DePIN

Decentralised physical infrastructure networks promise to fund antennas, sensors and compute through token issuance. The question held here is simple: does the hardware exist, who pays for it, and does revenue survive without emission subsidies? Partnership announcements are treated as noise until operation is proven.

5 publications

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  1. Abstract illustration on an ivory background, six connected cobalt shapes surround a radiant core while a yellow dot and two yellow rays pass through a gap between large blue arcs.21 August 2026 · 11:16 · 90 secHelium drops fees for Wi-Fi operators but leaves the savings undisclosedHelium removed connection fees for Helium Plus operators on August 18. The change applies automatically to payouts in US dollars, USDC or HNT, with no minimum traffic requirement. One-time onboarding charges have also been waived. The programme runs until further notice.
  2. Abstract illustration on an ivory ground: violet layers form a territory crossed by three yellow paths, with only one reaching a small dark frame.21 August 2026 · 14:14 · 90 secHivemapper maps 34% of roads but leaves paid demand undisclosedHivemapper has operated a network of dashboard cameras since November 2022, collecting road imagery, processing it with artificial intelligence and rewarding contributors in HONEY tokens. On 21 August 2026, its coverage page claimed more than 500 million kilometres driven and 34% of the world’s roads captured. Lyft confirmed to Decrypt that it has used data from commercial subsidiary Bee Maps since 2024.
  3. Abstract illustration on an ivory background, cobalt shapes joined by short segments surround a large empty centre, with one yellow accent.20 August 2026 · 11:19 · 90 secArthur Hayes launches Flop Labs, but its compute network remains on paperArthur Hayes announced on August 18 that he was leading Flop Labs. The project proposes a network where providers would sell computing power to artificial intelligence agents in exchange for a FLOP token. Hayes is targeting a distribution in the fourth quarter of 2026 and a first block in the first quarter of 2027, while presenting neither date as final.Noise
  4. Abstract illustration on an ivory background: a dense field of violet blocks on the left connects to seven spaced modules on the right through three broad channels beneath an open loop.20 August 2026 · 14:15 · 90 secAkash routes $5.9m into compute, 63 providers carry its marketAkash runs an open marketplace where providers rent processors, graphics cards, memory and storage to developers. At 12:04 UTC on August 20, 2026, its public API showed $5.91 million in cumulative compute spend, 760 active leases and 63 active providers. The network code and lease records are public.
  5. Abstract illustration on an ivory background: connected coral and green islands surround a central field of contour lines while one peripheral area remains open.19 August 2026 · 14:14 · 90 secGEODNET links 22,472 stations — customer usage is harder to seeGEODNET currently sells an RTK service: GNSS stations installed by independent operators transmit observations used to correct a connected device’s position. DePINscan counted 22,472 active devices across 136 countries or regions on August 19, 2026. The service and a free trial are available online.