Aurora Engineering Updates February 25

EVM Team

Aurora Engine 3.8.0 Testnet release: new SputnikVM version 0.46.1, changes to `exitToNear` precompile due to Omnibridge release, etc. Here you can read the complete list of changes.
Testing Omnibridge: deposits and withdrawals via Sepolia, Near, Aurora Testnet were tested.

Infrastructure Team

100 Virtual Chains support: the team was working on scaling Aurora Cloud, a solution for launching virtual chains. More hardware ordered, better automatization was released – now you can launch your EVM in seconds, supporting USDC, USDT, CEX withdrawals, liquidity from NEAR Intents, bridging via Rainbow Bridge and secured by 200+ NEAR validators.
Transaction Bouncer: abetter version of our previous gas abstraction tool, having better compatibility with Aurora Cloud Console. Through it you can create sponsored transactions deals on the virtual chains. Check the Gas Abstraction page in your Virtual Chain Dashboard.
Contract Changer: API for a virtual chain to communicate straight up with its Engine Contract (EVM) from the Aurora Cloud Console. It allows the launching ecosystem tokens on your chain, like AURORA, USDT, USDC, NEAR, etc.; and also EOA whitelists and base token configuration.

Security Team

Workflow errors for Omnibridge: security workflow errors were spotted and resolved on theOmnibridge; identified 2 bugs, one in controller contract and one in aurora/xcc router interactions. Both were fixed.
Security CI Workflows: this workflow is being phased out in favor of the other one. Updated any active repo that still used it to use the newer one

Apps Team

30+ Virtual Chains were launched: in total at the end of February. A lot more is expected for March, as support for 100 more is coming, stay tuned.
Automatic virtual chain deployments: based on the options the user selects as part of the onboarding flow in Aurora Cloud Console we deploy a virtual chain for them in seconds and fully automatically now.
Forwarder Automation: now, we have automated Forwarder support for all virtual chains. It works out of the box now without any need to reach our team to enable it.
ETH Denver: our team participated in ETH Denver, where we held an AI agent workshop with NEAR Intents, demonstrating how to launch a virtual chain in seconds.
More flexible gas abstraction: we are now supporting Transaction Bouncer API in Aurora Cloud Console. You can read more details about it in the Infrastructure team section above. It allows you to create gas deals for your users and contracts, allowing them to have free transactions.

Near Intents Team

OTC swaps released: now you can create your own swaps shareable via links with other people. It means you can put your own price on any token and propose to swap with some business partners or even friends.
Passkey support: passkeys can be used now on NEAR Intents to sign the messages. It means you can: create a passkey, then a NEAR account will be created for you behind the scene, and you will be able to deposit funds there even without having a wallet. You are able to swap and withdraw with that passkey also.

That is all for February! Thank you for your engagement and feedback
Stay connected for more updates!

About Aurora

Aurora is a network of Virtual Chains that combines NEAR’s scalability with powerful infrastructure for the easy deployment of preconfigured blockchains. By integrating a high-performance EVM, the trustless Rainbow Bridge, and advanced Cross Contract Call technology, Aurora goes beyond full Ethereum compatibility, opening the doors to a multichain world.