"Base Unveils Flashblocks: Doubling Solana's Speed, Revolutionizing EVM Chains"

Coinbase-backed Base, an Ethereum Layer 2 network, has unveiled a series of upgrades aimed at doubling the speed of Solana, a leading blockchain platform. The network, which is focused on expanding the on-chain economy, has introduced three key innovations to improve blockchain scalability and usability: Flashblocks, Smart Wallet Sub Accounts, and Base Appchains.

Flashblocks, a new technology developed by Flashbots, is designed to cut transaction processing time from two seconds to 200 milliseconds. This innovation could make Base ten times faster than its current speed, potentially establishing it as the most efficient Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chain. Flashblocks leverages preconfirmation blocks that refresh every 200 milliseconds, enabling rapid transaction finality. Base's lead developer, Jesse Pollak, emphasized the technology's performance potential, noting that the platform could operate twice as fast as Solana, significantly improving both developer and user experience.

Base is also rolling out Base Appchains, a Layer 3 (L3) scaling solution built on the OP Stack. This tool is designed to support applications requiring high transaction throughput. Base stated that Appchains offer developers a more flexible environment by enabling configurable gas tokens, fee structures, and permission models. The solution integrates directly with the Coinbase Developer Platform (CDP) and provides enterprise-grade infrastructure, including managed sequencers and dedicated blockspace. Several applications, including Horizen and Metacade, are already leveraging Base Appchains to support real-world privacy applications and meet the high demands of on-chain gamers.

In addition to these innovations, Base has introduced Smart Wallet Sub Accounts, which improve how users manage their on-chain activity by allowing multiple wallets to function within a single interface. This feature reduces unnecessary wallet pop-ups and enhances transaction security through granular spending limits. It also simplifies onboarding, as new accounts can be funded directly from a primary wallet while maintaining strict access controls.

These updates reinforce Base's position as the leading Ethereum Layer 2 network. Data from GrowThePie shows that it handles 4.61 million weekly active addresses, which accounts for over 50% of Layer 2 activity. The network's focus on expanding the on-chain economy through faster transactions, customized infrastructure, and improved wallet functionality is expected to drive further adoption and growth in the blockchain ecosystem.