Distributed networks are systems in which each node (computer or device) communicates directly with each other and shares data and resources, without relying on a central server. This structure improves fault tolerance and transparency, and is being applied in a variety of fields. Below are some specific examples.
File Sharing
BitTorrent is a file sharing protocol that uses a distributed network. It divides files into small parts and shares them between multiple users, allowing files to be distributed efficiently and quickly.
Main features:
Distributed file sharing: By sharing files directly between users without relying on a central server, efficient data transfer is achieved.
High-speed downloads: By dividing files into multiple parts and downloading them simultaneously from multiple users, speed is improved.
Efficient use of bandwidth: Users who are downloading can also upload to other users, so the bandwidth of the entire network can be used effectively.
Cloud storage
IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a decentralised file system that stores data on multiple nodes. This improves data fault tolerance and access speed.
Specific examples of cloud storage
Filecoin: Filecoin is a decentralised storage network based on IPFS. Users can earn rewards by providing excess storage, and data is stored and retrieved in a decentralised manner.
Storj: Storj is a decentralised cloud storage platform that encrypts and stores data in a decentralised manner. This enhances data privacy and security.
Decentralised Applications (dApps)
Applications that use decentralised networks operate without relying on a central server. For example,Uniswap is a decentralised exchange (DEX) that allows users to exchange cryptocurrencies without going through a central administrator.
Main features of dApps:
No central administrator: Unlike traditional applications, which are managed and operated by companies and organisations, dApps operate on blockchains and do not have a specific administrator.
Open source: The source code for many dApps is publicly available, so anyone can check and improve it.
Token utilisation: They have their own cryptocurrency (tokens), which users can use to receive services or earn rewards.
Smart contract utilisation: This is a system that automatically executes contracts when conditions are met, enabling highly reliable transactions.
Applications of Blockchain
Blockchain technology is also being widely applied in fields other than finance. Here are some specific examples
Supply chain management
IBM Food Trust is a system that uses blockchain to manage the supply chain for food products. This allows the entire process from food production to consumption to be tracked, improving transparency and reliability.
Digital identity
Sovrin is a digital identity management system that uses blockchain. It allows personal information to be managed securely, making it easy to verify a person’s identity online.
Medical record management
MedRec is a system that uses blockchain to manage medical records. It allows for the safe sharing of patient medical data and maintains consistency of information between medical institutions.
Latest Technology Trends for 2024.
Blockchain and distributed network technologies are evolving every day. Here we introduce the latest technology trends.
Improving Scalability
Technologies are being developed to improve the scalability of blockchains. For example, Ethereum 2.0 aims to significantly improve transaction processing capacity by introducing a technology called sharding.
Interoperability (cross-chain)
There is a lot of interest in technologies that improve interoperability between different blockchains. For example, Polkadot is a platform that connects different blockchains and enables the exchange of data and value. In addition,Chainlink provides an oracle network that allows smart contracts to access external data, enabling data collaboration between different blockchains.
Strengthening security
Research is being carried out to strengthen the security of blockchains. For example, zero-knowledge proofs are a technology that proves the legitimacy of transactions without disclosing the details of the transaction, and aims to achieve both privacy protection and security.
Specific examples of zero-knowledge proofs
Zcash: Zcash is a cryptocurrency that uses zero-knowledge proofs to protect the privacy of transactions. Users can prove that a transaction is legitimate without disclosing the details of the transaction.
zk-SNARKs: zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge) is a type of zero-knowledge proof that is also used as a privacy enhancement function for Ethereum. This makes it possible to protect privacy even when executing smart contracts.
Summary
Distributed networks and blockchains are being applied in a wide range of fields, and new possibilities are opening up as the technology evolves. By understanding these technologies and keeping up with the latest trends, you can play an important role in the digital society of the future.
Technology that can change people’s lives is being developed even now! Let’s make use of it in our daily lives and enrich our lives!
A distributed network is a network in which data and resources are not concentrated in one place, but are distributed across multiple computers (nodes). This makes the entire system more robust and reliable.
Features and specific examples
Redundancy
Data is stored in multiple locations, so it is less likely to be lost even if a fault occurs. For example, cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox ensure data security by storing data on multiple servers.
Scalability
The capacity and performance of the network can be easily expanded by adding new nodes. For example, Netflix uses servers distributed around the world to deliver videos, and can respond smoothly even when the number of users increases.
Security
It becomes difficult for attackers to control the entire system. For example, BitTorrent divides files into small parts and shares them among multiple users, preventing attacks on the central server.
What is a blockchain?
A blockchain is a type of distributed network that groups transaction data into units called blocks and links them together in a chain. Each block contains the hash value of the previous block, making it extremely difficult to tamper with.
Features and specific examples
Transparency
All transactions are public and can be verified by anyone, making it easier to detect fraudulent activity. For example, the Bitcoin transaction history is highly transparent because anyone can check it.
Invariance
Once recorded, data cannot be changed, so data reliability is increased. For example, recording land ownership on the blockchain prevents fraudulent rewriting.
Decentralisation
There is no central administrator, and data is managed across the entire network, which improves system reliability. For example, Ethereum automates contracts without a central administrator by executing smart contracts on a decentralised network.
How a blockchain works
The flow in which blockchain functions
Transaction generation: A user generates a transaction, for example, when sending Bitcoin.
Transaction verification: Nodes in the network verify the legitimacy of transactions. This confirms that the transaction is legitimate. For example, Bitcoin miners verify transactions.
Block generation: Verified transactions are grouped together into blocks. Multiple transactions are collected into one block. For example, new transactions are added to a Bitcoin block approximately every 10 minutes.
Adding a block: A new block is added to the existing chain, which allows the history of transactions to be recorded continuously. For example, a new Bitcoin block is added to the chain.
Updating the chain: The new chain is shared across the network, which allows all nodes to have the latest information about transactions. For example, all Bitcoin nodes receive the new block and update their chains.
Applications of the blockchain
Areas where blockchain technology is being applied
Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. This enables transactions to be carried out without the need for a central bank. For example, you can use Bitcoin to make international money transfers.
