The Good Tech Companies - An Advanced and Efficient EVM for ZK Apps - Key Takeaways from the Horizen 2.0 Whitepaper

Starting point is 00:00:00 This audio is presented by Hacker Noon, where anyone can learn anything about any technology. An advanced and efficient EVM for ZK apps. Key takeaways from the Horizon 2.0 white paper, by Horizon. Hash hash TLDR Horizon is an OG blockchain launched in 2017 with a long history of ZK dedication. Horizon 2.0 is a pivotal ecosystem upgrade that introduces a series of unique capabilities aimed at addressing some of the biggest challenges currently existing in ZK. Current challenges in ZK hindering wide adoption and future growth. Horizon 2.0 solves the current challenges in ZK and making ZK cheaper,

Starting point is 00:00:40 faster and more accessible for developers. Horizon is evolving with the latest in ZK advancements coupling with EVM capabilities providing a frictionless ZK proving process. Horizon, one of the AUG blockchains originally launched as Zencash in 2017, has evolved significantly to become a scalable and robust ZK-focused blockchain platform. Its mission is to provide the most efficient and cost-effective ecosystem for developers to build a range of decentralized applications that leverage Xero knowledge technology. Horizon's vision centers on creating a truly decentralized network that ensures

Starting point is 00:01:15 efficiency, security, and scalability, empowering individuals and businesses alike. With the passing of the Zen IP 42406, Horizon moved forward with Horizon 2.0, a pivotal ecosystem upgrade that positions Horizon as a leading player in the ZK landscape. Horizon 2.0 introduces a series of unique capabilities aimed at addressing some of the biggest challenges currently existing in ZK that hindered future growth and wide adoption of ZK tech. The Horizon 2.0 whitepaper, authored by Horizon Labs, outlines these significant technological advancement and strategic approaches to the Horizon ecosystem. This summary provides key insights from the whitepaper, offering a clear understanding of the changes and their implications for various

Starting point is 00:02:01 stakeholders. Current challenges in ZK. The benefits of ZK are multifaceted, including the ability to reduce computational load, lower costs, and safeguard data between parties. However, ZK capability within decentralized applications remains limited, hindering its widespread implementation and utilization. EVM compatibility issues with limited ZK capabilities. The vast majority of the Web3 space is built on EVM-compatible applications, enabling seamless communication, interoperability, and a common set of tools and protocols. However, the EVM standard was not initially designed with ZK capabilities in mind, necessitating a new set of tools and protocols to build ZK applications. Unfortunately, necessitating a new set of tools and protocols to build ZK

Starting point is 00:02:45 applications. Unfortunately, these advancements require different programming languages, interfaces, and tools, creating barriers to communication and causing fragmentation within the broader Web3 community. Limitations on Ethereum The alternative to using non-EVM-compatible protocols is to use Ethereum for building ZK apps. This comes with two significant challenges, cost and technical limitations. Ethereum is already a congested network, and verifying proofs is a computationally intensive process, making it costly for ZK apps to operate. Need for advanced proving systems. ZK technology is advancing swiftly, necessitating more sophisticated

Starting point is 00:03:25 proving systems for optimal performance. It requires an ecosystem that can keep pace with its advancements. Horizon 2.0 Key Takeaways. The white paper outlines the Horizon 2.0's approaches to address the challenges in ZK. EVM with built-in PRECOMPLIES tailored for ZK APPS Horizon 2.0 provides equals equals multiple specialized precompiles equals equals tailored for ZK applications. This innovation provides enhanced efficiency and reduced costs for ZK app development. Improved scalability and cost efficiency for ZK based solutions Horizon 2.0 addresses significant scalability and cost efficiency for ZK-based solutions Horizon 2.0 addresses significant scalability and cost efficiency issues. Making ZK apps more accessible and economical to run. Seamless integration with existing Ethereum tools and PROTO-COLSAs and

Starting point is 00:04:20 EVM-compatible chain, Horizon 2.0 allows developers to use existing Ethereum tools and protocols. This compatibility ensures a smooth transition and integration for developers, reducing the learning curve and facilitating broader adoption of the platform. Enhanced Selective Disclosure and Security Features for DAPPS Horizon 2.0 offers robust selective disclosure and security features, making IT ideal for applications that require high levels of data protection. The C-enhancements ensure that sensitive information remains confidential, thereby boosting user trust and adoption. Expanded use cases, DeFi, Identity Verification, Voting, Gaming, and AI, ML Horizon 2.0 supports a wide range of use cases that

