Deep Dive
1. Major Network Upgrade v1.8 (2 February 2026)
Overview: This is a scheduled hardfork that upgrades the blockchain's foundational software. It aims to make the network faster, more secure, and better at communicating with other blockchains.
The upgrade includes moving to Cosmos SDK v0.53 and IBC-go v10, which are major version jumps for the network's core architecture. A key addition is the new 08-wasm module, which introduces support for Wasm-based light clients. This is a technical improvement that allows for more flexible and secure connections between different chains. The Bonus and IBC modules are also enhanced to support multiple reward tokens and lay the groundwork for next-generation interoperability features.
What this means: This is bullish for AIOZ because it represents a significant step forward in the network's technical maturity. Users and developers can expect a more stable and capable platform, with faster transactions and stronger foundations for building complex, cross-chain applications. The upgrade is mandatory for node operators, who must update their software before the specified block height.
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2. Core Protocol & EVM Enhancements v1.4.0 (28 April 2023)
Overview: This update improved the bridge between AIOZ's Cosmos-based chain and the Ethereum ecosystem, making it easier for users to interact with both.
It introduced the "wetx" module, which allows users to send EVM (Ethereum-style) transactions but sign them using Cosmos-based methods. It also added an "aiozrc20 converter" to the aiozrc20 module, which improves the experience of using the network's wrapped AIOZRC-20 token by giving it access to AIOZ-specific features like IBC and gravity bridge functionality.
What this means: This was a neutral-to-bullish update that enhanced the network's usability. It made the platform more versatile for developers building decentralized applications and provided a smoother experience for users moving assets between different blockchain environments.
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3. Significant SDK & Governance Upgrades v1.3.0 (15 December 2022)
Overview: This was a substantial technical overhaul that modernized the blockchain's core software, enabling new features for decentralized governance and better Ethereum compatibility.
The upgrade moved the Cosmos SDK to version v0.46, which added support for group-based governance proposals and transaction tips. It also updated Ethermint (the software that powers the EVM) to v0.20, bringing numerous improvements to the Ethereum Virtual Machine core and better support for structured signing (EIP712). The IBC module was updated to prepare for relay fee structures.
What this means: This was bullish for AIOZ as it brought the network in line with the latest industry standards. The improvements allowed for more sophisticated community governance and provided a more robust and familiar environment for Ethereum developers to build upon.
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Conclusion
AIOZ Network's development trajectory shows a consistent focus on strengthening its core infrastructure and expanding interoperability, with the upcoming v1.8 hardfork marking its most ambitious technical leap yet. How will the network's enhanced cross-chain capabilities influence developer adoption and real-world usage of its DePIN services?