Smart contracts: Contracts that are automatically executed. For example, a contract that automatically makes a payment when certain conditions are met. Ethereum smart contracts are used for things like automatic insurance payments.
Supply chain management: Improved transparency and traceability of logistics. You can track where goods come from and how they are distributed. For example, IBM‘s Food Trust manages the food supply chain using blockchain.
Digital identity: Secure management of personal information. It is possible to securely manage personal data and prevent unauthorised access. For example, a digital ID system using blockchain can easily verify the identity of a person when opening a bank account or using online services.
Summary
Distributed networks and blockchain are important technologies in today’s digital society. Understanding the basics of these technologies will help you to understand more advanced applications and technological developments.
And that’s the end of our beginner’s guide to blockchain and distributed networks.
Thank you for reading!
Please look forward to our next instalment of applied knowledge!
Explaining the differences between the blockchain Polygon and Hedera Hashgraph! Beginner’s guide!
Blockchain technology is being used in a variety of fields, and of these, the Polygon blockchain (hereafter referred to as Polygon) and Hedera Hashgraph (hereafter referred to as Hedera) are particularly noteworthy. Here, we will compare Polygon and Hedera and take a closer look at their respective features and advantages.
Network name
Polygon
Hedera
Overview
A sidechain that solves Ethereum’s scalability issues,
a platform that uses its own distributed ledger technology, Hashgraph. It enables the development of high-performance distributed applications (DApps) using a different approach to blockchain.
Layer
Layer 2
Layer 1
Smart contracts
Provides an Ethereum environment through compatibility with Ethereum
Provides smart contract functionality, allowing developers to build DApps using languages such as Solidity
Security
Proof of Stake (PoS) ensures that token holders maintain the legitimacy of transactions.
It uses asynchronous Byzantine fault tolerance (aBFT), ensuring high speed and security. Even if some nodes in the network are acting fraudulently, this protocol ensures that the overall consensus is not affected.
Ecosystem
DeFi, NFT, DApps, etc.
Used in a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, supply chains, and gaming
Google, IBM, Boeing, Nomura Holdings, Deutsche Telekom, DLA Piper, Hitachi, etc.
Projects in use
Aave, Sushiswap, Decentraland, OpenSea, etc.
Earthlings.land, Karate Combat,Avery Dennison ,Hashly ,VidChat ,Stray ,sentx,AID:Tech, etc.
Quantum resistance
Not implemented (under consideration for implementation)
Not implemented (under consideration for implementation)
Consensus algorithm
Proof of Stake (PoS)
Hedera has its own ‘Hashgraph’ consensus algorithm
Maximum TPS (theoretical value)
649 TPS (65,000 TPS)
10,000 TPS
Maximum TPS (actual measured value)
429 TPS
3,302 TPS
Fee per TPS
$0.015
$0.0001
Energy efficiency
–
0.000003 kWh per transaction
Launch Date
May 30, 2020
Sep 16, 2019
What is the difference between a polygon and a Hedera? List of features!
Features and benefits of Polygon and Hedera
Polygon
Overview: Polygon is a sidechain designed to solve Ethereum’s scalability problem. It provides low-cost, high-speed transactions and is fully compatible with the Ethereum ecosystem.
Features:
Fully compatible with Ethereum
Polygon is fully compatible with Ethereum, making it easy to migrate existing Ethereum DApps (decentralised applications). This allows developers to take advantage of Polygon while still being able to use the Ethereum ecosystem. Specifically, the following points can be mentioned
Smart contract compatibility: Polygon is fully compatible with Ethereum smart contracts, so existing contracts can be used without modification.
Development tool compatibility: Developers can use the same development tools as those used for Ethereum (e.g. Truffle, Remix, MetaMask, etc.) on Polygon.
Improved user experience: Users can use their Ethereum wallets and DApps as they are, reducing the cost of learning and migration.
Bridge Function (Cross-Chain Function)
Polygon’s bridge function is an important tool for moving assets between different blockchains. It has the following features
Cross-chain bridge: The Polygon bridge is a cross-chain bridge developed to connect Polygon with other blockchains (such as Binance Smart Chain and Avalanche). This allows users to easily move assets between different blockchains.
Binance Smart Chain (BSC) Integration: The Polygon Bridge allows users to move assets on BSC to Polygon. For example, by bridging BEP-20 tokens on BSC to the Polygon network, it becomes possible to trade and use DApps on Polygon.
Avalanche integration: Avalanche is known as a fast and low-cost blockchain. Using the Polygon bridge, you can move assets on Avalanche to Polygon. This allows you to access the Polygon ecosystem while taking advantage of Avalanche.
Simple operation: To use the bridge function, you can easily move assets using a wallet such as MetaMask. Specifically, you can add the Polygon network to MetaMask and use tools such as Matic Web Wallet V2 to perform the bridge operation.
Low-cost and fast transactions: Using the Polygon bridge allows you to avoid the high gas fees of Ethereum and perform low-cost, fast transactions. This allows users to move assets efficiently while keeping costs down.
Security: The Polygon bridge provides high security and reliability, ensuring the safe transfer of crypto assets.
Transaction speed
There is a difference of opinion regarding the TPS of Polygon. The official TPS is 65,000, but according to ‘chainspect’, which is also featured in Forbes, the maximum theoretical value of the TPS of Polygon is 649 TPS, and the maximum measured value is 429 TPS. This is probably due to the difference in measurement methods, as Polygon makes significant use of sidechain processing. In any case, it boasts a high transaction volume on the network, including sidechains.
Hedera
Hedera has various unique features compared to other blockchain platforms, but the most prominent is its mechanism for solving the ‘trilemma problem’ that many other blockchains face.
Blockchain technology faces the ‘blockchain trilemma’, which states that it is difficult to optimise the three elements of scalability, security and decentralisation at the same time. With conventional blockchains, prioritising two of these elements tends to result in the sacrifice of the remaining one.
Hedera Hashgraph adopts a unique approach to solving this trilemma. Specifically, it achieves a good balance between each of the elements in the following ways
Scalability
Hedera uses a proprietary ‘gossip-about-gossip’ protocol and ‘virtual voting’ algorithm to enable fast transaction processing. This allows it to process thousands to tens of thousands of transactions per second, achieving a significant throughput improvement compared to conventional blockchains.
