Hello, digital explorers and crypto aficionados! It's Mochi here, whisking you away on another adventure through the ever-vibrant world of Web3 and blockchain innovations in this special edition of Proof of Intel (PoI). As we usher in a new dawn of digital wonders, today's newsletter is brimming with the latest scoops from the NFT universe, where creativity meets technology in a dazzling display of digital artistry and groundbreaking achievements. From the high-speed minting records of Polkadot's parachains to the festive flair of Neo's Lunar New Year campaign, we're diving deep into the heart of NFT news that's setting the digital world abuzz. So, grab your virtual helmets, and let's embark on this pixelated journey together, exploring the marvels and milestones that continue to shape our digital future.

INTEL BRIEF
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🟧 The Ethereum token standard ERC404, a hybrid of NFT and fungible token attributes, has revolutionized trading flexibility and liquidity, generating $87 million in trades and integrating with major platforms like Blur and Uniswap.

🟧 Taproot Wizards' Quantum Cats NFTs have overcome initial technical glitches to amass $11.3 million in sales, equivalent to 268.3 bitcoin, with most of the collection selling out during the whitelist period before the public sale.

🟧 Polkadot's blockchain, through its Unique Network parachain, has set a new speed record by minting 4930 NFTs per minute for the Web3 game Forever Has Fallen, showcasing unprecedented efficiency and scalability in NFT distribution.

🟧 NEO and Mega Oasis have teamed up for a Lunar New Year celebration, launching a Fortune Envelope NFT campaign that offers participants the chance to win a share of $500 in GAS by engaging with and sharing special NFTs.

🚀 💡 ERC404: The Ethereum Experiment Shaking Up the NFT World

In the ever-evolving landscape of Ethereum, a new beacon of innovation has emerged, blending the distinct worlds of NFTs and cryptocurrencies into a groundbreaking hybrid: ERC404. This experimental token standard is not just a technical tweak; it's a game-changer for NFT traders seeking more liquidity and flexibility in their dealings. With a staggering $87 million in trades already under its belt, ERC404 is making waves and wallets heavier across the decentralized exchange spectrum.

Imagine a world where your unique digital art piece could flow through the market with the ease of a cryptocurrency. That's the reality ERC404 is crafting. By merging the uniqueness of NFTs (ERC721) with the fungibility of tokens like ETH (ERC20), it's introduced a collection of Replicants that has traders buzzing and liquidity spiking. From a modest 0.38 ETH, one Replicant's value soared to over 4.26 ETH, catapulting the collection into the top 15 NFT collections by value.

But ERC404 isn't just about making traders' eyes sparkle with dollar signs; it's about transforming the NFT marketplace. Unlike fractionalized NFTs that slice a single token into tradable pieces, ERC404 allows for the entire collection's fluid trade, enhancing liquidity without sacrificing the uniqueness of each piece. This means no more waiting for a buyer on NFT marketplaces; traders can dive into decentralized exchanges like Uniswap, where liquidity flows as freely as the digital art itself.

The implications of ERC404 extend beyond mere trading mechanics. It introduces a quirky yet fascinating dynamic: selling a fungible token results in the linked NFT's destruction, sparking a frenzy for rare "red Replicant" tokens. This frenzy has not only invigorated trading volumes but also enriched liquidity providers on Uniswap, with fees nearing $1 million.

With platforms like Blur swiftly integrating ERC404 and others like BananaGun joining the fray, the token standard is setting a precedent for the future of NFTs. It's not just an experiment; it's a revolution, redefining the boundaries of digital ownership and trading.

🔮 🐱 Quantum Leap: Taproot Wizards' NFTs Conjure Bitcoin Bonanza

In an enchanting turn of events that marries the mystical with the digital, Taproot Wizards' Quantum Cats NFTs have catapulted past technical snafus to amass a whopping 268.3 bitcoin, translating to an eye-watering $11.3 million. This magical feat was achieved despite earlier hiccups that momentarily cast a shadow over the sale, proving once again that in the world of NFTs, patience is not just a virtue but a potential goldmine.

The journey of the Quantum Cats began with a bit of a stumble, as technical glitches delayed their much-anticipated sale. However, like any good wizard's spell, the problems were swiftly remedied, setting the stage for an impressive display of digital wizardry. By February 5, 2023, the collection of Ordinal inscription collectibles had bewitched buyers, with a significant number snagged by those lucky enough to be whitelisted before the general public could get their hands on them.

Priced at a tidy sum of 0.1 BTC per NFT, the Quantum Cats proved irresistible, with 2,681 of the 3,000 available cats finding homes in the digital ether. This left a mere 300 felines prowling the blockchain, awaiting adoption by enthusiasts outside the U.S. — a curious twist in the tale, given the exclusion of U.S. residents from the sale.

This successful mint, occurring amidst a burgeoning interest in Ordinal inscriptions, not only showcases the Taproot Wizards' mastery over the NFT arts but also cements Bitcoin's position as a formidable realm for NFT sales, second only in volume to Ethereum. With $2.25 billion in NFT sales volume, the Bitcoin platform is proving to be a fertile ground for digital collectibles, with the Quantum Cats leading the charge.

