ECX, also called eCash, is a separate Bitcoin hard fork led by longtime Bitcoin developer Paul Sztorc and LayerTwo Labs. It plans to distribute one ECX for each bitcoin held at designated snapshots without moving the original BTC. Alpha testing began at Bitcoin block 963,648 on Aug. 23, 2026, producing practice pECX on a young rehearsal chain that advanced through at least block 963,650 alongside Bitcoin rather than a permanent fork; beta is scheduled for Sept. 20 near block 967,680, and the permanent mainnet launch and 1:1 ledger snapshot are planned for Oct. 31 near block 973,728. Practice units can be burned for real ECX at launch, but the pre-launch integration guide still lists drynet4 parameters, and final software, replay protection and exchange support remain unresolved, leaving operational fork risks for holders, miners and custodians.