NEAR Launches Near.com super app, touting AI capabilities and confidential transactions

CoinDesk

by Margaux Nijkerk

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

NEAR has officially launched Near.com, a new cryptocurrency wallet and consumer app designed to simplify blockchain technology while positioning itself at the intersection of AI and crypto. The platform aims to make using digital assets as seamless as traditional finance apps by eliminating common friction points like gas fees and private key management. Near.com also introduces "confidential mode," allowing users to keep their transactions, balances, and trading activity private within a secure framework. This feature addresses one of blockchain's longstanding challenges: the lack of privacy for everyday use cases. The app is more than just a wallet; NEAR is betting on the convergence of crypto and AI as the next big wave in technology. According to Polosukhin, co-author of the transformer model paper that underpins modern AI systems like ChatGPT, Near.com is designed to serve as both a user-friendly interface for people and an economic backend for AI-driven activity. As AI agents become more capable, they will need the ability to transact programmatically, with blockchains providing the infrastructure for automated payments, global transfers, and settlements. Near.com supports a range of digital assets, including Bitcoin, stablecoins, NFTs, and other tokens, bringing together disparate activities into one streamlined interface. The app is tailored for individuals, businesses, and AI agents, offering privacy and security while enabling seamless transactions across different blockchains. Polosukhin emphasized that Near.com aims to scale adoption globally, with a vision of bringing the platform's capabilities to billions of people worldwide. The launch marks a significant shift for NEAR, as the company transitions from building infrastructure to driving mass adoption. With its comprehensive "stack" of tools and products, NEAR is positioning itself at the forefront of the crypto-AI convergence. This integration not only simplifies blockchain for users but also opens new possibilities for AI systems to operate independently as economic actors, transacting without relying on traditional intermediaries. Near.com's focus on privacy and ease of use makes it a practical solution for both everyday financial activities and AI-driven applications. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, platforms like Near.com are likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital finance by bridging the gap between blockchain technology and real-world usability.

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Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/23/2026