Now, as the dust settles and the last of the Quantum Cats find their keepers, the question on everyone's lips is whether these NFTs will ascend in value, maintain their initial charm, or perhaps, lose a life in the secondary market. Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Taproot Wizards' Quantum Cats have already secured their place in the annals of NFT history, proving that even amidst technical turmoil, magic can indeed happen.

🧱 🔨 Breaking Barriers: Polkadot's Parachain Sets NFT Minting Speed Record

In an electrifying display of technological prowess, the Polkadot blockchain has shattered previous records, establishing a new gold standard in the NFT minting arena. With a staggering 4930 NFTs minted per minute for the interactive Web3 game Forever Has Fallen, Polkadot has not just broken a record; it's rewritten the rulebook on scalability and efficiency in blockchain technology.

This historic milestone was achieved on the back of Unique Network, a Polkadot parachain specializing in composable NFTs. The minted tokens, known as Bounty Hunter Tickets (BHTs), are more than just digital collectibles; they're keys to unlocking an immersive universe within Forever Has Fallen's metaverse, where players vie for supremacy in a narrative-rich landscape.

The journey to this achievement was no small feat. Developers embarked on an exhaustive evaluation across multiple blockchain networks, putting them through their paces on everything from gas fees to minting speed and overall performance. After rigorous testing, including the minting of 300,000 NFTs in trials, Polkadot's infrastructure emerged as the ideal platform for this groundbreaking endeavor.

Polkadot's triumph isn't merely a technical victory; it's a beacon for Web3 gaming projects worldwide, demonstrating the potential for rapid NFT delivery without compromising on user experience. According to Kimon Lycos, Founder and CEO of Incite, the production studio behind Forever Has Fallen, the aim is to offer a Web2 type experience with instant gratification, all powered by the seamless capabilities of Web3 technology.

The brains behind Unique Network, CEO Alexandar Mitrovic, praised Polkadot's flexibility and the opportunity to test performance improvements on a large scale. This achievement is just the beginning, with the upcoming integration of Asynchronous Backing (AB) by Polkadot's core developers poised to push the boundaries of blockchain speed and efficiency even further.

🎉🧧 Neo's Lunar New Year Bash: Fortune Envelopes Go Digital

As the Lunar New Year unfurls its vibrant hues across the digital sphere, Neo, in partnership with Mega Oasis, is infusing the age-old tradition of fortune sharing with a modern twist through the Neo Fortune Envelope NFT campaign. This festive foray is not just a nod to tradition but a leap into the future of celebratory exchanges, blending the rich cultural heritage of Lunar New Year with the cutting-edge allure of NFTs.

In this innovative campaign, participants dive into the spirit of giving and receiving digital fortune envelopes, a nod to the red packets filled with money traditionally exchanged during Lunar New Year. But here's the crypto spin: not only do these digital envelopes embody wishes of prosperity and good luck, but they also offer a chance to win a slice of $500 in GAS, the fuel that powers the Neo blockchain.

Engaging with the campaign is as simple as it is rewarding. Participants start by claiming at least one Neo Fortune Envelope NFT on Mega Oasis and then spread the joy by sending one to another user. With the campaign running from February 6 to February 23, there's ample opportunity for everyone to partake in the festivities and possibly snag some GAS as a reward.

To be eligible for the prize draw, one must navigate through the campaign period with at least one claimed and sent Neo Fortune Envelope NFT, and hold at least one NeoNS domain in the same wallet. The beauty of this campaign lies in its simplicity and the seamless blend of cultural tradition with blockchain innovation.

As the campaign curtain falls, 50 lucky winners will be chosen to receive $10 in GAS each, directly into the wallets they used to participate, making this Lunar New Year an unforgettable fusion of tradition and technology.

As we close this edition of Proof of Intel, remember that each byte of information and every spark of creativity brings us closer to understanding the vast potential of the blockchain universe. Keep your curiosity alight and your spirits high as we continue to navigate this fascinating digital era together. Until next time, this is Mochi, your guide through the pixel-perfect realms of NFTs and blockchain wonders, wishing you endless discovery and digital delights. Stay tuned, stay inspired, and see you in the next edition of PoI, where the future is always just a click away!

P.S. Don't forget to share Proof of Intel with your friends. See you in the next issue! 💌🎈

🍨📰 Catch you in the next issue! 📰🍨

TL;DR: 🔻💯
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🟧 ERC404 combines NFTs and cryptocurrencies, enabling flexible trading and enhancing liquidity, with $87 million in trades and a transformative impact on digital asset accessibility. It showcases Ethereum's continuous innovation.

🟧 Despite initial glitches, Taproot Wizards' Quantum Cats NFTs achieved $11.3 million in sales on the Bitcoin blockchain, highlighting the appeal of digital collectibles and setting a benchmark for NFT projects.

🟧 Polkadot's Unique Network achieved a record by minting 4930 NFTs per minute, demonstrating its scalability and efficiency for Web3 gaming and indicating a shift towards faster and more immersive digital experiences.

🟧 Neo and Mega Oasis' Fortune Envelope NFT campaign merges Lunar New Year traditions with digital innovation, offering a modern twist on cultural celebrations and highlighting blockchain's potential in blending technology with tradition.