Starknet

Starknet's significant network upgrade v0.14.0 is now up for community vote. The upgrade introduces three major improvements: - **Decentralized sequencing**: Moving away from single-party control - **Faster transactions**: Sub-second pre-confirmations for enhanced user experience - **EIP-1559 style fee market**: Implementation of a more efficient fee structure The upgrade has already been successfully tested on testnet with multiple sequencers running consensus. This represents a crucial step toward network decentralization and improved performance. [Cast your vote here](https://governance.starknet.io/voting-proposals/9) [Read the full SNIP](https://github.com/starknet-io/SNIPs/blob/main/SNIPS/snip-30.md)

A significant DeFi development is coming to Starknet with a new perpetual DEX launching tomorrow. Built by former Revolut team members, it will introduce: - Leverage trading capabilities - Traditional finance asset pairs - Yield farming opportunities In other news: - Layer Akira adds 8 new tokens with $10k lottery campaign - RocketX now bridges ~180 chains to Starknet - Cartridge Controller adds Gmail login support - Byte Beasts integrates Worldcoin verification - New NFT collection Schizodio sells out in under 24 hours [Full weekly recap](https://starknetresearch.substack.com/p/starknet-roundup-182)

Starknet announces version 0.13.6, scheduled for Testnet on June 30 and Mainnet on July 8. This update lays groundwork for S-Two, StarkWare's next-gen STARK prover. Key improvements: - S-Two will cut proving time from 24 to 3 minutes for 2B L2 gas blocks - Proving costs expected to reduce by 50% or more - Resource counting enabled - Transaction costs and UX remain unchanged *Note*: Cairo Native temporarily disabled on Testnet, planned reintegration in Q3. [Full release notes](https://community.starknet.io/t/sn-v0-13-6-pre-release-notes/115680)

Asset Runes technology is enabling direct stablecoin trading on Bitcoin for the first time, eliminating the need for cross-chain bridges or wrapped tokens. The development is being implemented through @dot_swap's platform. - Trading is powered by an onchain orderbook - Features Full Mempool Protection - Currently in beta phase - Supports BTC to Rune swaps - Rune to BTC swaps being gradually implemented This marks a significant step toward native Bitcoin DeFi functionality without requiring users to leave the Bitcoin network.

Starknet is positioning itself as a unified development platform that allows builders to create applications that can leverage both Bitcoin and Ethereum networks simultaneously. Key ecosystem partners supporting development include: - OpenZeppelin - The Graph Protocol - Nethermind - OnlyDust - StarkWare - Starknet Foundation This cross-chain development capability represents a significant step toward blockchain interoperability, allowing developers to harness the unique strengths of both leading networks.

StarkWare has released a breakthrough research paper introducing ColliderVM, a new approach to scale Bitcoin that doesn't require OP_CAT. The technology enables stateful computation on Bitcoin without fraud proofs, potentially allowing Starknet to scale Bitcoin with or without OP_CAT implementation. In other key updates: - STRK staking v2 is now live on testnet with new validator parameters - DeFi Spring incentives launched for wBTC on Vesu - Braavos released a new Bitcoin vault product for bridging and yield generation - Multiple gaming projects advancing including Crimson Fate beta launch - Request Finance adds Starknet support for crypto/fiat operations

Starknet introduces Garaga SDK, enabling Noir developers to verify ZK proofs on Starknet without writing Cairo code. This collaboration between Aztec Network, StarkWare, and Starknet Foundation brings new capabilities: - Automatic generation of Cairo-based verifiers for Noir proofs - Simple two-step deployment process - Support for ZKML, L2/L3 appchains, and privacy-preserving dApps The integration expands Starknet's ZK toolkit and welcomes developers from multiple languages. Developers can now leverage Starknet's efficient proof verification while working in their preferred language. Learn more: [Noir on Starknet](https://www.starknet.io/blog/noir-on-starknet/)

Starknet's latest developments focus on two key areas: - Core developers held their 22nd full nodes meeting, discussing technical implementations and network improvements - Starknet Foundation released insights on integrating with Bitcoin and Ethereum, outlining their vision for cross-chain interoperability The foundation emphasizes building a robust digital infrastructure that connects major blockchain networks. This marks a significant step in Starknet's evolution as a layer-2 scaling solution. Technical discussions from the dev meeting centered on node operations and network stability improvements. [Watch the full dev meeting](https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1lDGLzbNQdZxm)

**Braavos mobile wallet** now enables instant real-world payments using STRK at Lightning Network-enabled vendors. The integration represents a significant step in blockchain usability: - Simple 3-step payment process: 1. Open Braavos app 2. Scan vendor QR code 3. Complete payment This development builds on Starknet's robust security features including: - Limited approval controls - Multi-factor authentication - Daily spending limits - Real-time fraud detection - Social recovery options [Learn more about the integration](https://www.starknet.io/blog/braavos-bitcoin-lightning-payments-strk/)

Starknet has reached impressive maturity levels: - 500 TPS capacity - $0.002 average gas fees - 2-sec transaction waiting time The ecosystem is expanding rapidly: - Hyperlane integration for improved bridging - BTC loans on Starknet via Lendasat - Upcoming DualVM Validity Rollup with Kakarot ZK-EVM - New DeFi dApp (@strkfarm) crosses $1M TVL Art Peace Round 2 was a success, showcasing network capabilities. *Note: This is not financial advice. Always DYOR.*