This week’s session opened with confirmation that the V2 rollout on Mainnet is effectively complete. One final peer-to-peer node remains on V1 for legacy operators, but the network is transitioning toward a clean release process with clearer tags and a standalone Local Node repo.
On MinerFi updates, development is moving forward, with a recent focus on the coordination daemon responsible for Bitcoin transaction construction and key resharing. Smart contracts enter their next build phase this week. The Fusaka update completed successfully after resolving an RPC provider issue. With V2 shipped internally, Testnet deployment of the V2 PoP payout algorithm is scheduled next, enabling the community to begin experimenting with the updated model.
A formal beta program is also being assembled. This initiative will give experienced community members early access to features, including staked hemiBTC, while providing engineers with useful usability and bug-related feedback. The program will function similarly to the Builder role, with a private Discord channel and light criteria focused on DeFi familiarity rather than seniority. Max noted that previews of staked hemiBTC will begin through this beta, with contracts deployed and UI ready pending final tests.
The team also announced that the hBitVM whitepaper is now complete, with internal review underway. Publication is expected by week’s end, followed by a technical AMA next week. hBitVM remains the most significant engineering milestone to secure cross-chain state and enable advanced Bitcoin-backed primitives.
On the topic of security, audits are updated, bug bounty submissions are identifying platform issues, and the ecosystem and Hemi engineers continue preparing for the unpredictability of quantum-era cryptography. Most bounty findings have involved Web-layer issues rather than core issues, and each fix reduces the risk of vulnerability-chaining attacks. The conversation also touched on privacy tech, inscription indexing, ASIC-resistance debates, and future infrastructure decentralization.
The session closed with community updates: a holiday meme contest, Smash Karts tournament, upcoming karaoke session, the ambassador program arriving in early 2026, and reminders to watch for the V2 upgrade docs, beta program details, and the hBVM whitepaper later this week.
Join Hemi’s Discord and catch next week’s episode live.