This Easter, Tezos is taking the traditional egg hunt to a whole new level, merging the worlds of blockchain and digital art in a uniquely and excitingly way. Participants are invited to embark on a virtual quest filled with challenges and the promise of rewarding discoveries with over 2300 tez in value.

The Mission: Crack the Code, Follow the Trail

The quest begins with a simple, yet engaging task: participants must like, retweet the announcement post, and follow Tezos on X. The real challenge, however, lies in cracking the code hidden within a specially designed video. This code leads to an easter egg—an entry point into the deeper layers of the quest.

The journey doesn’t end with finding the easter egg. Adventurers must then figure out where the quest takes them and complete the tasks laid out. It’s a test of wit, perseverance, and digital savvy, with the added excitement of the unknown. What lies at the end of the quest? Only those who venture forth can discover.

The Treasure: Digital Art and Tez Galore

The rewards for completing the quest are as diverse as they are valuable. In collaboration with leading digital artists and creators, Tezos has curated a collection of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to be won:

• Artworks by @gengoya_club, valued at 1000 tez, offer a unique blend of traditional and digital artistry.

• @uczine brings storytelling and digital craftsmanship together in pieces worth 500 tez.

• @omgidrawedit, known for their vibrant and whimsical style, has contributed art worth 200 tez.

• @neurocolor’s pieces, valued at 150 tez, explore the intersection of art and technology.

• @Poppel20 and @gammatrace_ have also joined the fray with pieces worth 110 and 100 tez, respectively.

In addition to these art pieces, participants have the chance to win over 250 tez, adding a direct cryptocurrency reward to the mix.

The Deadline: A Race Against Time

The clock is ticking, with the contest closing on April 2 at 11:59 UTC. Time is of the essence, and those wishing to claim their share of the treasure must act swiftly!

Faster, Higher, Stronger: The Paris Protocol Upgrade for Tezos

Tezos has been on a consistent journey of evolution and improvement, marked by significant protocol upgrades that have progressively enhanced its blockchain ecosystem. The latest in this series of upgrades is the eagerly anticipated Paris protocol, comprising two proposals: Paris A and Paris B. Announced by Nomadic Labs in collaboration with Marigold, TriliTech, and Functori, this upgrade follows the successful activation of the Oxford 2 protocol. Here, we delve into the details of the Paris upgrade, highlighting its major updates, improvements, and the strategic choices it presents to the Tezos community.

The Essence of Paris: A Leap Towards Efficiency and Scalability

The Paris protocol upgrade is distinguished by its ambitious aim to lower latency and achieve faster finality with a 10-second block time, without compromising decentralization or security. This improvement is a continuation of Tezos' commitment to enhancing network performance, as seen in previous upgrades like the adoption of the Tenderbake consensus algorithm and validation Pipelining which reduced block time to 15 seconds with the Mumbai protocol.

An essential component of the Paris upgrade is the activation of the Data Availability Layer (DAL) on Mainnet, a milestone move towards boosting throughput and scalability, particularly for Smart Rollups like Etherlink. The DAL facilitates the attestation of data external to Layer 1 blocks, significantly expanding the bandwidth of data attested by Layer 1 and supporting Tezos' scalability and performance.

Divergent Paths: Paris A vs. Paris B

The twin proposals under the Paris upgrade, though sharing a core set of improvements, diverge on the introduction of Adaptive Issuance, Staking, and Adaptive Slashing - a comprehensive overhaul of the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) fundamentals in Tezos.

• Paris B advocates for the immediate activation of Adaptive Issuance, Staking, and Adaptive Slashing upon protocol activation, presenting a direct path to these significant changes.

• Paris A, on the other hand, offers a more cautious approach, allowing bakers the option to vote for the activation of these features later via an on-chain signaling mechanism.

This bifurcation provides the Tezos community with a choice between an immediate embrace of new features with Paris B or a more measured, consensus-driven approach with Paris A.

Enhancements and Innovations

The Paris proposals introduce several key enhancements aimed at improving the efficiency, security, and scalability of the Tezos blockchain:

• Faster Block Times: Reducing block time to 10 seconds enhances the speed and responsiveness of the network.

• Data Availability Layer: Activating the DAL on Mainnet offers a significant throughput boost for Smart Rollups, enhancing scalability.

• Refined PoS Mechanism: Improvements in the PoS mechanism include reduced delays in acquiring and updating baking rights and simplified computation.

