Blockchain technology has progressed remarkably, evolving from energy-intensive mining systems like Bitcoin into more accessible and efficient models.
One of the latest innovations in this space is leveraging smartphones—devices billions of people use daily—as the foundation for decentralised networks.
Smartphones, compact and always connected, present a unique opportunity to create scalable, energy-efficient systems without needing specialised hardware.
Nodle takes this idea further by transforming smartphones into the backbone of a decentralised physical infrastructure network (DePIN).
What is Nodle?
Nodle is a decentralised wireless network that connects Internet of Things (IoT) devices using smartphones as the primary infrastructure.
Unlike traditional networks that rely on expensive centralised systems, Nodle offers a cost-effective alternative by turning smartphones into "edge nodes."
These nodes use Bluetooth to connect IoT devices to the internet, rewarding participants with NODL tokens for their contributions.
The network operates on a simple yet powerful idea: leveraging the Bluetooth and processing capabilities of smartphones to build a crowdsourced IoT network.
Participants can either install the Nodle app or integrate its SDK into their applications, enabling their devices to interact with nearby IoT devices. This approach supports use cases such as asset tracking, secure data collection, and IoT device connectivity.
One of Nodle’s standout features is its programmable infrastructure, powered by Smart Missions. These are tasks or pieces of code that developers can create and deploy, which are executed directly by smartphones in the network.
Examples include locating lost devices, collecting environmental data, or facilitating location-based services like geographic airdrops. Smart Missions offer endless possibilities for IoT applications, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds.
Additionally, developers can create decentralised applications (dApps) on Nodle using its virtual machine (VM) and smart contract capabilities.
By providing the tools and infrastructure necessary for innovation, Nodle fosters an open ecosystem where businesses and developers can experiment and grow.
How Does Nodle Utilise Smartphones?
Nodle’s approach to decentralisation revolves around smartphones, leveraging them as the backbone of its IoT network. By transforming these widely available devices into active nodes, Nodle builds a system that is scalable, cost-efficient, and energy-friendly.
When users install the Nodle app or integrate its SDK into an application, their smartphones become "edge nodes." These devices interact with nearby IoT devices via Bluetooth, gathering and transmitting data to the cloud.
The process runs silently in the background, requiring minimal effort from users while rewarding them with NODL tokens for their participation.
While Bluetooth has a limited range, Nodle overcomes this challenge by relying on the natural mobility of smartphones.
As users move about their daily routines, they expand the network’s coverage dynamically, ensuring connectivity for IoT devices in both dense cities and remote areas.
Initially, Nodle was launched as a parachain on Polkadot, benefiting from its secure, scalable, and interoperable infrastructure.
Polkadot’s design enabled Nodle to handle the complexities of decentralised operations while integrating seamlessly with other chains in the Polkadot ecosystem.
In its latest development, Nodle expanded to ZKsync Era, a Layer 2 blockchain built for Ethereum, and plans to build its own blockchain and join the Elastic Chain ecosystem, powered by ZK Stack.
This move enhances the network's transaction speed and reduces costs, making it more accessible for developers and participants. With ZKsync’s compatibility with Ethereum, Nodle is poised to attract a broader audience while maintaining flexibility and scalability.
Key components of Nodle’s developer ecosystem include:
- Nodle SDKs for Android and iOS, enabling seamless app integration.
- Nodle APIs are simplifying connections between external systems and the Nodle network.
- SubQuery offers advanced data analytics and tracking for blockchain activity.
- Nodle Portal, a centralised dashboard for monitoring and managing network operations.
This dual-chain approach, combining Polkadot and ZKsync, highlights Nodle’s adaptability and focus on scalability, enabling the network to serve diverse user needs while staying efficient and secure.
What Are Nodle’s Products?
Nodle offers a diverse range of products tailored to individuals, enterprises, and developers. Each product leverages the network’s decentralised infrastructure to address specific needs, showcasing its versatility and innovation.
1. Click App
The Click App is an innovative tool for verifying the authenticity of photos and videos on the blockchain. Designed to combat misinformation, it ensures that media content remains unaltered and trustworthy.
How it works:
- Click: Users capture photos or videos in live mode using the app.
- Swipe: Media is signed and authenticated on the blockchain using C2PA certification.
