Coinbases new Base super app puts trading, payments, social and AI under one roof

Coinbase has launched a beta version of its Base App, aiming to integrate trading, payments, social media, and AI into a single mobile platform. This app uses Coinbase's Base network and allows users to mint and monetize content, with every post functioning like a coin. The app features a TikTok-style feed, a payment system using NFC for contactless transactions with USDC, and access to traditional trading options and third-party mini-apps. A key element is the 'Based Agent,' an on-device AI assistant for managing transactions and yields. Coinbase is also integrating with Shopify to enable USDC payments for merchants and offering a new Payments API with sub-1% fees. The goal is to create a crypto-native superapp that moves beyond trading fees, but its success depends on daily usage and merchant adoption of USDC. The S&P Dow Jones recently announced that Coinbase would be joining the S&P 500.