Qtum arrived in the crypto market with a new architecture and interesting protocol. It not only merges the Bitcoin and Ethereum features but also sports a different PoS mechanism. So, how is it successful in combining both platforms? Let’s find out!
What is Qtum (QTUM)?
Qtum, which is pronounced as “quantum,” is a cryptocurrency blockchain network that utilizes the Ethereum smart contracts in Bitcoin’s UTXO model.
The Qtum network is built on QRC20, which is based on ERC20 and NFTs.
Unique Proposition in the Blockchain World
Bitcoin and Ethereum are two distinctively massive blockchain networks. Both have different consensus mechanisms, processes, and rewards. However, Qtum brings these networks’ major features into one place.
Foundation and History
In 2016, a non-profit organization, Qtum Foundation, released Qtum. It is a Singapore-based company. Patrick Dai is its founder and the current CEO, who is a computer science graduate from Draper University. He started Qtum with the collaboration of two other co-founders, Neil Mahi and Jordan Earls. Neil is the blockchain architect and CTO, while Jordan is the lead developer.
Technical Features of Qtum
Qtum has become quite a distinctive platform by incorporating many technical complications. It has a higher speed, more decentralization, and a secure network. Below are some of the technical features that set Qtum apart from other blockchains.
Qtum’s Hybrid Model: The Dual Nature
The network has adopted a robust and pretty impressive hybrid model by combining the Ethereum and Bitcoin aspects. Let’s discuss each of its aspects in detail.
- Incorporating Bitcoin’s UTXO Model
The Unspent Transaction Outputs (UTXO) divides the transaction into two sections, i.e., inputs and outputs. Bitcoin uses this model for convenience in transactions and BTC spending monitoring. In this model, you need to send a digital currency in an even number. It will either be spent completely, or you get the remaining currency as a change (which will be used for the next transaction). Qtum utilizes the UTXO model to increase the security of transactions.
- Integrating Ethereum’s EVM and Smart Contract Capabilities
Ethereum’s virtual machine (EVM) and smart contracts don’t use the UTXO model. However, since Qtum requires these smart contracts due to their transparency, it introduces the Account Abstraction Layer (AAL) mechanism. This system creates the smart contracts using the UTXO outputs and executes the transaction through these blocks. In this way, the network easily creates an end-to-end transaction from smart contracts with all information.
Proof-of-Stake Consensus Mechanism
It allows users to stake the tokens for a limited time to earn rewards. However, Qtum has also modified it to a new mutualized PoS model, which restricts contract spam attacks. The distributed reward is divided into the successful validator and the last 9 validators, with a short delay.
Qtum x86 Virtual Machine
The most beneficial feature for Qtum developers is the x86 virtual machine. Unlike EVM, developers can create new smart contracts in any language that is compatible with the JIT compiler. These include Java, C++, Python, and other famous languages.
Advantages of Qtum over Other Blockchains
Due to these unique mechanisms and interesting features, Qtum has gained an advantage over many other blockchain networks. Some of those benefits are discussed below:
Cross-Chain Functionalities
Since the platform uses ERC20 as the model protocol to build its QRC20, it can use several ERC protocols, such as ERC721, ERC223, ERC827, and others.
Bridging The Gaps Between Major Blockchains
The Account Abstract Layer (AAL) integration adds a new depth and versatility to the network. You need not only utilize the EVM from the Ethereum blockchains to create smart contracts. Instead, you can switch to the UTXO model anytime to create more secure contracts with higher speed.
Opportunities for Enterprises on Qtum
Apart from the above major features, it also uses the SegWit protocol, which makes it great for large companies. SegWit removes the unnecessary signatures from the transaction, reducing the block’s size.
Use Cases of Qtum
Qtum has developed several use cases based on the versatility and flexibility of the platform. On one hand, users can stake the tokens for rewards and pay fees. Additionally, there are other scenarios where they can spend their tokens.
Decentralized Applications (dApps)
Since the platform uses EVM and smart contracts, it automatically gives its users access to decentralized applications (dApps).