Security
Hedera uses a consensus algorithm with **asynchronous Byzantine fault tolerance (aBFT)**. This ensures that even if some nodes in the network are acting fraudulently, the overall security and reliability of the network is maintained.
Decentralisation
Hedera has agovernance council made up of companies from a variety of industries, including Google and IBM. This council carries out the operation and decision-making of the network in a decentralised manner, preventing control by specific organisations or individuals. This is a method that solves the problems of DAO structures that are at risk of existing 51% attacks.
With these features, Hedera Hashgraph solves the blockchain trilemma at a higher level, providing a decentralised ledger technology that is scalable, secure and decentralised.
In other words, Hedera Hashgraph can continue to expand the scale of the system semi-permanently in response to demand. Without compromising security or decentralisation!
Sponsors and project members for Polygon and Hedera
Polygon (formerly Matic Network) has partnered with many large companies. The following is a list of the main sponsor companies and their outlines:
Starbucks
An American coffee chain that launched the web3 experience ‘Starbucks Odyssey’ using Polygon in May 2023. Through this partnership, Starbucks will provide customers with more immersive and interactive experiences, and will be able to collect and trade digital assets.
Disney
A major American media and entertainment company that has partnered with Polygon. Disney is developing a new project called Disney Accelerator that utilises crypto assets and NFTs.
Reddit
A social news website that has partnered with Polygon. Reddit is providing a platform called Collectible Avatars that allows users to purchase and trade content using NFTs.
Nike
A global sportswear manufacturer, Nike has partnered with Polygon. Nike has launched the web3 platform ‘.SWOOSH’ and is developing new marketing strategies through NFTs.
These companies are leveraging the scalability and efficiency of Polygon to provide new digital experiences.
Hedera
Hedera’s Council members (Governance Council) are made up of some of the world’s most well-known large companies.
Google Cloud
Role: Infrastructure support for the Hedera network. Google Cloud provides Hedera node operations and cloud solutions for decentralised applications (DApps).
Background: Google is a company that provides a variety of cloud infrastructure services, and plays a role in supporting the reliability and scalability of Hedera.
IBM
Role: Providing blockchain technology and AI solutions. Contributing to technical support for Hedera and the development of new blockchain applications.
Background: IBM is a leader in blockchain and AI, and has a wide-ranging influence, particularly in the field of decentralised solutions for the enterprise.
Boeing
Role: Focused on the use of distributed ledgers in the aviation sector, particularly supporting the development of technologies for supply chain management and data traceability.
Background: Utilising highly reliable and secure blockchain technology for supply chain management in aircraft manufacturing.
Nomura Holdings
Role: Supporting the development of tokenisation technology and decentralised finance (DeFi) solutions in the financial services industry.
Background: Nomura is focusing on securitisation and investment products for decentralised assets through its investment banking business.
Deutsche Telekom
Role: Infrastructure support and node operation in the telecommunications sector. Contributing to the decentralisation and robustness of the Hedera network.
Background: A major telecommunications provider in Europe, contributing to the development of blockchain applications in the telecommunications sector.
DLA Piper
Role: Legal and regulatory advisory. Helping to develop a legal framework for decentralised technologies.
Background: A global law firm, contributing to the establishment of blockchain regulation and legal governance.
ServiceNow
Role: Supporting business workflows and digital transformation. Involved in the development of a decentralised workflow solution on Hedera.
Background: A leader in workflow automation, working with Hedera to promote the efficiency of distributed business processes.
Chainlink Labs
Role: Providing an oracle service for blockchain. Supplying smart contracts with reliable external data.
Background: Has a track record in distributed oracle networks, and is supporting the use of smart contracts on Hedera.
In addition, the Hedera Hashgraph Council includes members from educational institutions (e.g. University College London), telecommunications companies (e.g. Zain Group), and various other fields, who contribute to the governance and use of Hedera technology in their respective fields of expertise.
Project and system names that use Polygon and Hedera
Polygon
Projects using it: Aave, Sushiswap, Decentraland, OpenSea, etc.
Polygon (formerly known as Matic Network) is used by many projects and systems. The main ones are as follows:
Decentralised Exchanges (DEXs): Popular DEXs that run on Polygon include QuickSwap and JellySwap. These platforms are designed to allow users to trade crypto assets safely and efficiently.
Derivatives platforms: The Aavegotchi project supports derivatives trading on Polygon, allowing users to trade with leverage and swaps.
Gaming platform: Game projects such as Decentral Games (operating within Decentraland) use Polygon to manage NFTs and in-game currencies. This allows players to securely store items and assets within the game.
Hedera
As of November 2024, Hedera Hashgraph is being used in a wide range of fields, and the following major projects and systems exist.
Games and entertainment
Earthlings.land: An NFT metaverse online game currently under development on Hedera Hashgraph. Set in the Earth of the future, hundreds of years from now, players can enjoy a variety of elements such as exploration, production, breeding, battle, reasoning, shooting, pioneering, construction, city management, and job simulation , etc.
Ubisoft: Ubisoft, a global game development company, is using the Hedera network to tokenise in-game items and support player-to-player transactions, and is working to create a new game ecosystem.
Financial Services
Shinhan Bank: A major bank in South Korea, Shinhan Bank is using Hedera technology to enhance its international money transfer system, increasing transfer speed and reducing fees.
Standard Bank: Africa’s largest bank, Standard Bank is using Hedera to improve the efficiency and transparency of cross-border payments.
Digital Identity
FIS (Fidelity National Information Services): FIS, a financial technology services provider, is using Hedera to enhance digital identity management and authentication, improving security and user experience.
DLA Piper: DLA Piper, an international law firm, is using Hedera to digitally certify and manage legal documents, improving operational efficiency and enhancing security.
Healthcare
SAFE Health Systems: SAFE Health Systems, which manages and shares medical data, uses Hedera to securely manage and access patient data, contributing to improved quality of medical services.
The Chopra Foundation: The Chopra Foundation, which aims to promote health and wellness, uses Hedera to manage and analyse mental health data, helping to provide personalised health solutions.
