In this recap of the crypto world, let us explore the events and news that had the most significant impact in the past week. Our focus will be on the following developments:
● Solana Mobile Announces ‘Chapter 2’ of the Solana Phone
● Yuga Labs Unveils “Dookey Dash Unclogged”
● SEC vs Coinbase Trial
● Nifty Island Launches Open Beta of its Game
● Donald Trump Announces His Ordinals Collection
Solana Mobile Announces ‘Chapter 2’ of the Solana Phone
Solana Labs has recently revealed its latest innovation—the Saga Chapter Two. This cutting-edge device marks the sequel to the highly successful Saga phone, and its announcement has already sent waves of anticipation through the Web3 community. Pre-orders are currently open and the price is set at $450, with shipping expected to commence in 2025.
While the detailed technical specifications of the Chapter Two device remain undisclosed at this stage, it is anticipated to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, positioning itself as an Android-based smartphone uniquely crafted for the Solana blockchain and its ecosystem. What sets this device apart is its integration of a built-in crypto wallet optimized for Solana, allowing users seamless interaction with SOL tokens—be it storing, sending, receiving, or engaging with DApps developed on the Solana blockchain.
One of the key features that has stirred interest in the Web3 community is the gamified rewards system introduced by Solana Mobile for the pre-order phase. Although the specific details of these rewards are yet to be unveiled, the incorporation of referral links and a leaderboard adds an exciting twist to the pre-order process. Essentially, by leveraging a referral link, users can potentially advance their positions on the leaderboard, with the promise of qualifying for enhanced rewards. This strategy aims to encourage early adoption and amplify the excitement surrounding the launch.
The launch has been very successful so far, evident from the overwhelming response to pre-orders. Within the first 24 hours of its announcement, Solana Mobile received an astounding 25,000 pre-orders. The momentum continued to build, reaching 30,000 units within the first 30 hours. This surge in demand not only underscores the popularity of the Solana ecosystem but also signals a growing appetite for blockchain-integrated mobile devices. Read more on this here.
Yuga Labs Unveils “Dookey Dash Unclogged”
In a strategic move aimed at expanding its gaming community, Yuga Labs has announced the revival of its popular Dookey Dash video game, now in collaboration with game studio Faraway, presenting the all-new and free-to-play “Unclogged” edition. This ambitious launch opens the doors to a broader audience while still offering token rewards for NFT holders.
The original Dookey Dash, introduced in early 2023, gained immense popularity as an endless runner game set in the intriguing backdrop of a sewer. Players took control of an ape on a vehicle, navigating obstacles in a quest to achieve the highest score possible. Now, with the rebooted Dookey Dash Unclogged, Yuga Labs is taking the gaming experience to new heights by making it accessible across various platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows, eliminating the previous web browser exclusivity.
The game promises a fresh experience with new character skins, vehicles, and a leaderboard system, enhancing the competitive aspect of Dookey Dash Unclogged. Additionally, in-game items will be available for purchase, offering players a chance to customize and personalize their gaming adventures. Read more on this here.
SEC vs Coinbase Trial
In a legal showdown that could reshape the regulatory framework for cryptocurrency, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, have entered the ring. The SEC filed a lawsuit against Coinbase in July 2022, alleging that the platform permitted the trading of digital tokens classified as securities without proper registration. As the first hearing unfolded this week, Coinbase aimed to secure a dismissal of the lawsuit, challenging the SEC’s authority to regulate cryptocurrencies in this manner.
The SEC’s argument hinges on the assertion that Coinbase facilitated the trading of 13 digital assets that should have undergone registration as securities. In response, Coinbase has taken a firm stance, disputing the SEC’s authority to impose such regulations on the dynamic and evolving world of cryptocurrencies.
The courtroom drama unfolded with New York District Judge Katherine Polk Failla taking a critical role in examining the SEC’s position. Judge Failla raised a pivotal concern regarding the SEC’s definition of securities, questioning whether it was overly broad or outdated.
For now, the crypto community is awaiting the judge’s ruling on Coinbase’s motion to dismiss. The decision will not only determine the fate of this specific case but could set a precedent for how regulatory bodies approach the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies. Read the latest developments on this here.
Nifty Island Launches Open Beta of its Game
Nifty Island, an engaging multiplayer game incorporating NFTs, has officially entered its open-beta phase this week. Players are now able to embody their NFT avatars, participate in activities with communities they care about and access exclusive in-game experiences. The game is downloadable on Windows or Mac computers, and users can log in through a crypto wallet, email address, or Discord account.
Once inside the 3D environment of Nifty Island, players can embark on quests, enjoy socializing with friends, and unleash real-time creativity. Similar to the user-generated content (UGC) modes found in gaming giants like Roblox and Fortnite, Nifty Island empowers players to personalize their gaming experience by offering tools for customization, building, adding, and sculpting within their virtual surroundings.
A noteworthy feature elevating Nifty Island’s allure is its collaboration with over 120 NFT collections. This collaboration extends beyond mere aesthetics, as the game integrates characters and brands from these collections to craft avatars and buildings within its digital environment.
Furthermore, as reported by Decrypt, Nifty Island has already captured the attention of crypto gaming enthusiasts, drawing them in with the promise of a future airdrop. The allure of exclusive rewards and a thriving community has contributed to the game’s rapid ascent within the crypto gaming space.
Donald Trump Announces His Ordinals Collection
In a surprising development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the launch of his latest NFT collection, set to be minted on the Bitcoin blockchain using Ordinals inscriptions.
As mentioned in the tweet, 200 Trump Trading Card Collectibles from the Trump MugShot Edition collection are slated to be inscribed on the Bitcoin blockchain. These inscriptions will later become available on Magic Eden, with the exact release date yet to be disclosed.
To be eligible to acquire one of these rare artifacts, you must be among the first two hundred people to purchase 100 Trump MugShot NFTs in a single transaction. All 200 buyers will then receive an exclusive “one-of-one” inscription upon its creation. However, it is important to highlight that all MugShot Edition Trump Digital Trading Cards cannot be transferred until December 31, 2024.
