Hello Mintlayer Family,

Autumn brings more than just changing leaves; it also has brought significant advancements in Mintlayer's development. This October, we have achieved several critical milestones across the Mintlayer core node, ZK Thunder Network, our Block Explorer, and wallet technologies. Let’s explore these enhancements as we close in on our vision of a fully interoperable, multi-layered blockchain solution.

Mintlayer Core Node Updates:

• Core Version 0.7.0 Released: We are thrilled to announce the release of Mintlayer core version 0.7.0, which has successfully been released, completing the planned set of upgrades for this phase of our Testnet. Our Testnet updates should be open to the public in the coming days. With this latest update, we will now shift our focus to rigorous testing to ensure everything is optimized and ready for the upcoming mainnet upgrade.
• HTLC Smart Contracts for BTC Integration: Our development team has implemented HTLC smart contracts on the testnet, marking a significant step toward seamless Bitcoin integration through secure, trustless atomic swaps.
• Peer-to-Peer DEX: The testnet now hosts a peer-to-peer DEX for Mintlayer assets, allowing users to engage in direct exchanges, enhancing both security and user autonomy.

Fast Bridge Development: 

• Testing continues for the Fast Bridge software on the testnet. This technology is crucial for connecting the ZK Thunder Network L3 with the Mintlayer Network, facilitating rapid EVM to Mintlayer cross-chain interactions.

ZK Thunder Network Layer 3 Progress:

• Finalizing Security Checks: Before opening ZK Thunder to public testing on the testnet, we are finalizing the latest security checks to ensure robust, secure functionality.
• Zero Knowledge Proofs: Soon, users will be able to record Zero Knowledge proofs on the testnet, enhancing layer integration and functionality, particularly with the advanced capabilities of the ZK Thunder network.

Block Explorer Developments:

• Support for New Transaction Outputs: The Block Explorer has been updated to support new types of transaction outputs, increasing the versatility and depth of transaction data available to users.

Mojito Mobile Wallet Enhancements:

• Added Message Signatures: A new feature in the Mojito Mobile wallet allows developers to verify the ownership of specific addresses through message signatures. While the wallet is not yet released to the markets, its release is in progress and promises enhanced security features for developers and users alike.

Mojito Browser Extension Wallet:

• Impending Updates: We expect to release an update to the Mojito Browser Extension wallet either this week or next. This update will include a new user interface and enhanced functionality for signing and verifying user messages, simplifying user interactions and increasing security.

In Conclusion:

October has been a month of tangible progress and technical accomplishments across all layers of Mintlayer's architecture. As we continue to refine our technologies and prepare for upcoming releases, we remain committed to our mission of delivering a secure, efficient, and user-friendly blockchain environment. Always remember that Mintlayer products, including the node, wallets, explorer, and the upcoming ZK Thunder Network, are free open-source software so you can always check them out on our Github.  

Stay connected and keep up-to-date with the latest developments by following us on Twitter, joining our Telegram community, and participating in our Discord channel discussions. Your support and feedback are crucial as we continue to develop and refine Mintlayer.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We look forward to achieving more milestones together.

Warm regards,

The Mintlayer Development Team

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