Vitalik Buterin unveils plan for Ethereum as ‘cryptographic world computer’

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has unveiled a transformative vision for the blockchain platform, aiming to evolve it into a “cryptographic world computer.” This plan, presented at a recent event, emphasizes the integration of advanced cryptographic techniques, such as zero-knowledge proofs and SNARK/STARK-style verification methods, alongside a revamped consensus mechanism. Buterin’s strategy suggests a shift away from traditional blockchain structures, focusing instead on enhancing Ethereum’s scalability, privacy, and verification capabilities. This announcement aligns with Ethereum’s ongoing roadmap, which includes significant upgrades like Hegotá, indicating a continued commitment to technological advancement. In the prediction markets, these developments appear to influence sentiment, albeit moderately, given the Tier 3 source of the information. Current pricing in the Ethereum future price predictions market shows a slight increase in optimism for Ethereum reaching higher price thresholds by the end of 2026. Notably, the odds of Ethereum hitting $3,500 by December 31, 2026, stand at 34%, reflecting a stable outlook compared to recent days. However, the near-term mark...