Following our introduction to Helium, we now bring you another DePIN project.

Silencio is a new initiative that uses smartphones to collect noise data, aiming to improve urban environments. In this article, we will explore how this project came to be, the vision and features it holds, and the potential of this DePIN application. We will break down each aspect step by step.

Be sure to read until the end.

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Background: The Impact of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a serious issue in urban areas, causing various health problems. For example, it has been reported that noise contributes to sleep disorders, chronic stress, and even cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Globally, noise pollution is estimated to result in an annual economic loss of $5 trillion. This includes increased healthcare costs, decreased labor productivity, and negative effects on urban planning and infrastructure.

Overview of Silencio

Silencio is a DePIN project that collects surrounding noise levels using smartphones.

The aim of Silencio is to provide solutions for noise pollution by allowing users to record noise in their daily lives and share the data through the app. Users are rewarded with “NOISE Coin” for collecting noise data, creating a unique model where noise literally becomes a source of profit for users.

Silencio plans to use the noise data collected through smartphones for applications in the real estate market, urban planning, and the tourism industry. For instance, real estate values tend to drop in areas with high noise levels, while quiet accommodations often lead to higher customer satisfaction, making noise levels a crucial factor for both industries.

The Origins of Silencio

According to brothers Thomas Messerer and Theo Messerer, founders of the project, the idea for Silencio was born more than 20 years ago. Growing up with parents who were hearing impaired, they were always sensitive to noise pollution in various environments, which played a significant role in the launch of Silencio.

“We were fascinated by the concept of crowdsourcing geographical data in a decentralized manner. The idea of using this data democratically to improve people’s lives was what drove us. We saw immense potential in the Web3 community,” says Thomas Messerer.

Thomas, having experienced noise issues daily due to his family background, sought solutions and ultimately founded Silencio to address these challenges. The project is built upon the founders’ desire to solve global noise pollution issues.

Silencio’s Network and Ecosystem

On the technical side, Silencio announced the launch of its protocol on the peaq Network in September 2023.

The peaq Network, a blockchain part of Polkadot’s parachain, offers specialized tools and functions for DePIN projects, making it a platform that fosters numerous DePIN ecosystems.

Silencio’s Funding Status

Silencio achieved significant funding between 2023 and 2024.

In Q4 2023, the project raised $750,000 in a pre-seed round, followed by an additional $1 million in February 2024 in a round led by Borderless Capital, with participation from MV Global, Moonrock Capital, Cogitent Ventures, and Artemis Capital.

In total, Silencio secured $1.75 million, providing a strong foundation for the project’s growth. The funds will primarily be used to enhance data accuracy, expand collection infrastructure, and scale the user-participation platform.

Current Usage of Silencio

Currently, Silencio has more than 300,000 users worldwide who contribute to the collection and sharing of noise data, helping to improve urban environments in over 180 countries.

The noise data, measured by users’ smartphones in their daily lives, is transmitted and aggregated in real time.

The collected data is used to create visualizations of noise levels in different regions, resulting in comprehensive noise pollution maps. These maps help identify high-noise areas and are used in real estate appraisals, urban planning, and even in choosing hotel or restaurant locations.

NOISE Coin and SLC Token

Let’s dive into Silencio’s tokens: “NOISE Coin” and the upcoming “SLC Token.”

NOISE Coin

Silencio currently operates with a token called “NOISE Coin.” This token is awarded to users for collecting noise data, referring friends, and engaging in other activities.

However, as of now, NOISE Coin is not listed on any cryptocurrency exchange and cannot be traded for other digital currencies or fiat. Once it gets listed, rewards within the Silencio ecosystem will gain real-world value, allowing users to utilize their rewards in actual transactions.

SLC Token

The next step for Silencio includes the launch of the SLC Token (SLC), which will serve as the native utility token for the Silencio platform in partnership with the Blocksound Foundation and its affiliates.

