TL;DR:
- We added Passkeys for secure authentication, improving UX. We also added new APIs, which enable new uses like smart wallets and biometrics
- The launch of the Brazilian REAL stablecoin on Stellaswap marks an era of Real World Assets (RWAs) on Moonbeam, increasing financial opportunities for the unbanked.
- We launched a points campaign for onchain users. The top participants can win GLMR and USD prizes for using Moonbeam DeFi protocols.
- The Graph (CIP) is coming to Moonbeam improving data indexing and querying.
- The winners of Rarible Illuminate Creativity were announced!
August was a busy month for Moonbeam. From Runtime 3100, which brought new features to the Moonbeam Network, to the Moonrise Campaign, which grew engagement within the ecosystem, an exciting recap awaits. Let's dive in!
Protocol Upgrades
Moonbeam Runtime Upgrade (RT3100)
First, a major upgrade passed through the OpenGov all in favor, kickstarting the Moonbeam upgrade called RT3100. This important upgrade brings new features to the network, such as passkeys which will unlock smart wallets. This means developers can now integrate cutting-edge authentication methods into their apps, making them more secure and user-friendly. We're also getting improvements to cross-chain functionality and some new APIs to make developers' lives easier regarding cost estimations for their dApps.
The upgrade opens doors for some seriously innovative use cases. We're discussing user-friendly dApp development, enhanced security with smart wallets, and even biometric authentication. It's not just tech talk either - these improvements will usher in new projects in the DePin, RWA, and Gaming spaces.
Read more on the upgrade in our latest blog.
Glacis Integration
As part of Moonbeam’s 2024 product roadmap, the team at Glacis integrated a universal cross-chain messaging platform without underlying dependencies. Glacis has a suit of tools for developers such as a single, fully audited SDK that handles cross-chain transport across various blockchains and the CrossChainHub which is a sophisticated visualization tool that monitors real-time insights into traffic and congestion across general messaging protocols (GMPs).
As noted by Moonbeam’s Founder and CEO Moonsong labs, Derek Yoo: Glacis does cross-chain bridging with minimal risks, which is an important factor for cross-chain communication protocols. While cross-chain messaging protocols have been a part of Moonbeam for a while, new teams such as Glacis offer added benefits as well as options for developers when building on Moonbeam.
The Graph Network Integration
Moonbeam has continued to partner with The Graph and completed the Chain Integration Process (CIP). This was a huge milestone for the Moonbeam Network and developers because it means better data indexing and querying services. Think faster, more reliable dApps and some seriously powerful data analysis tools. It's especially exciting for DeFi - we could see some next-level trading bots and yield optimizers coming to Moonbeam soon.
Read more about The Graph x Moonbeam.
Real World Asset (RWA) Innovation with Picnic - Brazilian REAL Live on Stellaswap
Local emerging markets have been a core focus at Moonbeam, and Brazil’s ambitious blockchain community has been building a lot of innovative consumer tools, like Picnic, to push the economy forward. Picnic is an exchange that allows consumers to build, manage and discover crypto portfolios in a single click. Built with Moonbeam, Picnic introduced the Brazilian Real stablecoin to provide seamless and cost-effective transactions for their users. In addition, the Brazilian stablecoin went live, kickstarting an era of RWAs and stablecoins on Moonbeam.
Moonrise Campaign
Did you hear about the Moonrise campaign? We kickstarted a points campaign for our on-chain community in early August, where you can collect points by interacting with Moonbeam DeFi protocols. The top 100 participants on the leaderboard win GLMR and USD prizes. Get involved!
Rarible x Moonbeam x The Hug- Winners Announced
NFTs are so back! It was amazing to announce and celebrate the winners of The Hug Rarible Illuminate Creativity Open Call! This initiative was dedicated to kickstarting the NFT community on Moonbeam by providing a platform for unique visions to shine. We received overwhelming support with over 300 submissions from artists worldwide! The winning NFTs can be found in our announcement blog, and they are also listed live on-chain! Snag one on the secondary market and stay tuned for more
Looking ahead in September
Meet us on the road! We're cooking up for some big events next month. First up, catch us at Token 2049 in Singapore - we'll be at the main venue, so come say hi! And don't forget about Polkadot Decoded - it's going to be a blast! Hope to see you there!
Interested in working with Moonbeam? Apply to the grants committee, watch how!