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BRC-721E: A Bridge or a Burner for Ethereum NFTs?

BRC-721E: A Bridge or a Burner for Ethereum NFTs?

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets that represent various forms of art, collectibles, games, and more. Most of the NFT activity has been happening on the Ethereum network, which supports the ERC-721 standard for creating and trading NFTs. However, Ethereum is not the only blockchain that can host NFTs.

In fact, Bitcoin, the oldest and largest cryptocurrency, has also developed its own way of storing and transferring digital art on its network. This is done through a protocol called Ordinals, which allows users to embed data, such as images or text, onto a single satoshi, the smallest unit of Bitcoin. Ordinals are essentially the closest thing that Bitcoin has to NFTs, and they have been gaining traction in the past few months, with over 10 million inscriptions created as of May 2023.

According to book author Anndy Lian, at one point in November 2023, BRC-20 NFTs have also surpassed Ethereum NFTs in terms of sales volume, with $35,563,933 worth of transactions in the past 24 hours, compared to $12,142,132 for Ethereum NFTs.

But what if you want to move your NFTs from Ethereum to Bitcoin or vice versa? Is there a way to bridge the two networks and preserve the value and uniqueness of your digital assets? This is where BRC-721E comes in. BRC-721E is a new token standard that was introduced in May 2023 by Ordinals Market, a Bitcoin-based NFT marketplace, and Bitcoin Miladys, a Bitcoin-based derivative of the popular Miladys NFT collection on Ethereum. It claims to be a bridge between the Ethereum and Bitcoin networks, allowing users to convert their ERC-721 NFTs to BRC-721E tokens on Bitcoin. But how does it work, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of using it? In this article, we will explore the features, advantages, and challenges of BRC-721E and how it affects the NFT markets on both Ethereum and Bitcoin.

How BRC-721E works

The process of converting an ERC-721 NFT to a BRC-721E token on Bitcoin involves the following steps:

  • The user burns their ERC-721 NFT on Ethereum by sending it to a special address that has no withdrawal function. This means that the NFT is permanently destroyed and cannot be recovered. The user also specifies a Bitcoin address that will receive the BRC-721E token.
  • The user inscribes valid BRC-721E data onto a satoshi on the Bitcoin network. The data must include a reference to the Ethereum burn transaction and the Bitcoin address that matches the one specified in the previous step.
  • The BRC-721E token is created and transferred to the user’s Bitcoin address. The token will automatically appear on a custom Ordinals Market collection page with complete metadata, such as the name, description, and image of the original NFT.

The BRC-721E token is said to be immutable and verifiable, meaning that it cannot be altered or duplicated and that it can be traced back to the original NFT on Ethereum. However, there are some limitations and risks involved in using BRC-721E. First of all, the conversion is irreversible, meaning that once the user burns their ERC-721 NFT on Ethereum, they cannot get it back or send it back to Ethereum. Secondly, the metadata of the BRC-721E token is not stored on-chain but off-chain on the Ordinals Market website. This means that the token relies on a third-party service to display its full information and that it may not be compatible with other Bitcoin wallets or marketplaces. Thirdly, the user has to pay fees for both the Ethereum and Bitcoin transactions, which may be high depending on the network congestion and demand. Finally, the user has to trust that the Ordinals Market website and the BRC-721E protocol are secure and reliable and that they will not be hacked, shut down, or compromised in any way.

What are the benefits of BRC-721E?

Despite the challenges and risks, BRC-721E offers some potential benefits for users who want to migrate their NFTs from Ethereum to Bitcoin. Here are some of them:

  • BRC-721E allows users to access the growing Ordinals ecosystem on Bitcoin, which has been attracting more attention and activity in the past few months. According to CryptoSlam, a data platform for NFTs, Bitcoin ranked second in terms of NFT trading volume by network in May 2023, surpassing Solana and trailing only behind Ethereum4. Some of the popular Ordinals collections include Bitcoin Miladys, Pixel Pepes, Bitcoin Punks, and BTC DeGods.
  • BRC-721E enables users to leverage the security and stability of the Bitcoin network, which is widely regarded as the most robust and decentralized blockchain in the world. Bitcoin has a higher hash rate, a longer history, and a larger network effect than Ethereum, making it more resistant to attacks, censorship, and manipulation. By converting their NFTs to BRC-721E tokens on Bitcoin, users may feel more confident and comfortable about the safety and longevity of their digital assets.
  • BRC-721E provides users with an opportunity to diversify their NFT portfolio and exposure to different blockchain platforms. By holding both ERC-721 NFTs on Ethereum and BRC-721E tokens on Bitcoin, users can benefit from the different features, advantages, and innovations of each network. For example, Ethereum offers more functionality, interoperability, and variety for NFTs, while Bitcoin offers more simplicity, security, and scarcity for Ordinals. Users can also hedge against the volatility and uncertainty of each network by having a balanced mix of NFTs on both chains.

