At Fidelity Investments’ OP_NEXT conference, over 100 bitcoin enthusiasts discussed the potential upgrades to the Bitcoin network, emphasizing the need for innovation to maintain its relevance. Will Foxley highlighted the goal of reaching the next billion users while ensuring stability. Developers debated the balance between progress and caution, particularly regarding soft forks that could enhance Bitcoin’s functionality. Past upgrades, such as Taproot and SegWit, faced challenges in achieving consensus, raising concerns about Bitcoin’s ossification. Proposals like Jeremy Rubin’s covenants and the OP_CAT feature aim to introduce smart contract capabilities, drawing mixed reactions. Many in the community prioritize price performance, with an attendee humorously stating that investors primarily ask for Bitcoin’s value to increase without jeopardizing the network's integrity. The discussion underscored ongoing debates about decision-making within the decentralized ecosystem as developers navigate future upgrades amidst differing opinions.

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