos assets without having to put their funds at risk.  
  • Bitcoin and Lightningbased node security company Casa announced their newest investor, Mantis VC. Mantis joins Casa’s industry-leading group of existing investors including StillMark, Castle Island Ventures, Lerer Gippeau, and Precursor Ventures.  
  • Genesis acquired Vo1t, an institutional-grade custodian based in the UK. Vo1t combines cold storage and protection for digital assets. This is a step forward for Genesis aiming to build a prime brokerage in the digital currency ecosystem. 
  • The Chicago Defi Alliance (CDA) announced the initial cohort of DeFi startups including: 0x, dydx, Kyber Network, IDEX, opyn, Set Protocol, and Synthetix 
  • The Presidio Principles – a re-launch of the Blockchain Bill of Rights – has been published, aiming to create a baseline for building blockchain applications that protect user rights. The document includes signatories from the Government of Colombia, Deloitte Consulting LLP, ConsenSys, Electric Coin Company, CoinShares, and the United Nations’ World Food Program. 
  • In an article posted by The Defiant, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss – CEO and president of Gemini – talked with Camila Russo. They believe the stablecoin race hasn’t really started.  
  • The wallet for Facebook’s Libra blockchain re-branded from Calibra to Novi. Novi will offer a new way to send, receive and secure Libra currencies.  
  • CoinDesk shared that a senior figure at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes a CBDC would open the door for much greater innovation in the retail space. 
  • Bitwage launched Bitcoin 401(k) retirement plans. 
  • Reuters reported that Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings will invest roughly $70B over the next five years into various technology focus sectors, including blockchain. 

 This Week’s Cup of Coffee: 

This week, we are having a sip of the world famous Panama Auromar Geisha coffee from La Colombe Coffee Roasters. One of the most hyped brewaround today, this Ethiopianlike coffee brings an intense floral aroma as well as notes of blueberry honey, passion fruit, and lilac.  

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