These examples show how Hedera Hashgraph’s high throughput, low latency, and security characteristics are being used to provide practical solutions in a variety of industries.
Polygon and Hedera FAQs
Q1: What are the main differences between Polygon and Hedera?
A1: The main differences are clear in various design concepts and technical features, such as 1. underlying technology and architecture, 2. consensus algorithms, transaction speed and throughput, and smart contract compatibility.
Q2: Which blockchain is recommended for beginners?
A2: For beginners, Polygon is considered to be more suitable. The reasons are as follows
1. Well-developed developer community and resources
Polygon is highly compatible with Ethereum and has a large number of developers participating. As a result, there is a wealth of learning materials and tutorials, and an environment has been created where even beginners can easily obtain information.
2. Variety of tools and support
Polygon is compatible with existing Ethereum tools and frameworks, making it easy to build a development environment. There is also an active community, and it is easy to get support when solving problems.
3. Low transaction fees
Polygon has low transaction fees, which reduces the cost burden for beginners when they are experimenting and making mistakes.
Hedera is also an excellent platform, but it uses its own hashgraph technology, and the learning curve may be a little steep. Therefore, it is a good idea to first learn the basics of blockchain development with Polygon, and then try other platforms such as Hedera.
In other words, Hedera Hashgraph uses its own hashgraph technology and has different characteristics to other blockchain platforms. For this reason, developing on Hedera may require specific knowledge and skills. On the other hand, Polygon is highly compatible with Ethereum and has a wealth of existing tools and resources, so it is a relatively easy environment for beginners to get started with. Therefore, Hedera is more suited to developers with advanced technical skills.
The latest trends in Polygon and Hedera in 2024
Polygon
Background and purpose of the transition to POL
On 4th September 2024, Polygon transitioned its native token from MATIC to POL. This transition was part of the Polygon 2.0 roadmap and aimed to position POL as the main token for the entire Polygon network.
Key changes
Easing of the issuance cap:
The maximum issuance limit for MATIC was set at 10 billion, but this limit has been abolished for POL, and new issuance will now be carried out at an annual inflation rate of 2%. Of this, 1% will be used as staking rewards, and the remaining 1% will be stored in the treasury for the community.
Upgrade potential improved:
As the upgrade key for MATIC was burned, it was difficult to add new features, but with the transition to POL, it will be possible to upgrade in line with future changes to the ecosystem.
Multi-chain validation:
POL uses multi-chain validation to enhance the security of multiple blockchains within the ecosystem and to allow for the efficient acquisition of rewards.
Transition Process
Polygon MATIC holders on PoS: No special action is required as they will be automatically converted to POL.
Ethereum and Polygon MATIC holders on zkEVM: They will need to upgrade to POL manually, but there is a grace period of about 4 years for the transition.
Impact and Outlook
The transition to POL is expected to make Polygon’s token economy more flexible and scalable, and to strengthen the growth of the community and the security of the network.
Growth and Innovation
In the second quarter of 2024 (April to June), the number of people using Polygon increased significantly. Specifically, 1.2 million people use Polygon every day, and the number of transactions per day has reached 4.1 million.
This shows that Polygon is a convenient and easy-to-use platform for many people. New technologies introduced include zkEVM and Polygon ID, which are designed to improve transaction privacy and scalability.
Technical Developments
Polygon is using a technology called zkEVM (Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine) to improve transaction privacy and scalability. zkEVM uses zero-knowledge proof technology to prove the validity of transactions without revealing the details of the transaction.
In addition, the technology called Polygon ID is used to allow users to securely manage their own data. These technologies are designed to make Polygon a safer and more efficient platform.
Hedera
The 2024 HelloFuture Hackathon
The 2024 HelloFuture Hackathon was held from July 22 to August 20, with developers from around the world competing with innovative projects on the Hedera platform. With a total prize pool of over $350,000, a diverse range of projects were presented in tracks such as AI, DeFi, and RWA tokenisation.
Overall Winner:
1st Place: Savera
Summary: A blockchain wallet and platform that supports communities with limited access to financial services.
Team: Luis Eduardo Arevalo Oliver, Alejandro Sanchez Gutierrez, Victor Alonso Altamirano Izquierdo
Prize: $45,000 + $5,000 in Google credits
2nd place: Nomid
Summary: A solution that provides instant, low-cost, secure peer-to-peer payments by eliminating the middleman.
Team: Milan Wiercx van Rhijn, John Kroening, PMB
Prize: $25,000 + $3,000 in Google credits
3rd place: Credore
Summary: Promoting the digitisation of trade documents, providing MLETR-compliant electronic bills of lading and tokenisation.
Team: Lingraj Mahanand
Prize: $15,000 + $2,000 in Google credits
This hackathon demonstrated the potential for Hedera technology to create innovative solutions in a variety of fields. Participants used Hedera’s capabilities in a variety of fields, including AI integration, tokenisation, and payment systems, to tackle real-world problems.
The Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE), Kenya’s main stock exchange, officially joined the Hedera Council
On 30th October 2024, the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE), Kenya’s main stock exchange, officially joined the Hedera Council. With this, NSE aims to leverage Hedera’s decentralised network to accelerate the tokenisation of securities in Kenya’s capital markets.
NSE’s role and background:
70th Anniversary: In 2024, the NSE will celebrate its 70th anniversary as the leading securities exchange in Kenya, providing access to Africa’s economic growth for local and international investors and issuers.
Market Performance: In the first nine months of 2024, the NSE recorded the best performance in Africa in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) rankings, earning the trust of investors.
Significance of joining the Hedera Council:
Promoting tokenisation: The NSE plans to use Hedera’s secure, transparent and scalable technology to accelerate the adoption of digital assets and tokenised securities.
Comment from stakeholders:
Frank Muwiti (NSE CEO): ‘Through our participation in the Hedera Council, the NSE will be able to accelerate the adoption of digital assets and tokenisation of securities. This is in line with our strategic priority of offering innovative financial products.‘
Bill Miller (Co-Chair of the Hedera Council Membership Committee): ’NSE’s participation is an important step in accelerating Hedera adoption in African markets. Kenya is one of the largest economies in sub-Saharan Africa, and the NSE’s broad reach demonstrates that Hedera is a foundational technology for global capital markets.”
