Many people around the world are still struggling with the concept of using Bitcoin in real=life situations. Depending one where one might live, there are either several or no options available to convert Bitcoin into a viable fiat currency alternative. Bitcoin debit cards are not available all over the world, paying bills with Bitcoin directly can only be done in so many countries, and using exchanges for conversion to fiat is cumbersome. So what will be the killer app that provides everyday consumers with the proverbial light bulb? http://themerkle.com/news/bitcoin-expectations-for-2016-price-education-and-awareness/ |
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The world of payments is evolving into a more digital and contactless form. Whereas consumers enjoyed the human interaction part of the payment process up until a few years ago, they now want everything to be quick and frictionless. PayPal is trying to establish themselves as a player in this segment by introducing their One Touch payment solution. Unfortunately, this is not an innovative feature per se, although it might make things slightly more convenient. https://news.bitcoin.com/addressing-paypal-one-touch-security-concerns-blockchain-technology/ |
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People who have been paying close attention to the overall hashrate pointed to the Bitcoin network will have noticed the numbers increased by 50% over the past week. Part of this growth can be attributed to the new BitFury data center in Georgia, which makes use of the country’s cheaper energy solutions to bring additional mining hardware online. Some people are worried about the number of network blocks being generated right now, but there is no real reason to worry just yet. http://themerkle.com/news/shorter-bitcoin-block-time-due-hashrate-spike-no-reason-concern/ |
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Everyone in the Bitcoin world knows how traditional financial solutions are lacking in security features. Especially where credit cards are concerned, there is still a lot of work to be done to even create an illusion of security. German researchers recently exposed a major flaw in the concept of the plastic card payment protocol, allowing hackers to steal any information. http://themerkle.com/news/credit-card-payment-protocol-unsafe-bitcoin-is-a-global-solution/ |
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Trouble is brewing in the world of Bitcoin and digital currencies now that wallet provider and exchange platform Coinbase started running the Bitcoin XT client as part of their production servers. As many of you are well aware, Bitcoin XT is considered a fork of Bitcoin Core and was launched to address the upcoming block size debate issue. Another discussion has spawned forth from this decision, even though it was announced weeks ago. http://bitcoinist.net/bitcoin-xt-discussion-have-wallets-refuse-to-send-to-known-non-compliant-wallets/ |
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A few months ago, CryptoDouble was one of the most obvious Ponzi schemes in Bitcoin history. Ever since that website shut down, multiple other HYIP and other investment schemes have popped up, all in an effort to defraud unsuspecting customers. CoinDouble is the latest Ponzi to join this growing list, and they use the same theme and style as CryptoDouble did: http://themerkle.com/news/bitcoin-hyip-ponzi-scheme-alert-coindouble/ |
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Supporting the Bitcoin network in an active manner is of the utmost importance for all of the digital currency’s community members. Creating and deploying full Bitcoin Nodes will help in securing the network itself, and broadcast new transactions to miners and other nodes all over the world. Popular Bitcoin exchange and mining company BTCC has deployed 100 Bitcoin nodes across five continents to keep things trucking along. http://bitcoinist.net/btcc-deploys-full-bitcoin-nodes-to-keep-network-secure/ |
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Bitcoin users from all over the world have been looking for cheaper alternatives to create additional network nodes. Up until now, the only options were to either use a [previous] computer or laptop, or buy one of the pre-configured – but rather expensive – Bitcoin Node solutions running on a Raspberry Pi. ROKOS v4 might be the solution some people have been looking for, as it will turn any Raspberry Pi into a Bitcoin or altcoin node. http://themerkle.com/news/rokos-is-a-free-raspberry-pi-operating-system-to-launch-a-bitcoin-node/ |
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One of the major drawbacks of FinTech payment solutions – including Bitcoin – is the dependency on mobile device battery levels. In this day and age, a user’s mobile battery won’t last for a day when actively using the device, which renders the whole point of new payment methods somewhat moot. But there is a startup in Ukraine that may have cracked the secret to long-range wireless charging, making mobile payments more appealing to consumers. https://news.bitcoin.com/long-distance-wireless-charging-boost-mobile-bitcoin-payments/ |
