MetaMask, a widely used cryptocurrency wallet developed for Ethereum, has introduced a new feature called MetaMask Snaps. This feature allows users to extend the functionality of their wallets to other layer-1 blockchains, including Bitcoin, Solana, Cosmos, and StarkNet. These Snap extensions are created by third-party developers and have been audited by Consensys. They offer users the ability to receive specific notifications based on the Snaps they have installed. However, at present, these notifications can only be received through the MetaMask browser extension and are not available on mobile devices.
Christian Montoya, the Senior Product Owner of MetaMask Snaps, emphasizes that the notification feature doesn’t require users to disclose personal information such as phone numbers or email addresses. Instead, users can directly install Snaps from decentralized applications (dApps), aggregators, or protocols into their MetaMask wallets. Once installed, these Snaps can be configured to send notifications. These alerts can potentially protect users from mistakes such as interacting with risky smart contracts or falling victim to phishing scams.
In addition to notifications, Snaps offer additional features such as encrypted device storage and customization of the wallet’s user experience. Currently, publishing Snaps is limited to an allowlist overseen by Consensys. However, MetaMask aims to make the release of Snaps permissionless in the future by involving users, auditors, and reputable community entities in managing the published Snaps through smart contracts.
This article is 95% likely factual news based on my current analysis. Source: [James Cirrone](https://blockworks.co/news/metamask-snaps-interoperable)
