AO main network online press conference

Author: Kyle

Source: Content Guild-News

Opening

The long-awaited AO mainnet is now officially launched, and the $AO token has also begun to circulate. Since we started Testnet last February, we have also made some remarkable breakthroughs in core protocol design.

We have built a completely new computing primitive that has been deeply embedded in the infrastructure of the Internet. It is the real implementation of world computers, a decentralized supercomputing environment, with basic significance as important as web content access primitives. We have completely solved the problems brought about by global state sharing and solved all the scalability challenges that arise. AO tokens are now available for transfer. So, this video will give a detailed look at the economic mechanisms in this ecosystem. We will also host specialized workshops and events in the coming weeks to explain in-depth how to use the new technologies we launch for developers and infrastructure providers.

However, before giving in-depth explanations, let’s briefly summarize the technical principles. Just imagine what kind of experience would it bring if you can not only ensure the privacy of your connection, but also ensure the data you receive is accurate every time you visit a website? This is like a new padlock icon added to the browser. This is the core value brought to the Internet by the AO main network.

AO-Core

The basis of this protocol is what we call AO-Core. It is a simple but powerful protocol that applies the core components of blockchain to the Internet transport layer - that is, the HTTP protocol. By evaluating verifiable, encrypted link computing, it actually directly uses the built-in blockchain. Embed into the existing Internet technology stack. AO-Core converts every web request, whether loading a web page or using an API, into potential AO transactions. Another design result is that the AO process can also directly generate dynamically rendered web pages and seamlessly exchange data with the wider Internet. Meanwhile, the web application itself (i.e., smart contracts) can send messages to existing web pages just like any other AO process. Just like the built-in HTTP Oracle system, although it does not require an external Oracle because it itself is like an Oracle because it is already embedded in the HTTP protocol layer. But this is just the beginning.

AO deduplicate calculation (duplicates computing) calculates the results through the network. If a node has already performed a task, other nodes that trust it no longer need to perform the same task. Instead, they exchange links in the computing space, just like hyperlinks in web pages. They only store HTTP redirects. This is a major breakthrough in itself, allowing us to maximize the efficiency of our network by inheriting existing powerful optimization infrastructures that allow the Internet to operate.

Today, every content distribution network (CDN)—the machines that enable you to quickly watch this video no matter where you are—can now serve as an AO- Core state resolver, as a computing system. These CDNs can also work like ordinary nodes in a blockchain network. Another consequence of this design is that we inherit all infrastructure development efforts in Internet packet transmission optimization since the 1960s and 1970s. All of this can be used "free" in AO.

This is in stark contrast to networks such as Ethereum and Solana, where adding nodes means increasing redundancy and repeating the same program. In AO, adding hardware will directly improve the computing power of the network. We believe this is crucial for building decentralized supercomputers. Frankly, a way other than that won't work.

Crucially, AO interweaves web page requests and response encryption to form a chain similar to the blockchain effect, inheriting the verifiability and traceability characteristics of traditional blockchains. This brings blockchain-level verifiability, tracking the entire process chain from data generation to user browsers. You should be able to get the response from AO and see all the computational links involved, verifying the accuracy of each link one by one.

Since we started building AO, we have known that in order to support people who may want to use it in different ways, we have to support a variety of different security mechanisms. Bitcoin’s security does not apply when you simply access social media data.

Therefore, we are pleased to announce today that the first Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)-based security option in the AO ecosystem has been officially launched. TEE provides the security required for many common applications with little additional cost or performance overhead. To explain this further, I will hand over the microphone to Tom, CTO, AO.

Trusted Execution Environment

Imagine that the CPU has the security of a hardware wallet, which is basically the function of TEE. The calculations within TEE are performed in this way, and the host cannot see or interfere with it, just as you cannot extract the encryption keys even if you hold a hardware wallet. This enables AO services to run in these highly secure environments, achieving verifiability near zero- knowledge proofs without the expensive cost and huge performance overhead. Traditional privacy solutions such as fully homomorphic encryption and zero- knowledge proofs are powerful, but often lead to significant performance losses. They may be orders of magnitude slower than local execution, and although mathematically reasonable, they are so complex to implement that they are prone to errors. This has led to key issues like unlimited supply, which are also seen in other blockchain networks. By contrast, AO's TEE-based approach achieves highly verifiable, even private computing with little performance cost, and provides security and privacy protection similar to traditional methods without huge performance losses. You will be able to perform private computing through TEE, leveraging the new possibilities provided by AO to help developers build secure, confidential decentralized exchanges, private voting systems with verifiable results, and secure information such as Web 2.0 API keys ) Confidentiality and security of smart contracts. These capabilities allow developers to create a new generation of privacy-focused applications.

