Introduction

Everything Theory is a protocol and a blockchain specification centered around a novel class of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Protocol of Everything

These new tokens, called object tokens or simply objects, are dynamic in nature: they can be modified, evolve over time, and interact with other tokens, offering significantly more functionality than traditional NFTs.

Each object is built from elements, created within a set, and assigned a specific kind. Creators can build sets using elements and kinds from different authors, enabling efficient and collaborative on-chain creation.

The protocol introduces the concept of space. Beyond ownership, tokens now also have a position, meaning they can not only be held by accounts but also exist in specific locations within the protocol.

Each blockchain supported by the protocol is treated as a universe, referred to as a universe chain. Since the protocol explains how time and space expand, how objects are created from elements, and how they interact, it is often called the Protocol of Everything (PRE).

Previous Network

While decentralized storage solutions like IPFS and Arweave address the centralization issues of static NFTs, challenges remain for dynamic NFTs. For instance:

  1. A gift card NFT that updates its balance in real-time.
  2. A PFP NFT that can be accessorized with NFTs from other issuers (e.g., hats, T-shirts).

These cases require decentralized, secure solutions for NFT mutability and interoperability, which are key to broader NFT adoption.

The Previous Network addresses these challenges in a fully decentralized manner. It consists of three primary types of nodes:

  • Probes: Detect activities on universe chains and relay them to telescopes, functioning like bridges.
  • Telescopes: Validator nodes responsible for validating and processing transactions.
  • Satellites: Nodes that serve digital assets related to tokens and elements, allowing users and applications to access this data.

The Previous Network, also referred to as the Previous Chain or simply Previous, features the Object Virtual Machine (OVM)—a specialized virtual machine designed to process the digital assets of tokens. The OVM ensures deterministic and verifiable computations, providing a secure foundation for expanding NFT use cases.

Previous differs from universe chains by focusing on imaging, or the computation of underlying assets of objects. While Ethereum is often called a "world computer," Previous acts like a "world camera," and is sometimes referred to as the observer chain.

Unlike Layer 2 solutions focused on scaling, Previous adds programmability and data availability to token assets—areas that neither Layer 1 nor Layer 2 chains typically prioritize. This capability enables tokens to be applied in a wider range of engaging use cases across both blockchain layers.