July 11: Pyth, a blockchain oracle protocol, has officially launched its newest product, Express Relay, on mainnet, according to the team: "The launch introduces a novel decentralized solution to the long-standing problem of MEV in processing liquidations and market-efficiency enhancing transactions in DeFi ( DEFTF ) – once thought to be an inevitable characteristic of on-chain finance. The primitive connects DeFi ( DEFTF ) protocols directly with a network of established searchers through protocol-controlled auctions for events like liquidations. Searchers who have already integrated include Flow Traders ( FLTLF ), Wintermute, Auros, Flowdesk, Caladan, Tokka Labs and Swaap Finance."

'Simple Distributed Validator Technology' Module From SSV, Lido Now Deployed

July 11: The Simple Distributed Validator Technology (DVT) Software Module, powered by SSV.Network, has been deployed and is ready for deposits, according to the team: "The Simple DVT module aims to diversify the set of node operators connected to and utilizing the Lido protocol while enhancing resilience, distribution and security. This development also sets the stage for more scalable and permissionless DVT-based modules in the future. This launch represents a significant step towards a more decentralized, secure, and accessible Ethereum staking ecosystem, with potential ripple effects across the entire crypto space."

RECRD, SocialFi Platform Allowing Monetization for Creators, Raises $4M Led by Sui Foundation

July 11: SocialFi platform RECRD has emerged from stealth with an investment of $4 million led by the Sui Foundation, according to the team. Other investors include Mitch Lowe, co-founding executive of Netflix ( NFLX ); Mitch Richmond, six-time NBA All-Star; Jeffery Shoonover of Hollywood.com; Alphabit Fund and DNA Fund. According to the team: "RECRD allows monetization for creators, users and brands through a unique patent-pending engagement model built on dynamic video reactions called REBNDS (rebounds). This along with the DeFi ( DEFTF ) integration powered by the Sui blockchain, are at the core of RECRD’s ambition to disrupt the $250 billion creator economy." {{SUI}}

IoTeX '2.0' Release Brings Modularity With NEAR, Filecoin, Risc Zero, Espresso

July 17: IoTeX, an Ethereum compatible blockchain platform optimized for decentralized physical infrastructure projects (DePIN), is launching its 2.0 platform to democratize access to DePIN by partnering with NEAR, Filecoin, RISC Zero, Espresso and more, "to enhance data availability, storage, computation and sequencing," according to the team: "IoTeX 2.0 features DePIN Infrastructure Modules (DIMs) and Modularity Security Pool (MSP) to cut development costs and support sustainable growth for DePIN projects, positioning itself as the largest decentralized hub for devices and data that will be deployed by both humans and AI agents."

Sonic, Gaming-Focused L2 on Solana, Partners With Neon Stack for EVM Compatibility

July 11: Sonic, a gaming-focused layer-2 network atop Solana, has partnered with Neon Stack to bring EVM compatibility to the Sonic Virtual Machine (SVM). According to the team: "This collaboration allows Ethereum developers to launch EVM-powered dapps on Sonic's HyperGrid L2, designed for high-volume Web3 games with settlements on Solana L1. Davide Menegaldo of Neon Stack highlighted the expansion of Sonic's market, while Sonic's CEO Chris Zhu emphasized onboarding EVM-based Web3 games to Solana's ecosystem. The partnership aims to unite Ethereum and Solana ecosystems, leveraging HyperGrid technology for scalable, fast and secure gaming dapps."

Animoca Brands Launches Validator on Core Chain

July 11: Core, a Bitcoin-powered layer-one blockchain for EVM-compatible smart contracts, announced that Animoca Brands has launched a validator on the Core Chain. According to the team: "This move underscores Animoca Brands’ belief in Core blockchain’s potential and a commitment to supporting the Core network's security and decentralization. By becoming a validator, Animoca Brands is actively participating in the governance and stability of Core, highlighting its trust in the vision to unlock over $1.3 trillion of trapped liquidity on Bitcoin."

SKALE's 'Pacifica V3' Upgrade to Double Transaction Throughput

July 11: SKALE, the gas-less EVM-compatible modular blockchain network, launched the Pacifica V3 upgrade, "which accelerates block mining speed by 108% and increases transaction throughput by 122%," according to the team: "Leveraging its unique modular AppChain architecture, this upgrade brings significant advancements to SKALE Network's capabilities, including improved transaction speed and predictability, enhanced network performance and improved developer tools."

Fireblocks Adds First Clutch of Crypto Safekeeping Firms to Its Global Custodian Program

July 11: Crypto ( CRCW ) custody firm Fireblocks named Zodia Custody, Komainu, CloudTech, Zerocap and Rakkar as the five firms to join its Global Custodian Partner Program, the companies said on Thursday. The global custodian program provides crypto institutions that use Fireblocks technology with local third-party crypto safekeeping options in their appropriate jurisdiction, be that in the U.K., Australia, Singapore, the UAE and Japan.

Anomaly Secures Spot in Google ( GOOG ) for Startups Cloud Program, Raises $1.45M

July 11: Anomaly has secured a spot in Google ( GOOG ) for Startups Cloud Program, and announced an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round, raising $1.45 million from Decasonic, Shima Capital and Break Orbit. According to the team: "The company enhances blockchain gaming UX with account abstraction for easy onboarding.Its AI-powered SDK allows quick creation and deployment of mini-games on social platforms. Anomaly uses Google Cloud Storage and Global Load Balancers for efficient, secure scaling. The program will help to reduce deployment lead times and drive innovation with AI for Web3."

Polygon, Google Cloud, Accenture Release White Paper on Web3 Loyalty Programs

July 11: Polygon Labs, in collaboration with Google Cloud and Accenture ( ACN ), jointly released a white paper that highlights how Web3 solutions can build high-margin loyalty programs. According to the team: "The paper highlights how users can enjoy rewards such as tokenized privileges, gamification, collectibles and community-generated content. This not only improves the user experience but also generates new revenue streams for brands while empowering users to actively participate in loyalty programs."

Protocol Village is a regular feature of The Protocol, our weekly newsletter exploring the tech behind crypto, one block at a time. Sign up here to get it in your inbox every Wednesday. Project teams can submit updates here. For previous versions of Protocol Village, please go here. Also please check out our weekly The Protocol podcast.