Tokenomics

However, today you are here to understand token economics, so let’s talk about this. Initiating a network effect requires not only technological progress, but also the correct use of incentive mechanisms. This is the key to the unique currency system that AO has established. Let's take a look at its design. As we discussed earlier, AO is completely fair. This is a radical new model built on the greatness of Bitcoin and emphasizes equal access and equal terms.

AO will issue 21 million tokens for a four-year cycle. This is similar to Bitcoin, but uses a smooth half-life curve instead of a ladder function. To eliminate market shocks, this mechanism has also been adjusted to emphasize economic growth.

We distribute tokens not by rewarding energy consumption, but by encouraging community members to store or hold assets within the AO economy. No AO token is pre-mined or pre-allocated. We support the development of the network, core builders and decentralized teams of different growth organizations by providing native gains to assets deposited into the ecosystem, rather than selling tokens. Depositors place every penny of their money in an immutable smart contract and can use these assets within the AO through bridges. The depositor will receive the corresponding AO as a benefit. This is a win-win situation. Capital can be used to build a strong new ecosystem, while also adhering to the original principle of encrypting the world - equal access, equal terms.

This is a new path we believe is opening for industry projects, and we reject a large number of investment proposals and firmly pursue this approach because we believe that networks of this scale require a fair monetary policy.

AO and Arweave are inseparable, they represent two sides of the same coin—a permanent hard drive and a permanent CPU. They work together to build the foundation of a permanent network technology stack. But this stack is not just AO and Arweave, it also contains all the powerful new protocols being built on it, from decentralized gateway access (via Ar.io), to the upcoming AO-Core, to its ecosystem Independent financial agents and unlock virtual worlds.

Permaweb Index

However, with so many new tokens, how can we easily own each token and keep track of the permanent network? To be honest, even me sometimes feels a little difficult to follow. That's why, thanks to Autonomous Finance's technology, we are excited to launch the Permaweb index (Permanent Network Index).

At the heart of the Permanent Network Index is a token called Pi, which represents ownership of the core elements of the permanent network stack - 1/3 Arweave, 1/3 AO, 1/3 fair release projects in the ecosystem. This provides a very easy way to get you into all elements of the entire stack, not just a single component. It is the default asset and medium of exchange for the ecosystem.

Since launching AO’s token last June, we have been working with founders in the ecosystem to explore how they can use this fair offer model in the network downstream to drive their new protocol. The process is like this: Any AO depositor or Arweave holder can choose to delegate their AO proceeds to a new project in exchange for a fair offering of tokens for the project. This way, the project can allocate 100% of the tokens to its users while still strongly supporting development. This still retains the basic principles of the crypto world - equal access and equal terms for all participants.

Projects like Apus Network have pioneered this approach in practice, earning more than $7 million in commissioned deposits in just a few weeks. Permanent network index provides a new element to this mechanism, which is an autonomous neutral agent that can automatically replicate the way participants delegate their proceeds to new projects. This provides a passive index for users who don’t have time to explore emerging projects in the ecosystem, just as you can already delegate AO revenue to Apus Network or other projects in the ecosystem, users can now choose to delegate revenue to Apus Network, gain ownership of all upcoming fair releases in AO, Arweave, and across the ecosystem. You can select your preferences by visiting ao.arweave.net.

Next, let's take a closer look at how the index runs in the background. Because Autonomous Finance created the technology that drives the system, we are pleased to invite its founder Ivan to explain in detail.

Autonomous Finance

Thanks, Sam. A major innovation in the permanent network index is its automatic rebalancing system. This on-chain agent is able to dynamically manage the index’s holdings, ensuring that the index always maintains the best performance in the permanent network ecosystem and provides good exposure to the most promising new projects.

This proxy has two key functions. First, it simulates how AO depositors distribute their earnings. This means that projects that are strongly supported by AO depositors will also perform well in the Pi index, creating strong synergies in the ecosystem.

