Deep Dive
1. Hardfork v1.8.0 (February 2026)
Overview: This mandatory network upgrade improved the underlying blockchain that powers all AIOZ services. For everyday users, it means a more stable and secure network capable of handling more complex applications and cross-chain interactions.
The hardfork introduced major updates to the network's core software stack. It upgraded the Cosmos SDK to version 0.53 for improved performance and security, and updated the IBC-go module to v10 for more reliable cross-chain communication. A key addition was the new 08-wasm module, which provides support for Wasm-based light clients, enabling more flexible connections to other blockchains. The bonus module was also enhanced to support multiple reward tokens instead of just one.
What this means: This is bullish for AIOZ because it strengthens the technical foundation of the entire ecosystem. A more secure and interoperable blockchain can support more advanced dApps and attract more developers, which could increase network usage and demand for the AIOZ token over the long term.
(AIOZ Network)
2. Hardfork v1.7.1 (July 2025)
Overview: This earlier upgrade focused on scaling the network's core Layer-1 blockchain. It was designed to increase transaction efficiency and reliability, which benefits all services built on top of it, from storage to streaming.
The implementation continued AIOZ's focus on Layer-1 scalability, building on previous hardforks. According to CEO Erman Tjiputra, the update was part of the 2025 roadmap to "enhance the blockchain's security, performance, and compatibility, ensuring better scalability and reliability for users." While it didn't cause an immediate price change, the long-term goal was to improve dApp functionality and enable more enterprise integrations.
What this means: This is neutral to bullish for AIOZ. While such backend upgrades rarely create short-term excitement, they are essential for long-term growth. A more scalable blockchain can handle increased user activity without congestion, leading to a smoother experience that retains users and developers.
(Kanalcoin)
3. AIOZ AI Marketplace V1 (May 2025)
Overview: This launch marked a major expansion of AIOZ's ecosystem from media delivery into decentralized artificial intelligence. It allows developers to publish, share, and earn from their AI models using the network's distributed computing power.
The marketplace is powered by AIOZ's DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network), leveraging over 200,000 global nodes. It supports AI models for tasks like image recognition and natural language processing, with a roadmap that includes future upgrades for decentralized AI model training and inference. To drive adoption, AIOZ Network launched the "AIOZ AI Challenge," a series of competitions where participants can earn token rewards.
What this means: This is bullish for AIOZ because it opens a massive new market (decentralized AI) and creates a new utility for the AIOZ token. By incentivizing developers and node operators, it aims to build a self-sustaining AI economy on the network, which could significantly increase token demand if successful.
(Blockworks)
Conclusion
AIOZ Network's development trajectory shows a clear pattern: solidifying its blockchain foundation (v1.7.1, v1.8.0) and then building high-utility applications like AI and streaming on top of it. This dual focus on robust infrastructure and expansive use cases is a classic recipe for long-term ecosystem growth. Will the next major code update focus on scaling AI inference or enhancing the streaming protocol's live capabilities?