The Ethereum Foundation has launched a short-lived testnet named Mekong, aimed at allowing developers to explore user experience (UX) changes and staking updates ahead of the Pectra fork. Announced on November 7, Mekong provides a platform for wallet developers to test UX modifications and for stakers to familiarize themselves with upcoming changes. The testnet is fully equipped with all Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) intended for the Pectra upgrade. It is designed as a prelude to the upcoming Devcon event in Bangkok, and takes its name from the Mekong River that flows through Southeast Asia. While Mekong enables testing of the new features, it is clarified that it will not impact the Ethereum mainnet or other existing testnets like Holesky or Sepolia. However, insights gained from the Mekong testnet will inform the deployment of the Pectra upgrade across the Ethereum ecosystem, enhancing the staking workflow and other mechanisms.

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