Second, the agent will rebalance Pi's holdings based on market dynamics. Pi is an engine built into permanent network DNA. It is a decentralized finance (DeFi) tool designed to create a equitable and efficient financing environment for early stage projects on AO. It uses a combination of intelligent algorithms and autonomous agents to manage liquidity and ensure everyone has access to the most promising assets. Projects can participate in what we call “fair release” mechanisms, allowing the community to participate. Since Pi is now an autonomous and license-free index, it promotes collaboration across the ecosystem, eliminating the zero-sum game mechanism that is prevalent in many ecosystems. Pi advocates healthy growth rather than letting projects compete for limited resources. Each participant benefits while expanding the permanent network, not just from it.

But what if you want more control? Dexi lets you create your own portfolio agent. You can choose from any on-chain protocol to build your own custom index. This agent will automatically rebalance and manage your portfolio, ensuring efficient and transparent operation on the chain. Best of all, it works in real time. Now, go to dexi.defi.ao to check out the documentation on the Permanent Network Index for more information. Let us build the future of the on-chain economy together.

Sam

Thanks Ivan. If you are an existing Arweave token holder or AO depositor, you can now choose the way you want to earn. You can choose from AO tokens, Pi tokens, or any combination of fair offerings in the ecosystem. Just visit ao.arweave.net and make your choice. If you don't set up options, existing depositors from other networks will continue to receive AO tokens as they obtain these tokens directly through the bridge, and Arweave holders usually want to reach the entire ecosystem. So, by default, after March 14, they will receive Pi tokens. This will give them both Arweave and AO, and also include a basket of ecosystem assets.

If you prefer to continue to receive only AO tokens, then you can visit the official website and make your choice. You can use the coin page on ao.arweave.net to view all available reward selections. You can also learn more about each token type, as well as view the full terms and conditions associated with each token. We believe this is a new, bold way to drive ecosystem development, and has already spawned a season of fair releases on the Internet. Apus Network is the first project to take this step. Connor, can you tell us more?

Apus Network

Hello everyone, I am Connor, the community leader of Apus Network. First, let me introduce Apus Network to you. We have adopted a revolutionary approach, combining Arweave and AO, to leverage verifiable decentralized AI inference to advance a new era of artificial intelligence, building transparent and fair AI based on deterministic GPU computing and decentralized infrastructure.

The current AI field is mainly dominated by centralized models that face problems such as data privacy, security and algorithm transparency. Apus Network directly solves these challenges by incorporating deterministic computing into the AO protocol and leveraging Arweave to store immutable data.

This ensures that the AI ​​model is not only accurate, but also verifiable, preventing manipulation or bias of the output. We are not just creating a new GPU network, we are building a verifiable decentralized AI that has trustless features, can be scaled, and is targeted to developers and users around the world. By using deterministic GPU computing, we ensure that each calculation is consistent and reproducible, eliminating common problems in traditional nondeterministic AI models. This is a paradigm shift in the AI ​​field, with the potential to disrupt various industries from medical to automation systems.

Joining the Permanent Network Index is a game-changer for Apus Network and early builders. The Permanent Network Index is a catalyst for the growth of decentralized applications, covering the entire permanent network ecosystem, including AO and Arweave. For us, this joining means that through the unique allocation mechanism of the permanent network index, users can directly contribute to the development of Apus Network. This not only drives our growth, but also enables the community to engage in a truly decentralized and transparent environment. This is an innovative new model that promotes direct support for projects within the ecosystem without relying on traditional venture capital.

The part we are most excited about is being part of the Permanent Network Index, which allows us to provide users with diverse access to the entire Permanent Network ecosystem. With Pi tokens, users can easily get exposure to AO and new ecosystem projects, which simplifies contact with growth in decentralized applications. Promoting the growth of the entire ecosystem is important for everyone, and working with us at Apus Network is especially important. The Permanent Network Index also fits perfectly with our vision for sustainable growth. A profit-backed development model means that participants receive rewards for supporting the ecosystem, while the main risks are minimized.

This is an exciting opportunity for everyone to participate in early stage projects as it ensures fair and equal access opportunities, just like the fair release mechanism of AO. We are very excited to be part of this rapidly growing ecosystem where the proceeds from deposit assets help support development and make participation safer and more sustainable. The Permanent Network Index is well in line with the mission of Apus Network, helping decentralized technologies to be transparent, impartial and accessible.

