What’s New in DePin? Theta Releases EdgeCloud for Android, Anyone Announces Testnet, and More

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePin) are transforming the tech by enabling decentralized projects in real-world infrastructure.

Here’s what happened in DePin sector recently: Theta launched the mobile version of its EdgeCloud Node, expanding its network to Android devices. Helium formed a partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, increasing its visibility at major sporting events. Meanwhile, Anyone announced its Incentivized Testnet, offering token rewards to relay operators for supporting its infrastructure.

Theta Releases EdgeCloud Node for Android Devices

In a important step for Theta, the mobile version of the Edge Node for Android devices launched on September 25. This update expands Theta EdgeCloud’s network, which already includes over 30,000 desktop nodes, to potentially tap into the computing power of 3.9 billion Android devices worldwide. Now, Android smartphone users can contribute their GPU power to Theta’s EdgeCloud network and earn TFUEL tokens as a reward.

“For the first time ever, the Theta team has implemented a video object detection AI model (VOD_AI) that runs on consumer grade Android mobile devices, delivering true computation at the edge and enabling unparalleled scalability and reach. VOD_AI is a computer vision technique that uses AI to analyze video frames to identify objects by scanning video frames, looking for potential objects and drawing bounding boxes around them. This process is similar to how the human visual cortex works,” the team shared.

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Theta Mobile Edge Node. Source: Theta

Users can also set their Edge Node to run only when the device is on WiFi and charging, like overnight. With thousands of Android devices participating globally, Theta can handle large computing tasks, such as video processing, around the clock. For example, if 30,000 devices each work for 8 hours, they provide 240,000 hours of computing power in a day.

The system splits large videos into 14 million small parts and distributes the work across devices, allowing it to process even complex, high-resolution videos efficiently. This brings a new level of power to edge computing.

Helium Partners with USC Athletics

Helium Mobile has officially partnered with the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, marking a new collaboration for the 2024-25 sports season. As part of this partnership, Helium Mobile will feature prominently at USC football and basketball home games, starting with the highly anticipated USC vs. Wisconsin game on September 28, 2024, where Helium Mobile will serve as the game sponsor.

Fans attending these games can expect Helium Mobile branding throughout the stadium, along with interactive activities, giveaways, and promotions aimed at engaging USC supporters. The partnership also includes special events like student section takeovers and exclusive fan experiences.

“We are proud to support the USC Trojans. Sports bring people together, and we’re excited to have USC as part of the Helium Mobile family. We know how important it is for students, student-athletes, faculty, and alumni to have reliable and affordable cell phone service,” Helium Mobile COO Frank Mong said.

Read more: What Is DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks)?

Helium Mobile, known for its $20 per month phone plan with unlimited talk, text, and data, will use the opportunity to introduce the Helium Network to the USC community.

With a focus on providing reliable connectivity for popular apps like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, the network promises to meet the needs of students and fans who rely on their phones throughout the day. Helium subscribers also have the chance to earn rewards for supporting the network’s growth.

Anyone Prepares for Incentivized Testnet

The Anyone Incentivized Testnet and Dashboard will go live soon. This launch will transition the network to an incentivized phase, allowing any relay operator to earn mainnet ANYONE tokens through the distribution system.

Initially, the distribution rate will be set at 25% of the final target. Operators will be able to connect to the dashboard, track rewards distributed on Arweave Layer-1, and claim them on the Sepolia Testnet. Mainnet tokens will then be airdropped weekly on a 1:1 basis with the testnet rewards redeemed.

The team will test and audit features throughout the testnet period, then integrate them into the rewards system. With updates like family requirements, geolocation multipliers, and mainnet ANYONE locking, the rewards will increase as the protocol grows.

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Anyone Dashboard. Source: Anyone

While DePIN is still in its early stages and has some flaws, it allows for the exchange of tokens between synthetic and real-world assets. This supports traditional infrastructure by providing last-mile coverage in areas where conventional models are not economically feasible.

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