Key facts
- Bitcoin Core version 31.1rc1 has been released as a release candidate.
- The update aims to improve privacy, performance, and reliability.
- A key fix addresses a privacy issue that could inadvertently disclose a user's internet address.
- Transaction validation and blockchain database management have been enhanced.
- Wallet operations are more accurate and dependable due to optimized checks and improved transaction input size estimation.
- Support for MuSig2 has been improved with added security checks.
Bitcoin Core developers have issued version 31.1rc1, a release candidate for an upcoming main network update. This new version targets improvements in privacy and software performance, aiming to enhance reliability for node operators and developers. A significant highlight is a patch addressing a privacy concern within PrivateBroadcast, which previously could inadvertently reveal a user's internet address under certain circumstances. The update also introduces enhancements to the Bitcoin validation process, leading to more thorough transaction data management and a streamlined blockchain database, which is expected to minimize storage spikes and improve performance over time. Networking functionalities have also been refined, making the software more intelligent regarding private broadcast connections and proxy settings for smoother user experiences with privacy tools. Wallet operations benefit from optimized migration checks and more accurate estimation of transaction input sizes. Furthermore, support for MuSig2, a technology that consolidates multiple digital signatures into one, has been bolstered with checks to prevent incorrect signature aggregation. The release also includes numerous fixes beneficial for developers, such as cleaned-up testing tools, eliminated race conditions, enhanced fuzz testing, and updated build systems, alongside a test for failed writes before saving critical settings to prevent configuration issues. This release candidate is available for testing on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with developers urging the community to identify bugs before the stable version is officially released.