The partnership is expected to leverage Hedera’s technology to drive the adoption of digital assets and the tokenisation of securities in Kenya’s capital markets, providing new opportunities for investors and issuers.
Canary Capital Files First Hedera HBAR Spot ETF with SEC
On 12 November 2024, Canary Capital filed an application with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a Hedera (HBAR) spot exchange-traded fund (ETF). This is the first application for a spot ETF targeting HBAR. Steven McCrug, the founder of Canary Capital, said that the application was made against the backdrop of developments in the regulatory environment and the growing interest of investors in a diverse range of crypto assets. The company has previously applied for spot ETFs targeting XRP, Solana, and Litecoin, and is continuing its efforts to expand access to the crypto asset market.
STEAM RUNNER Official Release (Earthlings.land)
Apart from the main PC online game, the mobile game ‘STEAM RUNNER’ was officially released on 15 November 2024. You can play and earn STEAM tokens and WATER tokens.
Developer and Fan comments for Polygon and Hedera
Polygon
Developer A
「… KfW issues bearer bond on Polygon as part of ECB trials “This trial allows us to test automated cash settlement and DvP transactions for blockchain-based digital bonds.” Over 60 financial institutions have now participated in the trials. …」
Fan B
「Polygon could easily become the next meme hub powerhouse.Low txn fees, stable network, solid communities.And it’s already proven its self time and time again to be able to handle the heat with polymarket, reddit collectibles etc etc.Think bigger, think $POL」
Developer C
「@INX_Group and @BackedFi are expanding their offerings on the @0xPolygon network by announcing new token listings, following the successful launch of tokenized @nvidia The #INX platform will launch its first tokenized ETF, the S&P 500 ETF (bCSPX), along with tokenized Apple and BlackRock’s iShares Treasury ETFs, expanding the range of digital financial products available for non-U.S. investors. … 」
「BREAKING: SpaceX is sending a satellite powered by HBAR to space this January after NASA research paper on Hedera After Hedera’s partner in the @DeRecAlliance, Cardano founder @IOHK_Charles visited @elonmusk’s SpaceX HQ in Hawthorne yesterday, it was announced on Swiss national television today that WISkey and @SpaceX are sending HBAR to space in January. A satellite powered by Hedera will facilitate transactions of cryptocurrency in space. Potentially paving a way for future satellite-to-satellite payment networks that might redefine transactions across earth and space. … Source: Swiss National Radio Television」
Developer E
「We’re excited to announce the launch of STEAM RUNNER from @earthlingsland , a Play-to-Earn (P2E) mobile add-on game that enables gamers to earn the STEAM token on the @Hedera network 」
Fan F
「The future is onchain, the future is on @Hedera 」
Polygon is an excellent blockchain platform, and Hedera is also a decentralised network system that is attracting attention for its implementation of an algorithm that solves the trilemma problem faced by existing blockchains, and is being adopted by major companies and large-scale main systems around the world at a rapid pace.
Each has its own unique advantages and features. When considering these as candidates for a decentralised network to purchase or develop, please carefully examine the following indicators at a minimum.
Transaction speed
Transaction cost
Expansion of the ecosystem
Scalability
Security
Energy consumption (electricity consumption kWh per transaction)
Sharding availability (clustering availability)
Implementation schedule for quantum resistance
Compatibility with various systems
Cross-chain specifications (bridge function), etc.
It would be a good idea to analyse the future potential of Web3, and also to consider political influence and speculation, as well as funding and the sponsor companies that support them.
2025 is almost here, and both polygon and hedera will have another year of rapid growth!
Keep an eye on future developments!
If you want to know more about Polygon and Hedera, please see the following.
Blockchain MMORPG PC Game Comparison! ‘Big Time’ and ‘Earthlings’!
This time, we will compare the popular blockchain MMORPG PC games ‘Big Time’ and ‘Earthlings’, and take a closer look at their features. These games utilise blockchain technology to provide players with a unique gaming experience.
Big Time? What kind of game is that?
Earthlings? What kind of game is that?
Title
Big Time
Earthlings
Developer
Big Time Studios
The Earthlings team.
Platform
Windows(PC)
PC support planned (under development) iOS and Android games available (beta version)
MMORPG, Action-adventure RPGs, City management, town management, shooting, racing, hunting, real business, other all-genre metaverse, etc.
Blockchain Technology
Ethereum
Hedera
In-game Currency
BIGTIME
STEAM WATER
The maximum issuance
5,000,000,000
1,000,000,000 (STEAM) unlimited supply (WATER)
In-game Economy
Player-driven economy
Player-driven economy
Personal Metaverse
SPACE
Plot(land,cabin,town,village,etc.)
concept
Play to Earn
Play and Earn
Gameplay
PvE and PvP
PvE and PvP
Graphics
Beautiful real-time graphics and brilliant effects
Beautiful real-time graphics and brilliant effects
Community Support
Forum,Discord,X,Telegram,Twitch,etc
Discord,X,Telegram,Youtube,etc
development status
2024 (beta version)
PC game: 2024 (under development) Mobile game: playable
Initial Investment
Free (even more fun and exciting with NFT purchases)
Free (even more fun and exciting with NFT purchases)
Characteristics of ‘Big Time’ and ‘Earthlings’
Features of Big Time
Big Time is a MMORPG developed by Big Time Studios for the Windows operating system. The game is based on the Ethereum blockchain and uses the in-game currency ‘BIGTIME’.
Players can explore a vast fantasy world and participate in PvE (player versus environment) and PvP (player versus player) combat. Players can defeat enemies to obtain tokens and rare NFTs, and can play in parties of up to 6 players.
The dungeons and enemies in the game use procedural generation technology, so you can enjoy a different experience every time. You can craft weapons, armour and other items from the items you obtain in your explorations, making it possible to progress through your explorations more powerfully.
Feature 1- An adventure that transcends time and space
Spaces (Personal Metaverse)
Players can use Spaces to travel through time and space, play with friends, and showcase their NFTs and loot. Spaces function as personal metaverse and can be upgraded. Spaces are NFTs that are positioned as ‘lands’ with limited rights in general metaverse games.
