Quebec Protocol Upgrade: Just 3 Days Away

The Quebec protocol upgrade will officially activate at the end of cycle 822, just before block #7,692,289, expected on January 20th at 19:40 UTC. This activation represents a significant leap forward for Tezos, refining key network features and addressing community feedback collected over the last governance cycle.

Key Features of the Quebec Upgrade

Quebec is set to introduce a suite of enhancements designed to improve performance, user experience, and baking dynamics. Let’s revisit what’s coming:

1. Faster Block Times

   • Reduces block time from 10 seconds to 8 seconds.

   • This improvement brings Layer 1 transaction finality to just 16 seconds, offering faster interactions for users and developers alike.

2. Adaptive Maximum Issuance

   • Introduces changes to the adaptive issuance mechanism to prevent excessive tez issuance when the staked ratio is close to the target.

   • Balances staking incentives with network sustainability.

3. Revised Baking Power Calculations

   • The relative weight of delegated funds in baking power calculations is reduced from 50% to 33%.

   • Encourages greater decentralization and balance between direct and delegated staking.

4. Enhanced Delegation Mechanisms

   • Addresses dilution of delegated rights while improving user experience for bakers and delegators.

5. Increased External Stake Limits

   • Raises the cap for external stake that a baker can attract from 5x to 9x their own stake.

   • Provides bakers with greater flexibility and empowers those leveraging new staking mechanisms.

Preparing for the Transition

To ensure a smooth activation, it’s crucial for bakers and node operators to prepare their infrastructure. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Update to Octez v21

• Octez v21.0 is the minimum version required for the Quebec protocol. Upgrading to v21.1 is highly recommended for additional performance improvements.

2. Storage Upgrade

• If you’re running versions earlier than v20.3, you’ll need to manually upgrade your storage using the following command:

  ./octez-node upgrade storage --data-dir <data-dir>

• Note that this process is irreversible and non-backwards-compatible.

3. Dual Baking Software

• Bakers should ensure that both Paris and Quebec baking binaries are operational during the transition.

  • Paris binaries will remain active until the upgrade.

  • Quebec binaries will take over immediately after activation.

4. Hardware and Internet Requirements

• Minimum specs:

  • 3 CPU cores

  • 8GB RAM + 8GB swap or 16GB RAM

  • 100GB SSD storage

  • A reliable, low-latency internet connection.

• Bakers using Ledger Nano S for signing should consider upgrading to Ledger Nano S+ or Nano X for better performance.

Don’t Forget About Protocol ‘R’

With Quebec finally nearing its destination, it’s time to look ahead to the next stage in Tezos’ evolution: protocol ‘R’.

Nomadic Labs has already provided a preview of what’s to come and opened the floor for feedback from bakers and the community. Here are some of the proposed changes under ‘R’:

1. One-Day Cycle Length

   • Cycle duration will be reduced to just 1 day (10,800 blocks), making staking-related operations more efficient and user-friendly.

2. New Baking and DAL Attestation Rewards

   • Introduces measures to scale Layer 2 operations, including Data Availability Layer (DAL) participation incentives and slashing mechanisms for dishonest behavior.

3. Reduced Inactivity Tolerance

   • Shortens the tolerance period for inactive bakers from 14 days to 3 days, ensuring quicker network recovery in case of baker absences.

4. BLS Signature Scheme (Experimental)

   • Adds support for the BLS signature scheme, paving the way for further optimizations in block processing.

The proposal is still in its feedback phase, and your input matters! Share your thoughts and help refine the direction of protocol ‘R’ on Tezos Agora.

The feedback period runs until January 24th, so don’t miss your chance to contribute.

What Governance Means for the Tezos Community

When I think about what makes Tezos stand out, its governance is always at the heart of it. It’s not just some technical feature—it’s the lifeblood of how this blockchain grows and evolves. Every vote cast, every discussion held, and every upgrade implemented reminds me of the unique power of decentralized collaboration. It’s incredible to see how the community’s voice actively shapes the network’s direction.

Tezos has always been about proving that progress doesn’t have to come at the cost of stability or fairness. Upgrades like Quebec and the upcoming ‘R’ proposal really drive this home—they’re not just technical changes; they’re milestones that reflect the community’s collective effort to improve and adapt.

With Quebec activation just around the corner (finally!), I can’t help but feel proud of how far Tezos has come. As we look to the future, I hope we can continue to channel this same spirit of collaboration and determination to keep building the best blockchain that empowers gamers, developers, artists, and enthusiasts. While we celebrate Quebec’s imminent activation, let’s not forget to look ahead. The next protocol proposal, ‘R’, is already under discussion, and the Tezos community has the chance to provide valuable feedback to help shape it. If you haven’t yet, be sure to join the conversation and make your voice heard on Tezos Agora.

