The Solana Foundation on June 25 introduced new tools to integrate crypto transactions into everyday internet usage. These tools, called “Actions” and “Blinks,” simplify and expand the accessibility of blockchain interactions.
Furthermore, they allow users to conduct on-chain transactions across websites, social media platforms, and various digital channels.
Actions and Blinks – Game changer for crypto transactions?
“Actions” will allow users to conduct transactions on the network directly on websites, social media platforms, and via QR codes. Blinks, on the other hand, turn Actions into shareable links.
“Access to blockchain protocols has long been isolated to dApps and other wallet-enabled tools,” said Jon Wong, head of ecosystem engineering at the Solana Foundation. “Actions and Blinks on Solana allow any website and application on the internet to be a distribution point for interactions on the network, furthering the goal of mainstream adoption.”
Actions integrate Solana’s blockchain functionality directly into websites and apps via APIs that return Solana transactions. According to the announcement, with Actions, users can sign and send these transactions using the native app and mobile buttons, scannable QR codes, and shareable blinks.
Furthermore, blinks can be embedded anywhere a URL can be shared. This includes social media feeds, emails, and chat rooms, turning them into gateways for transactions on the network.
For example, users could receive a payment request via text message. Or they could purchase an NFT directly from a social media post. This simplifies the process, making blockchain interactions more common and accessible.
Early adopters and the impact on the industry
According to Solana, several teams including Cubik, Sanctum, Tensor, Realms, Access, Jupiter, Helium, Truffle, and Helius are ready to test and implement the new tools. Additionally, major platforms and wallets have already started integrating Solana’s new tools, including Backpack and Phantom.
“Actions and Blinks deliver on one of the original promises of the internet: making experiences portable, shareable, and actionable on any surface,” said Dialect Labs founder and CEO Christ Osborn. “From your X feed, you can buy an NFT, tip a creator, receive cash, vote, participate, trade, and more.”
Solana is recognized for its lower transaction costs compared to other major blockchains such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
In May, Solana hit a record 41.7 million active addresses and led with over $91 million in daily transactions. This surge in activity is partly due to the creation of meme coins, which previously caused congestion on the network but have since stabilized.
In short, the introduction of Actions and Blinks represents a major step forward in integrating blockchain technology into mainstream internet usage. And it could potentially transform the way users interact with crypto assets.
