BITCOIN OPEN-SOURCE ALTERNATIVE: Tether released an open-source operating system for bitcoin mining, pitching it as a way to make running mining infrastructure simpler while reducing reliance on closed, vendor-controlled software. The stablecoin issuer said it rolled out MiningOS (MOS), describing it as a modular, scalable mining operating system designed for anyone from hobbyist miners to large institutions. The stack is intended to remove the "black box" nature of many mining setups, where hardware and monitoring tools are tightly tied to proprietary platforms. "MiningOS changes that — introducing transparency, openness, and collaboration into the core of Bitcoin infrastructure," Tether said on the project's website, adding that the system is built with "no lock-in." According to Tether, MOS uses a self-hosted architecture and communicates with connected devices through an integrated peer-to-peer network, allowing operators to manage mining activity without relying on centralized services. The company said miners can adjust settings through a companion platform depending on the scale of their operation and output requirements. CEO Paolo Ardoino called MOS a "complete operational platform" that can scale from a home setup to an "industrial grade" site spread across multiple geographies. Tether first previewed plans for an open-source mining OS in June, arguing that new miners should be able to compete without having to depend on expensive third-party vendors for software and management tools. — Shaurya Malwa Read more.
ETHEREUM FOUNDATION POST-QUANTUM TEAM: Quantum computing has long been a distant, theoretical threat to blockchain cryptography. But over the past few months, that calculus has shifted. While the Bitcoin community has been debating threats to its protocol for the past year, the Ethereum community seems to be only now taking its first steps. "Quantum computing is moving from theory into engineering," said Thomas Coratger, who leads the Ethereum Foundation's (EF) post-quantum (PQ) team. "That changes the timeline, and it means we need to prepare." Earlier in January, the foundation formally elevated post-quantum security to a strategic priority, creating that dedicated team to drive research, tooling and real-world upgrades to protect the network's cryptographic foundations. At the same time, major industry participants are building their own defenses: Coinbase announced an independent quantum advisory board staffed with leading cryptographers to guide long-term blockchain security planning, signaling that even custodial infrastructure must prepare for quantum-era risks. And across the ecosystem, Optimism, is one of Ethereum's largest layer-2 networks, laid out a formal 10-year roadmap to transition its Superchain stack, from wallets to sequencers, toward post-quantum cryptography, committing to phase out vulnerable signatures and ensure continuity across layer-2 networks. Together, these moves mark a noticeable shift: post-quantum security is no longer a fringe topic for the far future, but a live concern shaping development roadmaps, governance discussions and ecosystem coordination across Ethereum and beyond. For the EF, the move toward post-quantum security isn't about sounding an alarm, it's about not being caught flat-footed. — Margaux Nijkerk Read more.
NEW LENDING PROTOCOL FOR XRP ASSETS: The Flare blockchain introduced lending and borrowing for XRP-linked assets through an integration with Morpho, a crypto lending protocol that runs across multiple Ethereum compatible chains. The update lets users lend and borrow with FXRP, a version of XRP designed for use on Flare, the team behind the blockchain said. Flare pitched the move as a step toward giving XRP owners more ways to earn yield and use their tokens beyond holding or trading. For years, XRP has had fewer decentralized finance (DeFi) options than tokens built on smart contract networks. Flare has been trying to change that by building tools that let XRP be used in onchain apps while keeping the original XRP on the XRP Ledger. FXRP holders can now deposit their tokens to earn interest, or use FXRP as collateral to borrow other assets such as stablecoins. Flare said these positions can also be combined with other features on the network, including staking and yield products, for users who want more active strategies. Morpho differs from older lending apps that mix many assets into one shared pool. Each lending market is set up with one collateral asset and one borrowed asset, and the rules for that market are set when it is created. This structure is meant to keep problems in one market from spilling into others. — Shaurya Malwa Read more.
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