Zcash’s 25-second blocks go live on public testnet ahead of schedule
Reported by CoinDesk · AI-assisted summary by ChikoCorp AI News Desk
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Summary
Zcash has activated its NU7 upgrade early on a public testnet, reducing targeted block times from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. This upgrade redirects 60% of transaction fees to a reserve for future mining rewards, lowers per-block rewards to maintain the issuance schedule, and disables legacy Sprout transactions. Developers will evaluate test outcomes before deciding on a mainnet activation planned for November 5, with the review scheduled on October 20.
Why it matters
The reduction in block time could decrease payment confirmation waits, improving usability for merchants and exchanges. Redirecting fees to a mining reward reserve aims to sustain miner incentives as new coin issuance declines. Faster block production with preserved issuance is intended to enhance network efficiency without increasing inflation. The source does not elaborate further on broader market or policy implications.
Key context
NU7 has been enabled at block 4,465,026 on the public testnet, replacing a former test network. Both major Zcash node implementations, Zakura and Zebra, now support the upgrade. The testnet uses valueless coins to allow safe validation of changes before applying them to real ZEC tokens. Sprout, Zcash’s oldest privacy system, will be disabled, requiring users to migrate funds beforehand to maintain access.
Key numbers and entities
Zcash, NU7 upgrade, block time reduced from 75 to 25 seconds, 60% of fees redirected to reserves, 40% fees to miners, block 4,465,026, target mainnet rollout November 5, review date October 20. Software involved includes node clients Zakura and Zebra.
What remains unclear
The source does not specify the exact criteria developers will use in their review for mainnet activation, nor the precise timing for the mainnet upgrade block. Impact on user adoption or market response is not discussed. Details on how disabled Sprout transactions affect users beyond the need to transfer funds are limited.