Starting point is 00:05:07 benefit from the ZK tech, including DeFi, identity verification, voting, gaming, and artificial intelligence, machine learning, ZK ML, applications. This versatility positions Horizon as a comprehensive ZK solution for various industries, driving innovation and application development. User-friendly approach to building ZK applications Horizon 2.0 simplifies the development of ZK apps, reducing the complexity and barriers for developers. This user-friendly approach encourages more developers to build on Horizon, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of ZK apps. Potential to standardize ZK app development process BY providing advanced ZK tools and a standardized approach, Horizon 2.0 aims to streamline the development of ZK apps, fostering innovation and wide adoption of ZK tech.

Starting point is 00:05:59 Commitment to keeping pace with rapidly evolving ZK technology Horizon 2.0 is designed to evolve with advancements in ZK technology, ensuring continuous improvement and relevance in the blockchain ecosystem. This commitment to innovation ensures that Horizon remains at the forefront of the industry. Horizon 2.0 technology, the white paper describes the technical advancements Horizon 2.0 brings, and here is a high-level overview, precompiled contracts for efficient ZK proof verification Horizon 2.0 includes precompiled contracts for various ZK proof systems like Groth 16, Plonk, Flonk, Ultraplonk, Halo 2, Stark, Bujum, Risk Zero and Binius, enabling rapid and cost-effective proof

Starting point is 00:06:46 verification directly within the EVM. PARACHAINTOZKVERIFY relay chain for enhanced interoperability in GENERALIZEDVERIFIER for accessing latest ZKVERIFY capabilities Horizon 2.0 operates as a parachain to the ZKVerify relay chain, facilitating interoperability within the ecosystem. A generalized verifier precompiled TAPSintoska verifies comprehensive verification framework, offering frictionless access to the latest proof systems without the need for bridging. Additionally, the use of cross-consensus messages XCM enables asynchronous pro-verification, further improving scalability and reducing latency in ZK apps. Zen staking using DPoS consensus with Nimbus framework for collator

Starting point is 00:07:37 selection The delegated proof-of-stake DPoS consensus mechanism, combined with the Nimbus framework, ensures efficient and fair collator selection, enhancing network performance and scalability. Substrate-based architecture Horizon 2.0's architecture leverages Substrate's modular design, allowing for flexible and efficient runtime components that can be easily updated and optimized. This allows for the interoperability of functionality between all chains in the network while maintaining security. Substrate's modular design also allows for updates to be made quicker by developers, with the added benefit of note always requiring a hard fork. Fully EVM-compatible

Starting point is 00:08:17 Horizon 2.0 is an EVM chain specifically designed for ZK apps, providing a familiar environment for developers while enhancing ZK capabilities. Use cases and applications. Horizon 2.0's advancements open up a wide range of real-world applications across various industries. Several case studies in the white paper illustrate the potential of Horizon 2.0 in different scenarios, including identity verification, DeFi, voting, gaming, verifiable computing, bridge technology, ZKML, and deepfakes. Future Outlook Horizon 2.0 has the potential to make a significant impact on the blockchain space and beyond. By addressing critical challenges and introducing innovative solutions, Horizon is well-positioned to drive widespread adoption of blockchain technology.

Starting point is 00:09:08 Its advancements could influence not only the tech industry but also various sectors that stand to benefit from decentralized solutions. Conclusion The Horizon 2.0 whitepaper presents a comprehensive vision for the future of the Horizon ecosystem. Key takeaways include significant improvements in scalability, security, and interoperability, as well as a refined economic model and enhanced governance framework. These updates position Horizon as a leading platform in the blockchain space, poised for continued growth and innovation. As the platform evolves, it holds great promise for delivering on its mission of providing an efficient, secure, scalable environment for a wide range of applications. Read the white paper to

Starting point is 00:09:50 deep dive into the strategic approaches and technology off Horizon 2.0 website, Horizon, IOX. At Horazanglobal thank you for listening to this HackerNoon story, read by Artificial Intelligence. Visit HackerNoon.com to read, write, learn and publish.

The Good Tech Companies - An Advanced and Efficient EVM for ZK Apps - Key Takeaways from the Horizen 2.0 Whitepaper

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