Protocol.Land

At Community Labs, we are building decentralized infrastructure that drives the boundaries of possibilities on AO and permanent networks. One of our most ambitious projects is Protocol.Land, which is redefining how open source code is preserved, monetized, and evolved. Although everyone is talking about decentralization, most protocols still rely on centralized code management. Bitcoin is decentralized at the network level, but its development is controlled by only a few maintainers. If you don't believe it, check out their contribution guide. Git is distributed, but not really decentralized. This leads to only a few entities deciding how protocols evolve, and open source contributors, despite the huge impact, receive little rewards that make their work sustainable.

Protocol.Land is a completely decentralized, immutable, and economically incentivized source code control platform where developers get fair returns for their contributions and are guaranteed through a fair fork mechanism. The community decides what improvements are important, there is no centralized approval, no governance bottlenecks, only organic evolution without permission, where the best ideas and the team behind them will succeed.

AO is the core of Protocol.Land, supports immutable records on-chain, combining the best features of Git to enable it to run in a decentralized environment. It provides permanently verifiable submissions stored on our Arweave, ensuring that code is never lost or censored, and for developers, the ability to tokenize the code base and remove dependencies on grants or other support way to make it monetize its own work. This creates a sustainable model where contributions are economically recognized and fairly rewarded.

Inspired by the economics of AO’s fair offer tokens, the fair offer code base subverts traditional models, does not pre-mine tokens, and ensures early users benefit through binding curves. Marketers can also benefit from it while maintaining fair access. Once the project reaches critical mass, it will be transferred to open market transactions through Botega, creating a fluid and equitable ecosystem for contributors. We will further advance by allowing projects to enable deposits for asset generation. This is not just a reward contribution, but a long-term sustainability of open source development and becoming part of the permanent network index, which makes it all a step further. Choosing a fairly available code base will qualify for the permanent network index, which allows developers to open source and decentralize their code base while introducing a new sustainable model for themselves and their work. More importantly, it provides incentives for valuable code bases that continue to evolve even if the original creator exits. This is how truly decentralized protocols are born, expanded and thrived.

AR.IO

I am Phil, the founder of Ar.io, and we built the world's first permanent cloud network that connects users to permanent networks with unparalleled scalability and resilience. Today, I am very happy to share with you how Ar.io and AO disrupt the $600 billion cloud industry and what our addition to the Permanent Network Index means for the future. Until now, traditional cloud storage solutions remain the only option, and these solutions are managed by centralized control systems, leaving them vulnerable to deletion, tampering, and censorship.

Ar.io's solutions ensure data permanent, transparent, trustworthy and immutability through decentralized access, and we are creating a world designed to maintain freedom of information. The Ar.io network is not just about accessing Arweave immutable storage, it is also a complete cloud service layer that developers can easily use. Think of it as an AWS without ownership, incentive mechanism that can run anywhere.

It supports permanent data upload, download, indexing, querying, and even domain name management, all done through fast, modular and open source gateway nodes. This makes it ideal for growing use cases such as decentralized AI, website hosting and blockchain oracles. At its core is AO's actor-oriented and web-native architecture, which powers Ar.io's smart contracts. This architecture makes them scalable, efficient, and verifiable, ensuring that every interaction on the Ar.io network is encrypted and secure, and seamlessly integrated with the entire network. $ARIO is a practical token that drives the Ar.io network.

It drives protocol incentives, staking, and ArNS, namely the Arweave domain name system. ArNS is a key innovation that simplifies the use of addresses by converting complex wallet addresses and transaction IDs into human-readable and friendly names. They can be accessed through any gateway, replacing traditional domain names, making permanent networks easier to use and intuitive, while providing users with a universal identity that is seamlessly integrated into decentralized applications. Protocol-based incentives ensure the prosperity of the network economy and reward gateway operators with high performance and reliability. Token holders can delegate their $ARIO to the operator to receive rewards without directly managing the infrastructure. This alignment between the operator and the principal enhances the scalability and flexibility of the network.

We are honored that Ar.io is part of the first time joining the Permanent Network Index, marking a new stage in the development of our community. This index simplifies access to the permanent network stack, uses Pi tokens, and creates a fair, inclusive support model for builders. At Ar.io, we have been advocating for the growth of the ecosystem and supporting projects that expand their impact. Permanent Network Index amplifies this mission by enabling users to distribute their benefits to innovation. This collective growth model ensures that the success of each project can contribute to the wider ecosystem, which is in line with the core principles we adhere to from day one.

