Weekly Nano Update: 10/22/18

Epoch Blocks, Boulton Update, Boston Meetup

Epoch Blocks

Just a reminder that Epoch Blocks are still on track to launch this week! Following last weeks update and explainer, we’ve been answering questions in the Reddit comments to make sure there is no confusion before the upgrade commences. Additionally, our developers have also been in touch with several Nano-based services about how Epoch blocks will affect them. If you run a service and have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to send an email to Troy@nano.org.

Over the weekend, the Proof of Work for 624,639 Epoch blocks was generated using a modified version of the Distributed Proof of Work system developed by The Nano Center. The date and time of the upgrade will be released shortly.

Boulton Release Update

Boulton remains on track for release candidate #1 to launch on the Beta network this week. This initial release candidate contains several core improvements that we will begin testing, as well as covering in depth in an article later this week. Lazy Bootstrapping, however, requires additional network resources that make it difficult to test on the beta net. Therefore, we will be pushing Lazy Bootstrapping in a subsequent release candidate (RC#2), which will arrive shortly after and be tested on the main net.

As this is our first release using a code name, we thought it would be fun to share some history behind the name and why it was chosen:

Matthew Boulton was credited with the first invention of a state-of-the-art steam press in 1788 to mass produce coins with uniformity and speed. His machines were able to produce 70 to 84 coins per minute, revolutionizing coin minting at a time when the Royal Mint had to cease operations as a result of counterfeit coins. Boulton is credited with enabling the achievement of standardized dimensions, uniformed weights, and precise roundness that foiled counterfeiters while drastically improving minting efficiency.

We enjoyed watching members of the community research the meaning behind the Boulton name and felt it was an excellent fit for a release with Lazy Bootstrapping as the main feature, as it improves the bootstrapping process which rapidly fills a ledger full of the correct blocks.

Boston Meetup

Our team would like to invite all community members in the Boston area to join Colin, Russel, and Troy at The Black Rose this Thursday, October 25th at 6 pm for a meet and greet. If you plan on attending, send a message to Troy, so we have an idea of a headcount.

We look forward to meeting everyone!

The Black Rose is located at 160 State St, Boston, MA 02109.