SLC will grant access to premium features, exclusive content, and special events within the Silencio ecosystem. Holding SLC will also give users voting rights on key decisions regarding the platform’s development and direction.

SLC can be earned through various activities such as data submission, league promotions, and friend referrals. As its functionality overlaps with NOISE Coin, it is possible that SLC may eventually replace NOISE Coin.

Additionally, 5% of the total SLC supply will be airdropped to early participants, with more rewards expected for early supporters.

Though details on the tokenomics are yet to be revealed, further information about SLC’s supply, usage, and distribution is expected to be released soon.

Features and Usage of the Silencio App

Features of the Silencio App

The Silencio app features a simple, intuitive design, making it easy for anyone to use. Users do not need to create or connect a cryptocurrency wallet, allowing even Web2 users unfamiliar with Web3 to start using the app quickly.

Silencio released its iOS app in March 2023, followed by an Android version in May.

The bottom of the main screen features a Trophy tab, displaying a league board ranking users based on the noise data they’ve collected. There are 10 ranks in total, and users with more NOISE Coin are ranked higher, fostering a sense of competition.

This ranking system not only promotes user engagement but may also influence future SLC token airdrops. Additionally, the league board allows users to view each other’s profiles, fostering connections and boosting community activity.

How to Use the Silencio App

I gave Silencio a try to help new users understand how to get started. If you’re new to the app, follow the steps below.

▼ You can download the Silencio app here:

• iOS Download
• Android Download

The Silencio app is very user-friendly, with a simple UI/UX, making it easy for anyone to get started. After using the app, I felt that its simplicity and ease of use are its greatest strengths.

The Potential of DePIN Using Smartphone Apps

Now, I’d like to share my thoughts after researching Silencio. Personally, I see a lot of potential in the project. Particularly, DePIN services that can be operated entirely through smartphone apps, like Silencio, are an exciting new way to utilize Web3.

Currently, very few people use Web3 in their daily lives. Those interested in DePIN tend to be those involved in cryptocurrencies or blockchain technologies, making it difficult for general Web2 users to understand these concepts.

In this context, asking general users to create and safely manage Web3 wallets can be quite a burden. Many Web3 services face this challenge, and the key to wider adoption lies in how to reduce the burden of wallet management and make users feel like they are not even using a Web3 app.

This reminds me of STEPN, an app that gained popularity in the past. STEPN allowed users to earn cryptocurrency by exercising and became a hit due to its user-friendly design, which was easy for Web2 users to adopt.

In other words, providing Web3 technology in a way that users do not consciously notice is a crucial factor for achieving mass adoption.

Similarly, Silencio has a simple concept: collecting noise data. The app incorporates game-like elements, allowing users to enjoy data collection while being rewarded with NOISE Coin. This system ties into rankings and future token airdrops.

The fact that Web2 users can participate without much awareness is highly effective.

Additionally, the upcoming launch of the SLC token will further enhance the appeal of Silencio. The token will provide access to premium features, voting rights for platform decisions, and event participation, fostering user interaction and deepening the overall experience.

By enhancing the game’s elements and incorporating a token economy, the platform will increase user engagement and further energize the ecosystem.

Summary of Silencio

Silencio takes an innovative approach by addressing the familiar issue of noise pollution through a simple, intuitive smartphone app for data collection. Its game-like features and user-friendly design allow even Web2 users to participate easily.

With the upcoming launch of the SLC token, Silencio’s ecosystem is expected to grow further, with more user engagement and platform contribution.

As noise pollution becomes a more recognized societal issue, more companies and governments may look to utilize noise data. This could lead to a moment where Silencio, with its unique user-participation model, gains significant attention.

Thank you for reading until the end.

Additionally, Pacific Meta distributes a newsletter for companies engaged in Web3 business.

Based on the expertise gained from supporting over 100 projects, we deliver the latest information on the Web3 industry, case studies, and other helpful insights to address your challenges.

➡ Subscribe to Pacific Meta’s newsletter

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