Key Points:
- MetaMask’s ‘Snaps’ enable cross-chain compatibility for crypto users.
- Third-party developers can create permissionless solutions for MetaMask.
- Over 30 ‘Snaps’ support non-EVM blockchains, enhancing user options.
In a groundbreaking development, MetaMask has introduced ‘Snaps,’ a revolutionary feature designed to extend its capabilities beyond the Ethereum ecosystem.
MetaMask, the widely used Web3 wallet, has officially unveiled ‘Snaps,’ a transformative addition that opens up new horizons beyond the Ethereum blockchain.
This represents a pivotal moment for both developers and MetaMask users, ushering in a new era of interoperability and compatibility with various non-EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) blockchains.
The inception of ‘Snaps’ can be traced back to a proposal by Dan Finlay, one of the co-lead developers at MetaMask. His vision was to create a platform that welcomes developers to build permissionless solutions seamlessly integrating with the MetaMask wallet.
After significant progress, Dan Finlay’s vision has materialized with the introduction of MetaMask Snaps in Extension v11.0+.
MetaMask defines ‘Snaps’ as innovative features crafted by third-party developers that users can directly incorporate into their wallets without requiring permission. This project empowers anyone to augment their MetaMask wallet with features developed by independent developers.
According to MetaMask:
“Snaps operate within a sandboxed environment and adhere to a permissions model that safeguards your data and respects your consent. They do not access your MetaMask account data. When installing a Snap, it’s crucial to understand the permissions you are granting.”
Reports suggest that MetaMask engaged with approximately 150 different developers in bringing this groundbreaking functionality to fruition. The launch of ‘Snaps’ represents a significant leap forward for innovation within the MetaMask ecosystem, advancing the decentralization movement into a new era.
‘Snaps’ Embrace Interoperability with Non-EVM Blockchains
As indicated in MetaMask’s Snap directory, 34 snaps have been seamlessly integrated and are readily available for use by cryptocurrency investors. Among the primary categories of ‘Snaps’ that have been approved, the focus is squarely on enhancing MetaMask’s interoperability and compatibility with non-EVM blockchains, including Solana, Bitcoin, Algorand, Cosmos, and more. This includes two Solana-focused, one Algorand-focused, and one Bitcoin-focused ‘Snap.’
The BTCSnap represents a groundbreaking product, enabling users to manage BTC directly within MetaMask without the need for token wrapping.
The Algorand Foundation introduces the Algorand Snap, providing users with the ability to manage, swap, and transfer accounts directly through MetaMask.
Solflare Wallet and Drift Labs have unveiled distinct integrations of Solana wallets, enabling investors to easily swap, stake, connect to Solana Dapps, and bridge from EVM to SOL.
Additional interoperability-focused ‘Snaps’ that have been launched include Tezos-MetaMask-Snap, CubeSigner, Cosmosnap, Consensys/Starknet Snap, and Mina Portal, among others.
Notification and Transaction Insight ‘Snaps’
In addition to interoperability ‘Snaps,’ MetaMask has introduced Notification and Transaction Insight ‘Snaps’ as part of this feature update.
Notification ‘Snaps’ bring chat features and notifications directly to MetaMask users. Notable tools in this category include Push Snap by Push V1 and Walletchat-MetaMask Snap, among others.
Transaction Insight ‘Snaps’ provide comprehensive and detailed analyses of blockchain transactions. Included in this category are Forta network-MetaMask Snap, risk detect-snap, Blockfence-insights, Tenderly Snap, and Wallet Guard, among others.
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