Uses for Spaces:
Personal Metaverse Expansion: Spaces function as personal spaces where players can customise and expand their own metaverse. This includes decorating the space, displaying collected NFTs, and creating unique environments that reflect the player’s style.
Utility NFT Installations: Players can install utility NFTs such as Forges, Armories & Time Wardens within their spaces. These installations allow for the crafting and upgrading of weapons and armour, enhancing gameplay functionality.
Earning $BIGTIME Tokens: Players can earn $BIGTIME tokens, the in-game currency, by using their spaces and hourglasses. There are 10 different hourglasses, and the rarer ones give you more tokens. This includes taking part in various activities and missions where you can earn tokens as a reward. So, if you want to earn lots of tokens, one way to do it is to get your hands on the rarer hourglasses.
Feature 2- A wide variety of weapons and armour, and a diverse selection of classes
In Big Time, you can craft a wide variety of weapons yourself, acquire them in adventures, or buy them at the market. You can also choose from a variety of ‘classes’ that characterise the player’s abilities. By choosing according to your preferences, you can expand the range of your gameplay! You can also freely sell weapons and armour that you have made or acquired in battle at the market, and one way to enjoy the game is to try to establish a style of earning a profit from this.
Types of classes (something like an occupation)
Time Warrior (Barbarian): An aggressive, power-based class that excels in close combat.
Chronomancer (Mage): A magician with skills for ranged attacks and time manipulation.
Shadowblade (Ninja): A stealthy speed class with quick attacks.
Quantum Fixer (Medic): A support class that heals allies and brings misfortune to enemies.
Battlemancer:Advanced job of Time Warrior and Chronomancer
Techblade:Advanced job of hadowblade and Quantum Fixer
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Weapon Types
Battle Axe: A sharp axe that splits enemies in half.
Dual Blades: A double-bladed sword that has a good balance of defence and speed.
Two-Handed Greatsword: A large sword that emphasises power.
Sword & Shield: A sword and shield combo that has a good balance of offence and defence.
Quantum Staff: A staff that can attack over a wide area.
Warhammer: A large hammer that focuses on destructive power.
Types of enemy
The Blight: Genetically engineered insect-type enemies.
The Underlings: Scavengers that are a cross between cats and toads.
The Guardian XL: A combat robot with modular equipment slots.
Cosmetic NFTs: Items that change the appearance of weapons and armour, as well as sound effects.
Utility NFTs: Can be used to strengthen weapons and armour and create NFT items.
Space NFTs: Items that expand your personal metaverse.
Feature 3- Guild system ‘vastimpactgaming’
Big Time has a guild called ‘vastimpactgaming’ that is centred around investors. vastimpactgaming is still active as of November 2024. There is lively communication between players and investors, which makes the game development and play more exciting!
Feature 4- No charge for basic play!
Initial investment: Big Time can be started for free. You can purchase items and skins in the game, but you can also earn items by playing for free, or customise your character by crafting your own items and special equipment.
In-game events and updates: Big Time regularly holds in-game events and updates new content, allowing players to enjoy new adventures and challenges. This keeps the game fresh and allows players to continue playing for a long time.
Features of Earthlings
Earthlings is a MMORPG for PC that is being developed by The Earthlings team. The game is based on the Hedera blockchain and uses two in-game currencies, STEAM and WATER. Players explore a vast, futuristic Earth that combines fantasy and steampunk worlds, and engage in a variety of adventures.
You can enjoy PvE (player versus environment) and PvP (player versus player) battles, but what makes Earthlings unique as a metaverse game is that you can enjoy a variety of roles, such as managing cities and towns, being a pilot, a hunter, or a shopkeeper. You can enjoy a free way of life as a true Earthling living in Earthlings!
Feature 1- Adventure in a future Earth that has merged with fantasy – a parallel world
‘Jump’ using the plot (Personal Metaverse)
Players of Earthlings can own and manage land (parcels) called ‘plots’ within the metaverse. Plots are personal metaverse parcels with individual functions such as cities, towns, villages, lands, and cabins. Each plot is configured as an NFT, and has a variety of functions implemented, such as shops, buses, banks, railways, farms, inns, and inventories. Players can also select the plot they own as their starting point when the game starts. The term ‘jump’ is used to describe the moving action that makes use of the plot.
Uses for Plots:
Construction, development and adventure: Players can build and operate buildings and facilities on their plots, and develop their own cities and villages. As they develop, they will see various ways to enjoy the game, such as an increase in population, expansion of the economy, and diversification of events. This will promote economic activity and community formation within the game.
Resource production and collection: Plots function as resource production bases, allowing you to collect a variety of resources, such as crops and ancient technology. These resources can be used for crafting items and trading.
Community formation: Through plots, you can cooperate with other players to form villages and cities. The plot owner can also earn a portion of the profits made by players in that area as a royalty. This encourages joint participation in events and trading, and strengthens the social elements of the game.
With these features, players can create their own experiences in the world of Earthlings, and enjoy economic activities and community building.
Feature 2- You decide how to play! (The roles are infinite!)
~ Real estate tycoon, mayor, village chief, pilot, banker, hunter, farmer, etc. The options are endless~
In Earthlings, players can enjoy the virtual world through a variety of play styles. The main ways to play are as follows.
1. Exploration and adventure Explore the vast fields, forests, lakes, and ruins. During your explorations, you will encounter wild animals and discover hidden items, and many other events await you.
2. Farming and Production As a village owner, you will manage a farm, growing crops and raising livestock. The produce you grow can be used for trading within the game or for self-sufficiency.
3. Raising pets As a breeder, you will raise and breed animals. The pets you raise can be expected to support you in your explorations and be useful in battles.
4. Managing cities and villages As a city owner or town owner, you will manage and develop cities and towns. You will form communities and promote economic activity through building construction and supporting the lives of residents.
5. Banking As a bank owner, you will manage the bank, managing funds and providing loans. You will support the circulation of in-game currency and contribute to the development of the economy. It is also an interesting challenge to try making a living as a banker.
6. Play mini-games You can earn the virtual currency ‘Water Token’ by playing mini-games such as ‘Steam Runner’. These mini-games can also be enjoyed on smartphones.
