TCD Chronicle: August 2023

What’s New on Telos

A Word From the TCD’s Head of ZK Technologies — Alberto Garoffolo

During August — starting from the idea anticipated in July of a novel fully decentralized protocol that holds the promise of a massively scalable Zero Knowledge-enabled chain — we made significant progress on the design of the high-level architecture of the protocol. In particular, we have been working on a draft design document describing the following aspects:

• Actors Involved in the Protocol- outlining the various participants and entities that interact within the decentralized protocol.
• Interaction between Actors- describing the flow of interactions between them. This includes message flow, validation and in general, the high-level communication protocol enabling the decentralized network to function.
• Incentive Scheme- describing at a high level the mechanism by which participants are motivated to contribute to the protocol’s operation and are rewarded for their work such as providing computational power.

Additionally, we worked on a first draft of the functioning of the protocol, providing a high-level breakdown of how the protocol operates. Next, we will proceed to complete the protocol description, challenge its functioning and iteratively refine it.

A Word From the TCD’s Head of Engineering — Jesse Schulman

This was a big month for TCD, seeing the beta release of both the Telos Cloud Wallet for EVM users as well as the beta release of 1.5 RPC endpoints! The team is currently staying very busy working to add features and supporting integrations related to the upcoming relaunch of DeFi on the EVM! The pieces for the EVM contract upgrade are being finalized, these include fixes as well as new features such as a new withdraw precompile as well as a messaging precompile that will enable on-chain interoperability between the Telos EVM and Telos Zero.

Telos Integrations

Uphold: Ranked #1 in the San Francisco Business Times Fast 100 List, Uphold is committed to making Web3 easy. As a Web3 financial platform, Uphold serves over 10 million customers in more than 184 countries. It provides businesses and consumers with easy access to financial technology and services. Uphold’s patented “Anything to Anything” platform gives end users seamless access to and between digital assets and national currencies and precious metals. Uniquely, Uphold smart routes orders across 27 trading venues delivering optimal execution and superior liquidity to customers.

Ledger: Founded in Paris in 2014, LEDGER is a global platform for custodying digital assets and is the world leader in Critical Digital Asset security and utility. With more than 6M devices sold to consumers in 200 countries, in 10+ languages, and with 100+ financial institutions and brands as customers, 20% of the world’s crypto assets are secured through LEDGER. The company’s hardware devices support trading, buying, spending, earning, and digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs. LEDGER’s hardware products include the Ledger Stax, Nano S Plus and Nano X hardware wallets, which function in conjunction with the LEDGER Live companion app and Ledger Enterprise. With its ease of use, LEDGER allows a user to begin investing in digital assets while pursuing financial freedom in a safe and stress-free environment.

XT.COM: XT.COM is a comprehensive trading platform that supports 800+ high-quality tokens and 1000+ trading pairs. It has a rich variety of tradings such as spot trading, futures trading, margin trading, OTC trading and buying cryptos with credit cards. We provide users with the safest, most efficient and professional digital asset investment services. The platform owns the global top-level domain www.xt.com and currently has more than 6 million registered users, more than 500,000 monthly active users, and more than 40 million users in the ecosystem.

Open Ocean: OpenOcean is a leading DEX Aggregator, a cross-chain swap aggregator, and Web3 middleware developer in the crypto space, offering a suite of tools across 30+ networks and 300+ deep liquidity sources. OpenOcean is building a one-stop trading platform to bring users the best swap returns for decentralized crypto trading.

Aikon: Blockchain and crypto are technologically complex. AIKON makes it simple. Aikon has built a suite of intuitive products built on the ORE Network (ORE) for enterprise companies looking to provide a seamless user experience that works cross-chain with Algorand, Avalanche, Ethereum, Polygon, EOS, Wax, Telos and more.

Task On: TaskOn is a platform that boosts the completion of various Web3 tasks in a decentralized way. It helps task initiators and implementers to collaborate efficiently and better align mutual interests. Through TaskOn, participating projects are able to easily run campaigns to promote initiatives, acquire new real users, grow communities, drive up volume, mint and distribute NFTs and manage whitelists. Projects can make full use of TaskOn to start driving awareness and distributing rewards to their communities today.

Nexter: Nexter is a no-loss prediction market where you can run automated predictions, and bet on Real-world event outcomes, crypto, & commodity prices while earning yields. Nexter presents an array of game-changing features, including no-loss predictions, prediction vaults, and immersive gamification elements. These enhancements guarantee an intuitive and user-friendly interface, setting them apart from the rest. It is a completely decentralized platform powered by Polygon, Binance, Chainlink, Reality.eth, Kleros and Telos.

Arcus: Arcus Game is a Filipino-led gaming company that delivers quality gaming experiences to its global community. Founded in 2022, the company has been a pioneer in the tech and gaming industry, revolutionizing esports and gaming with AI-powered metaverse and lucrative GameFi opportunities. Arcus enables players to enter a world where their skills, strategies, and decisions truly matter. Arcus’ game changer proprietary AI technology ensures experiences through UGC customization. From heart-pounding first-person shooter battles to captivating adventure quests, Arcus Game offers a diverse range of gameplay modes that keep players engaged and craving for more.

Zeeve: Zeeve is a leading Web3 Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) platform, assisting enterprises with seamless integration and simplified management of Blockchain protocols. With a user-friendly interface and robust functionality, Zeeve allows organizations to bypass the complexities of infrastructure management, thereby accelerating their time to production. For more information, please visit www.zeeve.io.