• Adaptive Issuance and Staking: A novel approach to adjusting the issuance of tez based on staking dynamics, aiming to optimize the economic model of Tezos.

• Adaptive Slashing: Refining the slashing mechanism to differentiate between unintentional errors and deliberate attacks, enhancing network security.

The Path Forward

The Paris upgrade represents a pivotal moment in Tezos' journey, offering the community a choice between two paths forward, each with its own set of improvements and innovations. As the Tezos ecosystem continues to grow and evolve, the Paris protocol upgrade stands as a testament to the community's commitment to building a faster, more scalable, and secure blockchain.

Nomadic Labs and its partners encourage the community to engage, discuss, and participate actively in the upcoming decisions surrounding the Paris proposals. As Tezos gears up for another significant leap forward, the collective input and collaboration of its community will be crucial in shaping the blockchain's future.

As the Paris protocol upgrade unfolds, the Tezos community stands at the brink of exciting developments that promise to further enhance the blockchain's performance, security, and decentralization. The journey ahead is filled with potential, as Tezos continues to innovate and strengthen its position in the blockchain space.

Welcoming Fleur Pellerin to the Tezos Foundation Council

In a significant development for the Tezos ecosystem, the Tezos Foundation Council announced the addition of Fleur Pellerin to its ranks as a council member. Fleur Pellerin is not a new name in the spheres of innovation, digital economy, and culture, having served as the French Minister for SME, Innovation, and the Digital Economy, as well as the Minister for Culture and Communication. Since leaving her governmental roles, she has been at the helm of Korelya Capital since 2016, a late-stage venture capital fund that has made notable investments in web3 infrastructure technology companies including Ledger, Bitfury, and Ramp. Her induction into the council, marked by her attendance at her first meeting on March 14, signals a fresh and forward-looking chapter for the Tezos Foundation.

Fleur brings to the table a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the start-up and entrepreneurial landscape. Her leadership at Korelya Capital, coupled with her significant ministerial roles in France, have equipped her with a unique blend of skills and insights that are poised to greatly benefit the Tezos Foundation's ongoing mission. The Foundation's dedication to fostering innovation and supporting the Tezos protocol stands to gain immeasurably from her expertise and vision.

"I am both honoured and excited to contribute to an ecosystem that is at the forefront of blockchain innovation and governance," Fleur Pellerin remarked upon her joining. She highlighted the pivotal moment the blockchain community is in, emphasizing the need for sustainable growth and further decentralization. Fleur is eager to collaborate with the Foundation's team to enhance the Tezos ecosystem's vibrancy and decentralization, navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead in blockchain technology.

Tezos Foundation also took the opportunity to express its heartfelt gratitude to outgoing council members Anil Madhavapeddy and Alice Lloyd George for their invaluable contributions and years of service. Anil, who is embarking on a new journey focused on environmental conservation, praised the Tezos blockchain's sustainable governance model and the seamless deployment of ten forkless upgrades since his joining. Alice, stepping down due to the demanding nature of her venture capital work, leaves behind a legacy of insightful contributions to the Foundation.

As we bid farewell to Anil and Alice, we look forward to the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that Fleur Pellerin will bring to the Tezos Foundation. Her background in the digital and cultural sectors, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, aligns perfectly with the Foundation's vision for a more decentralized and innovative future. The Tezos Foundation extends a warm welcome to Fleur, anticipating the exciting developments her involvement will inspire in the Tezos ecosystem.

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

Teletubbies x MetaPals: A Nostalgic Comapanion on Tezos

In an intriguing blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology, WildBrain CPLG, alongside MetaPals, unveils a transformative venture that brings the beloved Teletubbies into the realm of blockchain and AI. Celebrating its 27th anniversary on March 31, the iconic Teletubbies brand is set to embark on a new journey with the launch of Teletubbies AI digital companions on April 20th, merging childhood memories with the innovations of the digital era.

This global partnership signals a notable milestone in the evolution of renowned IPs, introducing Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po as evolving digital companions within the MetaPals browser extension game engine. These characters, integral to the ‘MetaPals Multiverse,’ are designed to interact with users in personalized ways, integrating into daily browsing activities to offer a mix of entertainment and assistance.

Each Teletubby companion boasts distinctive personality traits, promising a unique and engaging experience for users. With over 5000 Teletubby companions available, the platform ensures a one-of-a-kind interaction for every user, fostering a renewed connection with this nostalgic brand.

