ZetaChain has introduced its latest technological advancement: the Gateway upgrade. This update is part of the broader ZetaChain 2.0 enhancements, which aim to refine the way developers and users interact with blockchain applications across diverse networks.
Universal Apps: A New Era of Cross-Chain Functionality
ZetaChain’s announcement heralds a new chapter for blockchain interoperability with its Universal Apps feature. These smart contracts, built on ZetaChain’s Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), now seamlessly connect to various blockchains, including Bitcoin, EVM-compatible, non-EVM chains, and heterogeneous Layer 2 solutions.Â
This integration is made possible through the Gateway upgrade, which allows applications to interact with any supported chain via a single deployment, eliminating the need for developers to manage multiple deployments across different networks.
The technology underpinning Universal Apps employs a hub-and-spoke model, vastly simplifying the management of assets and data across blockchains. Unlike traditional point-to-point messaging, which can be cumbersome and limited in scale, this model routes all communications through a central hub.
Gateway’s introduction marks a revolutionary step in blockchain technology by facilitating complex multi-step operations through a unified interface. For instance, a user can now perform transactions like sending Bitcoin from the Bitcoin network to a Universal App on ZetaChain, locking it in a vault, converting it to USDC, and then swapping it for another token on Ethereum, all with a single click.
Moreover, Gateway revitalizes the smart contract interface, enabling externally owned accounts (EOAs) and other applications on connected chains to efficiently communicate with Universal Apps. This integration supports various functionalities, including token transfers and handling of gas queries, through a streamlined API.
Enhanced User and Developer Experience
For end-users, the new update means unprecedented ease of access. A Bitcoin holder can, for example, use a Universal App to send USDC to an Ethereum address without needing to switch networks or manage multiple wallet interfaces. Similarly, an Ethereum user could purchase an NFT on ZetaChain and transfer it directly to their BNB chain account in a single seamless process.
Developers, too, stand to gain from the Gateway upgrade. The new localnet environment introduced alongside Gateway allows for rapid deployment and interaction with contracts. This development mirrors operations on a unified chain, offering real-time feedback and instant transaction finalization, thereby significantly enhancing the development process.
