The Cross-Chain Roundup #34

Week Roundup (July 10 – July 16, 2023)

Jul 17, 2023

Let's dive into the world of cross-chain technology together in this edition of The Cross-Chain Roundup Newsletter as we bring you the most exciting news and advancements as well as the latest updates and developments from the cross-chain ecosystem. From collaborations empowering developers to new features enhancing on-chain insights, the cross-chain ecosystem continues to evolve and expand, unlocking new possibilities for blockchain developers and users alike.

📰 Cross-Chain Updates

OAK & Turing Network Collaborate to Enable Transaction Automation for Moonriver Developers.

Moonbeam, the leading cross-chain application platform, has announced the integration of Moonriver with Turing Network, powered by OAK, facilitating seamless cross-chain token transfers and automated transactions. This milestone is achieved through the cross-consensus messaging (XCM) integration, enabling Moonriver developers to access transaction automation capabilities. By connecting Moonriver to Turing, developers gain access to real-world use cases within the ecosystem. Turing and OAK Network bring specialized functionality, leveraging the design of Polkadot and Kusama, to enable multi-chain apps across different blockchains to automate transactions and smart contracts. The XCM integration further expands the reach and possibilities of OAK's automation capabilities.

Safe{Core} v1.4.1 Update Enables Support for ERC-4337 Integrations, Empowering Developers on Gnosis Chain.

Safe, a leading provider of account abstraction solutions, has released the highly anticipated Safe{Core} v1.4.1 update, now supporting ERC-4337 integrations. This update offers developers enhanced capabilities within the account abstraction stack, enabling them to leverage the benefits of account abstraction while maintaining flexibility and security. Developers working with Safe{Core} now have increased flexibility in choosing preferred relayer technologies or building their relay modules, thanks to the support for ERC-4337 integrations in the v1.4.1 update.

Celo Blockchain Proposes Transition to Ethereum Layer-2, Strengthening Cross-Chain Integration.

In a recent proposal, cLabs, the organization behind Celo blockchain, has outlined plans to return to the Ethereum ecosystem by transitioning to an Ethereum layer-2 (L2) solution. The proposal aims to leverage the OP Stack architecture, enabling Celo to become an Ethereum L2 blockchain and fostering seamless interoperability with the Ethereum ecosystem. This move would eliminate the need for monitoring tooling and library composability, allowing Celo developers to fully utilize Ethereum's extensive tooling and libraries. The transition includes the implementation of an off-chain data availability layer operated by Ethereum node operators and protected by restaked Ether (ETH), while current validators would be transformed into decentralized sequencers for the L2. This strategic shift is expected to enhance security, maintain low gas fees, and facilitate greater liquidity flow between Celo and other chains, ultimately strengthening Celo's position in the cross-chain landscape.

cLabs Introduces SocialConnect to Simplify P2P Transfers and Enhance User Experience.

cLabs, the team behind Celo, has announced the launch of SocialConnect, a groundbreaking feature that enables cross-wallet connections using familiar identifiers like phone numbers and emails. With SocialConnect, users can easily transfer funds between wallets without the need to recite public keys, streamlining the P2P transfer process. This innovative solution brings front-end simplicity and privacy to complement the powerful backend of Web3 technology. By prioritizing user-friendly interactions and account abstraction, cLabs aims to make P2P transfers seamless and secure, enhancing the overall user experience. SocialConnect has already been integrated with several wallets, including Node Finance, Kaala, Libera, and Valora, with plans for further expansion in the future. Developers and enthusiasts can get involved with SocialConnect and ODIS (Oblivious Decentralized Identifier Service) by participating in learning sessions and building projects at events like ETHCC and home through the SocialConnect website.

HopProtocol Integrates with Arbitrum Nova, Expands Cross-Chain Compatibility for $ETH and $MAGIC Tokens.

HopProtocol, a leading bridging solution, has announced its integration with Arbitrum Nova, enabling seamless cross-chain transfers for $ETH and $MAGIC tokens. Nova, known for its ultra-low transaction costs and high security, provides new opportunities for use cases like gaming and social projects that were previously limited to other chains. The partnership specifically benefits the Treasure DAO community, allowing gamers, creators, and developers to leverage Nova for even cheaper transactions and unlock new experiences. With the integration live, the expectation is to witness the growth of games and NFTs within the Treasure ecosystem. The collaboration between the Treasure and Hop communities further strengthens the future of on-chain gaming.

Uniswap Launches on Avalanche, Expanding its Reach.

Uniswap Labs, the renowned decentralized exchange (DEX) with a total value locked (TVL) of over $3.7 billion, has announced its integration with the Avalanche network. This latest expansion allows users to seamlessly swap their favorite Avalanche tokens on the Uniswap website, providing enhanced accessibility and liquidity to the Avalanche ecosystem. By embracing the Avalanche network, Uniswap Labs continues to pave the way for cross-chain interoperability and drives the adoption of decentralized finance across multiple blockchain platforms.

7. Staking Rewards Hosts Staking Summit 2023, Uniting Proof of Stake Contributors in Istanbul.

Staking Rewards is set to host the Staking Summit 2023, a two-day conference taking place on November 10th and 11th in Istanbul, Turkey. With an exclusive focus on the staking industry, the event will gather renowned speakers, including Martin Köppelmann, Anton Bukov, and Alison Mangiero, providing attendees with a unique opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing. As the world's largest staking-focused event, the Staking Summit 2023 promises to be an exceptional experience for Proof of Stake contributors seeking to collaborate and stay informed on the latest developments in the industry.

8. Skeleton Finance Integrates Axelar for Cross-Chain Support, Introducing New Assets on Fantom.

Exciting news for Skeleton Finance users as the platform, powered by Mummy, announces its integration with Axelar for seamless cross-chain support. This integration opens up a world of possibilities as new assets, including $USDC, $USDT, $WETH, and $WBTC, are set to arrive on the Skeleton platform on the Fantom network. The upcoming release of Mummy v2 promises an epic unveiling, packed with mind-blowing features that will further enhance the user experience. With this development, Skeleton Finance users can look forward to expanded asset options and increased functionality, solidifying its position as a leading platform on the Fantom blockchain.