Ethereum

**Fileverse** launches as a decentralized file-sharing and collaboration protocol built on Ethereum. The platform gives users complete control over: - Document ownership and permissions - Access management - File sharing without intermediaries **Key features:** - Open collaboration tools - Privacy-focused design - Censorship-resistant infrastructure Fileverse positions itself as an alternative to centralized services like Google Drive or Notion, leveraging blockchain technology to ensure users maintain sovereignty over their data and collaborative workflows.

The **Holesky testnet** has reached its planned end-of-life date and will be sunset shortly. **Key Timeline:** - Validator nodes will shut down 2 weeks after the Fusaka upgrade finalizes - This follows the previous shutdown of the Goerli testnet in 2023 **What This Means:** - Developers who relied on Holesky for testing will need to migrate to alternative testnets - The shutdown is part of Ethereum's planned testnet lifecycle management - New testnets typically replace older ones to maintain testing infrastructure **Background:** Holesky was launched as a replacement for the Goerli testnet, providing developers with a testing environment for protocols and smart contracts before mainnet deployment. Developers should prepare for the transition and identify alternative testing environments for their projects.

The Ethereum Foundation's Protocol team has released an update on their **Improve UX** strategic initiative, one of three key focus areas alongside Scale L1 and Scale blobs. This follows previous updates on: - L1 scaling improvements - Blob scaling approach for enhanced data availability - Protocol team reorganization announced in June The UX track aims to make Ethereum more accessible and user-friendly while maintaining the network's security standards. This represents part of the Foundation's broader effort to align research and development teams around core strategic goals. The initiative builds on months of focused work since the Protocol reorganization was first introduced.

The **Ethereum Foundation's Grants Program**, launched in 2018, has transformed into the **Ecosystem Support Program (ESP)**. The ESP provides: - Grants to builders strengthening the Ethereum ecosystem - Ongoing support for developers and projects - Resources aimed at long-term ecosystem impact This evolution represents the Foundation's **commitment to optimizing** how community resources are invested for maximum benefit to the Ethereum network and its applications. The program continues to be an *experimental approach* to funding, with continuous improvements based on ecosystem needs and feedback from the developer community.

**Farcaster** is a decentralized social protocol built on Ethereum that enables developers to create social applications where users maintain ownership of their data, identity, and social connections. Key features: - **User ownership** of personal data and social graph - **Portable identity** across different applications - **Censorship-resistant** social networking - **Open protocol** allowing multiple apps to be built on top The protocol leverages blockchain technology to create a framework for building social media applications that prioritize user control and data sovereignty over traditional centralized platforms.

**Key Ethereum Developments:** - Pectra upgrade live with smart account features and 2x L2 capacity - Stripe launches stablecoin accounts in 101 countries - Uniswap reaches $3T all-time swap volume - Multiple L2s reach Stage 1: Base, Kinto, Scroll, and Starknet **Technical Achievements:** - ZKSync achieves full EVM equivalence - SuccinctLabs/RiscZero reduces block proving to 12s - Aztec launches public testnet for private L2 **Adoption Highlights:** - Coinbase integrates Farcaster social - AAVE partners with ANT for RWA marketplace - WorldID verifies 12.5M humans on L2 - MorphoLabs hits $1B TVL on Base

Microsoft Fabric users can now access Ethereum blockchain data through Space and Time's integration. This development marks a significant step in enterprise blockchain adoption. - The integration enables direct querying of Ethereum on-chain data - Space and Time, operating on ZKsync Chain, provides ZK-verified data - Enterprise users can now access trustless, queryable blockchain data for business analytics This collaboration bridges the gap between traditional enterprise systems and blockchain technology, making Web3 data more accessible to mainstream businesses.

A new 'Checkpoint' series has been introduced to provide condensed updates from Ethereum's weekly All Core Developer calls. - Series will cover 4-5 calls per update - Focus on high-level development progress - Aims to make technical discussions more accessible The initiative comes as Ethereum continues to evolve, with recent discussions including the Dencun upgrade coordination among core developers. *Follow the Checkpoint series to stay informed about Ethereum's technical development without getting overwhelmed by weekly details.*

The Ethereum Foundation emphasizes its dedication to treating information as a public good, highlighting two key initiatives: - **Research Grant Program**: Launched in 2022 to support academic research and knowledge sharing - **Next Billion Fellowship**: Focuses on documenting community impact stories and technological accessibility These programs align with the Foundation's core mission of keeping technology open and accessible while fostering community-driven development. *Learn more about ongoing research opportunities and fellowship applications through the Ethereum Foundation portal.*

Mulenga Kapwepwe, founder of the Women's History Museum of Zambia, initiated discussions with local tech experts about blockchain's potential role in cultural preservation. This exploration follows a growing trend of African cultural institutions seeking innovative technological solutions. The initiative connects with other regional movements like Bitcoin Dada in Kenya, which focuses on empowering African women in blockchain technology. Key points: - Museum founder exploring blockchain for heritage preservation - Local tech community engaged in discussions - Part of broader African tech adoption movement *This intersection of traditional cultural preservation and blockchain technology represents an emerging trend in African heritage institutions.*