Velocity Labs’ cross-chain token transfer app, Turtle, is now live on Nova Wallet. This makes it easier than ever for Polkadot users to move assets across different blockchains. 

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What is Turtle?

Turtle is a cross-chain transfer app developed by Velocity Labs. It is a decentralized application (DApp) on Polakdot that allows frictionless token transfers across different blockchains. 

For context, the Polkadot ecosystem operates through a parachain system. Parachains are individual blockchain networks connected to Polkadot, benefiting from shared security and interoperability. However, each parachain has its own method for transferring tokens, which can make cross-chain transactions complicated. Users often need to navigate multiple interfaces, understand different bridge mechanisms, and follow specific transaction pathways to move their assets across chains. It can be quite the hassle, especially for crypto newcomers. 

Turtle solves this problem by offering a unified interface where users can transfer tokens between Polkadot and other ecosystems effortlessly. Instead of dealing with different bridge UIs for each parachain, users can simply specify the token they want to transfer, select the destination, and Turtle handles the rest in the background.

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Turtle’s Evolution: From V1 to V2

Turtle’s first version focused on bridging assets between Ethereum and Polkadot using Snowfork’s light client bridge, Snowbridge. This allowed users to bring Ethereum-native tokens into Polkadot and vice versa.

With the launch of Turtle V2, the app has significantly expanded its capabilities:

• Direct Ethereum-to-Parachain Transfers – Users can now bridge assets directly from Ethereum to multiple Polkadot parachains, including Hydration, Bifrost, Moonbeam, and Mythos, removing the need for complicated multi-step transfers.
• Faster and More Reliable Transactions – Turtle V2 has improved transaction speeds, reducing wait times for users.
• Enhanced Asset Display – A cleaner UI and better organization make it easier for users to track their assets.
• ParaSpell Integration – Turtle now supports Polkadot’s cross-chain messaging format, XCM, thanks to a partnership with ParaSpell. This enables smoother token transfers across different parachains.

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What is Nova Wallet? 

Nova Wallet is a self-custodial, mobile cryptocurrency and NFT wallet designed for the Polkadot and Kusama ecosystems. Available on both iOS and Android, it supports over 80 networks and hundreds of assets, including major tokens like DOT, KSM, GLMR, and MOVR. 

Nova Wallet offers a range of features such:

• Governance Participation – Users can vote on proposals that shape the future of Polkadot and Kusama. 
• Staking & Crowdloans – Nova Wallet allows users to stake assets for passive income or participate in crowdloans to support new parachains.
• NFT & dApp Integration – Users can interact with different decentralized applications (dApps) and manage NFTs directly from their wallet.

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Turtle integrates with Nova Wallet

With the latest update, Nova Wallet now supports Turtle, allowing users to bridge assets directly within the app. This means Nova Wallet users can transfer tokens between Ethereum and Polkadot without needing to open another application or go through any extra steps. 

To start using Turtle on Nova Wallet:

1. Open Nova Wallet.
2. Navigate to the Browser (iOS) or DApps (Android) section.
3. Search for “Turtle” or find it under the Bridges category.
4. Connect a wallet and start transferring tokens across chains. 

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The Importance of Cross-Chain Compatibility

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While there are many blockchains with their own unique use cases, it can be limiting when they are built in isolation. Users who hold assets on one blockchain may find it difficult or inconvenient to interact with another, leading to missed opportunities. On the other hand, some bridging tools are also too complex for the everyday crypto user, possibly causing them to just ignore the option altogether. 

‍Turtle solves the cross-chain issue by integrating itself in-app within Nova Wallet. Polkadot users can easily access the strengths of other chains like Etheruem and crypto beginners don’t have to worry about complex interfaces or switching apps. It’s a win-win for all!