Larry David’s Take on Coinbase’s New Base App: A Crypto Social Media Revolution? 🤷‍♂️

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So, I hear Coinbase has decided to rebrand its Coinbase Wallet to the Base app. Like, what’s next? Are they gonna rename the ocean to the Base Sea? 🌊

Anyway, this new app is supposed to be the ultimate everything app. It combines crypto, social media, payments, mini-apps, and it’s all powered by their Ethereum Layer 2 Base network. I mean, why not just throw in a kitchen sink while they’re at it? 🛁

“Coinbase Wallet is now the Base app, evolving from a wallet into an everything app…Anyone can manage their assets, post, connect with others, and directly earn from their work,” read the post. Like, who doesn’t want to manage their assets and post at the same time? 🤔

The announcement was made at the company’s “A New Day One” conference in Los Angeles. Head of Product John Granata said the app is designed to “expand economic freedom, creativity, and innovation.” I’m just waiting for the part where they say it can cure world hunger. 🍕

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong chimed in, saying the launch aligns with the exchange’s mission to expand economic freedom through crypto. He explained that the product is part of a shift from traditional finance to create a global, permissionless platform. I guess the world just wasn’t permissionless enough before. 🙄

The Base app entered beta for waitlisted users on July 16. It features a social feed where creators can turn their posts into tokens, earn from direct tips, and qualify for weekly rewards. It’s like a mix of TikTok and a bank, but with more blockchain. 🏦📱

It’s also home to mini apps like Remix, Noice, and Decentralized Pictures. And it supports one-tap USDC payments via NFC and encrypted XMTP chat. I’m just glad they didn’t name it the “Base Chat.” 🗨️

Base Pay Goes Live On Shopify

Users who sign up will get a Base Account, a smart wallet that works across different apps and networks. Coinbase has also introduced Base Pay, a checkout option for fast USDC payments. Following a partnership with Shopify, the feature is now available to merchants. U.S. customers will even earn 1% cash back when paying with USDC. But, of course, this doesn’t apply to the EU or Canada. Because why would they want to be included? 🇨🇦🇪🇺

The company plans a gradual public release after the beta phase and has invited developers to integrate “Sign in with Base” into their products. I’m just waiting for the day when I can sign into my toaster with Base. 🍞

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2025-07-17 23:09