Author: Colin Harper

Bitcoin

Incoming European Central Bank President Is Open to Cryptocurrencies

Colin Harper

Christine Lagarde, who has been nominated by European governments to replace sitting European Central Bank President Mario Draghi, appears kinder to the burgeoning cryptocurrency industry than her predecessor. In a statement issued to the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, the former managing director of the International Monetary Fund laid out her guiding philosophy and game plan for how she will govern if her nomination is ratified. A Crypto-Friendly Statement In the speech, the EU Central Bank’s nominee briefly touched on the topic of innovative technologies, including cryptocurrency. And her touch was gentler than most. “In this environment, central banks and supervisors need to ensure the safety of the financial sector, but also to be open to the opportunities provided by change,” …

Bitcoin

“Ledger of Szabo” Brings Bitcoin Compatibility to Zelda-Style Game

Colin Harper

“It’s dangerous to go alone. Here, take this.” Thus begins the latest computer game from crypto-focused gaming company Blockade Games. “Just kidding! You must start your journey with nothing!” recants a wizard-turned-demon as you attempt to collect your would-be first weapon in the game, a fork, in an abandoned cave. This is how you embark on your journey in the “The Ledger of Szabo”: with nothing and no particular direction. The game’s initial interaction — as its name and gameplay would suggest — is an overt homage to “The Legend of Zelda,” the flagship game of the eponymous franchise which was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986. Thirty-three years later, its style and vibe are replicated and repurposed …

Bitcoin

Watchtowers Are Coming to Lightning

Colin Harper

“The Eye of Sauron casts its gaze upon the Lightning Network.” This is how Lightning Labs CTO Olaoluwa Osuntokun (aka, roasbeef) has heralded the coming of Watchtowers to the Lightning Network. Though comparing the technical feature to the demonic gaze of Tolkien’s primary antagonist sounds disconcerting, the analogy holds up on the surface: Watchtowers, as the name implies, will keep an eye on Lightning Network channels and potential bad actors. Why the need for them? Well, if you’re using a custodial Lightning wallet, there isn’t one. But if you’re running your own channels with your own node, then there’s the slim but conceivable chance that the party on the other side of your channel could cheat you when the channel is closing. For instance, say Molly …

Bitcoin

The FBI Wants QuadrigaCX Victims to Share Their Experiences, Posts Questionnaire

Colin Harper

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has questions in its ongoing investigation into the mysterious $190 million collapse of Canadian crypto exchange QuadrigaCX, so it’s turning to previous customers of the exchange for answers. Yesterday, the agency posted a questionnaire on its website requesting responses from QuadrigaCX victims. In cooperation with various departments of the U.S. government, the FBI opened a probe into QuadrigaCX in March amidst swirling legal troubles. “… responses are voluntary but would be useful in the federal investigation and to identify you as a potential victim,” the questionnaire reads. “Based on the responses provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.” These troubles came after QuadrigaCX announced its insolvency in January 2019, after …

Bitcoin

Apps, Services and Devices That Put Every Bitcoiner in the Driver’s Seat

Colin Harper

In the beginning, there was Bitcoin Core. Satoshi Nakamoto’s seminal software implementation for the Bitcoin network was a one-stop shop for early users: For the earliest adopters, it functioned as a full node, wallet and miner. Ten years and a few moons later, the Bitcoin service industry is undergoing a technical renaissance. Today, applications and hardware abound that give bitcoiners a greater degree of flexibility over how they manage their coins than ever before. From mixing services to plug-and-play nodes, hardware wallets to browser extensions, these tools have made Bitcoin more private, safer and easier to use, expanding its use cases along the way. Below is a list of Bitcoin applications, services and hardware that we think should be on your radar. Please note …