What are the drawbacks of BRC-721E?

On the other hand, BRC-721E also has some drawbacks and limitations that users should be aware of before using it. Here are some of them:

  • BRC-721E destroys the original NFT on Ethereum, which may result in a loss of value, utility, and community for the user. By burning their ERC-721 NFT, the user gives up ownership and access to the original asset, which may have more demand, liquidity, and functionality on the Ethereum network. For example, some NFTs on Ethereum can be used in games, platforms, or metaverses, which may not be possible or compatible with BRC-721E tokens on Bitcoin. Moreover, the user may lose the connection and interaction with the original NFT community, which may have more members, events, and updates than the Ordinals ecosystem on Bitcoin.
  • BRC-721E depends on the Ordinals Market website and the BRC-721E protocol, which may not be reliable, secure, or trustworthy. As mentioned earlier, the metadata of the BRC-721E token is not stored on-chain but off-chain on the Ordinals Market website. This means that the token is not fully decentralized or transparent and that it relies on a third-party service to display its full information. If the Ordinals Market website is hacked, shut down, or compromised in any way, the user may lose access to their BRC-721E token or its metadata. Furthermore, the BRC-721E protocol is relatively new and untested, and it may have bugs, errors, or vulnerabilities that could affect the conversion process or the token itself.
  • BRC-721E incurs fees for both the Ethereum and Bitcoin transactions, which may be high or unpredictable depending on the network conditions and demand. The user has to pay gas fees for burning their ERC-721 NFT on Ethereum and transaction fees for inscribing their BRC-721E token on Bitcoin. Both fees are determined by network congestion and market forces, and they may vary significantly over time. For example, in 2023, the average gas fee on Ethereum was around $20, while the average transaction fee on Bitcoin was around $10. These fees may add up to a significant cost for the user, especially if they want to convert multiple NFTs or if the fees increase in the future.

Summing up

In the ever-evolving landscape of NFTs, the emergence of BRC-721E poses intriguing possibilities and complexities for digital asset holders. It stands at the nexus of a pivotal choice: whether to bridge the Ethereum and Bitcoin networks or risk burning the bridge altogether.

It embodies both promise and peril, offering a conduit for migrating NFTs between Ethereum and Bitcoin yet demanding sacrifices and presenting hurdles in the process. It opens the door to the Ordinals ecosystem on Bitcoin, a realm swiftly gaining momentum in the NFT sphere, showcasing the potential for diversification and security. Yet, its mechanisms paint a canvas of irreversible actions, forcing users to bid farewell to their original ERC-721 NFTs on Ethereum, severing ties with established communities and ecosystems.

While the allure of Bitcoin’s robust network security and stability stands as a beacon, the reliance on a third-party service for metadata storage raises questions about decentralization and trust. The vulnerability to website vulnerabilities or shutdowns threatens the integrity and accessibility of BRC-721E tokens, introducing uncertainties in an already complex digital landscape.

Moreover, the financial implications of transitioning through BRC-721E cast shadows of unpredictability. High fees across both Ethereum and Bitcoin networks present a substantial financial burden, amplifying the cost of conversions and potentially deterring users from engaging in multiple transitions.

As users weigh the scales of opportunity and risk, the decision to embrace BRC-721E hinges on individual priorities. It prompts contemplation on the trade-offs between accessibility, security, and community allegiance. The quest for seamless interoperability between disparate blockchain ecosystems demands consideration of the irreversible nature of actions and the inherent risks woven into the process.

The advent of BRC-721E epitomizes the expanding frontier of blockchain innovation, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of NFT migration. It beckons users to navigate a labyrinth of choices, challenging preconceptions and inviting exploration into the boundaries of digital ownership.

