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What is Internet Identity and how does it work?
Internet Identity is a new type of authentication for Web3. Here's what you should know about it
Passwords are hard. Even with password managers to generate and autofill them, they're still a pain to use for all the daily logins in our lives. The problem is that there aren't any great alternatives. However, the Web3 techs at the DFINITY Foundation are working on a promising alternative. It's Internet Identity (AKA II), and it could reshape our online security. Here's what we know.
Google eases restrictions on how apps are allowed to use blockchains
Updated Play Store policy clarifies what is (and what's still not) allowed
Blockchain apps have been largely prohibited on the Play Store, and Google has long only allowed apps that allow users to remotely manage cryptocurrency, trading, and some other basic functions. However, Google has decided to loosen these restrictions with a policy update that could bring in a whole new genre to the Google Play Store.
YouTube wonders if maybe this is the year it should go all ham on blockchains
'Charlie Bit Me' was only the beginning
Since 2005, YouTube has grown from a startup above a San Mateo pizza shop to the second largest website on the planet. These days, everyone knows what YouTube is — it's basically synonymous with video on the web. Even as competitors like TikTok grow in popularity, it seems unlikely YouTube will ever fall from its pedestal. So how does the site continue to grow from here? It turns out the blockchain might have something to do with it.
Google is reportedly throwing its hat into the blockchain ring
Could we see a Google cryptocoin, or something else?
It's been over ten years since Satoshi Nakamoto unleashed Bitcoin on the world and introduced us to the blockchain. Since then, we've become inundated with technology powered by these cryptographically linked lists of data. Even though blockchains are pushing at the margins of popular perception, they have yet to find a mainstream use outside of the niches of cryptocurrencies and NFTs. However, that may be about to change, as Google is reportedly venturing into blockchain technology.
Samsung phones are even better at Bitcoin now
You can move bitcoins and other math money from hardware wallets to your phone, and vice versa
If you're all into the crypto like the cool kids (I am not, money was hard enough before it was literally made out of math), then you want a Samsung phone. Since the Galaxy S10, they've been able to store Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency via encrypted storage in the Samsung Blockchain Wallet. With the latest update to the app it's even easier to store decentralized coins, because you can do it right from a cryptocurrency hardware wallet. What's a hardware wallet? It's a dedicated gadget, like the Ledger Nano X/S or Trezor Model T, with encrypted storage and basic controls to keep and transfer cryptocurrency in person. Now you can transfer coins between a compatible Samsung phone (most new models have access to the Samsung Blockchain Wallet) and a hardware wallet with either Bluetooth or a USB cable.This is useful for the tiny number of users that actually keep cryptocurrency as, you know, currency, for purchasing goods and services, instead of simply throwing money at it and hoping to get rich. But Samsung hasn't forgotten about the investors: the new version of Samsung Blockchain Wallet includes a cryptocurrency newsfeed from CoinDesk.The updated version of Samsung Blockchain Wallet is available as a download from the Galaxy Store, and it's also live on APK Mirror.
Rumors have swirled for some time about a Facebook cryptocurrency and now it's official. It's called Libra and its lofty mission is similar to that of other digital currencies that have come before it, to "reinvent money" and "transform the global economy." At the same time, Facebook is sharing the wider plans for Calibra, a newly-formed subsidiary in charge of blockchain and financial services products going forward.
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HTC is not dead. In fact, it's so not-dead that it's going to release a followup to the Exodus blockchain phone. That's the sort of niche project you'd only expect from companies that have money to burn, which HTC does not. Still, HTC must think there's a business here.
Most of the details surrounding Sirin Labs' Finney "blockchain phone" were revealed back in the spring/summer, including the Safe Screen dual sliding display design and a whole pile of specs. I'll be honest, on paper it sounded like it could be Saygus-level vaporware, but the phone is now open for pre-order ahead of its expected launch.
Let's face it, smartphones have become boring to some degree or another. If you told me ten years ago that a very powerful computer in my pocket would eventually fail to excite me, I would've laughed in your face. But it's true. So when a company comes along talking about a device that doesn't fit the mold, my interest is piqued. While such things are often either vaporware or practical flops, they're difficult to ignore. This time around, we have Sirin Labs' Finney, the world's first blockchain smartphone.
OnePlus has seen both hits and misses when it comes to marketing, but the company has its April Fools' day gags down to a science. Based on a recently released video, this year's joke seems poised to offer its own commentary-by-example on one of 2018's biggest fads: cryptocurrencies.
'Blockchain' is the technology that powers cryptocurrencies, but on a technical level, it's just a growing list of records that are linked and secured. While you can mine Bitcoin on just about every PC and phone on the market, there is no shortage of dedicated hardware options, like physical wallets. According to Bloomberg, Huawei is currently in talks with Sirin Labs to develop a 'blockchain-ready' phone.
IFTTT continues to expand the realm of automation possibilities at its users' disposal. Over the past month or so, nine new channels have been added to the connect-everything service. Most of them will make your home smarter (or more pleasing to your olfactory receptors), while one connects a number of services to the Ethereum blockchain.
Having the word blockchain on your product or marketing in 2017/2018 is quickly becoming like "cloud" was in 2011, or adding a lowercase i or e to the front of a product or company name in the late 90's. What once was a useful technical term is now just another corporate tech buzzword, at most bolted on purely to attract interest. And in the midst of the recent #MeToo developments, Legal Fling has jumped in with its own blockchain-based app for securing contractually-enforceable sexual consent. Sounds hot.