According to Cointelegraph, the Ethereum Improvement Proposal EIP-7702 is poised to significantly enhance the adoption of smart accounts by simplifying the process for existing users to upgrade their wallets. This was highlighted by Safe co-founder Lukas Schor during the Ethereum Devcon 2024 event in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 13.
Schor emphasized that EIP-7702 could be a pivotal moment for account abstraction, a concept that has yet to see widespread adoption due to challenges in persuading users to transition from their current wallets and a predominant focus on onboarding new users. The proposal introduces a new transaction type that incorporates a field for externally owned accounts (EOAs), allowing them to integrate smart features without altering their fundamental structure. This development would enable wallet providers like MetaMask to offer enhanced smart account functionalities.
Smart accounts are designed to address the "wallet trilemma" by balancing non-custodial control, convenience, and security, rather than compromising on any of these aspects. Schor believes that transitioning users to smart accounts will unlock their full potential, as they will no longer need to choose between these critical features. He anticipates that the initial adoption will occur through opt-in settings in existing wallets, gradually encouraging upgrades and leading to widespread adoption within five years.
Looking ahead, Schor envisions future developments that include unified balances across different blockchain networks, integration with traditional financial systems, and improved interoperability between platforms such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana. He suggests that users should be able to manage a single account on the blockchain and interact seamlessly with various networks, facilitated by smartphones.
Schor also drew parallels between smart accounts and traditional bank accounts, noting the additional benefits offered by blockchain technology, such as the absence of centralized control and an "exit hatch" for users to withdraw funds if necessary. Safe Wallet, previously known as Gnosis Wallet, currently holds $60 billion in total value locked and has 10 million accounts, underscoring the potential impact of EIP-7702 on the Ethereum ecosystem.
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