Ben Peace, VP of APAC at WildBrain CPLG, expressed enthusiasm about reimagining the Teletubbies franchise for the digital age, blending childhood nostalgia with the limitless potential of modern technology. Max Giammario, CEO of MetaPals, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s role in reviving Teletubbyland for a new era, where AI and blockchain facilitate novel forms of interaction and companionship.

For nearly three decades, the Teletubbies have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, spanning generations and evolving alongside technological advancements. This collaboration not only redefines digital companionship but also reinforces the Teletubbies' status as enduring cultural icons.

The Teletubbies Companion Trailer, featuring Toyah Willcox, offers a glimpse into this digital reincarnation, inviting fans to explore the enhanced world of Teletubbyland.

As the digital asset sale approaches on April 20th, with 5000 NFTs available, this venture presents an exciting opportunity for fans to engage with the Teletubbies in a manner that's both familiar and refreshingly new.

Tezos Powers the Inaugural Digital Art Mile at Art Basel

In a celebration of digital creativity, Tezos is set to illuminate Art Basel with the inaugural Digital Art Mile, an initiative orchestrated by Artmeta. Scheduled for June 10 - 16, this innovative event transforms a historic neighborhood into a dynamic arena for digital art exploration, showcasing the fusion of technology and artistic expression.

Curated by a selection of the world's leading digital artists, galleries, and platforms, the Digital Art Mile presents an unparalleled celebration of creativity in the digital age. Attendees can look forward to a comprehensive program that includes conferences, curated exhibitions, and exclusive opportunities to explore NFT galleries, platforms, and projects, encapsulating the essence and evolution of digital art.

The Tezos Foundation, as an official sponsor, collaborates with esteemed platforms Objkt.com and fx(hash), presenting seminal works minted on Tezos at Space31. This collaboration promises an enthralling experience for art enthusiasts and collectors alike, showcasing the rich potential of digital art.

For those eager to dive deeper into the Digital Art Mile and stay abreast of the latest developments, further insights and updates are available through dedicated resources. Check out the insightful article on Artmeta's Medium for more context: Basel Turns Digital - June 2024.

And for all the latest updates and information, be sure to visit the official website: Artmeta.

Tezos Foundation Grants Support to Blockscout for Etherlink Integration

Tezos Foundation announced a grant to Blockscout, a premier open-source and transparent block explorer, marking a pivotal advancement for the Etherlink ecosystem. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility and transparency of the Tezos blockchain, facilitating a more inclusive and insightful user experience.

Blockscout, renowned for its reliability and comprehensive features, is trusted by over 800 networks across EVM blockchain ecosystems. Its capabilities extend beyond mere transaction tracking to include the seamless search and verification of blocks, transactions, addresses, contracts, and more, thereby embodying a cornerstone of blockchain accessibility and transparency.

This collaboration will see Blockscout providing a hosted mainnet and testnet block explorer for Etherlink, supporting not only mainnets and testnets but also optimistic and ZK rollups. This ensures a versatile and full-featured explorer option for all EVM-based chains, further cementing Blockscout's reputation as a comprehensive solution for blockchain exploration.

The integration with Etherlink is particularly noteworthy, as it promises to enhance the visibility and operability of Tezos' burgeoning ecosystem. Interested parties can explore the advancements firsthand by visiting the Etherlink testnet explorer.

Chestnut: A New PvP Shooter on Tezos with Play-to-Earn Mechanics

The gaming landscape on Tezos is getting a thrilling addition with the launch of Chestnut, a player-versus-player (PvP) shooting game with play-to-earn mechanics, set to debut on the Tezos mainnet on March 29. To commemorate this launch, the game's publishers are hosting a tournament-like challenge, inviting players to compete for a chance to win tez.

The Game: Chestnut in Brief

Chestnut is a browser-based, third-person shooting game that combines the excitement of PvP action with the innovative play-to-earn model. Set on an open map filled with monsters and other players, the game's fast-paced environment challenges participants to survive and thrive in chaotic battlegrounds. Players will navigate using the keyboard, aim, and shoot using their mouse or trackpad, and can purchase items like healing potions to aid in their survival.

The game's founder, Jerome Renaux, has expressed enthusiasm for launching on Tezos due to its high-performance capabilities and supportive development environment, stating, "The teams working on Tezos have been of great help in supporting the development of the game and the Tezos blockchain proved to be a great match for our project."

