quoting naddr1qq…p067GM, Nostriches!
The Nostr Review is a biweekly newsletter focused on protocol updates, exciting programs, the long-form content ecosystem, and key events happening in the Nostr-verse. If you’re interested, join me in covering updates from the Nostr ecosystem!
Quick review:
In the past two weeks, 22 pull requests were submitted to the Nostr protocol, with 6 merged. A total of 65 Nostr projects were tracked, with 12 releasing product updates, and over 359 long-form articles were published, 43% focusing on Bitcoin and Nostr. During this period, 4 notable events took place, and 4 significant events are upcoming.
NIPs
securtybrahh (npub1t70…2qq0) is proposing PR that an interface like discord server channels / telegram topics / matrix(element) space rooms.
NIP-XX: Passkey-Wrapped Keys a.k.a. Nosskey #1919
ocknamo (npub1y6a…p75l) is proposing a PR that proposes a standardized method for managing Nostr private keys using WebAuthn passkeys (FIDO2/WebAuthn credentials). The specification aims to significantly improve user experience by eliminating the need for private key backup or complex secret key management, enabling users to interact with Nostr applications through intuitive operations such as biometric authentication or physical security keys.Two implementation approaches are defined:PRF Direct Usage Method - Directly utilizing WebAuthn PRF extension values as Nostr private keys; Encryption Method - Encrypting existing Nostr private keys with keys derived from passkeys For the Encryption Method, while AES-GCM is used as an example in the specification, the NIP itself does not mandate any specific encryption algorithm, allowing implementers to choose appropriate methods. This approach does not require compatibility with NIP-49 (password-based encryption) as the PRF extension in WebAuthn already provides sufficient entropy, making it more efficient to use other standardized encryption algorithms directly.
Create NIP-XX.md: Voice Messages #1923
Derek Ross (npub18am…p424) is proposing a new NIP for Kind 1222: Voice Messages.This new event kind is designed for sharing short audio recordings, intended to function similarly to kind: 1 but specifically for voice content. This is currently in use for YakBak: https://yakbak.app
Vitor Pamplona (npub1gcx…nj5z) is proposing a new NIP that adds a command message to let Clients know which features are available on each relay and collect conventions for features and their labels. Instead of “negotiating” the connection, this model simply lets clients know what they can use at any point of time. More specifically, it currently allows clients to know when they can switch their regular EOSE-based filters for a Negentropy sync and when they can use COUNT.
plebdevs (npub17v7…wsvj) is proposing a new proposal for standardized communication with LLM/AI Agents on the Nostr network that aims to enhance and supersede parts of NIP-90 by providing a more comprehensive and robust framework specifically tailored for AI agent interactions/transactions.This NIP seeks to foster a more interoperable and vibrant ecosystem for AI agents and services on Nostr, while addressing many of the valid arguments against NIP90 in its current state, e.g. 1903
Add NIP-XX: Donation Addresses in User Metadata #1934
OceanSlim (npub1zmc…7f60) is proposing a NIP that introduces standardized donation addresses in user metadata using w tags.The goal is to provide a consistent and interoperable way for users to share payment information across different Nostr clients. It supports multiple cryptocurrencies and networks, including BTC (on Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid), ETH, XMR, and USDT. The NIP also offers clear implementation guidelines to help clients integrate this feature seamlessly.
NIP-XX: Ride-hailing protocol on Nostr #1935
talvasconcelos (npub13a5…4t9m) is proposing a NIP that defines a censorship-resistant, peer-to-peer ride-hailing and delivery protocol on Nostr. It leverages Nostr events, Bitcoin Lightning payments, and reputation mechanisms to create a decentralized alternative to Uber and other centralized transportation platforms.
Notable Projects
Coracle 0.6.16 Coracle (npub13my…v3qk)
Coracle 0.6.16 with some minor updates,
- Add support for editing WOT feeds
- Change default blossom servers
- Add support for custom emojis
- Fix note deduplication
Primal V2.2.20 primal (npub12vk…pugg)
They released a new update focused on improving performance and stability across the app. Release 2.2.20 includes:
- Feed rendering optimizations
- Fix for Blossom uploader crash when uploading large files
- Additional minor fixes and improvements
Zap.stream v0.7.0 zap.stream (npub1eaz…rcgz)
- Add show “copied to clipboard” message on iOS
- Add badge awards in chat feed
- Add badges assigned to users in chat
- Add share stream button on stream info modal
- Add timeout feature, timeout viewers for x seconds
- Fixed Auto raid redirect loop
- Fixed Always show open in wallet button
Nostur v1.21 Nostur (npub1n0s…k6h0)
New in this version:
- Support Follow Packs
- Support Blossom servers (uploading and mirroring)
- Post Preview for Picture-only posts
- Audio-only bar
- Drag unread counter anywhere, tap to go to next unread post
- Show media info in iOS Now Playing control center
Fountain 1.2.2 fountain_app (npub1v5u…n0v5)
Fountain 1.2.2 is live on iOS and Android This update contains a couple of bug fixes for playback issues that were reported in the last week or so.
