**Bitcoin Holders Still Not Using DeFi Apps Built for BTC**

Decentralized finance built around Bitcoin, often called BTCFi, is being promoted as the next big thing in crypto. But most Bitcoin holders aren’t using it yet. A new survey by crypto company GoMining, which questioned over 700 Bitcoin users in North America and Europe, found that 77% of them have never used a BTCFi platform. Only about 10% said they’ve tried it once or twice, and just 8% actively use it for things like earning yield or borrowing.

This gap between interest and actual usage shows that even though people want to earn more with their Bitcoin—73% said they’re interested in earning yield, and 42% want access to cash without selling their BTC—many still don’t trust the platforms or find them too complex. In fact, over 40% said they wouldn’t risk more than 20% of their Bitcoin on these apps. The industry still needs to create easier, more user-friendly tools to attract mainstream users.

**Ethereum’s Fusaka Upgrade Successfully Tested on Holesky Network**

Ethereum’s upcoming upgrade, known as Fusaka, has just passed a major milestone by launching successfully on the Holesky test network. This upgrade follows Ethereum’s recent Pectra update and aims to make using Ethereum more cost-effective for institutions.

A key feature of Fusaka is PeerDAS, which allows validators to check only parts of data (called blobs) rather than entire chunks. This reduces data load and saves costs for both validators and layer-2 networks built on Ethereum. Holesky, Ethereum’s testing ground that closely resembles the main network, was used to ensure everything works smoothly before going live.

However, Holesky is set to shut down soon due to reliability issues. Fusaka will be the final update it receives before being retired two weeks after Fusaka goes live on Ethereum’s mainnet. Two more test runs are scheduled for October 14 and October 28. After that, developers will set a launch date for the full mainnet rollout.

**DoubleZero Launches Mainnet to Speed Up Blockchain Communication**

A new blockchain project called DoubleZero has launched its mainnet-beta, aiming to make blockchain networks faster and more efficient. The idea is simple: instead of using the slow and unpredictable public internet, DoubleZero connects blockchain validators—especially Solana validators—through private fiber-optic routes.

Think of DoubleZero as a fast lane or private highway for blockchains. Normal internet routes often cause delays, which can slow down transactions and make blockchains less reliable. DoubleZero’s network helps validators stay in sync and process data faster.

Already, 22% of all staked SOL (Solana’s native token) is connected to the DoubleZero network. Big names like Jump Crypto, Galaxy, RockawayX, and Jito are backing the project by providing fiber connections and technical support. The goal is to support the growing demand for faster blockchain infrastructure as more applications go mainstream.

**Bee Maps Raises $32M to Expand Real-Time Mapping Network**

Bee Maps, a decentralized mapping tool running on the Hivemapper network, just raised $32 million to grow its global network of contributors and boost its infrastructure. This funding round was led by major investors including Pantera Capital and Borderless Capital, making it one of the largest investments in decentralized physical infrastructure (DePin) this year.

Bee Maps uses AI-powered dash cams installed in cars to collect real-time road data—like changes in traffic signs or new construction zones. This helps keep digital maps accurate and up-to-date. Contributors are rewarded with Bee Maps’ native token, $HONEY, for providing this street-level imagery.

The project already partners with big names like Lyft and Volkswagen’s robotaxi division to feed mapping data into their systems. With the new funding, Bee Maps plans to distribute more dash cams, improve its AI models for map updates, and increase rewards for contributors who help map the world in real time.