---
Imagine NEAR Protocol saying, *“I’m not broken, I’m upgrading!”* 🤖💅 And Binance? They’re right there holding the toolkit 🧰 to make sure it all runs smooth for YOU. Let’s chat real quick—like we’re across the table with a coffee ☕️👇
---
🚨 What’s Going Down?
🗓️ *On August 18, 2025*
🕛 *00:00 UTC* – Binance will *pause deposits & withdrawals* for all tokens on the *NEAR Protocol*.
🕐 *01:00 UTC* – The actual *network upgrade & hard fork* kicks off.
But don’t stress—*trading will remain unaffected*. You can still buy/sell/trade NEAR as usual on Binance Spot.
---
🧠 Why This Matters
This *network upgrade + hard fork* isn’t just a patch—it’s a major step in improving:
✅ *Performance*
✅ *Scalability*
✅ *Security*
✅ And maybe even *future compatibility with emerging tech like zk or AI* 🧬
---
🔮 Predictions & Outlook
- *Post-upgrade NEAR* might attract more devs and apps, especially if infra improvements are significant.
- If the upgrade goes smoothly, *user confidence in NEAR will grow*—potentially bullish long-term.
- Short-term? Some price jitters are normal around hard forks, but nothing scary if you’re in it for the long haul.
---
🛡️ What You Need to Do
*Absolutely nothing.* Binance is handling it all—no action required on your part.
BUT:
✅ Avoid transfers during the maintenance window
✅ If you’re yield farming or staking via NEAR, monitor protocols for any syncing delays
---
🧠 Tips for Traders & Holders
- Set alerts for when *deposits/withdrawals reopen* (Binance won’t make another post).
- *Don’t panic sell* if price moves slightly—it’s common during upgrades.
- Keep an eye on *dev updates or changelogs* post-fork for deeper insight into improvements.
---
🗣️ Final Word
This isn’t just a tech update—it’s part of NEAR’s *long-term vision to become a top-tier smart contract platform*. And with Binance showing full support, you’re in good hands if you’re holding NEAR.
So if you were wondering *“Is NEAR still building?”*—they’re not just building, they’re leveling up. 🧗♂️💥
---