Alby Hub v1.17 Release
- Sub-wallets — Fully redesigned and optimized
- Auto-swaps between lightning & on-chain
- On-chain TX list now on the node page
- LDK upgrade for your integrated node
zap.store Zapstore (npub10r8…t2p8)
zapstore-cli 0.2.0-rc1 released The biggest zapstore-cli release yet, with lots of improvements for publishing.
- Support for signing with nsec, NIP-07 in the CLI, NIP-46 bunkers, as well as sending unsigned events to stdout for use with nak or any other signer
- No longer depend on apktool (that annoyed so many Linux devs) or apksigner, no more shell calls
- Upload to configurable Blossom servers
- Simplified yet more powerful config file format
- Much smarter extracting metadata
- Overall way faster
RUNSTR v0.4.0 RUNSTR (npub1vyg…vy4e)
Streak Rewards
- Base Reward: Earn 50 sats for every completed run over .5 miles
- Streak Bonus: Unlock an additional 50 sat boost for each day your streak continues
Teams Enhancement
- Group Chat: Communicate with your team members in real-time
- Share achievements, plan group runs, and stay motivated together
NIP101h Integration
- Caloric Data: Track calories burned during your activities
- Workout Intensity: Monitor how hard you’re pushing yourself
- NIP-44 Encryption: Your fitness data stays private and secure
Performance Improvements and Small Upgrades
- Graphene Optimizations: Faster loading times and smoother experience
- Stricter Distance Filtering: More accurate run tracking and statistics
- Code Refactoring: Cleaner codebase for better stability
- Bug Fixes & UI Improvements: Various small enhancements
ZEUS v0.11.0 ZEUS (npub1xnf…lpr5)
ZEUS v0.11.0-alpha4 with Cashu support is now available for testing.
- Feat: Automatic Cashu mint sweeping based on threshold
- Feat: new Cashu seed format + BIP-39 export
- Misc: UX enhancements + fixes
- Cashu wallets are tied to Embedded LND wallets. Enable under Settings > Ecash
- Other wallet types can still sweep funds from Cashu tokens
- ZEUS Pay now supports Cashu address types. You can switch between Zaplocker, Cashu, and NWC mode but can only use one at a time.
- Atomic swaps are not featured in this build.
KYCNOT.me kycnotme (npub188x…gcqf)
- UI/UX - designe a new logo and color palette for kycnot.me.
- Point system - The new point system provides more detailed information about the listings, and can be expanded to cover additional features across all services.
- ToS Scrapper: implement a powerful automated terms-of-service scrapper that collects all the ToS pages from the listings. It saves you from the hassle of reading the ToS by listing the lines that are suspiciously related to KYC/AML practices.
- Search bar - The new search bar allows you to easily filter services. It performs a full-text search on the Title, Description, Category, and Tags of all the services. Looking for VPN services? Just search for “vpn”!
- Transparency - To be more transparent, all discussions about services now take place publicly on GitLab. This ensures that all service-related matters are publicly accessible and recorded. Additionally, there’s a real-time audits page that displays database changes.
- Listing Requests - upgrade the request system. The new form allows you to directly request services or points without any extra steps.
- Lightweight and fast - The new site is lighter and faster than its predecessor!
- Tor and I2P - At last! kycnot.me is now officially on Tor and I2P!
Shopstr v0.7.2 Shopstr (npub15dc…yv6e)
This update brings the following improvements and fixes:
- Added loading indicators for image uploads and improved upload UX and validation
- Added support for out-of-band fiat payment methods
- Added improved onboarding flow
- Fixed styling for onboarding flow
- Fixed styling for 404 page
Sparrow craigraw (npub1hea…g9v2)
Sparrow v2.2.0 released with:
- Recent Blocks view
- Improved camera support
- Dark mode improvements
Long-Form Content Eco
In the past two weeks, more than 359 long-form articles have been published, including over 130 articles on Bitcoin and more than 24 related to Nostr, accounting for 43% of the total content.
These articles about Nostr mainly explore the protocol’s growth, technical tools, and emerging use cases. Topics include relay challenges, LNbits integration via Nostr Wallet Connect, trust systems like NostrTrust, and self-managed NIP-05 identities. Several tools and apps—such as Primal for iOS, Satlantis, and Hostr—highlight client diversity and interoperability. Educational and social angles, including university engagement and long-form note-taking styles, show Nostr’s broader cultural impact.