Enterprise Solutions
Enterprises and large companies can easily rely on the network to make large blockchain transactions with ease. Due to its unique structure and layout, it combines both layer-1 and layer-2 transactions. Alone at layer-1, it can handle large enterprise data with a speed of up to 1100 transactions per second.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Due to the innovative technical architecture, several other companies partner with Qtum. It partnered with Indacoin Limited in 2021, which will provide the network fiat to crypto solutions. On the other hand, two big Chinese IT companies, Qihoo 360 and Baofeng Bokocloud, shook hands with Qtum.
QTUM Tokens
The network has more than 107.8 million QTUM tokens in the total supply. Its initial coin offering (ICO) raised $15.6 million in 2017 before launch.
Uses and Utilities
Network users and developers can use the token to pay transaction fees as well as develop dApps. Moreover, they can stake these tokens to get different rewards and unlock other operations such as validation and transactions.
Tokenomics
In the ICO phase, Qtum distributed 100 million tokens to the public. Among them, 51% is distributed to the general public, while 20% is allocated to founders, developers, and investors. The other 20% is dedicated to development programs and the rest 9% is reserved for research and education.
Staking QTUM
Qtum operates on a self-modified proof-of-stake version, Mutualized PoS. It distributed the rewards among block-producing nodes with a payment delay. On the other hand, you can also benefit from offline staking. In this case, you are either delegated behind a Super Staker or become one. Delegators earn a passive income from Super Stakers, while the Stakers charge fees for distributing rewards among their delegators.
How To Buy QTUM Tokens on HTX (Huobi)
If you have been inspired by the amazing mechanism, you might be interested in purchasing Qtum. While several crypto exchanges offer this token, the better option is Huobi. Follow the steps mentioned below:
Registration and Verification Process
First, you will need to register on the platform and complete the KYC verification.
- Click on the link below which will take you to Huobi’s Registration Page using a special Coin-Labs referral code.
- Enter your email and solve a puzzle. It will send you a verification code. Enter the OTP on the next screen.
- Next, create a strong password, and it will create your account on HTX.
- Go to your account’s security tab, and click Basic Verification.
- Verify your L1 Basic Verification by providing nationality, full name, and date of birth.
- Select L2 Basic Verification and complete your ID verification. You will need to upload photos of your national ID Card, Passport, or Driving License.
- After submitting the photos, their verification will take less than 24 hours.
Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication
Setting up two-factor authentication is necessary to protect your funds. You can easily enable it through the Security Tab. Pair your account with the Google Authenticator by scanning the QR Code and entering the number code. It will protect your funds from malicious logins.
Depositing Funds
Next, deposit funds to buy Qtum on the platform. After logging into your account, click on Assets. Select Deposit next to the cryptocurrency you want to deposit and enter its amount. Copy the Deposit Address and paste it into the platform from where you want to withdraw funds. Complete the verifications and the funds will be transferred in a few minutes.
Navigating and Purchasing
Now you can purchase Qtum on HTX. Go to the Buy Crypto tab and click Quick Trade. Select the Qtum and the other cryptocurrency you want to trade with (which you deposited in the earlier step). You can also select a payment method if you are purchasing with fiat currencies. Complete the verification, and you will receive Qtum in your HTX wallet in a few moments.
Withdrawal to a Secure Wallet
You can either keep the tokens in the Huobi native wallet or send them to another digital wallet. For this purpose, go to the Assets tab and select Withdraw next to Qtum. Enter the amount you want to withdraw. Copy the Deposit Address from the other digital wallet and paste it into the address box. Complete the verifications and your QTUM tokens will be transferred after a while.
Challenges and Criticisms of Qtum
Although Qtum has introduced a unique mechanism and has become quite versatile, it still has some drawbacks that put the network on the back foot.
Addressing Scalability Issues
For instance, the developer team only got a speed of 70 transactions per second in their testing. So theoretically, the network can become highly scalable, but it is not currently at that stage.
Competition With Other Blockchains
Another challenge is the competition since Qtum is not the only blockchain network that operates on a PoS consensus mechanism. Several other blockchains are also in the race that can lead to less of a user base on the Qtum network.