- Share: Verified content can be shared, maintaining its integrity and authenticity.
The Click App exemplifies how developers outside the core Nodle team can leverage its infrastructure to create impactful decentralised applications, demonstrating the openness of the ecosystem.
2. Nodle App
The Nodle App serves as the easiest way for users to join the network. By installing the app, users turn their smartphones into edge nodes, enabling IoT connectivity via Bluetooth and earning NODL tokens for their contributions. The app also supports features like NFT minting, adding creative functionality.
3. ConnectX
ConnectX is an enterprise-grade solution designed for tracking and managing Bluetooth devices and tags globally. It is particularly useful in industries like logistics and asset management, providing accurate location data and connectivity.
4. ContentSign
ContentSign offers blockchain-based authentication for digital media, ensuring that photos and videos remain secure and trustworthy. This product is ideal for industries like journalism and legal documentation, where integrity is paramount.
5. Nodle SDK
The Nodle SDK empowers developers to integrate the Nodle network into their apps seamlessly. It enables Bluetooth connectivity, data collection, and app monetisation without relying on traditional ad models.
6. Nodle Hotspot
The Nodle Hotspot offers a sustainable way to repurpose old or secondary smartphones. By transforming these devices into dedicated network nodes, users can contribute to the ecosystem while earning rewards, extending the lifecycle of their hardware.
Nodle’s diverse product lineup underscores its commitment to decentralising IoT connectivity while fostering innovation. From enterprise tools like ConnectX to the developer-friendly Nodle SDK, the network offers solutions for a wide range of users and industries.
What is the NODL Token?
The NODL token is central to the Nodle ecosystem, enabling various functionalities that drive participation, incentivise contributions and power decentralised applications. It rewards users who turn their smartphones into edge nodes and contribute to IoT connectivity.
It also facilitates network transactions, such as data transfers and Smart Mission execution, while empowering developers to incentivise participants.
Furthermore, NODL tokens will eventually support governance, giving holders the ability to influence key decisions about the network’s future.
Token Allocation and Vesting
When NODL transitioned to its native blockchain in 2020, its allocation was designed for sustainable growth:
- 60%: Reserved for future issuance as rewards.
- 24%: Treasury for funding development and partnerships.
- 10%: Team tokens, vested over four years.
- 4.5%: Allocated to early investors, locked for 1-2 years.
- 1.5%: Set aside for operational purposes.
This allocation strategy ensures the long-term stability of the ecosystem while incentivising active participation and development.
Noodle Network’s Accomplishments and Funding
Nodle has achieved impressive milestones, underscoring its potential to scale and attract more users and developers.
Network Growth
- Active Nodes: Currently, 110,863 smartphones are active nodes, contributing to a 6.74% monthly growth rate.
- New Nodes: Over 25,192 new nodes were added recently, reflecting growing adoption.
- User Activity: Nodle boasts 1,298,427 token holders, with Monthly Active Users (MAU) and Weekly Active Users (WAU) maintaining a strong engagement rate of 54%.
Transactions: The network processed 164,034 transfers and 164,029 user transactions in a single month, highlighting robust activity.
Funding Milestones
Nodle has raised $1.5M through three funding rounds, supporting its infrastructure and growth initiatives:
- 2018 Seed Round: $1.5M raised from Blockchange, Blockhead Capital, and other investors.
- 2021 Seed Round: Secured additional undisclosed funding from Hillrise Group.
- 2022 ICO: Raised $100K to expand user engagement and network capabilities.
Looking ahead, Nodle aims to attract more developers and enterprises to its ecosystem. By fostering the creation of decentralised applications and building strategic partnerships, the network plans to scale its IoT solutions and enhance its global coverage.
Increasing the number of active nodes and encouraging participation will remain central to its growth strategy.
Conclusion
Nodle stands out as a unique and forward-thinking decentralised network, leveraging smartphones to power IoT connectivity in an accessible and energy-efficient way.
Its diverse product ecosystem, developer-friendly tools, and robust token model make it an innovative platform for building the future of IoT and blockchain.
With consistent growth in users, active nodes, and enterprise partnerships, Nodle demonstrates that decentralisation doesn’t have to come at the cost of usability or efficiency.
As it continues to expand, Nodle is set to redefine how IoT devices interact in a decentralised, blockchain-powered world.
