Coinbase Wallet launches encrypted chat feature, connecting global users for interactions on the platform

The cryptocurrency exchange wallet Coinbase Wallet has announced that users can now use a new and transferable end-to-end encrypted messaging feature on the wallet. Users can access this feature by linking their Lens account or scanning a QR code on Coinbase's Twitter. The service includes features such as sending cryptocurrencies in chat without paying gas fees, self-selecting chat partners, and more.

Chat Room Enables Gas Fee-Free Cryptocurrency Transfers

Coinbase Wallet announced yesterday on Twitter that it is rolling out a new messaging feature on a small scale. Users can now send messages directly to other Ethereum addresses within the wallet. The feature currently supports free cb.id registration, ENS domains, and Lens usage.

Reportedly, the service is being introduced in a limited capacity and requires linking to a Lens account or scanning a QR code via Coinbase's Twitter.

The technology is supported by the Web3 encrypted communication protocol XMTP, enabling end-to-end message encryption and portability to ensure users can easily and intuitively utilize the service.

Main features include:

• Payment within Chat: Users can make cryptocurrency payments directly within the chat room without incurring Gas fees or verifying the recipient's address.
• Message Filtering: Users can view the sender's wallet information and decide whether to accept or block messages, as well as block the address.
• Community Connections: Facilitates global NFT holders to establish connections more easily and link community members.
• Transferable Chat Rooms: Users can transfer encrypted chat logs to any other application that supports XMTP.

Prior to this, Coinbase Wallet also offered features such as buying and storing cryptocurrencies, collecting NFTs, using blockchain browsers, and decentralized applications (DApps).

Information Exchange Not Occurring on-chain

According to Techcrunch, information exchange is not actually taking place on the blockchain but is being sent via blockchain addresses. In terms of this feature, it is not much different from the Web3 social protocol Lens Protocol, hence the absence of Gas fees.

What is XMTP?

XMTP is an open-source, scalable messaging protocol for secure and private Web3 communication. It aims to enable messaging between blockchain accounts and wallet addresses while providing end-to-end message encryption and services such as interoperable inboxes based on XMTP.

XMTP is also a partner of Lens Protocol, and Coinbase Wallet is the first wallet to utilize XMTP for messaging.