Bittensor subnet project TPN (TAO Private Network; subnet 65) has shared an early look at its upcoming iOS and Android mobile applications, signaling a push to bring decentralized VPN services directly to users’ smartphones.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the TPN team announced that internal testing is underway for the mobile apps, which will allow users to connect to over 80 VPN nodes worldwide. “Soon you will be able to tap in and out of 80+ VPN connections through your phone!” the post stated, accompanied by a video demo showcasing the app’s interface.
TPN aims to create a decentralized alternative to traditional VPN providers by coordinating a global network of nodes that offer secure, private, and censorship-resistant internet access.
The project transforms residential and commercial IP addresses into a tradable digital commodity, enabling users to access diverse geographic locations while incentivizing node operators through Bittensor’s TAO token economy.
How to Get Started with TPN VPN
TPN is currently in its beta phase (V0 bootstrapping), focused on network testing and miner node deployment, with full consumer-level VPN functionality slated for future updates.
While end-user access is limited, a free macOS desktop app is available for testers (anyone can test) to try the decentralized VPN experience. Mobile apps for iOS and Android are in internal testing and expected soon, but not yet publicly released.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download the App: Visit the TPN website and download the latest macOS beta release. Ensure your system meets basic requirements, such as running macOS and having a stable internet connection.
- Install and Launch: Install the app following standard macOS procedures (e.g., drag to Applications folder). Open the app, which features a dark-themed interface with the TPN logo.
- Select a Location: The app loads a list of available countries (over 80 nodes worldwide). Search or scroll through the list, which includes flags for easy identification, and select your desired country (e.g., Oman, Portugal).
- Choose Duration and Connect: Pick a session duration (e.g., 1 Hour or 30 Minutes) from the dropdown. Hit the “Connect” button. The app will establish an encrypted tunnel through a miner node.
- Monitor Your Connection: Once connected, the interface shows a green power button, your new IP address, location details, remaining lease time, and connection speed.
- Disconnect: Tap the power button to end the session when done. Note that the current beta uses a timer-based model, though community feedback suggests potential additions like an on/off toggle in future versions.
Future Outlook
Community responses to the post included suggestions for UI improvements, such as replacing a timer-based VPN activation with a simple on/off toggle, and expressions of optimism about the project’s growth potential. One user predicted a “5x increase” in alpha value post-launch, while the TPN team responded that they are evaluating feedback to optimize features.
Backed by entities like Taofu Labs and Contango Digital, TPN is part of the growing Bittensor ecosystem, which focuses on decentralizing AI and machine learning infrastructure.
TPN launch comes amid rising interest in privacy-focused tools within the crypto sector, where decentralized VPNs could challenge centralized giants like ExpressVPN or NordVPN by offering greater resistance to censorship and data logging.
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