In a bold move mirroring Ethereum’s recent upgrade, Berachain has launched its ‘Bectra’ hard fork today, marking a significant milestone for the non-Ethereum Layer-1 blockchain. With this upgrade, Berachain aims to enhance interactivity for over 100 applications on its platform, drawing inspiration from Ethereum’s ‘Pectra’ advancements while uniquely tailoring the features to its own ecosystem. This development allows for streamlined user functionalities such as batch transactions and smart accounts, a noteworthy leap in usability for Berachain’s community.
Berachain’s Strategic Leap
As Berachain activates Bectra, industry observers are keenly watching its impact on the broader crypto ecosystem. While Berachain’s consensus model diverges from Ethereum’s, its compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) means developers can breathe a sigh of relief—no need to overhaul existing contracts. “It’s a game-changer for us,” said a developer working on the platform, “because it means less downtime and more focus on innovation.” Users are now poised to navigate their digital assets with newfound ease, utilizing HONEY, Berachain’s stablecoin, for gas fees and setting up recurring payments without the need for complex coding or third-party solutions. This aligns with Vitalik Buterin’s vision for Ethereum: Pectra, Glamsterdam and beyond, where adaptability and user-centric features are emphasized.
Ethereum’s Internal Shuffle
In a parallel narrative, the Ethereum Foundation has announced layoffs within its research and development team as part of an ambitious restructuring initiative. This shake-up, the foundation claims, is driven by a desire to hone in on crucial protocol design challenges. Ethereum’s roadmap now focuses on scaling its base layer, expanding blobspace, and enhancing user experience. These changes come amidst ongoing debates over Ethereum’s strategic direction. “It’s a necessary evolution,” an insider noted, acknowledging that the move has not been devoid of controversy. The foundation’s rebranding of its R&D division to simply “Protocol” underscores a streamlined approach, yet it raises questions about whether these changes will adequately address the concerns voiced by the community. For a deeper understanding of Ethereum’s evolving strategy, see Vitalik Buterin’s vision for Ethereum: Pectra, Glamsterdam and beyond.
Musk’s XChat: A Mixed Reception
Meanwhile, tech icon Elon Musk has unveiled XChat, a messaging app that promises “Bitcoin-style” encryption. However, the launch has been met with skepticism from both the crypto community and tech experts. Critics argue that Musk’s claims of Bitcoin-inspired encryption might be more marketing hype than groundbreaking tech. Ian Miers, a computer science professor, quipped, “It’s like claiming to run a rocket on water because NASA uses hydrogen and oxygen.” The crypto community remains wary, questioning the app’s actual contributions to the encryption landscape.
Security Concerns at BitoPro
In a troubling development, Taiwanese crypto exchange BitoPro is suspected of having been hacked for over $11 million. Blockchain sleuth ZachXBT highlighted an exploit involving unauthorized access to BitoPro’s hot wallets. The aftermath saw the stolen assets dispersed through decentralized exchanges, utilizing privacy protocols like Tornado Cash for laundering. BitoPro’s silence on the matter, masked by an announcement of “system maintenance,” has only fueled speculation and concern among its users.
Future Implications
As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Berachain’s Bectra upgrade and Ethereum’s internal restructuring paint a picture of an industry in flux, grappling with innovation, security, and strategic realignment. While Berachain’s adoption of Pectra’s features without consensus changes showcases the adaptability of non-Ethereum chains, Ethereum’s restructuring signals a critical juncture for the blockchain giant. As these stories unfold, the broader implications for users and developers remain to be seen, raising the perennial question: what’s next for blockchain technology?
Source
This article is based on: The Protocol: Berachain Follows Ethereum’s Pectra Upgrade With ‘Bectra’
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
