Layer 2

Upbit, South Korea’s largest crypto exchange by volume, has officially unveiled plans for its proprietary Ethereum Layer-2 network, GIWA, a major leap beyond pure exchange operations and a clear signal that Korean Web3 infrastructure ambitions are heating up.

Kinto Network is shutting down after a $1.55 million hack and failed recovery efforts, causing its token to drop over 80%. Founder Ramón Recuero will return some funds to affected users, but the project could not sustain operations.

Vitalik Buterin urged developers to simplify Ethereum Layer 2 networks by using Ethereum’s base layer for security and consensus. He said projects should stop rebuilding features Ethereum already provides and focus only on processing and verifying transactions.

Crypto exchange Kraken is inviting its community to help name the new mascot for Ink, its Ethereum Layer 2 network.

Mihailo Bjelic’s exit marks the third Polygon co-founder to leave in two years, sparking concerns about leadership stability and the protocol’s long-term direction.

Ethereum R1 launched as a new layer-2 solution without a token or central control, aiming to keep Ethereum scaling neutral and decentralised. It runs on donations and has sparked debate about whether token-free models could shape the future of Ethereum’s ecosystem.

MetaMask’s new self-custody crypto card backed by Mastercard and launched in partnership with CompoSecure and Baanx, enters a market already crowded with offerings from major centralised exchanges. Can it carve out a niche in an increasingly competitive landscape?

USDC payments are now available on Sony's Singapore online store, with the company suggesting that additional cryptocurrencies may be introduced in the future.

Hamster Network’s Layer-2 blockchain, once outpacing Solana, saw a 99.9% transaction drop in two weeks. Analysts link its surge to airdrop hype, with engagement fading post-incentives. Is its early success sustainable or just a fleeting spike?

Sony’s blockchain subsidiary, Soneium, has partnered with Line to introduce Web3-enabled mini-games to Line’s 200 million users. The collaboration aims to make blockchain gaming more accessible and integrate Web3 experiences into Line’s popular platform.