Tezos' Oxford 2: What You Need to Know

In the bustling digital metropolis of Tezos to sun-kissed shores of South Beach, Nomadic Labs, Marigold, TriliTech, Oxhead Alpha, Tarides, DaiLambda & Functori dropped a surprise on December 5th (hint: It’s not the leaked GTA Trailer). It's Oxford 2, Tezos' latest protocol upgrade proposal, and it's creating ripples of excitement across the Tezos community. This isn't just another technical update; it's a tale of resilience and cutting-edge tech that no other chain has implemented.

A Bold Response to a Setback

The story begins with the original Oxford protocol, a proposal brimming with potential but unable to clinch the crucial supermajority vote. Enter the wizards at Nomadic Labs and the global dev teams, who, instead of retreating, doubled down on their vision after listening to the community feedback. The result? Oxford 2 – a sleeker, smarter, and more user-centric upgrade that promises to elevate the Tezos experience to new heights.

Simplifying Complexity: Oxford 2's Magic Touch

Oxford 2's mantra is clear: simplify and secure. In a bold move, the dev teams has put the brakes on Adaptive Issuance and the new Staking mechanism. Why? To ensure that when these features do launch, they're nothing short of perfect. It's like a master chef refusing to serve a dish until it's just right. Meanwhile, bakers (the Tezos kind, not the ones with flour and ovens) get a taste of the future with an automated staking mechanism, designed to make their lives easier and their operations smoother.

The Return of Timelocks: A Security Odyssey

Here's where it gets really interesting. Timelocks are back, and they're stronger than ever. Previously sidelined due to a security Achilles' heel, they've undergone a technological transformation. Imagine a phoenix rising from the ashes, now equipped with a shield and armor. This feature is set to add a new layer of security and functionality to the Tezos protocol, making it as robust as a fortress.

Smart Rollups: The Secret Sauce of Privacy and Efficiency

Oxford 2 also marks a leap in the world of Smart Rollups. Picture this: private Smart Rollups that cater to the growing appetite for data privacy in blockchain applications. It's like having a VIP section in the digital realm, where access is exclusive but the possibilities are endless. These rollups aren't just a feature; they're a game-changer, offering a buffet of options for developers and users alike.

2024: The Dawn of a New Era in Blockchain

As Tezos gears up for 2024, the air is thick with anticipation. The past year has been a rollercoaster of achievements – from Smart Rollups going live to smashing the 1 million TPS threshold. With Oxford 2, Tezos isn't just stepping into the future; it's leaping. It's a story of a blockchain platform not just evolving but revolutionizing the way we think about digital transactions and interactions.

The Final Word

Oxford 2 is more than an upgrade; it's real time signal that Tezos is 5 years ahead of the competition, a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence by incredible dev teams across the globe. For those in the Tezos community and the broader blockchain universe, it's a time of excitement and wonder. As we turn the page to this new chapter, one thing is clear: the Tezos saga is far from over. In fact, it's just getting started. For a full technical breakdown, check out Nomadic Lab’s announcement.

Now is the Time to Vote — Bakers, let’s demonstrate one of the Tezos greatest strength, on-chain governance, and reach a community consensus. Follow all the action at Tezos Agora!

Delubac Bank to Allow Clients to buy Tez

In a bold move that's as timely as it is pioneering, France's Bank Delubac, an institution that has been around since 1924, is stepping into the burgeoning world of cryptocurrencies, and it's doing so with an eye-catching twist. Set against a backdrop of surging markets, with Bitcoin breaching the $40,000 mark, Delubac is not just joining the crypto race; it's redefining it. The bank's foray into the crypto world, scheduled to unfurl in 2024, is poised to be a game-changer, particularly for Tezos enthusiasts and investors.

Why Tezos?

In a market dominated by the likes of Bitcoin and Ether, Delubac's decision to include Tez – the native cryptocurrency of the Tezos blockchain – as one of its initial offerings is both noteworthy and strategic. This inclusion speaks volumes about the growing influence and potential of Tezos in the crypto world. It's a nod to the platform's innovative approach to governance, its adaptability, and its burgeoning ecosystem.

A Pioneering Move by Delubac

Bank Delubac's venture is not just another run-of-the-mill foray into digital assets. It's a pioneering move in the French banking sector. By becoming the first bank in France to offer such a service, Delubac is positioning itself as a trailblazer, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the burgeoning world of cryptocurrencies.

Their approach is noteworthy. They're targeting an audience that's been wary of diving into the often-volatile crypto waters. By integrating these digital assets into their established banking app and collaborating with Swiss start-up Taurus, Delubac is offering a secure and familiar gateway for their customers to explore the world of cryptocurrencies.

The Ripple Effect

Delubac's decision to embrace cryptocurrencies, particularly Tezos, could send ripples across the banking sector, encouraging other banks to rethink their stance on digital currencies. This move not only legitimizes cryptocurrencies but also highlights the growing importance of digital assets in the traditional financial sector.

