TL;DR

Market Outlook

• Bitcoin's recent upswing signals institutional activity.

• Active trading signals from Solana and BNB Chain, along with buyback announcements from altcoins.

• Particle Network will be listed on Binance and OKX. Merlin users may be eligible for the airdrop

Merlin AI(Wizard 0.1 - 0.2)

• Wizard 0.1 offers an intuitive, natural language interface for easy access to chain data, staking, and trading queries.

• 0.2 will enhance data-related functions， while 0.3 for transaction execution.

• Wizard is designed to make blockchain more user-friendly and accessible, with broader utility across various chains.

Merlin x BNB

• Offer rebates, rewards, and a trading competition on PancakeSwap with substantial prize pools.

• The partnership will boost liquidity and create more opportunities for Merlin’s ecosystem on BNB.

Q: What’s your take on Bitcoin’s recent upswing—do you see it as a genuine move to the upside or just another market fake-out?

Jeff: The recent Bitcoin upswing indicates that big institutions remain active, with Bitcoin ETFs changing the market dynamic. It’s less about retail holders and more about institutions acquiring Bitcoin, which could become the new norm. The market seems to be bouncing back, with positive trading signals from Solana and BNB Chain. Significant altcoin buybacks, including those over $10 million, are another indicator of market confidence. Additionally, Merlin’s partner, Particle Network, getting listed on Binance and OKX marks a big win, and users of products like AA Wallet and Universal X may be eligible for rewards and airdrops.

Q: Will that Particle token be ERC-21 on Merlin, or will it show up in a different wallet?

Jeff: I think BNB Chain will definitely be part of the mission, but the product is not limited to just BNB Chain. It could also involve Ethereum and other similar platforms. There is a clear process for users to claim airdrops. The team behind this has significant experience and is dedicated to building, and while expectations shouldn’t be overly high, it's still a notable achievement. Building ecosystems and getting projects listed on platforms like OKX, Binance, and Bybit is a significant accomplishment. Merlin’s efforts over the past year stand out in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Q: Could you explain how Wizard 0.1 works and how it enhances the user experience on Merlin Chain?

Jeff: Wizard 0.1 is an AI-powered guide that interacts with users through natural language. It answers questions related to Merlin, such as how to stake MERL, APR details, asset trading, and withdrawal processes. While it's not perfect, it provides accurate responses 99% of the time. Future updates, like Wizard 0.2, will expand its capabilities to offer real-time data, such as token prices, trading volume, and holder activity. With Wizard 0.3, the focus will shift to helping users execute transactions like staking, bridging, and trading. This AI infrastructure has been in development for over three months and is already being used by other chains and projects. The goal is to provide not just customer service, but a wide range of utilities and applications across various ecosystems.

Q: What ideal use cases for AI do you see a year from now, given its progression and learning from users?

Jeff: Over time, AI like Wizard will evolve to better serve retail users by addressing their specific needs more directly. Instead of following complex instructions, users can simply ask questions or make requests, making tasks easier. As Merlin’s ecosystem expands, AI will offer even more utilities. For example, with the release of the Universal X SDK, users will seamlessly purchase NFTs after integration and access data across different chains. The integration of the Twitter API will also allow users to make more informed decisions based on trends and insights. Ultimately, AI will unlock new possibilities across various products and needs within the ecosystem.

Q: Is Merlin’s AI available for other builders to use and integrate into their projects?

Jeff: Yes, Merlin will be releasing a user-friendly GitHub repository, designed to allow builders to easily integrate AI into their products without needing to dive into complex engineering. The GitHub documentation will provide the necessary resources, and the integration will be similar to using an API. While the timeline is still flexible, Merlin expects many new products to start utilizing its AI by Q2.

Q: Can you explain the relationship between Merlin Chain and BNB Chain, and what the partnership entails?

Jeff: We are launching two campaigns this week to strengthen their partnership. The first campaign offers fee-free bridging to BNB Chain, along with rebates and a lottery for users bridging over 100 MERL. The second campaign is a trading competition on PancakeSwap, with a prize pool of $50,000 to $60,000. Additionally, Merlin will host AMAs to educate users about Bitcoin integration and the role of MERL on BNB Chain. A third initiative will enable deposits and withdrawals of MERL on CEX on BNB Chain, simplifying the process for users. These efforts aim to bring more BNB Chain users into the Merlin ecosystem and solidify the partnership.

Q: How do you see this as a mutual benefit for both Merlin Chain and BNB users?

Jeff: The partnership benefits both ecosystems by introducing Bitcoin assets to BNB users, many of whom may not be familiar with Bitcoin. Bridging to BNB Chain opens up possibilities for launching Bitcoin native assets, such as Ordinals and Runes, and even AI farming, especially given the strong presence of BNB in Asia. This move signals potential growth and innovation.

Q: You’re pioneering the bridge of Bitcoin Layer 1 assets, specifically with Merlin Chain’s BRC-20 token, over to BNB for broader exposure. Any other updates for the audience?

Jeff: The focus is on new technology and improving liquidity. Bridging Bitcoin assets to other chains like BNB and Solana offers better liquidity, but partnerships and shared liquidity are key to long-term success. It's not just about bridging assets; it's about ensuring value for both ecosystems. The future looks promising, especially with the potential of BRC-20 tokens.