Key Notes
- The Grail Bridge testnet integrates with Ethereum's Holešky network, Base Sepolia, Mode Sepolia, and connects to Merlin Chain while supporting WalletConnect for easy transfers from popular wallets.
- BitcoinOS plans to launch its mainnet in Q2 after security audits and will expand beyond EVM chains to include non-EVM networks like Cardano and Solana, broadening Bitcoin's interoperability.
- The platform is developing ecosystem connections with Arbitrum to enable its native BOS token transfers between Bitcoin and Arbitrum, creating a trustless bridge to Ethereum's layer-2 solutions.
BitcoinOS, a roll-up decentralized operating system, is taking a big step toward improving how Bitcoin works with other blockchain networks. As announced by the Bitcoin developer, the team behind this project has launched the Grail Bridge testnet app.
This cross-chain bridge solution allows users to move Bitcoin safely to Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chains. This new feature aims to enhance Bitcoin’s scalability and make it easier to use in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.
Grail Bridge: Expanding Bitcoin’s Capabilities
BitcoinOS has been working on improving Bitcoin’s functionality for a while. In July 2024, Coinspeaker reported that the protocol successfully verified the first zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) on the Bitcoin mainnet.
A few months later, in November, BitcoinOS partnered with Merlin Chain to execute the first zero-knowledge bridge transaction. The launch of Grail Bridge is another major step toward making Bitcoin more useful beyond payments.
The roll-up protocol has been working on solutions to Bitcoin’s scalability and smart contract limitations. In April 2024, the team released a whitepaper explaining how ZKP technology could solve these issues.
Notably, the Grail Bridge testnet app is part of this vision. The team revealed that the testnet integrates with Ethereum’s Holešky network during the first phase. The initiative also connects with other Ethereum L2 blockchain networks, including Base Sepolia, and Mode Sepolia.
It also links to Merlin Chain , a leading Bitcoin Layer 2 (L2) scaling solution, and supports the open-source protocol WalletConnect. This makes it easier for users to transfer BTC using popular crypto wallets such as OKX, Xverse, Bitget, and Unisat.
What’s Next for BitcoinOS?
BitcoinOS is preparing to launch its mainnet in the second quarter. Prior to launch, the team will conduct comprehensive security audits to ensure system integrity and operational stability. The platform has plans to expand its ecosystem beyond Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible chains.
Additionally, future integrations will include non-EVM networks like Cardano and Solana, allowing Bitcoin to connect with many more blockchain networks.
BitcoinOS also revealed that it is growing its ecosystem to link with Arbitrum. The plan is to allow its native token, BOS, to move between Bitcoin and Arbitrum. This will enable a trustless bridge between Bitcoin and Ethereum’s layer-2 solutions.
Using zero-knowledge technology, Bitcoin can now benefit from Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem, creating more user opportunities. With these developments, BitcoinOS is making it easier for Bitcoin to interact with other blockchains.
With the pathway for the Bitcoin-Ethereum bridge now defined, the community awaits updates on Cardano. Last year, BitcoinOS and Cardano inked a partnership to advance the Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem. Key details on this remain elusive, but ultimately show the growing adoption of Bitcoin in the market.
nextDisclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