7. Top Rankers: Various events will be held in the game, and each player’s score will be ranked. Top rankers will be given luxurious benefits and prizes.
These are just a few of the ways you can play. By combining the play styles you discover, you can create your own story and enjoy life in the virtual world. The way you play is how you enjoy Earthlings!
Feature 3- cooperative play elements ~joint management and cooperative development~(like the guild system)
In ‘Earthlings’, there are various mechanisms in place to allow players to cooperate with each other as they progress through the game. The main cooperative elements are as follows
1. Joint management and development of cities and villages Players can work together with other players to manage and develop cities and towns. This will help the community as a whole to grow, through activities such as building construction, supporting the lives of residents, and promoting economic activity. By continuing to be active as a player, you can also promote economic development in the surrounding area, and you can also earn various rewards from your adventures through the game!
2. Sharing and trading resources It is possible to share and trade resources and products collected in the game with other players. This makes it possible to make efficient use of each player’s strengths, and to manage resources and carry out economic activities.
3. Joint missions and events In certain missions and events, multiple players are required to cooperate in order to complete them. This allows players to test their teamwork and strategic thinking, and share a sense of achievement.
4. Community formation Players can exchange information and interact with each other through the game’s chat function and forums. This allows them to build cooperative relationships and gain a deeper gaming experience.
By making use of these cooperative systems, players can share a variety of experiences with others in the world of Earthlings, and further enhance the appeal of the game.
If you’re feeling even more adventurous, why not try some real-life outdoor activities! Fishing, camping, visiting ruins, cycling, rock climbing… Will your life be enriched even more?
Feature 4- No charge for basic play!
Initial investment: Earthlings is being developed as a metaverse game that anyone can play for free. Players can collect tokens, search for rare items, and explore the vast world within the game. You can buy and sell the various items you acquire through your activities in the game on the marketplace, and you can also try broadcasting information you have gained through your explorations to see if anyone in the community wants it.
If someone looking for that information buys it at a high price, you can earn a profit. You can use the profit you earn to buy paid items. In this way, you can expect to further enhance your gaming experience by earning rewards through game play and reinvesting them.
Game updates: There will be various events held in Earthlings! Even if you start playing for free, you can enjoy the game for a long time by participating in the events that are held from time to time. If you can win the battle of wits and win, you can also win rare items as prizes!
Earthlings will introduce a strict ranking system. While enjoying the game freely, it should be fun to aim for the top of the rankings!
Player & Fan Comments
Big Time
Player A：「Having a ton of fun playing Big Time man this game is massively entertaining @playbigtime did a great job. I love it been putting hours in, the combat system is sick! Can’t wait to start crafting!Any pointers anyone? 」
Player B：「I like games that are fun to play with friends and have an economy with NFT ownership. Just being a web3 game is not enough for me, I need the game to be Fun too. Talking about Free to play and Found an NFT in Big Time.」
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Earthlings
fan C：「I got a sneak peak of the earthlingsland Floating Islands and don’t tell anyone but I’m sharing it with you all now. Shhhhh…. It looks fantastic and am excited to be part of this journey. Built on hedera」
fan D：「 These city design previews are absolutely stunning. And the level of detail is mind blowing .One of those projects not to be missed.」
fan E 「Yes Owning, yes OWN your in game #DigitalAssets trade, resale, passive income-think rentals! Own your own bank…Passive income +FUN gaming! Put your teenager to work. Why pay to play when you can.」
Q: How much is the initial investment for Big Time? A: Big Time is free to play, but you can purchase items and skins in the game.
Q: What is the role of the $BIGTIME token in the game economy? A: The $BIGTIME token is used to craft, upgrade collectible items, and access special game areas.
Earthlings
Q:How do you enjoy Earthlings? A:Earthlings is a metaverse game that uses Web3 technology, and players can enjoy a variety of activities such as exploration, production, Pet breeding, and battle in the virtual world.
Q: How big is the fantasy world of Earthlings? A: The fantasy world of Earthlings is a vast 2800km2 world where players can explore lost cities and civilisations.
Latest Trends in 2024
Big Time
New Features and Enhancements for 2024
1. Epoch City
New Hub Location: Epoch City will be the new hub location after the tutorial. It will replace Water Town as the main location where players gather to receive quests and missions.
2. Party Finder
Easy party formation: The Party Finder function, which allows players to form parties across regions and servers, has been added. This makes it easier for players to find companions and go on adventures together.
3. New Abilities
New Skills for Each Class: New abilities have been added to each class. For example, the Time Warrior class now has new skills such as ‘Rock Slug’ and ‘Payback’, which will expand the range of combat.
4. New Weapon Gems
Weapon Enhancement: New weapon gems have been added to further enhance the performance of weapons. For example, the ‘Ice Spike’ gem generates ice pillars from the ground, dealing additional damage to enemies.
5. Other Improvements
Bug fixes and new sound effects: The quality of the game as a whole has been improved, with updates to the desert dungeon and the addition of new sound effects.
Earthlings
Function release and development trends in 2024
1. Development progress and release of main functions You can enjoy the game while playing a variety of roles, such as mayor, shopkeeper, technical expert, banker, airship captain, etc., and on 27 November 2024, one of the core systems of Earthlings, ‘Paris City’, is scheduled to be minted. In addition, many important NFTs that will enhance the game, such as steam token lunch, cabins, avatars, and monowheels, will be minted in 2024, and the world of Earthlings is becoming more concrete.
2. Event From 8 July to 2 August 2024, the ‘20 Days of Summer!’ event was held, where three $STEAM prizes and two cool Earthlings NFTs were raffled off every day. This event has already ended, but there is a possibility that similar events will be held in the future.
Summary and Conclusion
Both Big Time and Earthlings are MMORPGs with their own unique appeal. Big Time is characterised by its adventures that transcend time and space, while Earthlings stands out for its world view, which allows you to adventure in a future Earth where vast fantasy and steampunk have fused together. In addition, both games emphasise cooperation between players, and there is a lot of community interaction
Big Time is characterised by its regular events and updates, as well as its adventures that transcend time and space, while Earthlings is characterised by the fact that players can enjoy a variety of roles, such as city management, banking, Airship Business and agriculture. Both games utilise blockchain technology to provide players with a unique experience. If you are interested, why not try playing Big Time or start preparing to play Earthlings?
