UPDATE: Stacks 2.0 was successfully launched by independent miners on Jan 14th, 2021. You can see the launch event at https://stacks2.com
Stacks 2.0 is a new layer-1 blockchain that uses Proof-of-Transfer (PoX) to connect to Bitcoin. Stacks 2.0 brings apps and predictable smart contracts to Bitcoin. Assets and contracts are secured by Bitcoin, and STX holders can earn BTC by participating in consensus. See an earnings calculator and a community intro video).
Stacks 2.0 is currently being implemented in the Rust language, and the mainnet launch is divided into four testnet phases.
We're in the home stretch. Stacks 2.0 is on track to reach code completion by Dec 15th. Mainnet launch is set for Jan 14th 2021. Xenon the Stacks 2.0 Phase 4 is currently in the implementation phase. Microblocks is one feature that will be implemented in Phase 4 in addition to testing. Here is a status visual from testnet.blockstack.org (as of Nov 19th):
Phase 4 (Xenon) is currently in the implementation stage.
You can follow Xenon's progress on Github here and on Discord on the #stacks-core-devs channel. Here is a screenshot of Xenon's status as of Thur Nov 19th:
You can see the status of the currently deployed Phase 3 (Krypton) here.
Thank you again to all those contributing to Stacks 2.0 and for your patience as we diligently work together toward a quantum leap for the ecosystem.
You can join the Stacks Telegram group to ask any further questions!