MetaMask introduces “MetaMask Snaps”, a feature that allows users to add add-ons to customise and extend the wallet’s functionality. Currently in open beta, MetaMask Snaps offers 34 ‘Snaps’ that can be installed by users, including functionality to interact with non-EVM blockchains, including Bitcoin (BTC). A revolution?
MetaMask now interoperable and customisable
Consensys, the parent company of MetaMask, has just unveiled “MetaMask Snaps”, a new feature described by the firm as a revolution, giving its users access to “unprecedented personalisation”.
MetaMask Snaps can be thought of as add-ons created by companies outside Consensys that can be added to the famous portfolio to enhance its functionality.
Currently in open beta, MetaMask Snaps already offers 34 ‘Snaps’ that can be installed by users, adding practical features and security functions, but above all extending MetaMask’s compatibility with other blockchains, including Bitcoin (BTC).
Preview of Snap Zion, which allows users to interact with Bitcoin from MetaMask
Of course, with such an announcement comes the question of the security of the wallet and therefore of users’ funds. The various Snaps offered by MetaMask have all undergone at least one external audit, before being checked again by the MetaMask teams. What’s more, the audit(s) and code for each Snap can be viewed directly on GitHub.
According to MetaMask, this additional step should be automated once MetaMask Snaps is available in its final version:
“MetaMask will continue to audit and incorporate Snaps into the authorization list until the transition to a permissionless system is complete, eliminating the need for this intermediate step. “
A real revolution for users
The most important news is undoubtedly the interoperability offered by MetaMask Snaps: initially designed for Ethereum, then for networks compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, MetaMask is now theoretically compatible with all blockchains.
“Although its origins are rooted in Ethereum, MetaMask believes that innovation is happening in many areas across the Web3 ecosystem. “
Surely, such a novelty can only consolidate MetaMask’s leading position in the EVM wallet market. However, most Web3 wallets dedicated to other blockchains or layer 2s should not be too concerned by this new feature, as they themselves can integrate with MetaMask using Snaps :
Examples of wallets available on MetaMask Snaps
Currently, in addition to interoperability tools, MetaMask Snaps also includes practical instruments dedicated to notifications or security, for example by displaying additional or clearer information during transactions.
Dan Finlay, co-founder of MetaMask, emphasised the importance of working with the community of the popular Web3 wallet, which now has over 100 million users:
“The most important part of the Snaps story for me is that we now have a system at the heart of our wallet that allows us to step back and humbly invite the community to provide their own solutions to the toughest problems.”