These articles present a comprehensive picture of Bitcoin as a technology, asset, and cultural force. From beginner guides to advanced strategies, they explore how to buy, store, and use Bitcoin securely, including the adoption of multisig, Lightning Network, and self-custody practices. Many pieces highlight Bitcoin’s global impact—from everyday use in payments and savings, to its adoption by institutions and governments in Africa and Asia. The content delves into larger issues such as mining centralization, regulatory conflicts, and the geopolitical implications of de-dollarization. On the cultural side, Bitcoin is portrayed as a symbol of freedom, resistance, and long-term thinking, with movements like HODL and self-sovereign ownership gaining ground. Technological innovations and grassroots efforts are also driving Bitcoin’s integration with decentralized social platforms and smart contract frameworks.
Thank you, avren (npub1jp3…0eg2) Battosai (npub1dk8…q55a) HopeWithBTC (npub10vs…9eap) Cryptape (npub186a…hd06) Nicolau Teixeira (npub1jrr…5nwv) Willae (npub150r…mwfg) Accepted_opinions_nostrich (npub1zss…vrwk) Curious Reader (npub1xnc…mrua) BTCSRB (npub1har…cqdy) LNbits (npub10ef…aeh3) Die Friedenstaube (npub1seh…l7fr) Design_r (npub12lg…ac9c) MartyBent (npub1guh…6hjy) OTI (npub1lpd…csgs) Aris (npub1s4m…du03) f0xr (npub1h3k…wlmn) and others, for your work. Enriching Nostr’s long-form content ecosystem is crucial.Nostriches Global Meet Ups
Recently, several Nostr events have been hosted in different countries.
- Recently, YakiHonne collaborated with the Nigerian Army College and kasu techies community to successfully host two Nostr Workshops, attracting over 70 enthusiastic participants. The events not only provided a comprehensive introduction to the Nostr ecosystem and Bitcoin payments but also offered hands-on experiences with decentralized technologies through the YakiHonne platform.
- YakiHonne Global Pizza Fest officially kicked off on May 21, 2025, and will run through May 28.The event celebrates the evolution of Bitcoin by encouraging participants to buy pizza using sats, while promoting the concept of social payments.YakiHonne is offering up to 10,000 sats in pizza sponsorship for each participating community. Outstanding content may be featured in the official recap video and selected communities will be invited to join the Global Community Partner Program.
- Bitcoin FilmFest 2025 officially kicked off on May 22 at Kinoteka Cinema in Warsaw, Poland, and will run through May 25.This international event brings together Bitcoin culture, independent cinema, and decentralized media under the theme “exploring the uncharted stories beyond the frame.” YakiHonne is an official partner on site, sharing on open content networks and the future of social payments during our stage appearance.
Here is the upcoming Nostr event that you might want to check out.
- The Bitcoin 2025 conference was held from May 26 to 29 at the Venetian Convention Center in Las Vegas, with the Nostr community hosting a series of vibrant activities.While the Nostr Lounge served as a central hub for socializing and technical exchange, featuring app demos, lightning talks, and limited-edition merchandise. Nostr also delivered two key presentations during the conference, focusing on multisig key management and the future of decentralized social media.
- Africa Bitcoin Day – Kenya will take place on May 31st, 2025 (Saturday), from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Nairobi Street Kitchen.Co-hosted by AfroBitcoinOrg and local communities, this event returns following the great success of last year. It will bring together developers, tech entrepreneurs, policymakers, and grassroots organizers to build, connect, and learn around Bitcoin and open technologies.
- The 3rd Privacy Summit will take place on June 27, 2024, in Switzerland, bringing together leading figures and innovative projects from the global cryptography and privacy tech space.This edition will focus on on-chain privacy and cutting-edge cryptographic applications, featuring keynote talks, panel discussions, and in-depth community exchanges.The speaker lineup includes core developers, researchers, and founders from projects.
- The Bitcoin Paradigm Program 2025 will take place from July 4 to July 5, 2025 (Friday to Saturday), under the theme “Bitcoin: Sovereignty, Energy, and Networks.” This two-day event will explore Bitcoin’s relevance in modern society, focusing on its role in financial sovereignty, energy transformation, and decentralized network security. Speakers include
nono2357 (npub1ren…aw97) ncantu (npub1adm…5zht) Stach (npub1nm4…x73p) Alexis Roussel (npub158d…9kx0) and more.
Additionally, We warmly invite event organizers who have held recent activities to reach out to us so we can work together to promote the prosperity and development of the Nostr ecosystem.
Thanks for reading! If there’s anything I missed, feel free to reach out and help improve the completeness and accuracy of my coverage.