The latest in blockchain tech upgrades, funding announcements and deals. For May 23-29. NOTE: Protocol Village will be on a limited publishing schedule May 24-June 2 as we cover CoinDesk's Consensus conference in Austin, Texas. Hope to see you there!

Key Highlights from Recent Blockchain and Crypto Developments:

1. Sentinel's dVPN App Release:
- Sentinel, known for decentralized privacy tech, launched the "Sentinel Shield dVPN" app for Android with iOS support coming soon.
- Sentinel Shield is built on a peer-to-peer basis, enhancing privacy and security compared to traditional VPNs.
- The app leverages Sentinel's global network of 4,005 nodes across 420 cities in 110 countries.

2. Dune's New Blockchain Integration Tool:
- Dune launched "Dune Catalyst," a tool for streamlined blockchain integrations.
- It allows EVM blockchains to independently upload data to Dune via a templated API.
- Projects like Degen and Mode Network are early adopters.

3. ENS Proposes Layer-2 Blockchain:
- Ethereum Name Service Labs proposed "ENSv2," transforming ENS into a layer-2 blockchain to reduce transaction fees.
- The redesign aims to enhance the network’s registry system.

4. Polygon Labs Role Expansion:
- Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon Labs, now serves as Chief Business Officer.
- He will lead global teams to leverage Polygon's zero-knowledge solutions.

5. DYdX Chain Update:
- DYdX is set to release "v5.0" for the DYdX Chain with features like Isolated Markets, LP Vault, and more.

6. Coinflow Labs Fundraising:
- Coinflow Labs raised $2.25 million to develop solutions for instant merchant payments in stablecoins.
- The round was led by CMT Digital with notable participants including Jump Crypto and Digital Currency Group.

7. Ledger’s New Hardware Wallet:
- Ledger started shipping its new "Stax" touchscreen hardware wallet to pre-order customers.
- Designed by iPod creator Tony Fadell, Stax enhances transaction signing and digital value security.

8. Taiko’s Mainnet Deployment:
- Taiko deployed its Ethereum-Equivalent ZK rollup on mainnet.
- This rollup uses based sequencing and multi-proofs to decentralize transaction sequencing.

9. Ether.fi's Visa Card for Crypto Users:
- Ether.fi introduced "Ether.fi Cash," a mobile wallet and Visa credit card for crypto users.
- The card allows borrowing USDC against DeFi investments and direct crypto payments.

10. MetaLeX Fundraising:
- MetaLeX raised $2.75 million to advise on crypto governance and legal issues.
- Led by Cyber Fund, MetaLeX aims to integrate legal frameworks with decentralized projects.

11. Cysic’s $12M Funding for ZK Hardware:
- Cysic raised $12 million to accelerate zero-knowledge proof generation.
- The round was led by HashKey Capital and OKX Ventures.

12. Dfinity’s EVM RPC Launch:
- Dfinity launched the "EVM RPC canister," enabling Internet Computer smart contracts to interact with major blockchains.
- This API enhances cross-chain interoperability.

13. Celo Foundation’s TGE Advisory:
- Celo Foundation announced "Bloom," an advisory service for projects preparing for token generation events.
- Bloom offers strategic support and access to funding and exchanges.

14. Robinhood Wallet’s Gasless Swaps:
- Robinhood Wallet introduced gasless swaps on Arbitrum, facilitated by 0x as the DEX aggregator.

15. Horizen Labs’ zkVerify Network:
- Horizen Labs launched "zkVerify," a zero-knowledge proof verification network to optimize settlement processes.

16. Analog’s Incentivized Testnet:
- Analog launched its incentivized testnet with $ANLOG token rewards for participants.

17. Zeta Markets’ Layer-2 Network Plans:
- Zeta Markets, a Solana-based DEX, plans to launch "ZX," an optimistic rollup built on Solana, by early 2025.

18. Orderly Network’s Expansion:
- Orderly Network expanded to Polygon PoS, partnering with QuickSwap to launch a new product called Falkor.

19. River Protocol’s Launch:
- River Protocol, developed by HNT Labs and funded by a16z Crypto, launched for decentralized real-time messaging apps.

20. HAQQ Network’s Integration with evmOS:
- HAQQ Network integrated evmOS, enhancing cross-chain compatibility with Cosmos and Ethereum networks.

21. Aptos Blockchain’s Liquid Staking Solution:
- Aptos announced "TruStake," a liquid staking solution for institutional-grade asset flexibility and yield generation.

22. Plume’s Seed Funding:
- Plume, a layer-2 blockchain for real-world assets, raised $10 million in seed funding led by Haun Ventures and others.