Arkade Launches As Bitcoin’s First Major Layer-2 In A Decade

Ark Labs has launched Arkade in public beta, presented as the first significant Bitcoin layer-2 since the Lightning Network nearly a decade ago. Arkade builds on the Ark protocol, first introduced two years ago, and aims to make Bitcoin a programmable financial platform without weakening its security. The launch adds Arkade Assets, a multi-asset framework for stablecoins and other tokens, with planned support for Tether (USDT). Initial launch partners named include Breez, BlueWallet, BTCPayServer, BullBitcoin and LayerZ Wallet, according to the note shared with Bitcoin Magazine.