In a country where major banking groups have been tentative about stepping into the crypto realm, Delubac's move could be the tipping point. It's a signal that the worlds of traditional banking and digital assets are not just colliding but are starting to merge.

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

Tezos @ South Beach: A Reflection on the Confluence of Art, Technology, and Community

As the sun set on Tezos @ South Beach, it left behind a glow of inspiration and a renewed sense of community in the world of digital art. This event wasn't just a showcase of creativity; it was a testament to the vibrant and diverse capabilities of the Tezos ecosystem, a platform that's rapidly becoming a nexus for artists and tech enthusiasts alike.

A Canvas of Diversity and Innovation

With over 50 creators displaying their works and more than 600 attendees, Tezos @ South Beach transformed the Nautilus into a kaleidoscope of artistic expression. From the mesmerizing complexity of generative art to the soulful depths of poetry, and the intriguing possibilities of AI, the event was a celebration of the myriad ways in which art and technology intersect.

The variety of artworks on display was staggering. Seminal works stood alongside new creations, minting live at the event. This dynamic blend not only showcased the rich history and ongoing evolution of digital art but also highlighted the inclusive and decentralized nature of the Tezos community. Every artist, whether a seasoned veteran or a fresh new voice, had a platform to share their vision.

Dialogues at the Intersection of Art and Technology

The panels and discussions at Tezos @ South Beach were as enlightening as they were engaging. The conversation moderated by Victoria West with artists like Laurence Fuller, Empress Trash, Patrick Amadon, and Andressa Furletti dived into the broader culture of the Tezos art community. These discussions weren't just about the art itself but the journey of the artists, the evolving landscape of digital collecting, and the transformative impact of technology on their work.

In a particularly thought-provoking session, Hans Ulrich Obrist from the Serpentine UK engaged with Operator in a dialogue that spanned key works, unrealized projects, and the overarching themes that permeate their practice. These conversations underscored the depth and breadth of thought that digital art provokes, bridging gaps between various artistic disciplines and technological innovation.

An Interactive Art Adventure

Perhaps one of the most exciting elements of Tezos @ South Beach was the Tezos Art Walk. This interactive adventure led participants across South Beach in search of seven AR artworks. Not only did this engage attendees in a physical and digital treasure hunt, but it also offered them the opportunity to collect NFTs, blending the thrill of discovery with the allure of digital collectibles.

A Spectrum of Artistic Events

The schedule of Tezos @ South Beach was meticulously curated to cater to a wide array of interests. The Tezos Community Meetup, the Teia Ecosystem & Artist Gathering, and the Objkt Roundtable offered insights into the community and the technology driving it. The fx(hash) Artwork Tour and the diverse range of readings and performances in the evening, including the theVERSEverse Poetry Reading and Danny Daze's Sound Performance, showcased the multifaceted nature of art in the Tezos ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

As Tezos @ South Beach concluded, it left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who attended. It was more than an art exhibit; it was a convergence of minds, a celebration of progress, and a glimpse into the future of digital art. The event not only showcased the current state of art in the Tezos ecosystem but also set the stage for its boundless potential.

In a world where technology and art are increasingly intertwined, Tezos @ South Beach stands as a beacon of what is possible when a community comes together to embrace innovation, creativity, and shared passion. As we look forward to future gatherings and collaborations, one thing is clear: the Tezos community is not just building a platform; it's cultivating three pillars— inclusivity, innovation, and boundless creativity.

One more thing

Speaking of pillars, let’s bring up the incredible response and spirit of the Tezos community.

The one and only, #tezpole— now embedded into the culture of Tezos history. The singular #tezpole has become an indelible part of Tezos lore. Initially cast in a dubious light, this exhibit has risen to iconic status with its capture at Art Basel, sparking extensive dialogue within the art community. It's a testament to the vibrant and creative spirit of the Tezos art collective, who, congregating on platform X, transformed this image into an array of memorable memes.

This Week in Tezos Development

Ligo V1.2.0 Release | Marigold

Marigold announced the latest update for the Ligo programming language - the release of Ligo v1.2.0. This new version introduces several key features and enhancements, designed to augment the user experience and broaden the capabilities of the language.

Key Features of Ligo v1.2.0:

1. Enhanced [JsLIGO] Loops: The update introduces for-of loops with patterns in JsLIGO, allowing for more flexible iteration over collections compared to the traditional variable-range approach.

2. Module Signatures and Documentation: When using LSP hovers, users can now view module signatures and access relevant documentation, making for a more informative coding experience.

3. Improved File Completions: The update enables better file completion suggestions for imports, streamlining the coding process and enhancing user efficiency.

These additions aim to improve the functionality and ease of use for Ligo developers. LigoLANG invites users to explore these new features in detail at their changelog page.

Now Streaming

TezTalks Live — Baking with Chris Pinnock

We sit down with Chris to discuss his role at Tezos Foundation, his background, and the benefits of Baking on Tezos.

Now Streaming:

YouTube | X