Ethereum Activates Pectra Upgrade, Raising Max Stake to 2,048 ETH
Key updates in cryptocurrency tech development:
- Ethereum Upgrade: Ethereum's "Pectra" upgrade launched, increasing maximum stake from 32 to 2,048 ETH. This change simplifies staking for individuals and companies.
- Bitcoin OP_RETURN Limit Change: Bitcoin Core developers plan to remove the 80-byte OP_RETURN limit in the next release, igniting debate over potential impacts on data usage and network focus.
- Worldcoin Launch: Sam Altman's World project will deploy 7,500 eye-scanning orbs in six U.S. cities by year-end, providing access to its app and an airdrop of WLD tokens.
- Aztec Testnet Activation: Aztec's privacy-focused layer-2 rollup testnet is now live, aimed at addressing confidentiality needs for large transactions.
In Other News
- Movement Labs rebranded to "Movement Industries," terminating co-founder Rushi Manche due to undisclosed MOVE token deals.
- Gold prices rose nearly 29% this year, while Bitcoin gained 3.8%. BlackRock's bitcoin ETF attracted $6.96 billion in inflows, surpassing the SPDR Gold Trust.
Regulatory Updates
- U.S. House Democrats disrupted a crypto policy hearing, focusing instead on former President Trump's personal dealings.
- New Hampshire became the first state allowing public fund investments in crypto assets, enabling its treasurer to establish a reserve.
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