$ETH (Ethereum) is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Its native currency, Ether (ETH), is used to pay for transactions and services within the network. Unlike Bitcoin, which focuses on being a store of value, Ethereum is like the "operating system" of the crypto world, and serves as the foundation for many DeFi, NFT, and DAO projects. Since its transition to Ethereum 2.0, it now operates on proof of stake, which improves its energy efficiency and allows staking to generate passive returns.