If you want to know more in-depth details, please see the following. You will find lots of information for experienced users.
Let’s start by learning what NFTs are. NFTs that appear in Earthlings’ games are mainly in-game items. There are various NFTs in Earthlings, but let’s take a look at some of them.
First of all, the character that the player controls, called an ‘avatar’, which you will choose when playing the game, is also an NFT. This avatar is called ‘Pepper’, and is a character who is good at communicating with wild animals and excels at activities in the natural world.
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Next, let’s take a look at the NFT ‘sidekicks’ that can accompany you when you go exploring. These animals are sidekicks, or companions, and this fox is another powerful companion that will support you in your explorations. Foxes are agile, intelligent and have a special talent for catching wild sidekicks. They are also well suited to playing as an animal hunter.
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Next, let’s take a look at the MONOWHEEL, a convenient vehicle for moving around in the world of Earthlings. The monowheel is a single-wheeled vehicle that can travel at high speeds, making it the perfect way to get around in the game on all kinds of terrain.
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Next, let’s take a look at the NFT called ‘Land’ that allows you to own land in the game of Earthlings. This is an NFT that gives you the right to own land in a part of the European area. There are various rights and privileges associated with Land, which will allow you to enjoy Earthlings even more. Details are explained on the individual NFT page.
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Let’s leave it at this for now. Many more NFTs will be released by Earthlings in the future. Let’s look at them and simulate how we might play with them.
Details on how to buy NFTs
marketplace
This explains the purchasing procedure for sentx. (As of 21 April 2024) *The layout of the web pages is updated daily.
【Operating Instructions】（Operating Environment） ■Purchasing from a computer ■Use Chrome as your browser ■You have already created a hashpack account (Click here for instructions on how to create an account) ■You have already installed the chrome extension ‘hashpack’.
[Step 1]Open the homepage of sentx from the link on the sales page.
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[Step 2] Click on ‘Connect’ in the top right corner of the screen.
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[Step 3] Click on the first ‘hashpack’.
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[Step 4] Enter your password. Click Sign in.
This Step 4 is when the account has already been created and imported into the browser extension.
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[Step 5] Confirm that your account is displayed, then click the button on the left and then click ‘Approve’.
You are now logged in to the Sentx website.
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[Step 6] Click on the magnifying glass icon in the top left of the screen and search for the name of the NFT you want.
In this article, we will be looking at the purchase screen for the Pepper avatar as an example.
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[Step 7] To search for NFTs related to Earthlings, type ‘earth’.
A list of candidates is displayed from the NFTs that match the prefix. In this case, we will enter ‘earth-avat’ to search for an avatar NFT. This will display only one result, ‘EARTH-AVATAR-OG’.
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[Step 8] Click on EARTH-AVATAR-OG.
This will take you to the NFT screen for your avatar. There are many different types of avatar, but let’s try to find Pepper.
There he is! It’s Pepper.
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*The price displayed is current as of 27 July 2024. The price is subject to change at the discretion of the seller.
[Step 9] Click on Pepper’s avatar.
First, let’s check the details of the NFT. You can see lots of information, as well as the price.
Once you’ve checked the details and are satisfied, it’s time to make the purchase!
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[Step 10] Click the ‘Buy for H 〇〇〇’ purchase button in the centre of the screen, then click ‘Approve’.
For the sake of explanation, we will be posting a screenshot of a different NFT purchase screen rather than Pepper’s, but the process for confirming a purchase is the same. The operation is to approve the purchase on the Hashpack side.
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[Step 11] After the message ‘Executing, ok’ appears, click ‘Approve’ to confirm your purchase.
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[Step 12] After the purchase confirmation process, check that OK is displayed.
Your purchase is now complete. Thank you very much for your hard work! Click Done and check the NFT screen in your wallet. (Also close the window displayed after Done.) The NFT will be displayed by reloading your wallet once. You can reload by clicking on the round red arrow.
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The above is the screen operation when purchasing an NFT for the first time. *Pepper has already been associated, so the explanation is given on the other NFT purchase screen from the middle. However, the purchase flow is the same.
Shop
We plan to post information about the in-game shop in Earthlings.
Item Drop
We plan to post hints on how to obtain it in the Earthlings game.
Prizes
We plan to post Information about the prizes.
How to collect NFTs
exploration
We will be posting information on how to obtain Earthlings in-game.
Mini-games
We will be posting instructions on how to earn NFTs by completing mini-games.
There are multiple ways to create an account on Hedera Hashgraph. There are also multiple apps, there are also many that are compatible with both computers and smartphones. The method we will introduce this time is a procedure using the chrome browser on a computer, through the use of an app called ‘Hashpack’, which is highly functional and versatile.
Things you will need: a computer, a notepad for storing the seed phrase, etc.
Time required
30 minutes or more to create one account
Rough guide to the process of creating a Hedera account (PC version)
1.
Install Hashpack (browser: Chrome)
2.
Launch HashPack from the browser’s extension
3.
Set your password
4.
Create a wallet (Advanced Creation)
5.
Click on the seed phrase (recommended)
6.
Write down and keep your seed phrase in a safe place (never tell anyone else)
7.
Enter the seed phrase
8.
Enter a nickname for your wallet (you can choose whatever you like)
9.
Agree to store the seed phrase (self-responsibility storage)
10.
Wallet creation complete
Details of the procedure for creating a Hedera account
How to create an account with Hashpack
The developer has posted the procedure at the following URL, so let’s try to create it using the browser’s translation function or a translation site on the web.
There are some steps that have not been added to the basic English operating instructions, so the flow of the changes is included in the first 10 steps.
The added steps are in parts 4 and 5 below. →Create a wallet (Advanced Creation) →Click on the seed phrase (recommended)
The hashpack is updated frequently, and Steps 4 and 5 are also options that have become available in line with these enhancements.
In order to be able to deal flexibly with future updates, including account creation, let’s also learn about wallets. ※If you have any questions about the creation process, please post them in the comments.