How to Get Started

Players interested in joining the Chestnut experience need a Tezos wallet (e.g., Kukai, Temple, or a configured MetaMask for Tezos) to participate. Here's how to get started:

1. Visit the Chestnut website.

2. Connect your wallet of choice.

3. Click on "Start game" to begin practicing or join live and upcoming events.

Launch Competition Details

The launch event is scheduled for Friday, March 29, starting at 17h UTC. The competition, taking place in-game, invites an unlimited number of players to engage in a free-for-all battle lasting around 30 minutes, depending on player count and skill. The rules are straightforward: players earn tez by contributing to monster kills or by taking down other players, with the prize pool for the event totaling 50 tez.

Future Plans and Community Engagement

Jerome Renaux hints at this being just the beginning, with plans for more events where players can earn tez. The team is committed to community engagement, promising to introduce new features based on player feedback. To stay updated and join the community, players can follow the game's Discord server and Twitter/X account.

Try Chestnut Today

Interested players are encouraged to visit the Chestnut website to explore the game and sharpen their skills before the competition. With its exciting gameplay and rewarding mechanics, Chestnut is poised to become a standout title in the Tezos gaming ecosystem.

Tezos and Tether Champion Blockchain Innovation in Africa with UABA TechCon 2024

In a landmark collaboration, Trilitech, Tether, and the United Africa Blockchain Association (UABA) have joined forces to advance blockchain technology across Africa. The UABA TechCon 2024 Government edition, held from March 10th to 15th in Cape Town, South Africa, marked a pivotal week of blockchain exploration and education for government officials from five African nations: South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Co-sponsored by Trilitech, a Tezos R&D and adoption hub, and Tether, the issuer of the popular stablecoin USDT, the event served as a platform for immersive learning and practical application of blockchain technology. With a comprehensive schedule that included educational sessions led by teams from the Tezos ecosystem and Tether, attendees engaged in "solution mode" workshops aimed at developing proof-of-concept blockchain solutions tailored to their countries' specific needs.

This first installment of the event in its closed format was heralded as a success, signaling a bright future for blockchain solutions in Africa. The engagement and enthusiasm displayed by government delegates underscored a collective eagerness to leverage blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrencies, addressing real-world challenges within their jurisdictions.

The conference concluded with plans for further exploration of the proof-of-concept ideas developed during the workshops. Teams from Trilitech will continue discussions with each government agency, with follow-up activities scheduled between April and May 2024.

The UABA TechCon 2024 Government edition not only showcased the potential of blockchain technology in Africa but also opened avenues for future collaboration between Tezos teams and African government agencies, laying the groundwork for an exciting journey of technological innovation and partnership on the continent.

Upcoming Tezos Events

STELLAR: An Immersive Art Experience Powered by Tezos

Join us at STELLAR for a transformative art journey, proudly brought to you by Victoria West and powered by Tezos. This immersive experience is set to unleash a wave of creativity and innovation, featuring incredible speakers, live minting sessions, electrifying music, and the opportunity to forge connections with both new and familiar faces.

Event Details:

• Date: April 2, 2024

• Time: From 2pm to 11pm EDT

• Location: 393 Broadway, Lume Studios, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

• Registration: visit the eventbrite page

About this Event:

Spanning 9 hours, STELLAR is designed to be an art experience like no other, hosted at the iconic 393 Broadway in New York City. Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in a world where art meets technology, fostering connections and sparking conversations in the vibrant Tezos community.

Highlights include:

• Incredible Artworks & Live Minting: Witness the creation of art in real time, featuring contributions from celebrated artists such as Laurence Fuller, Graphite Method, and Andressa Furletti.

• Performances & Panel Discussion: Be enthralled by performances from Laurence Fuller, Graphite Method, and Andressa Furletti. Engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion led by the insightful banana man, Aaron Vick, alongside distinguished panelists Leslie A. Spurlock, Sunny Sangwan, Empress Trash, Jen Panepinto, and Joanne.

• Party Vibes by Guido Corleone: To cap off the evening, Guido Corleone will bring the party vibes, ensuring STELLAR is not just an event, but a vibrant celebration of art, technology, and community spirit.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey at STELLAR, where art and technology converge to create a truly unique experience. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this incredible moment together.

See you there!

Now Streaming

🔴 Now Streaming: TezTalks Radio featuring Victoria West

Join us on this episode of TezTalks Radio as we dive into the world of art on the blockchain with our guest, Victoria West, a prominent artist on Tezos. Victoria opens up about her journey in the digital art space, discussing the opportunities of creating on Tezos.

Where to Watch/Listen:

Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music | YouTube | X