The Arweave ecosystem continues to demonstrate significant growth and innovation. Key developments from the past week include the announcement of a brand-new tokenomics model for the upcoming $AO token, the AO testnet processing over 100 million messages, and the introduction of new features and partnerships across the network.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest progress, from technical upgrades and project milestones to new collaborations and educational initiatives.
Network Performance and Incentives
The Arweave mainnet remains robust, having successfully completed over 172 million transactions to date. Last week, the network achieved 1.68 TiB of new permanent data storage.
The current storage fee is 0.748 AR per GiB. The block reward for miners stands at 3,343 AR, and the network's endowment saw a healthy increase of 1,146.43 AR, further supporting its long-term sustainability.
Within the ecosystem, PermaDAO distributed 92.95 AR (approximately $4,526.34 USDC) in contributor incentives, rewarding community members for their efforts in building and maintaining the network.
Key Project Developments and Launches
New AO Tokenomics Model Unveiled
A major announcement detailed the tokenomics for the upcoming $AO token. It will have a 100% fair launch with no pre-mining, pre-sales, or priority access for insiders. The total supply is capped at 21 million tokens, with a halving mechanism scheduled every four years, similar to Bitcoin.
The genesis block is set for June 13th at 23:00 Beijing Time. Users will be able to acquire $AO tokens by bridging assets to the AO network, holding $AR tokens, or by actively participating in and building on the AO ecosystem. A new non-profit organization will be established to manage the issuance and oversee the mechanics of the $AO token.
AO Testnet Surpasses 125 Million Messages
The AO testnet has reached a monumental milestone, processing over 125 million messages. This achievement underscores the network's scalability and its capacity to handle a high volume of computations and data transfers, a critical feature for a decentralized computing platform.
0rbit Launches POST Request Feature
The decentralized oracle service 0rbit has enhanced its functionality with the introduction of a POST request feature. This allows users to send data bodies to specific URLs through the 0rbit network, enabling a wider range of interactions with external internet data.
Each POST request costs 1 $0RBT token. This fee mechanism is designed to maintain network sustainability, prevent spam, and properly incentivize the node operators that power the service.
AO Web Wallet Version 0.4.0 Released
The AO Web Wallet received a significant update with the launch of v0.4.0. The new version focuses on improving the mobile user experience and includes features for real-time monitoring of transactions and assets. It also supports QR code generation and scanning, making it easier for users to send and receive assets on the go.
AOX Implements Multi-Signature Security
The AOX cross-chain bridge is enhancing its security by transitioning from a single-signature to a multi-signature model. This upgrade, built on everPay's mature cross-chain technology, significantly reduces single points of failure.
In the future, cross-chain nodes acting as Coordination Units (CUs) on AO will be required to stake $AO tokens. This staking mechanism introduces a slashing condition, meaning nodes that act maliciously or fail to perform their duties will be penalized. Additionally, AOX nodes will need to stake $AOX tokens, adding an extra layer of economic security.
Apus Network Introduces Trustless GPU for AI
Apus Network announced a breakthrough in decentralized artificial intelligence (AI) with its Trustless GPU technology. This solution aims to provide verifiable and trusted AI inference directly on the AO computer.
The technology combines Arweave's decentralized data storage with AO's super-parallel computing capabilities. By using tools like aos-llama, developers can load AI models (such as Llama) directly from data stored on Arweave and perform inference in a trust-minimized way. This ensures that the results of AI computations are reliable and transparent without relying on a centralized authority.
ArConnect Supports Subscription Management
The ArConnect wallet released a new solution for developers to integrate subscription services into their applications. It provides a comprehensive API and SDK, allowing for flexible subscription models, custom usage quotas, auto-renewal options, and payment history tracking.
This audited solution is suited for a variety of dApps, including SaaS platforms, content media sites, gaming, and e-commerce, helping them build recurring revenue models.
Arweave Philippines Development Tutorials
The Arweave Philippines community continued its educational efforts, hosting the fourth and fifth sessions of its development tutorial series. Led by Patrick Skinner, Chief Developer at Forward Research, the workshops focused on teaching participants how to build and deploy smart contracts on Arweave using JavaScript.
Strategic Collaborations and Integrations
RedStone and Cod3x Partner for Simplified DeFi
RedStone, a leading oracle provider, announced a collaboration with Cod3x. Cod3x builds user-friendly tools that simplify interaction with blockchain and DeFi protocols. The partnership will leverage RedStone's price feeds to power Cod3x's lightweight AI agent networks, which help users interpret commands and execute complex transactions.
Pace Studio Partners with ao Ventures
ao Ventures, an organization focused on incubating startups within the AO ecosystem, has partnered with Pace Studio. Pace Studio will provide design services, specifically creating pitch decks, for the startup teams selected by ao Ventures for their upcoming demo day. This initiative aims to improve the fundraising prospects for promising new projects.
RedStone Provides Feeds for Merlin Chain
RedStone also expanded its services to Merlin Chain, a Bitcoin Layer-2 solution. Merlin Chain integrates ZK-Rollup technology with a decentralized oracle network and on-chain fraud prevention mechanisms. RedStone will provide its price feed services for key assets on the chain, including $BTC, $MERL, and $solvBTC, using both push and pull models to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
Ecosystem Growth and Analytics
ArConnect User Base Grows to 40,000
The ArConnect wallet, a key gateway to the Arweave ecosystem, celebrated a significant milestone by surpassing 40,000 users. This growth highlights the increasing adoption of Arweave-based applications and the need for robust wallet infrastructure.
Permaswap Concludes Season 2 Liquidity Mining
The decentralized exchange Permaswap successfully concluded its second season of liquidity mining. The event distributed 30,000 $HALO tokens in rewards to 75 eligible liquidity providers. The top provider received a reward of 10,254 $HALO, incentivizing deep liquidity on the platform.
Messari Publishes In-Depth Report on AO
Analytics firm Messari published a comprehensive report titled "Arweave, AO, and AI — A Modular Framework with Flexible Security." The report explores how AO's modular architecture, which separates consensus from computation, creates a powerful and flexible environment for developers. It highlights AO's potential to drive demand for Arweave's permanent storage and its suitability for compute-intensive applications like AI and Large Language Models (LLMs).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total supply of the $AO token?
The $AO token will have a fixed total supply of 21 million tokens. It is designed with a halving mechanism that occurs every four years, controlling the emission rate of new tokens over time.
How can I participate in the AO network?
There are several ways to get involved. You can bridge assets to the network, hold $AR tokens, or actively participate by building applications, running processes, or providing liquidity. After the genesis block, you can explore more strategies for engagement.
What is a Trustless GPU?
A Trustless GPU is a decentralized computing solution that allows for verifiable AI inference. It ensures that the results of complex AI calculations performed on a GPU are accurate and trustworthy without needing to rely on a centralized service provider, paving the way for truly decentralized AI applications.
What is the purpose of the 0rbit POST feature?
The POST feature allows decentralized applications (dApps) on AO and Arweave to send data to external web servers, not just receive information from them. This greatly expands the types of off-chain interactions smart contracts can have, enabling more complex and useful applications.
How does ArConnect's subscription service work?
ArConnect provides developers with tools to easily implement subscription models in their dApps. Using its API, developers can set up recurring payments, manage user access levels, and handle billing automatically, all within a secure and user-friendly wallet environment.
What makes AO suitable for AI applications?
AO's super-parallel computing architecture allows it to handle the massive computational loads required by AI and machine learning. Its ability to run any virtual machine and verifiably trust results through systems like Trustless GPU makes it a unique platform for deploying decentralized AI. You can view real-time tools being built in this space.