Called zkCandy, the zkSync ecosystem's new hyperchain will integrate gaming and AI tools and resources to unlock next-generation experiences in the GameFi sector. This and more news can be found in this handy daily digest so you're always up to date with the latest developments in the crypto world.
zkCandy, the new hyperchain on zkSync from Matter Labs
📍zkCandy is one of the first hyperchains introduced by Matter Labs developers, after Gravity. The strategic collaboration between Matter Labs and Asian game developer iCandy will result in a new hyperchain that will join the zkSync hyperchain ecosystem, the Ethereum scalability solution based on zero-knowledge (ZK) technology.
zkCandy will be a new layer 2 blockchain specialized in gaming and entertainment, with which Matter Labs and iCandy seek to build a next-generation environment tailored to the specific needs of GameFi and AI.
SEC delays Ethereum spot ETFs
📍The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided to postpone its decision on Ethereum spot ETFs, to have sufficient time to consider the issues raised in these funds. This was stated by the securities regulator, in a release published on Thursday, notifying that the decision on Fidelity Investments' proposed Ethereum spot ETF has been postponed.
Fidelity has requested approval for the listing of an Ethereum-based spot ETF, citing the Court of Appeals' ruling in favor of Grayscale last year that there was no logic to the SEC's actions in refusing to list cryptocurrency spot ETFs when it had approved similar products in the past, such as ETFs based on Bitcoin and Ethereum futures.
Considering this court ruling, the SEC ended up approving Bitcoin spot ETFs on January 10, although assured that the authorization of these investment products should not be interpreted as the regulator's desire to approve similar products based on other cryptocurrencies that are considered securities.
Core Scientific restructuring begins
📍Bitcoin mining company Core Scientific is emerging from bankruptcy after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has reportedly approved Core Scientific's restructuring plan, which is focused on boosting the company's recovery and repaying all of its debt.
Bloomberg noted that, with this restructuring plan, shareholders would receive, by the end of this month, around 60% of the company's new capital.
Core Scientific’s turnaround stands in contrast to the fate of other crypto companies affected by the 2022 bear market, including Three Arrows Capital and BlockFi Inc., which also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The NHL launches an NFT experience
📍The National Hockey League, the world's leading professional ice hockey league, has partnered with Theta Labs to offer fans a new Web3 experience. The goal of this partnership is to integrate Web3 technology and innovation to “captivate a global fan base by offering unique virtual interactions that connect fans from every corner of the world to the high-energy action of NHL hockey.”
Theta Labs and the NHL will launch a collection of free NFTs for fans, which will unlock access to tickets to Knights games. Fans will also be able to earn autographed memorabilia from top players and exclusive VIP moments, such as the opportunity to take photos on the ice with players and the chance to join press conferences. NFTs will also unlock access to a private viewing room, where only 75 fans will be invited to create extraordinary memories with their favorite players, reported the professional league.
NFTs have been reinventing sports fan engagement and connection, enabling the creation of new, exclusive and authentic digital and real-world experiences.
Near recorded strong growth in UAW in 2023
📍Near Protocol grew by over 1.900% in 2023, in terms of new unique active wallets (UAW). This is revealed in a report published by DappRadar on the state of the crypto industry in general, which highlights Near as the fastest-growing smart contract platform last year, even ahead of Ethereum.
According to the report, Klaytn and Arbitrum were the next fastest-growing blockchains in terms of new user wallet creation, or UAW. Each of these blockchain networks recorded increases of over 600% year-over-year, the platform said.
Other major smart contract blockchains, including Harmony, Solana, Ethereum and Hive, saw a notable drop in user interest, DappRadar said.
Continue reading: Conflux Announces EVM-Compatible Bitcoin L2 Solution
IMPORTANT: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and, in no case, what is written here should be taken as investment advice or recommendations. Bit2Me News reminds you that before making any investment you should educate yourself and know where you invest your money, as well as the pros and cons of the system. We separate ourselves from the actions and consequences that ignorance may entail. If you decide to invest in this or another asset class, you are solely responsible for the consequences that your decisions and actions may have.
