Introduction

Blockchains require specialized products tailored to their unique features, functionalities, and needs. This necessity arises from the differences in consensus mechanisms, programming languages, transaction speeds, and scalability solutions. Chain-specific products ensure compatibility and optimized performance for each blockchain.

HERE Wallet is developed specifically for the NEAR blockchain, offering users a secure, efficient, and accessible way to engage with the network.

What is HERE Wallet?

Source: HERE

HERE Wallet is a non-custodial mobile wallet designed for the NEAR Protocol. It is available on both iOS and Android platforms, and enables users to store, send, and receive NEAR tokens and other digital assets on the NEAR ecosystem.

As a non-custodial wallet, users have full control over their seed phrases, which can be securely stored locally on their device or, preferably in another safe location. The wallet also enhances security with Face ID and PIN protection features.

HERE Wallet was developed by HOT Labs, the creators of HOT Wallet, a popular cryptocurrency wallet integrated with Telegram. HOT Wallet supports NEAR, TON, and EVM-compatible blockchains. HERE Wallet currently supports a growing user base of over 600 active users.

Team

Peter Volnov

Peter Volnov is the co-founder of HOT Protocol. He is also the co-founder and CEO of HERE Wallet, demonstrating his expertise in decentralized technologies and user-centric wallet development.

He is a prominent figure in the blockchain space, and had a previous role as a software engineer at Constanta where he contributed to developing computer vision and machine learning-based products.

He also founded FORA, an AI-based remote coaching startup. Peter is a graduate of Computer Science from ITMO University, Russia, and studied Business in Los Angeles, USA.

Nik Briuzgin

Nik Briuzgin is the co-founder of HOT Protocol and HERE Wallet. He formerly served as a Product Designer at HumbleTeam, a UI/UX design and branding agency.

Andrey Zhevlakov

Andrey serves as the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at HERE Wallet, bringing extensive expertise in technology and development. Previously, he worked as a frontend engineer at Dasha, a white-label platform for building text and voice AI agents.

Features of HERE Wallet

Unique features of HERE wallet include Non-blocking Staking, gas-free transactions, and the ability to execute transfers using phone numbers.

Non-Blocking Staking

Source: HERE Wallet

Non-blocking staking allows users to earn rewards from staking while maintaining the flexibility to use their funds without waiting for unstaking periods. This feature is designed to enhance user convenience and maximize the utility of staked assets.

Upon depositing NEAR tokens, users receive an equivalent amount of wrapped NEAR tokens, known as hNEAR, representing their staked assets. 90% of staked tokens are held on the smart contract with 10% available to the users to swap from hNEAR to NEAR at any time without incurring fees.

As of the time of writing (January 2025), the HERE Wallet staking pool has amassed almost $8 million in Total Value Locked.

Source: DefiLlama

Integrated DEX Aggregator

Source: HERE Wallet

HERE Wallet enables token swaps directly within the application, leveraging decentralized exchanges such as Tonic DEX, Orderly DEX, and Ref Finance.

NFT Support

Source: HERE Wallet

Users can manage and interact with non-fungible tokens on the NEAR network.

Phone Number Transfers

HERE wallet introduces the ability to send and receive transfers using a phone number. Transfers are initiated by sending funds to a smart counter, a storage mechanism with a unique key. This smart counter ensures that the transfer is securely associated with the recipient’s phone number.

HERE wallet uses LIT Protocol as a decentralized SMS verification system for phone number verification. Phone numbers are stored as a hash combining account ID, phone number, and nonce (a unique random value).

Transfers are also encrypted using the LIT Protocol. When the recipient binds their phone number to their wallet, they can access incoming transfers by providing specific proofs:

• The user submits proof containing the transfer ID, nonce, and wallet address.
• Validators decrypt the phone number, check its hash against the smart contract, and use a multi-signature system to verify ownership.
• Once verified, the recipient retrieves the transfer without exposing the phone number.

Gas-Free Transactions

HERE wallet uses the concept of gas-forwarding where third parties can handle gas costs of a user leveraging the meta-transactions feature on NEAR Protocol. HERE wallet via the HERE RPC (Remote Procedure Call) can automatically process and pay for the user’s gas expenses.

When users initiate a transaction, they generate a cryptographic signature to authorize it. The signed transaction is then routed through HERE RPC, a service layer that acts as an intermediary between the user and the blockchain. HERE RPC is responsible for processing the transaction, including handling the gas fees required for its execution.

Weekly Airdrop Program

HERE Wallet has a weekly airdrop that rewards the top 20 users in USDT. Users are selected based on their HAPI score. The HAPI Score is an on-chain score calculated based on a user’s achievements and on-chain activity.

Partnerships

Astrostakers

Source: HERE Wallet

AstroStakers is a specialized validator designed for staking within the NEAR ecosystem, and managing over 1.5 million NEAR tokens. Its services include supporting staking operations for users of the HERE Wallet.

HAPI

Source: Chainwire

HAPI is a security and reputation protocol that uses AI and Machine Learning algorithms to score on-chain activity for businesses and users. In partnership with HAPI, HERE Wallet uses the HAPI Score feature to reward users based on their on-chain activity.

How to Set up HERE Wallet

1.Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Source: HERE Wallet

2.Create an account, and back up your seed phrase.
3.Create a username that will serve as your wallet address.

Source: HERE Wallet

How to Fund HERE Wallet from Gate.io

The wallet can be funded by transferring NEAR tokens or other supported assets from the Gate.io cryptocurrency exchange or an external wallet.

Purchase NEAR from Gate.io

On your Gate.io trading app, purchase NEAR from the Spot Market or convert your available assets to NEAR (with zero fees).

Source: Gate.io

Source: Gate.io

Obtaining Your HERE Wallet Address

• On the Overview Section, select Add/Withdraw
• Click on Open Wallet Address
• Copy your Username

Source: HERE Wallet

Withdrawing Your NEAR

• Under the Assets Tab, use the withdraw button
• Select NEAR, click on “Onchain WIthdrawal”

Source: Gate.io

• Enter your HERE Wallet Username
• Click on Withdraw and confirm with your security settings

Source: Gate.io

Conclusion

Wallets act as interfaces for accessing and interacting with the blockchain. In the NEAR ecosystem, HERE Wallet offers an excellent way to engage with the NEAR chain, featuring gas-free transactions and non-blocking staking, which enhance the overall user experience.

As a mobile wallet, HERE Wallet allows users to manage their digital assets on-the-go, as they retain control over their seed phrase. The added security of biometric authentication ensures that users’ assets remain safe and accessible at all times.