Dogecoin Introduces Major Upgrade with Cardinals Index Node as Analysts Eye $1.54 Rally

Dogecoin has rolled out the Cardinals Index Node, a major technical enhancement designed to improve transaction validation and network efficiency. The new addition allows anyone to run a node, process on-chain transactions, and support distributed ledger indexing at much higher speeds. Consequently, the development moves Dogecoin closer to achieving stronger decentralization while also expanding its functional scope beyond payments.

Cardinals Index Node Expands Network Capability

The Cardinals Index Node enables faster indexing reaching up to 500 milliseconds allowing data to be organized and retrieved with improved speed and precision. Besides efficiency, this feature broadens participation by allowing more users to operate validation nodes. As a result, the network becomes more decentralized and resilient.

This upgrade could transform the way Dogecoin’s UTXO-based system handles programmability. It introduces “smart contract-like” functionalities without requiring Layer 2 extensions or compatibility with Ethereum’s EVM. Hence, developers may soon use Dogecoin to deploy on-chain tools similar to those in more advanced programmable ecosystems.

DogeOS and New Technical Proposals Strengthen Development

Earlier this year, Dogecoin introduced DogeOS, a platform for creating decentralized applications directly on the main network. The system supports various use cases, including blockchain games and AI-driven financial applications. This initiative reflects Dogecoin’s broader goal of evolving from a simple payment network into a full-fledged development environment.

In July, the team behind DogeOS also proposed OP_CHECKZKP, a mechanism introducing zero-knowledge proofs and zk-rollups. These cryptographic features could significantly improve transaction scalability and privacy. According to developers, the proposal aims to make Dogecoin more competitive with next-generation blockchain frameworks by strengthening both security and performance.

Technical Outlook and Market Momentum

Dogecoin’s price reflects optimism surrounding these upgrades. Trading around $0.261, DOGE has gained 1.42% in 24 hours and 12.25% over the past week. 

Market analyst Trader Tardigrade identified two strong technical signals indicating that a “programmed” rally might already be forming. He noted that the current price structure resembles the June–July pattern, when DOGE consolidated after a sharp decline before breaking out strongly. 

Source: X

Additionally, recent technical action shows a breakout from a descending channel, reinforcing the bullish setup. Key resistance levels are positioned at $0.28 and $0.33, while holding above $0.26 keeps momentum tilted in favor of continuation.

Bullish MACD Signals Support Rally

Trader Tardigrade also notes that Dogecoin has formed a bullish MACD crossover on the monthly chart, a signal that previously preceded a 557% rally. Current price action indicates accumulation, with higher lows forming above $0.26. 

If this fractal repeats, DOGE could target $1.54, with sustained strength above $0.30 attracting further buying pressure. The widening MACD lines and positive histogram growth reinforce this bullish outlook, hinting at a potential long-term uptrend for the cryptocurrency.