Zakura

Zakura developers want each ZEC swap through NEAR Intents to receive its own viewing key, reducing the payment history that could be exposed if future quantum computers break current cryptography. The proposal keeps spending keys with users while using private information retrieval to help wallets find refunds without revealing what they are checking.

Zcash developers are aiming to add quantum-resistant, hash-based signature support in January, with the first phase focused on transparent transactions. The move follows heightened concern over AI-assisted cryptographic risks, though no practical wallet-key attack has been demonstrated.

Zcash has activated its NU7 upgrade on public testnet ahead of a planned mainnet rollout on Nov. 5. The change cuts the target block time from 75 seconds to 25 seconds while adjusting rewards, fees and legacy Sprout transaction support.

Gemini has replaced Zebra with Zakura for its Zcash systems, saying the newer software caught up with the network in just over six hours during deployments. The change comes as Zcash developers prepare the NU7 upgrade, which would cut block times from 75 seconds to 25 seconds.

Zakura has launched as a new Zcash full node designed to speed synchronization, support pruning, and maintain compatibility with legacy zcashd integrations. The release lands as Zcash developers prepare for Ironwood and pursue a broader plan to scale private payments toward Visa- and Mastercard-level throughput.