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

Freename Brings .etherlink to Life

This week, Freename’s integration with Etherlink is a highlight that showcases the evolving utility of the Tezos ecosystem. Freename, a multi-chain Web3 namespace platform, has officially launched the .etherlink top-level domain (TLD), powered by Etherlink—a layer-2 blockchain solution built on Tezos smart rollups.

This collaboration opens up new opportunities for users to create, manage, and secure their Web3 identities while demonstrating Etherlink’s potential to bridge Web2 and Web3 seamlessly. Let’s break down what this means and why it’s exciting for the Tezos community.

By leveraging Etherlink, Freename offers a streamlined process for users to mint and manage their Web3 domains. Here’s why this is noteworthy:

• Web3 Identity Simplification: Users can create digital identities that are secure, customizable, and interoperable across blockchains.

• Tokenization of Web2 Domains: Freename allows existing Web2 domains to be brought on-chain through tokenization, bridging the gap between traditional internet domains and decentralized infrastructure.

• Interoperability: In a multi-chain ecosystem, seamless interaction between different networks is crucial, and Etherlink ensures this connectivity.

• Ease of Access: To celebrate the launch, Freename is offering users $10 off their first .etherlink domain with the coupon code ETHERLINK10, making it more accessible to explore this new TLD.

For people who are new to the ecosystem, Etherlink, powered by Tezos smart rollups, is a permissionless, EVM-compatible layer-2 solution designed to enhance scalability and performance. The integration of Etherlink into Freename’s platform highlights the adaptability of the Tezos ecosystem to meet the growing demands of Web3 innovation.

With Etherlink, users can enjoy:

• Enhanced Scalability: Faster and more efficient domain transactions with lower fees.

• Security First: Tezos’ reliable smart contract infrastructure ensures the safety of domain ownership and management.

• Global Adoption Potential: By simplifying crypto usage and onboarding users from Web2 to Web3, Etherlink accelerates the accessibility and appeal of blockchain technology.

As digital identities grow in importance, having reliable tools to manage them becomes critical. Freename’s integration with Etherlink and the launch of .etherlink provide a glimpse into a more connected, interoperable future that empowers users to seamlessly navigate different Web3 ecosystems.

To mint your .etherlink domain and start your Web3 journey, visit Freename.io and claim your digital identity today!

Events

Join an upcoming webinar exploring how Real-World Assets (RWAs) like Uranium is changing the game on Tezos. Tune in for your opportunity to learn more in-depth about this directly from the key people behind this project.

Event Details:

• When: January 21, 2025

• Time: 5 PM UK | 12 PM ET

• Where: Online Webinar – Register Here

Featured Speakers:

• Arthur Breitman – Co-Founder, Tezos

• Benedikt Hirmer – Engineering Manager, Trilitech

• Ben Elvidge – Head of Commercial Applications, Trilitech

This webinar will highlight how Uranium.io is pioneering the tokenization of physical uranium, offering new ways to fractionalize ownership and democratize access to this vital resource. Additionally, you’ll learn how Tezos enables scalable, secure tokenization solutions and get an insider perspective on what lies ahead for Real-World Assets in 2025. If you’re interested in the intersection of blockchain and tangible asset markets, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Secure your spot now!

Join Chris Pinnock, BakingBenjamins, German, and special guest Jev Bjorsell for a lively discussion on Tezos and baking.

Date: January 15, 2025 | Time: 6 PM UK Time
Where: X Space – Join Here

Topics include the Quebec upgrade, Remote Signers, and a Tezos Agony Uncles Q&A to answer your questions. DM your queries to get them featured.

Don’t miss this chance to connect and learn about the latest in Tezos Baking!

🔴 Now Streaming: Artist Spotlight | Mal Sheep

This week on TezTalks Radio, Marissa Trew sits down with Mal, a multidisciplinary artist and disability justice advocate, to discuss their journey into the blockchain space and the Tezos community. Learn how Mal is using art and technology to drive inclusivity and create a more accessible future in blockchain.

🌟 Our special guest is Mal, blending creativity and advocacy to shape the Tezos ecosystem.

🔍 In this episode, we’ll explore:

Mal’s Blockchain Journey: - How a passion for disability justice brought Mal to the Tezos community.

Inclusivity in Blockchain: - Why empowering marginalized voices is essential for equitable digital spaces.

Art Meets Social Justice: - Discover how Mal uses art to navigate complex systems and personal experiences.

Community-Led Change: - The role of grassroots initiatives in fostering innovation and inclusivity within Tezos.

Looking Ahead: - How the intersection of art, technology, and advocacy is shaping blockchain’s future.

Watch/listen the full episode on YouTube or your favorite platform.