Investment Potential
After analyzing the future prospects of the Qtum token, the network seems to have a bearish wedge in the upcoming years. So, it may increase in value by 300% in the next 4-5 years. However, since it is a volatile crypto token, the estimations are not financial advice, and you are at your own risk for investments.
Conclusion
Qtum is quite an impressive crypto network due to the AAL system. It combines Bitcoin’s UTXO transaction with Ethereum’s Smart Chains. Moreover, it also introduced a different PoS mechanism that helps it against contract spam attackers. But still, Qtum faces scalability issues and tough competition in the market. So, if you are interested in investing in the token, you are free to do so. However, it is a volatile token that is vulnerable to sudden market changes.
Qtum Basics
Here are some factors that investors should consider before investing in Qtum.
Cryptocurrency Features | Qtum (QTUM) |
---|---|
Publisher or Developers | Patrick Dai, Jordan Earls, Neil Mahi |
Headquarters (Registration Number) | Singapore |
Symbol | QTUM |
Platform | UTXO-based blockchain |
Published Date (CMC Registration) | 2024-12-01 |
Max Supply | No limit |
Reliability Score of Qtum in 2024
These are indexes mesuring the investment reliability of Qtum conducted by Coin-Labs.com.
Investment Reliability Rating Items | Scores and Current Status |
---|---|
Company Activation Rate | / 10.0 CAR |
Communication Rate | / 10.0 CR |
Technology Transparency Rate | / 10.0 TTR |
Development Participation Rate | / 10.0 DPR |
Listing Status on the World's Top 10 Exchanges | Listed on 8 Exchanges |
Number of Available Pairs Worldwide | 268 Pairs |
Market Cap of the Cryptocurrency | 296,762,851 USD (Rank #154) |
Qtum Price
Here are the price and recent trading volume of Qtum. (Data of 2024-12-02 03:40:00)
Price Items | Price and Trading Volume of Qtum |
---|---|
Qtum Price | 3.941 USD |
Price Change 24h | 0.01% |
Price Change 7d | 10.41% |
Trading Volume 24h | 51,298,759 USD |
Trading Volume Change 24h | -12.85% |
Cryptocurrency Metadata
You can check the development status and social media information of Qtum through the links in the table below.
Metadata Source | URL |
---|---|
🌎 Official Website | https://qtum.org/ |
📖 White Paper | https://qtumorg.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/Qtum_New_Whitepaper_en.pdf |
🛰️ Source Code (GitHub) | https://github.com/qtumproject/qtum/ |
https://twitter.com/qtum | |
https://reddit.com/r/Qtum | |
🎺 Message Board |
Where to Buy Qtum
Here are the top ten world crypto exchanges where traders can buy Qtum in 2024.
Top10 Exchanges | Listed Status | Page URL |
---|---|---|
Binance | Listed | https://www.binance.com/en/trade/QTUM_BTC |
Coinbase | Not listed | |
Kraken | Listed | https://pro.kraken.com/app/trade/qtum-usd |
KuCoin | Listed | https://www.kucoin.com/trade/QTUM-BTC |
Bitfinex | Listed | https://trading.bitfinex.com/t/QTM:USD?type=exchange |
OKX | Listed | https://www.okx.com/trade-spot/qtum-usdt |
Huobi | Listed | https://www.htx.com/en-us/trade/qtum_usdt?type=spot |
Bitstamp | Not listed | |
Bybit | Listed | https://www.bybit.com/trade/usdt/QTUMUSDT |
Gate.io | Listed | https://www.gate.io/trade/QTUM_BTC |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current price of Qtum?
Qtum price today is 3.941 USD. Furthermore, the price of Qtum has fluctuated by 0.01% from 24 hours ago, and by 10.41% from a week ago.
Where is Qtum listed?
Currently, it is listed on a total of 8 among the world top 10 exchanges.
What is the market cap of Qtum now?
Currently, Qtum has a market cap of 296,762,851 USD, which is ranking 154 among cryptocurrencies worldwide.
How much is the trade volume of Qtum?
Currently, 105,421,521 QTUM coins are circulating through 268 market pairs. As a result, in the last 24 hours, 51,298,759 USD of QTUM coins were traded in the market.