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Bitcoin ATMs are often considered to be one of the most convenient ways of converting fiat to digital currency on the fly. Depending on the amount of money one wants to convert, there might be some identity verification in place, such as scanning one’s ID or driver’s license. But one Bitcoin ATM in Australia is not behaving properly, as it recently swallowed a user’s fiat currency without paying out bitcoins. http://themerkle.com/news/one-australian-bitcoin-atm-is-not-dispensing-btc-properly/ |
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Peter Kirby, CEO of Factom, posted a small blog update a few hours ago regarding the Honduras Title Project. In this post, it was mentioned how certain misconceptions regarding the project needed to be cleared up, such as the stalling of the project itself. Even though the team remains optimistic the deal with the Honduran government will come to fruition, it will not take place this year. http://bitcoinist.net/factom-ceo-peter-kirby-comments-on-honduras-title-project-status/ |
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even though I have two physical cards already, I did enter to get a virtual one as well. Comparison article will follow over the next few weeks of course  |
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The year 2015 has been great for Bitcoin and blockchain technology. In fact, some of the best real-world adoption use cases for blockchain technology came in the form of Factom securing a land registry deal with the government of Honduras. Or that is what everyone was led to believe at last, as it turns out the project is nowhere near being finished, nor is there an official deal between both parties as of right now. http://bitcoinist.net/factom-purposefully-twisted-the-truth-regarding-deal-with-honduran-government/ |
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Google is one of those companies who have the manpower and funding to throw anything they can think of at the wall, just to see what sticks. Sometimes, the things that stick work out quite well, while others might not. One of their recent pet projects involves finding a way for users to access platforms and services without needing a password. Blockchain technology can play a big role in achieving this goal. https://news.bitcoin.com/blockchain-will-help-google-improve-authentication-services/ |
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Just a few days ago, the Central Bank of Kenya issued a warning against the use of Bitcoin and other digital currencies. It should come as no surprise this warning had an adverse effect, as Bitcoin adoption is growing in the country. When it comes to cheap international money transfers to and from Kenya, there is no better option than using Bitcoin. http://themerkle.com/news/bitcoin-boom-kenya-happening-right-now/ |
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When even banks are not able to guarantee consumer funds safety in the event of a major economic shock, things are taking a drastic turn for the worse. Earlier today, an announcement was made in regards to a new rule that will go into effect come January 1, 2016. If a UK bank goes bust, consumer accounts will only be “protected” up to GBP 75,000, which is a near 12% decline compared to the previous limit of GBP 85,000. Time for Plan B[itcoin]. http://bitcoinist.net/uk-bank-account-compensation-limit-decrease-heralds-era-plan-bitcoin/ |
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Malware affecting payment terminals all over the world is becoming a real plague, and also shows why credit card payments are an insecure method of transferring value. The most recent malware infection was found on payment terminals owned by Hyatt Hotels, and visitors are advised to keep a close eye on their credit card statements over the next few months. Bitcoin easily could have prevented all this, but some people will only learn this lesson the hard way. http://themerkle.com/news/bitcoin-would-have-prevented-hyatt-hotel-credit-card-information-theft/ |
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Internet connectivity plays an integral role in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Even though transactions between users do not require an internet connection per se, the overall network – powered by blockchain technology – will require an internet connection at some point. Despite the number of internet-connected devices rising, broadband usage seems to be on the decline in the US for the first time since 2013. https://news.bitcoin.com/us-households-move-away-high-speed-internet-connections-impact-bitcoin/ |
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Bitcoin acceptance by retailers and merchants remains a very struggle to this very day. A lot of parties don’t see the added benefit of accepting Bitcoin payments, even though the transaction fees are lower, and consumers from all over the world become potential customers. The latest Square Enix bundle on the Humble Bundle website can’t be paid for in Bitcoin, as payment options are decided upon by development partners. http://bitcoinist.net/square-enix-humble-bundle-not-available-for-purchase-with-bitcoin/ |
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