In this intricate dance between Ethereum and Bitcoin, BRC-721E casts a spotlight on the juncture where innovation meets consequence. Its significance lies not only in its technical prowess but in the philosophical conundrum it presents—a choice between preserving the familiarity of one’s digital assets or embarking on a new frontier, lured by the promises and uncertainties it holds. As the NFT narrative continues to unfold, the saga of BRC-721E will stand as a testament to the nuanced decisions inherent in the evolution of digital ownership and blockchain interconnectivity.

 

Source: https://hackernoon.com/brc-721e-a-bridge-or-a-burner-for-ethereum-nfts

FAQ:

What is BRC-721E, and how does it facilitate NFT migration between Ethereum and Bitcoin?

Anndy Lian explains that BRC-721E is a token standard introduced by Ordinals Market to enable the transfer of ERC-721 NFTs from Ethereum to Bitcoin. It involves burning the original NFT on Ethereum and inscribing data onto a satoshi on the Bitcoin network, resulting in the creation of a BRC-721E token that represents the original NFT.

What are the advantages of using BRC-721E for migrating NFTs?

BRC-721E provides access to the growing Ordinals ecosystem on Bitcoin, offering diversification and potential exposure to a network gaining traction in NFT trading. It leverages Bitcoin's security and stability, enhancing confidence in asset safety. Additionally, Anndy Lian mentioned that it allows users to diversify their NFT portfolio across different blockchains.

Who is Anndy Lian?

Anndy Lian is an intergovernmental blockchain expert. He gives talks and advisory to governments and government linked enterprises.

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
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NFTs: The Bridge Between Web2 and Web3

NFTs: The Bridge Between Web2 and Web3

Mention the word NFT and the first thing that comes to mind are “PFPs” (Profile Pics) and “trading”. It certainly comes as no surprise, considering the fact that a majority of NFT markets function on these premises.

Yet, to simply relegate NFTs to these two areas would be scratching the surface — NFTs represent so much more, with vast potential waiting to be unlocked. This was the topic of the panel discussion at the FIL-Summit ’22 as part of Asia Crypto Week. Hosted on Sep 26, 2022 at Marina Bay Sands, our NFT Marketplace Business Development Lead, Jenny Zheng, took the stage with four other panelists as they engaged in a fireside chat about NFTs as the bridge between Web2 and Web3.

 

NFT Utility

The utility of NFTs is one of the biggest debates between NFT proponents and skeptics — the latter arguing that NFTs are mere digital assets used for speculation, with limited real-world functionality. Many, if not most NFTs, started out that way. But just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, “NFT utility depends on how it’s being used and positioned from the creator’s perspective”.

 

“Many of us would look at NFTs from an art perspective, but there are so many other possibilities for them to evolve into.”

 

“In the near future, NFTs and the underlying blockchain technology can be used as identification in passports or even for event ticketing,” said Anndy Lian, Zero to Hero Creator and Chief Digital Advisor.

Guangmian Kung, Integrations and Partnerships Lead at Kleros echoed his sentiments.

“We often look at NFTs as items to sell, but what about non-transferable NFTs like Soulbound Tokens — a new identity verification system that represents who you are and what you’ve achieved. This opens up a whole new system of reputation authentication that can build trust in society.”

 

NFTs in the Bear Market

NFT Summer catapulted NFTs into mainstream consciousness, with the likes of celebrities and influencers driving mass adoption. In 2021, NFT trading volume reached an all-time high of $23 billion. Unfortunately, that all changed in 2022, when crypto winter hit. FUD was abound, causing a sharp dip in floor prices and NFT sales. Yet, through it all, the adoption rate still remained healthy.

Zheng explained how the bear market is the best time to build products.

“Even though Bybit NFT Marketplace started later compared to other players, we’re still growing very fast with a community of more than 600,000 users,” said Zheng.

 

“Our key to success was reducing technical barriers, making it simple for users to buy and sell NFTs. For those who are adventurous and bold, there’s still a lot of room for growth.”

 

Adding on to Zheng’s statement, Lian talked about another important value of NFTs — community building.

“The value of NFTs is in its community,” explained Lian. “That social aspect is something that’s so much more valuable than the price. Prices may be sensitive in a bear market, but it’s a good time to build a community.”

