Polygon, the leading Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution, recently completed a Polygon conversion update, converting its native cryptocurrency from MATIC to the new POL token. This strategic move, driven by community consensus and extensive deliberation, marks an important milestone in the evolution of the Polygon network, paving the way for the network’s ambitious vision of “Polygon 2.0.”
Understanding MATIC to POL Upgrade
The token transition from MATIC to POL, which was Done On September 4, 2024, the token rebranding is more than just a rebranding. It represents a fundamental shift in the token’s utility and role within the Polygon crypto ecosystem. The POL token is now the network’s native gas token and storage token, replacing the former Polygon MATIC token.
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Promote community participation
One of the main goals of this community-driven update is to better enable the Polygon community to participate in the growth and development of the network. With the introduction of a 2% annual emission rate for POL, the community now has the opportunity to actively participate in the ecosystem through various initiatives, such as the Community Treasury Grants Program.
Move to the “highly productive” code model
One of the most important aspects of the POL upgrade is the token’s transformation into a “hyper-yielding token.” Unlike the matic coin, which was limited to earning token fees from gas and polygon matic staking, POL is designed to generate revenue from a broader range of activities within the Polygon network, providing expanded utility.
Diversify sources of income
POL will now be able to earn fees from additional actions, such as staking to secure data availability or decentralizing the sequencer. This diversity of revenue streams positions POL as a more diverse and valuable asset, with the potential to outperform the traditional gas fee-based token model of Ethereum’s ERC-20 tokens.
Integrate POL into Polygon’s AggLayer
The new POL token will also play a crucial role in Polygon’s AggLayer, a cross-chain transaction interoperability protocol that aims to connect isolated blockchains. By including POL within AggLayer, Polygon is enhancing the token’s utility and position as a central component of the blockchain infrastructure of the converged network.
Polygon 2.0: Towards Infinite Scalability
The Polygon matic bridge for POL upgrade is a crucial step in Polygon’s broader vision for Polygon 2.0 release date, which aims to provide “unlimited blockchain scalability” by unifying all blockchains, including layer 1 networks like Ethereum and Bitcoin. This ambitious goal is being pursued through the development of the Polygon CDK (Crypto Development Kit) and AggLayer, which will serve as the foundation for a unified blockchain interoperability system.
Smooth immigration process
For existing MATIC holders, the migration process is designed to be seamless. All deposited MATIC will be automatically converted to POL in a 1:1 migration, and users on the Ethereum mainnet, Polygon zkEVM, and centralized exchanges will have the option to upgrade their tokens without a hard deadline via the Polygon Portal interface.
Polygon Community Based Approach
The decision-making process behind upgrading MATIC to POL was heavily influenced by Ethereum’s decentralized governance culture, as detailed in a Polygon blog post. The shift was the result of nearly two years of community-led discussions, including multiple iterations of Polygon Improvement Proposals (PIPs) and Polygon Protocol Governance Calls (PPGCs).
Polygon’s Thriving Ecosystem
The Polygon PoS chain currently hosts a thriving ecosystem of decentralized applications, including Polymarket, the liquidity layer for Azuro prediction markets, and various gaming platforms that use smart contracts. The integration of POL is expected to boost the network’s growth and adoption, especially with the upcoming launch of zkEVM to improve scalability.
In conclusion, Polygon’s transition from MATIC to POL represents a milestone in the network’s evolution. By enhancing community engagement, diversifying revenue streams, and aligning with the Polygon 2.0 vision, this upgrade positions POL as a “highly productive” token that will play a pivotal role in Polygon’s quest for infinite scalability and blockchain aggregation.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves risks, and readers should conduct their own research and consult with their financial advisors before making investment decisions. Hash Herald is not responsible for any profits or losses in this process.