AcurastPrice

(ACU)

Acurast (ACU) is a decentralized compute network utilizing edge devices, primarily smartphones, to power Web3 applications. It establishes a secure, efficient, and cryptographically verifiable computing system, allowing users to monetize their device resources. Positioned as a DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) within the Polkadot ecosystem, Acurast offers a decentralized alternative to traditional cloud services for various computing needs.

The ACU token serves several critical functions within the Acurast network. It is used by consumers to pay for running computing tasks, and for staking to enhance network security while enabling participants to earn rewards. Node providers and validators receive ACU as incentives for their contributions, and it is also required to cover transaction fees. Furthermore, ACU holders can participate in protocol governance by voting on important proposals, contributing to the network's decentralized management.

Users can participate and earn rewards by becoming "Processors," contributing their smartphone's idle computing power. There are two main methods: "Acurast Processor Lite" for flexible use on everyday phones, and "Acurast Processor Core" for dedicated devices solely providing compute. Participants can also earn cACU (testnet tokens convertible to mainnet ACU) and MIST points through programs like the "Cloud Rebellion," which can lead to future ACU airdrops.

Acurast enables decentralized, confidential, and scalable compute for a diverse range of applications. Key use cases include secure AI execution, decentralized bandwidth VPN services, automated on-chain trading strategies, and high-performance distributed computing for cost-efficient clusters. It also supports resilient website hosting, scalable zkProof generation, confidential computing, and verifiable price feeds, offering a robust infrastructure for complex Web3 requirements.

The ACU tokenomics are designed for a fair launch and community focus. The initial supply at TGE is 1,000,000,000 ACU, complemented by an adaptive inflation rate set between 1% and 5% annually. Notably, nearly 70% of the total tokens are allocated to the community or community-supporting initiatives. Only 6.5% of the supply is designated for early backers, emphasizing a distribution model that prioritizes broad participation and network growth.

cACU refers to the testnet tokens earned during Acurast's incentivized testnet phase. These tokens represent participation and contributions during the development stage. ACU, on the other hand, is the mainnet utility token that will be fully launched with the network. When the mainnet goes live, cACU tokens will be converted to mainnet ACU tokens, typically at a 1:1 ratio. The specific unlocking schedule for the converted ACU can vary based on pre-defined lock durations.