The Solana Foundation has introduced Kora, a new infrastructure tool aimed at simplifying how users and developers handle transaction fees and signing. The move targets one of crypto’s longest-standing usability challenges. Significantly, the foundation wants Solana applications to feel closer to traditional digital platforms while maintaining blockchain security. Kora operates as a fee relayer and signing node. It allows applications to manage transaction costs without exposing users to complexity. Consequently, developers gain more control over onboarding, security, and operational flexibility. The foundation positioned Kora as a response to growing demand for seamless blockchain interactions. Fee Sponsorship Changes User Onboarding Kora enables applications to sponsor transaction fees entirely. Users no longer need to hold SOL to interact with Solana-based products. Moreover, applications can cover fees using alternative tokens, including stablecoins such as USDC. This design removes an early barrier for new users. Besides eliminating wallet friction, it allows businesses to design payment flows that mirror traditional apps. Gaming platforms, for example, can charge fees using in-game assets instead of native tokens. Additionally, this approach aligns with a broader industry shift toward experience-first development. Research from Electric Capital shows developers increasingly prioritize usability over raw throughput. Hence, fee abstraction has become a core focus across major blockchain ecosystems. Signing Security and Developer Controls Kora also addresses transaction signing, a sensitive security process. Instead of storing private keys locally, teams can use secure external environments. These include AWS KMS and third-party services like Turnkey. Moreover, Kora supports multiple remote signers and provides balance monitoring tools. These features help teams avoid failed transactions caused by depleted funds. Developers can also restrict program access, validate transactions, and apply custom fee policies. Additionally, Kora includes a standard RPC server, a command-line interface, and flexible configuration files. Runtime Verification audited and tested the system, adding an extra layer of operational confidence. SOL Price Action Remains Under Pressure While Kora strengthens Solana’s infrastructure narrative, SOL price action remains weak. Solana traded near $121.96 , reflecting short-term selling pressure. The asset has declined over the past day and week. Source: X According to Crypto Tony, traders continue watching the $120 support zone closely. He noted that a dip into this level could offer a bounce opportunity. Technically, SOL failed to reclaim the $128–$130 resistance area. Recent price action shows lower highs, confirming a short-term downtrend. However, $120 acts as a structural pivot. Consequently, a controlled sweep below this level could attract buyers. A bounce may first target $124, then $127 if momentum improves.
