Starknet

Starknet continues to strengthen its position as Bitcoin's execution layer with several key developments: - **Cross-Chain Swaps**: Users can swap BTC ↔ STRK across chains via Xverse, or BTC to wBTC via Atomiq with zero slippage - **DeFi Integration**: wBTC now supported in DeFi Spring-incentivized vaults on Vesu and Nostra protocols - **Payment Solutions**: - STRK payments accepted at 15k+ Lightning Network vendors - Integration with Nostr for creator tipping - CashuBTC wallet funding directly from Starknet **Coming Soon**: - Bitcoin staking (Q3 2025) - Runes & BTC-native asset trading - Expanded Bitcoin-focused applications The ecosystem continues to grow with ~150k new users onboarded in just 2 weeks through Focus Tree.

The Starknet development team held their 26th Full Nodes call meeting, continuing their bi-weekly technical discussions. This follows their previous meeting (#25) from April 24th. Key points discussed: - Technical updates on full node implementations - Network performance metrics - Upcoming protocol improvements The regular cadence of these meetings demonstrates ongoing development activity in the Starknet ecosystem. Interested developers can review the full discussion at [Twitter/X Broadcast](https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1OdKrDgmzgpJX)

Starknet has significantly expanded its accessibility by integrating multiple wallet options: - **Discord login** now supported - **Major wallet integrations** including: - MetaMask (via Starknet Snap) - Rabby - WalletConnect These additions streamline user access to Starknet's ecosystem, reducing entry barriers. MetaMask users can particularly benefit from seamless AVNU integration, allowing them to explore Starknet innovations through their preferred wallet. *More social login options are in development.*

**Pistol**, a new protocol for settling disputes on-chain, has officially launched on mainnet. The platform aims to provide a structured mechanism for resolving conflicts between parties, drawing inspiration from traditional dispute resolution methods. - Protocol went live on May 7th, 2025 - Designed to handle peer-to-peer disagreements - Follows earlier testnet phase from November 2024 *Note: This is a protocol for dispute resolution, not actual weapons or violence.* Users can now access the platform to settle disagreements through smart contract mechanisms.

Account Abstraction (AA) has achieved full implementation across the Ethereum ecosystem, marking a significant advancement in blockchain usability. - **Key Features Now Available**: - Single-transaction bundling for multiple actions - Custom security rule configuration - Account recovery options - Alternative gas fee payment methods - Third-party gas fee coverage *Previously exclusive to Starknet*, these UX improvements are now accessible to all Ethereum users. This development simplifies blockchain interactions while maintaining security standards. The upgrade eliminates the need for ETH holdings for gas fees and enables multi-action transactions in one click.

StarkPay has unveiled a comprehensive payment infrastructure built on the SN Stack, marking a significant development in blockchain payment solutions. Key features include: - **Private and secure** payment processing - **Self-custody** capabilities - **Chain and wallet abstraction** for seamless transactions The platform leverages StarkWare's technology, which enables developers to create purpose-specific blockchains. This builds upon the SN Stack's earlier developments from January 2025, expanding its application into payment systems. *The integration aims to simplify blockchain payments while maintaining security and privacy standards.*

**Realms Eternum Season 1** is launching with significant upgrades from Season 0: - Improved onboarding experience - Two new player modes - Integration with Daydream AI agents - Enhanced UX improvements - $40K prize pool **Key Dates:** - Season Pass mint: Currently live - May 7: Settling phase begins (scouting/prep) - May 14: Empire phase starts (full gameplay) **Resources:** - Test version available at [next-eternum.realms.world](https://next-eternum.realms.world) - Comprehensive guide by @lordcumberlord - Season Pass mint at [Twitter announcement](https://x.com/RealmsEternum/status/1917679943804191165) *Get ready to compete in this Civilization x Age of Empires-style onchain strategy game.*

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/)