 

NFTs and Security

Security was also a major topic, as NFT thefts and hacks continue to make headlines. Naturally, this begs the question of the safety standards in the industry and what regulations can be implemented to prevent fraud.

“Changes and improvements need to be applied to the underlying infrastructure to prevent secondary market sales of unethically acquired NFTs,” said Kung.

 

“I hope that the market will start to take these into consideration and come to a universal solution.”

Adding to that, Zheng pointed out a possible solution that centralized exchanges can provide:

 

“There are many debates between centralized versus decentralized exchanges, but for certain, centralized NFT exchanges provide a higher degree of security”.

 

“For Bybit NFT Marketplace, we carefully curate and evaluate all our projects to prevent any intellectual property issues,” explained Zheng. “We also audit contracts to ensure that they are safe and reliable for our users.”

The Road Ahead for NFTs

More and more brands are adopting NFTs as part of their marketing strategy. From Nike’s Cryptokicks NFT Sneakers to Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Full Charge: Factory Pass, these serve to build rapport with their community by giving them exclusive perks and/or access to events.

As promising as it sounds, there’s a caveat — the technical challenges mainstream marketers face when trying to enter the NFT space.

“It’s difficult for these project owners if they lack the know-how and the expertise,” explained Zheng. “As a centralized exchange, we provide the tools — merging, airdrops, and whitelisting — to reduce the barriers to entry, making it easier for brands to kick-start their Web3 journey.”

Lian concurred, adding that “centralized exchanges do have a role to play.”

“Currently, everyone has a wait and see attitude. Brands need to dive deeper into the Web3 environment as it’s currently very scattered,” he said. “I hope that institutions and brands can find a common ground where they can learn, understand and educate, so that everyone can grow together.”

 

Source: https://blog.bybit.com/en-us/post/nfts-the-bridge-between-web2-and-web3-bltbe72f3340cd9342d/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

FIL-Singapore Summit 2022: NFTs, The Bridge between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0

FIL-Singapore Summit 2022: NFTs, The Bridge between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0

Filecoin is making the web more secure and efficient with a decentralized data storage marketplace, protocol, and cryptocurrency. They are here in Singapore during the Token 2049 week to bring more Web 3.0 people together at their flagship event FIL-Singapore Summit.

It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with developers, storage providers, ecosystem partners, investors, and clients across the entire Filecoin ecosystem.

At one of the panel discussions, experts discussed the topic- NFTs, The Bridge between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0. The panellists lineup includes YC (Business Development Manager, Moledao), Anndy Lian (Author, NFT: from Zero to Hero), Jenny Zheng (BD Lead, BYBIT NFT), Guangmian (Integrations and Partnerships Lead, Kleros and Faye (Founder, Unschul).

They looked into topics such:

The fundamentals of NFTs
– As the interest in NFTs drops significantly with the bear market, how do you think we move forward from here?
– What are the existing utility of NFTs and how are they valuable?

“For corporations who are entering into the NFT space. They do not have the right tools and people. There are a lot of things that need to be done. If you are going to a decentralised marketplace, no one can also help you. If you come to a centralized marketplace like Bybit, we have tools that can help you make your NFTs happen.” Jenny Zheng commented.

Brands and Corporations Entering the NFT space
– Why do you think large brands such as Marvel, Disney, Adidas, Pepsi, LV and celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Jimmy Fallon are getting involved with NFTs?
– How does the use of NFTs as a technology disrupt existing institutional systems and applications?

“Brands can use NFT to build their relationship with their users.” YC mentioned.

Future outlook of NFTs as we move from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0
– NFTs have received a lot of resistance in terms of acceptance. Why do you think that is happening, and what will it take for mass adoption of NFTs?
– What do you think about some of the ways that liquidity can be added to NFTs, whether in terms of NFT collateralised loans, AMMs, or derivatives like futures on NFTs?
– What do you think will be the next big trend in NFTs?

“I really hope to see more AAA games entering the NFT market. I think the driving force for the next wave will be led by NFT.” Anndy Lian added too.

FIL-Singapore is a collaborative four-day event hosted by the Filecoin community in Asia. There will be a Filecoin Summit and many independently hosted events including meetups, workshops, a hackathon and happy hours throughout the week.

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j