Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePin) are transforming the tech by enabling decentralized projects in real-world infrastructure.
Here’s what happened recently in the DePIN sector: Hivemapper discontinued its HDS dashcam, REI Network integrated Stratos’ decentralized storage solutions, Andrena raised $18 million to develop decentralized broadband protocol DAWN.
Hivemapper Discontinues HDC, Focuses on Bee Dashcam
Hivemapper is introducing a new fleet product, leading to major upgrades for their Bee dashcam. This advancement prompts Andrena to discontinue the HDC dashcam. Customers who pre-ordered the HDC will automatically receive an upgrade to the Bee, with the option to request a refund if preferred.
The Bee, now in extensive testing across Northern California and Pittsburgh, is gearing up for mass production. The design has been optimized for higher volume output, with new distribution partners poised to speed up deliveries, particularly in Southeast Asia.
As the Bee gets ready for market, Hivemapper’s mission to expand its global street-level imagery network continues. Their network currently captures over 28 million kilometers of data each month. The Bee will boost this with advanced sensors and computing power.
Read more: What Is DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks)?
Hivemapper users, however, aren’t happy with the update, worrying that the tokens earned from mapping won’t give them a good return on investment anytime soon. They also fear that with thousands of new cameras coming online, rewards will drop even more.
“With the amount of tokens mapping generates, we’ll not ROI in ages. Then thousands, and thousands of new cameras are deployed, the rewards will drop even more. AND then everyone will receive the 4000 HONEY which will dump the token price even more,” one X user complained.
REI Network Integrates Stratos’ Decentralized Storage Solutions
REI has announced a partnership with Stratos to boost its blockchain framework with advanced decentralized storage solutions. Stratos is developing a next-generation decentralized cloud platform that combines scalable storage, databases, and computation in one network.
The project uses a unique Proof-of-Traffic consensus mechanism to reward network participants based on the traffic they generate. This approach supports a self-balancing network designed to meet the demands of the new era of decentralization.
Read more: The Economics of Decentralized Storage Protocols
Scalable storage solutions provided by Stratos can manage a wide range of applications and increasing data volumes. Its decentralized infrastructure ensures secure and redundant data storage, minimizing risks of loss or unauthorized access. Additionally, the high-performance design of Stratos boosts the efficiency of decentralized applications and services within the REI Network.
Andrena Secures $18M to Develop Decentralized Broadband Protocol DAWN
Andrena, a wireless internet provider, raised $18 million in an extended Series A round, increasing its total funding to $38 million. Dragonfly Capital led the round, with participation from CMT Digital, Castle Island Ventures, Wintermute Ventures, 6th Man Ventures, and ParaFi.
Andrena will use the new funds to develop DAWN, a broadband protocol that allows users to sell excess internet bandwidth. DAWN uses a decentralized physical infrastructure networking (DePIN) system, where rooftop wireless base stations create mesh internet access without relying on a centralized provider.
“Our vision is to transform the Internet from a provider-owned model to a consumer-owned model. The same way homes can own their own electricity generation with solar panels and sell their excess back to the grid, DAWN aims to do the same with Internet,” the team shared on X.
Read more: Top 10 Web3 Projects That Are Revolutionizing the Industry
Andrena, which serves 10 states, including New York and New Jersey, plans to transition its existing customers to the DAWN protocol.
DAWN is currently in a testnet phase on the Solana blockchain, with no announced timeline for a full launch. At launch, Andrena aims to cover over 3 million households, with plans for global expansion in the future.
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.
