SINGAPORE, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Layer 2 scaling solutions remain a focal point of industry discourse, Sonic presents a fundamental shift in blockchain architecture. HTX Research has announced the release of its latest report, "Sonic: A Model for the New DeFi Paradigm" The report dives into the details of the Sonic public chain.
Sonic's Evolution: 2000+ TPS, 0.7s Confirmation, Near-Zero Fees
The Fantom Opera blockchain, initially recognized for its speed and throughput as a high-performance aDAG-based Layer 1 solution, encountered scalability limitations as its ecosystem expanded. Its traditional EVM architecture struggled with bloated state storage, slow node synchronization, and execution bottlenecks. To overcome these challenges without resorting to sharding or Layer 2 solutions, Fantom developed Sonic — a fundamental redesign engineered to deliver a significant performance leap.
Sonic Labs, a new team led by CEO Michael Kong, CTO Andre Cronje (founder of Yearn Finance), and Chief Research Officer Bernhard Scholz, dedicated two and a half years to the redesign of Fantom's virtual machine, storage, and consensus. They built Sonic, a new, independent EVM-compatible chain capable of processing over 2,000 TPS, achieving 0.7-second finality, and executing transactions at a cost of $0.0001. It also improves storage efficiency by 90% and reduces node synchronization time from weeks to under two days.
Technical Innovations Driving Sonic's Performance
Sonic's enhanced performance is underpinned by three core technological advancements:
- SonicVM: A newly developed virtual machine fully compatible with the EVM, SonicVM optimizes computationally intensive operations like SHA3 hashing, pre-analyzes jump instructions, delivers significantly faster execution, and supports high throughput.
- SonicDB: Achieving nearly 90% data compression, SonicDB uses a layered storage strategy that splits the blockchain state into two databases: LiveDB for the current global state and ArchiveDB for historical blocks and states. This reduces node requirements and enhances network resilience through greater decentralization.
- Sonic Gateway: Functioning like an "L2-like" bridging solution to Ethereum, it uses a batch processing mechanism that strikes a balance between security and efficiency, enabling seamless two-way asset transfers and ecosystem access.
Stablecoin Ecosystem: Nested Yield and Resilient Growth
Defying market trends in 2025, Sonic's on-chain Total Value Locked (TVL) surged by over 500%, with the total stablecoin supply surpassing $260 million. This growth is driven by sophisticated high-leverage yield mechanisms.
- Silo v2 Loop Lending: Use staked S tokens to borrow stablecoins, achieving up to 20x exposure to capture combined incentives alongside stable yield spreads.
- Euler + Rings Protocol Combo: Deposit USDC to mint scUSD, then use leverage to potentially achieve up to 10x yield, along with Sonic points and protocol rewards.
- Shadow DEX Liquidity Provision for Rewards: By facilitating trading activity, particularly with the S/stS pair on Shadow, users can earn up to 169% APY and a share of trading fees.
Looking ahead, the ecosystem will incorporate Real World Asset (RWA) yields and off-chain payment solutions to create a sustainable and widely used stablecoin ecosystem backed by compliant assets and real-world applications.
Conclusion: Sonic - Leading the Charge in DeFi 2.0
Sonic's high performance, nested yields, and accessibility position it for rapid growth, with the potential to exceed $2B TVL and a multi-billion $S token market cap within a year. More importantly, Sonic is championing an "efficiency revolution" in blockchain design—prioritizing performance and capital efficiency to attract liquidity.
The report identifies technical challenges, including the adaptive AMM's reliance on external oracles, which introduces potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the inherent risks of high-leverage strategies in volatile markets necessitate the use of hedging instruments, such as short perpetual futures, to mitigate potential liquidations.
From a broader view, Sonic is well-positioned to lead the expected 2025 DeFi resurgence. Its thriving stablecoin ecosystem boosts the value of both the $S token and the network. Even in a bear market, Sonic demonstrates the potential for DeFi to establish resilient "yield havens" through innovation and performance. With its nested yields, developer-focused incentives, and efficient infrastructure, Sonic provides a model for the industry. The integration of RWAs and payment tools could place Sonic as a critical bridge between on-chain yields and real-world utility, driving DeFi toward mass adoption
For full report, please visit: https://square.htx.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/HTX-Research-Latest-Report-1-1.pdf
About HTX Research
HTX Research is the dedicated research arm of HTX Group, responsible for conducting in-depth analyses, producing comprehensive reports, and delivering expert evaluations across a broad spectrum of topics, including cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and emerging market trends.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
HTX Research Latest Report | Sonic: A Model for the New DeFi Paradigm
- Baidu's fully driverless Apollo Go vehicles are now available to riders on the Uber platform in Dubai, the first market where this partnership comes to reality.
- Riders may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle when booking Uber Comfort or UberX, or by selecting the "Autonomous" option in the Uber app.
- Dubai marks the first city where Apollo Go has established a dual model, offering both self-operated and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services internationally.
DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU and HKEX: 9888) today announced that Apollo Go's autonomous vehicles are officially available to riders on the Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) platform in Dubai, with New Horizon Luxury Transport serving as the fleet operator. Starting today, riders in Dubai can hail a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle directly through the Uber app. The launch marks the first deployment built on the multi-year strategic partnership between the two parties to bring thousands of Apollo Go autonomous vehicles to the Uber platform across global markets.