Ar.io mainnet is about to be launched. If you are ready to be part of this future, now is the time. Visit our website https://ar.io/ to learn about ArNS, run gateways or leverage Ar.io’s tools to pave the way to a tough, autonomous and permanent network.

BAZAR & UCM

UCM is a decentralized order book that enables trusted exchange of digital content on a permanent network. Bazar is the user interface built on this protocol. Unlike the traditional content market, Bazar and UCM are completely decentralized, thanks to Arweave and AO.

As the AO ecosystem continues to evolve, more opportunities are emerging, and creators and developers can launch their own projects. UCM provides a financial infrastructure for monetizing digital content without relying on third-party intermediaries. Bazar, as a visual representation of UCM, highlights the unique and composable content that trades on AO. UCM’s main goal is to ensure that the rights and interests of creators and users are protected and provide a decentralized and transparent protocol.

UCM's native token, PIXL, will be included in the permanent network index. Users can earn PIXL tokens by purchasing in Bazar, which rewards users with purchase continuity and is designed to incentivize discovery and interaction with UCM. We are very pleased that PIXL will be part of the Permanent Network Index, which will help pave the way for future fair releases and provide insights into the continued development of the ecosystem. It is highly consistent with our vision for sustainable ecosystem growth and no longer relies on traditional venture capital.

Bazar's addition to the Permanent Network Index is an exciting opportunity for us to work closer with the Permanent Network community to support our projects with an innovative model that allows users to directly support Bazar's development. Much of Bazar's growth is driven by collaboration with ecosystem partners, and we are eager to continue to build these partnerships to drive the growth of the permanent network. Permanent network index is an important step towards this mission. Thanks to every user who has supported Bazar and UCM over the past year, we are pleased to continue working for the future cyberspace.

Basejump

3.5 billion people around the world participate in the interaction of game assets. Almost half of Gen Z players update their avatars every month, while most choose to pursue a career in game development rather than becoming a doctor, lawyer or professional athlete. But the gaming ecosystem is closed. Players cannot own the assets they spent hours unlocking, and creators are not fairly rewarded. Now is the time to change the rules.

Enter Basejump, an open, code-free platform designed to allow anyone to create, discover and monetize cross-platform compatible gaming assets and worlds. What drives Basejump is Action, an unlimited scalable, license-free AI engine built for the next generation of the Internet.

With Action, the entire game and assets can be generated with a text prompt and deployed immediately. It is fast and interoperable and aims to unlock creativity at scale. At the heart of this ecosystem are hyper objects—interoperable blockchain-connected digital assets. Super objects can be avatars, in-game items, social filters, or even the entire game. The team behind Basejump and Action extends some of the most famous gaming, encryption and consumer technology platforms on the planet. We work together to create a completely new ecosystem of gaming and cultural ecology based on collaboration rather than control.

Action is not limited to the virtual world, but also has real-world influence. Each hyperobject connects and protects a real-world rainforest area. In partnership with the American Rainforest Foundation, Basejump aims to protect nearly 4 million acres of Peruvian rainforest through Action. Built based on Arweave and AO supercomputing organizations, Action utilizes decentralized storage and computing power to support unlimited scalable AI-powered games. These technologies come from behind the new Internet, the faster, fairer, and longer-lasting Internet.

Arweave is not just another blockchain, but a revolution about persistence. It ensures that data, games, assets and the world remain immutable and accessible indefinitely. This means that creators no longer have to worry about losing years of work due to the platform closure. For Basejump and Action, joining the permanent network index is a recognition of our vision and an important step in creating a decentralized, interoperable future.

This milestone strengthens our commitment to building a more equitable Internet using cutting-edge technologies, empowering creators and ensuring gaming and digital innovation benefits everyone. Thanks for watching, we see you on the permanent network.

Ending

Today is just the beginning of the AO mainnet release series, and I can’t wait to take you into the depth of all the exciting technical details of this new agreement, with a lot to discuss.

As always, I am very grateful to you not only builders in the ecosystem, but also to you - community members, for your participation in the exploration when the AO Test Network was released last February.

Frankly, the response was shocking and it was very exciting to see it all. We are exploring the new frontiers of the Internet together. I hope you guys are as excited as I do to be part of this movement. See you next time!