News: Base has launched its Azul upgrade on testnet, targeting a May 13th mainnet activation. The upgrade introduces a 'multiproof' system combining trusted execution environment proofs and zero-knowledge proofs, potentially reducing withdrawal finality to one day. It also represents Base’s first independent upgrade, utilizing a new client stack consisting of base-reth-node and base-consensus (based on Kona). The upgrade improves reliability, reducing empty blocks by 99% over the past two months, and has sustained 5,000 transactions per second. Base is also running an audit competition with a $250,000 reward pool. Further upgrades are planned for June and August, focusing on performance and user experience, including native account abstraction.
AI Analysis: The Azul upgrade demonstrates Base's commitment to enhancing security, scalability, and decentralization. The multiproof system and improved performance metrics position Base favorably within the Layer 2 landscape, potentially attracting further development and user adoption.
