Mobile Onchain Summit: The importance of consumer mobile applications

Blockchain technology is on the brink of a significant shift, driven by the growing possibilities of mobile applications that can be used by the average consumer. As more users access the internet through mobile devices, the importance of blockchain applications tailored for mobile cannot be overstated. This evolution isn’t just about technological innovation; it’s about creating accessible and meaningful experiences that resonate with consumers.

For years, blockchain development has been dominated by a focus on infrastructure—building the foundational layers that enable decentralized networks to function. However, the conversation is shifting. The real power of blockchain lies in its ability to deliver consumer-facing applications that hide the complexities of the technology and provide real value to users.

This transition is particularly evident in the work being done by Ava Labs, the team behind the Avalanche blockchain network. Matthew Schmenk, a member of the business development team at Ava Labs, emphasizes the need to prioritize consumer applications over additional infrastructure. While the technical aspects, like data availability and staking mechanisms, are crucial, they often don’t resonate with the average user. Instead, the focus should be on applications that directly benefit users—such as those in social finance (SocialFi) and gaming—by abstracting away the blockchain elements and delivering intuitive, user-friendly experiences.

One of the most promising areas for blockchain’s consumer applications is gaming. The concept of decentralization is particularly powerful in this space, where players can finally take true ownership of their in-game assets. Matthew Schmenk highlights the potential of blockchain to transform gaming by enabling players to retain control over digital items like skins and weapons, which are traditionally at the mercy of game publishers.

This shift towards player ownership is a game-changer. No longer can publishers alter or revoke items that players have invested time and money into. With blockchain, these assets are securely owned by the players themselves, ensuring that the effort they put into their gaming experiences is preserved. This is just one example of how blockchain technology can be harnessed to create more equitable and engaging experiences for users.

Beyond gaming, the potential for blockchain to revolutionize payments is immense. Imagine a Venmo-like application built on the Avalanche network, capable of supporting multiple currencies and stablecoins. By leveraging tools like the Hyper SDK, developers can create payment platforms that are not only fast and secure but also flexible enough to handle a variety of currencies.

Such a platform could provide a compelling alternative to existing payment systems, especially as traditional platforms like Venmo begin charging businesses for transactions. By integrating blockchain technology, these new payment systems could offer lower fees, faster transactions, and greater transparency—benefits that are increasingly important in today’s digital economy.

As blockchain technology continues to evolve, the shift towards mobile platforms is inevitable. The key to success in this new era will be the ability to deliver applications that are not only powerful and secure but also intuitive and user-friendly. This is where the real value of blockchain lies—not in the underlying infrastructure, but in the applications that bring this technology to life for consumers.

The future of blockchain is bright, and its potential is vast. By focusing on consumer applications and embracing the mobile revolution, blockchain developers have the opportunity to redefine how we interact with digital services, making them more accessible, equitable, and engaging than ever before.

Watch the Providing Infrastructure for Mobile Developers panel here.

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