At initial launch in Dubai, the fully autonomous service will be available in select locations in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans to expand the operating territory in the future. For trips within the service area, riders will have the opportunity to be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle when booking an Uber Comfort or UberX, or by selecting the "Autonomous" option in the Uber app.
"This launch marks a meaningful milestone in our partnership with Uber, with Dubai serving as the launchpad as the partnership grows its footprint," said Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group. "Dubai is also the first city where we've successfully established a dual model, offering both self-operated and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services internationally. With this launch, we are excited to offer another way for riders in Dubai to enjoy the benefits of autonomous mobility."
"Bringing our partnership with Baidu to life is a major step forward as we expand autonomous mobility globally," said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber. "Launching in Dubai marks the first time our multi-partner vision comes to life on public roads, demonstrating how combining advanced autonomous technology with our global marketplace can accelerate an electric, shared, and autonomous future."
Dubai is Apollo Go's first market to operate through both self-operated app and third-party platform partnership. In March 2026, Apollo Go began offering commercial fully driverless rides through its own app, marking its first international app deployment. That launch built on Apollo Go's receipt of Dubai's first-ever driverless testing permit for fully autonomous vehicles without a safety driver in January 2026. Riders can now access Apollo Go's fully driverless service through either the Apollo Go app or the Uber app.
First announced in July 2025, the partnership combines Uber's extensive network with Apollo Go's autonomous driving technology stack, and aims to bring thousands of Apollo Go autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform across multiple global markets, with the goal of increasing the supply of affordable and reliable ridesharing options.
Apollo Go brings deep experience in large-scale, real-world deployment and continues to rapidly expand its global footprint. To date, Apollo Go has spanned 28 cities globally, and its fleets have accumulated over 350 million autonomous kilometers, including over 240 million fully driverless autonomous kilometers, with an outstanding safety record. As of the end of June, its fully driverless vehicles recorded an average of approximately one airbag deployment every 14.4 million kilometers.
About Baidu
Founded in 2000, Baidu's mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong internet foundation, trading on the NASDAQ under "BIDU" and HKEX under "9888." One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.
About Uber
Uber's mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 79 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.
Media Contacts
Baidu
intlcomm@baidu.com
Uber
press@uber.com
DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU and HKEX: 9888) today announced that Apollo Go's autonomous vehicles are officially available to riders on the Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) platform in Dubai, with New Horizon Luxury Transport serving as the fleet operator. Starting today, riders in Dubai can hail a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle directly through the Uber app. The launch marks the first deployment built on the multi-year strategic partnership between the two parties to bring thousands of Apollo Go autonomous vehicles to the Uber platform across global markets.
At initial launch in Dubai, the fully autonomous service will be available in select locations in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with plans to expand the operating territory in the future. For trips within the service area, riders will have the opportunity to be matched with a fully driverless Apollo Go vehicle when booking an Uber Comfort or UberX, or by selecting the "Autonomous" option in the Uber app.
"This launch marks a meaningful milestone in our partnership with Uber, with Dubai serving as the launchpad as the partnership grows its footprint," said Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group. "Dubai is also the first city where we've successfully established a dual model, offering both self-operated and partner-based autonomous ride-hailing services internationally. With this launch, we are excited to offer another way for riders in Dubai to enjoy the benefits of autonomous mobility."
"Bringing our partnership with Baidu to life is a major step forward as we expand autonomous mobility globally," said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber. "Launching in Dubai marks the first time our multi-partner vision comes to life on public roads, demonstrating how combining advanced autonomous technology with our global marketplace can accelerate an electric, shared, and autonomous future."
Dubai is Apollo Go's first market to operate through both self-operated app and third-party platform partnership. In March 2026, Apollo Go began offering commercial fully driverless rides through its own app, marking its first international app deployment. That launch built on Apollo Go's receipt of Dubai's first-ever driverless testing permit for fully autonomous vehicles without a safety driver in January 2026. Riders can now access Apollo Go's fully driverless service through either the Apollo Go app or the Uber app.
First announced in July 2025, the partnership combines Uber's extensive network with Apollo Go's autonomous driving technology stack, and aims to bring thousands of Apollo Go autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform across multiple global markets, with the goal of increasing the supply of affordable and reliable ridesharing options.
Apollo Go brings deep experience in large-scale, real-world deployment and continues to rapidly expand its global footprint. To date, Apollo Go has spanned 28 cities globally, and its fleets have accumulated over 350 million autonomous kilometers, including over 240 million fully driverless autonomous kilometers, with an outstanding safety record. As of the end of June, its fully driverless vehicles recorded an average of approximately one airbag deployment every 14.4 million kilometers.
About Baidu
Founded in 2000, Baidu's mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong internet foundation, trading on the NASDAQ under "BIDU" and HKEX under "9888." One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.
About Uber
Uber's mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 79 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.
Media Contacts
Baidu
intlcomm@baidu.com
Uber
press@uber.com
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Baidu's Apollo Go Goes Live on Uber in Dubai, Offering a New Way for Users to Hail Fully Driverless Rides