SecureDApp: SecureDApp is a pioneering blockchain ecosystem that emerged as a distinguished blockchain security company and has since grown to encompass a diverse range of categories within the blockchain industry. With a strong emphasis on professionalism and excellence, SecureDApp has positioned itself as a leader in the broad landscape of blockchain technologies.

Network Performance

As part of an ongoing effort to provide more visibility into network statistics, the TCD has begun tracking key metrics. This will enable us to identify potential trends on-chain. More metrics will be added over time.

TCD August Development Updates

Executive Summary

Throughout August, the Telos Core Developer (TCD) team made significant strides in enhancing the Telos ecosystem. With improvements to the Telos Wallet, Token List, Open Block Explorer, and especially the 1.5 EVM, the team demonstrated a steadfast commitment to user experience, functionality, and system robustness.

Key Development Updates

Telos Wallet

• Launched a new version with enhanced wallet support on mobile and desktop.
• SafeWallet and WalletConnect integrations saw significant advancement.
• Added features: Wrap/Unwrap enhancements, fixes to pricing for WTLOS and STLOS tokens, Login styling updates, WalletConnect QR Login fix, restoring WalletConnect for Brave Mobile users, and Send Form and Documentation updates.

Token List

• Modified settings for Multichain tokens’ pricing, unlinking from CMC and CoinGecko.
• Updated the Telos EVM Token List for enhanced user accuracy and trust.

Open Block Explorer

• A critical REX staking UI bug was fixed.
• Notable refinements include refactoring of Router and including the URL on the route.

1.5 EVM

• Made continuous progress in updating and testing precompiles.
• Addressed several bugs and made significant system improvements.
• Emphasis on TEVMController Startup Procedure, Database Repair Fixes, and Hex Value Usage.

Telos EVM Docker

• Achieved improvements in System Configuration, Setup, Daemon Administration API, and System Integrity Checks.
• Focused on API Reference Documentation, Poetry Packaging, and Dirty Nodeos Database Repair.

Api-Telos-Net

• Featured updates to the ‘word-wrap’ software component.
• The Topper Widget Bootstrap Token Route Feature was introduced, serving the Topper widget on telos.net. Accompanied by documentation and usability improvements.

Telos-Evm-Rpc

• Highlights include Websocket fixes, fixes for the Timestamp Issue, Genesis Block Creation, and Sepolia Conformity fixes.

Other Updates

• Updated github-metrics.svg multiple times for accurate visual data representation.
• Addressed challenges with the ConnectWalletOptions, Mock Data, and Unit Test Restoration.

Telos Core Developer Team Priorities

• EVM 1.5 remains a top priority, with emphasis on Developer Onboarding, Node Operator Experience, fast bug fixes, and documentation.
• Efforts are geared towards TELOS ZERO, EVM Web Wallet, OREID Native Telos Wallet Integration, UI/UX improvements, EVM 2.0, and Governance Change backlog.

Conclusion

The team’s endeavours in August solidified the foundation for further growth and functionality within the Telos ecosystem.

TCD Developer Spotlight

A Deep Dive with Don

Intro: Meet Don, a name synonymous with the core developments of Telos. With an exciting journey that started back in 2013, Don has seen the rise of Bitcoin, the innovations of Ethereum, and has been a pivotal force behind Telos. Let’s delve deeper into his journey.

From Bitcoin to AntelopeIO: Tracing the Journey

Question 1. Don, you’ve been involved in the blockchain space for a decade now. Tell us about those early days and what led you from Bitcoin to eventually discovering the magic of AntelopeIO?

Answer 1. Starting in 2013, I got involved with Bitcoin and Dogecoin. As the industry evolved, I was drawn to Ethereum. However, the real game-changer for me was discovering AntelopeIO, the underlying technology that powers Telos.

The Telos Chapter: Building and Innovating

Question 2. Your connection with Telos is intriguing. Can you detail how your association with Jesse, the current CTO, set the stage for your role in Telos?

Answer 2. I met Jesse, the current Telos CTO, in 2018 with a shared interest in AntelopeIO. Shortly afterwards, we launched our own block producer, Caleos (‘caleosblocks’) and were one of the primary block producers which comprised the initial Telos launch group. I came on as a full-time TCD developer in October 2021. Since then, I have led efforts and contributed to Teloscan, Telos Web Wallet, Open Block Explorer, Telos EVM Indexer, Telos APIs, amongst others. I’m fortunate to be a part of such a talented and driven team.

Innovating at the Forefront: Notable Developments

Question 3. You’ve mentioned a ton of developments. Is there a particular initiative or update that you feel significantly elevates the Telos experience?

Answer 3. Certainly! We’ve revamped our web wallet in remarkable ways. Now, it not only supports digital collectibles or NFTs but also offers broader wallet connection options. Users can look forward to staking and in-app fiat on-ramps in the near future.

Connect with Don: A Peek into the Developer’s World

Question 4. For the tech enthusiasts and budding developers out there, where can they connect with you or perhaps follow your work?

Answer 4. I’m active on a few platforms. You can check out my contributions on Github or connect with me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Always happy to connect with fellow enthusiasts!

Closing: From the rise of Bitcoin to the cutting-edge developments in Telos, Don’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. As Telos continues to grow and evolve, the community can look forward to many more innovations spearheaded by passionate developers like Don.