Update release-notes.md

Author: mitchpolygon

docs/cdk/releases/release-notes.md

@@ -1,60 +1,24 @@
-The **Fork ID 12 release** introduces the most robust Polygon CDK stack to date. With a focus on stability, performance and interopability, this release was driven by feedback from the ecosystem, developers, and IPs.
+_Last updated: December 2024_
 
----
-
-## What’s New in Fork ID 12?
-
-### **1. Full Execution Proofs**
-- **Trustless Finality:** Advanced zk-based finality ensures transactions are secure, decentralized, and verified without reliance on centralized entities.
-- **Customizable Proving Systems:** Developers have full control to define and optimize proof configurations for zk rollups, validium setups, or Agglayer-native configurations.
-
-### **2. Erigon Integration**
-- **High-Speed Data Syncing:** Integrates the Erigon client to deliver faster syncing and improved resource efficiency, enabling high transaction throughput.
-- **Seamless Ethereum Compatibility:** Leverages Erigon’s Ethereum foundation, ensuring smooth integration with Ethereum tooling and infrastructure.
-
-### **3. Prover System Upgrades**
-- **Increased Proving Capacity:** Expanded zkCounter limits now support complex computation and higher throughput.
-- **Faster Proof Generation:** Optimized proof pipelines reduce time-to-deployment and enhance performance in production environments.
-
-### **4. Developer Tooling Improvements**
-- **Refined CLI:** A more intuitive and streamlined command-line interface simplifies chain deployment, configuration, and testing.
-- **Documentation Updates:** New and improved guides provide step-by-step instructions for deploying, customizing, and migrating L2 chains.
+Fork ID 12 brings significant updates to the Polygon CDK stack, enhancing performance, scalability, and the developer experience. This release focuses on improvements across the client layer, proving systems, and developer tooling, making it easier to build and operate high-performance Layer 2 chains.
 
 ---
 
-## Why This Matters for Developers
+### Key Updates
 
-### **1. Enhanced Modularity**
-Fork ID 12 enables developers to design chains specific to their use case, with modular components for:
-- Consensus and governance mechanisms.
-- Proving systems and data availability configurations.
-
-### **2. Industry-Leading Performance**
-The integration of Erigon and enhanced proving capabilities allow:
-- Greater scalability for high-transaction environments.
-- Stability and performance improvements to keep the chain operational at high capacity.
-
-### **3. Simplified Interoperability**
-Chains built with Fork ID 12 can integrate with the **Agglayer** in the future unlocking:
-- Cross-chain transactions.
-- Ecosystem bootstrapping for liquidity and growth.
-
-### **4. Increased Security and Sovereignty**
-Leverage zk-proofs for robust, trustless security while maintaining control over your chain’s:
-- Governance.
-- Economic policies.
-- Finality mechanisms.
-
----
+#### Erigon Integration
+- Faster syncing for quicker chain setup and operation.
+- Improved transaction throughput and resource efficiency.
+- Full compatibility with Ethereum tools and infrastructure.
 
-## Key Benefits at a Glance
+#### Proving System Enhancements
+- Increased capacity for handling complex transactions and higher volumes.
+- Faster proof generation for quicker deployment and smoother operations.
 
-| **Feature**            | **What’s Improved in Fork ID 12?**                        |
-|-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
-| **Proving Systems**     | Higher throughput and faster proof generation.           |
-| **Erigon Integration**  | Faster syncing and Ethereum compatibility.               |
-| **Developer Tooling**   | Simplified CLI and detailed documentation.               |
-| **Customizability**     | More options to tailor chains to unique requirements.     |
-| **Cross-Chain Ready**   | Native Agglayer support for seamless interoperability.    |
+#### Developer Tooling Improvements
+- Simplified CLI for easier chain deployment and configuration.
+- Updated documentation with improved guides for developers.
 
----
+#### Full Execution Proofs
+- Comprehensive validation: Verifies that all state transitions executed by the underlying VM (such as Polygon zkEVM) adhere to the protocol’s specifications.
+- Flexibility across modes: Supports both rollup and validium modes, providing scalability and security tailored to different use cases.