Acurast: Changing Cloud Computing as We Know It

Acurast is out here flipping the script on how we think about cloud computing, and honestly, it’s pretty wild. By tapping into decentralized networks and repurposing old mobile devices, they are redefining what cloud infrastructure can look like. Let’s break down what makes Acurast different, how it impacts our privacy, and the sustainability angle of using those old phones kicking around in our drawers.

A New Kind of Cloud

They just dropped Acurast Processor Lite for iOS in the Apple App Store. This app lets iPhone users share their device's computing power with Acurast’s decentralized cloud network and, in return, earn some rewards. So, if you’ve got an iPhone, you can be part of this new network.

Using the advanced processors in mobile devices means even our regular phones can act as powerful computing providers. Acurast is community-based and is growing its ecosystem by welcoming iPhone users. This is a step toward making compute power accessible and giving control back to the people.

What makes it different?

Imagine a cloud service that’s not just built on high-rise server farms. Acurast is using the Polkadot network to create a decentralized cloud model. Here’s the lowdown:

• Security and Reliability: Acurast eliminates the single point of failure that comes with centralized services. It’s built to ensure that everything remains tamper-proof and verifiable. They’ve already processed over 92 million transactions without a hitch, showcasing their reliability.

• Efficiency: Research backs up that Acurast’s decentralized infrastructure is more secure and efficient. It uses blockchain and IoT tech to ensure data stays where it belongs and reduces the dependence on centralized services.

• Environmental Impact: Using old mobile devices considerably cuts down energy consumption, making this a greener option than traditional big servers.

Privacy Matters

When you share your phone’s computing power, privacy is a big deal. Here’s what you should know:

• Confidential Computing: Acurast uses the security in mobile devices to build a global network for handling sensitive workloads, including confidential AI processing. Plus, they ensure that computations remain tamper-proof, reducing the risk of exposing sensitive data.

• Verifiable Computing: They use Polkadot SDK for on-chain verification of compute tasks. This setup makes sure sensitive data and computations are secure and confidential, which helps prevent leaks or unauthorized access.

The Device Itself

Repurposed mobile devices can be energy-efficient and handle specific workloads. They can manage I/O intensive tasks and even support low-end GPU acceleration. But keep in mind, while they can be packed into server boxes, their individual performance is not on par with traditional server CPUs.

Scaling is a mixed bag. You can add more devices, but the individual capabilities are limited compared to traditional servers that can easily scale up with more cores and memory.

Environmental Impact of Old Mobile Devices

Using old phones in a decentralized network has some nice perks:

• Less New Device Production: Repurposing old devices cuts down greenhouse gas emissions from making new ones.

• Less E-Waste: With consumers constantly upgrading, old devices often end up in landfills. Acurast’s model helps mitigate that by giving these devices a new life.

• Resource Efficiency: Instead of building new data centers, using existing infrastructure can significantly lessen the carbon footprint.

Summary

Acurast is shaking things up in the cloud world with a decentralized model that’s set to be safer, more reliable, and more efficient. By using repurposed mobile devices, they’re not just creating a new way of doing business but are also aiming to make the digital landscape a little greener.