BitClip: Now with concept drawings!

[Rassah]

Um, already in development (though just started)

http://groups.google.com/group/bitcoincard

Didn't read it fully, but it sounds a lot like non-physical bitbills.
Mine would be a full-fledged portable client capable to connecting to wifi.

Ah. I see. These guys are working on a smart card, possibly with a keypad and display, that would securely run bitcoin with an encrypted wallet right on the card. They want to have it work like a credit card that can store your bitcoin more securely than a PC, and still be used at point of sale systems through smart card readers and custom software.

[natman3400]

Um, already in development (though just started)

http://groups.google.com/group/bitcoincard

Didn't read it fully, but it sounds a lot like non-physical bitbills.
Mine would be a full-fledged portable client capable to connecting to wifi.

Ah. I see. These guys are working on a smart card, possibly with a keypad and display, that would securely run bitcoin with an encrypted wallet right on the card. They want to have it work like a credit card that can store your bitcoin more securely than a PC, and still be used at point of sale systems through smart card readers and custom software.

What I am working on is essentially an extremely striped down phone that actually runs the client that would esentially do the same thing, but give you the full convenience of the bitcoin client, and a qr code scanner (optional). It would also only be capable of running customized bitcoin, to prevent trojans from being able to steal your wallet.

I have access to a CNC service.

And just throwing it out there for a 4th, but maybe a dual-chipset android phone that you can switch between android and BitClipOS with a physical switch?

[Rassah]

I would LOVE for at least a WORKING Android app before a cheap BitClip, though a BitClip device would definitely help in poorer countries.

[natman3400]

I would LOVE for at least a WORKING Android app before a cheap BitClip, though a BitClip device would definitely help in poorer countries.

It wouldn't be an android app, It would be an Android phone that used the bitclip secure hardware, but allowed you to switch between the android OS and the BitClipOS. If it was running in android, you lose the security of the trojan not being able to either get in, or (even if it got in), get anything out. I would be happy to port the custom client we come up with to android, but I'm warning you, your gonna lose the security.
Also, another idea would be a tablet that does the same, play angry birds HD (or w.e), want coffee, flip switch, pay for coffee, flip switch again, resume angry birds.

[Anonymous]

+1 if you can wear it like a watch...

[Ryland R. Taylor-Almanza]

natman, please do this! I've wanted something like this for so long! The second it comes out, I'm buying the expensive one!

[natman3400]

Updated the OP, and I might make it so that anyone that donates a significant amount will get a fancy case on there MyCoin/BitClip/BitDroid (possibly stainless steel or other etched with a really cool design?)

[natman3400]

+1 if you can wear it like a watch...

This would be kind of hard to do, but ill look into it.
Even though there have been homebrew micro-controller watches I can copy off of, remember Ive gotta get wifi in there.

[natman3400]

I have just requested samples on the parts I think Im going to use in the MyBit.
I anyone wants to program for me (only the client though, I want to keep the OS under my hands), just shoot me a pm and Ill tell you what I need to be in the MyBit Client. (Also, anyone that I select for Programming counts as a donator in terms of getting a custom case).

[natman3400]

Ok so here is the plan for development(all costs only represent hardware as of time of writing)
*note: this is just a guide, it is not a strict development model*

PHASE 1 -- A STRONG BASE: [0%]
1. Outline required features of Hardware and Software (cost:0BTC) [0%]
2. Acquire hardware testbeds  (cost:~6-8BTC) [0%]
3. Build the base OS (cost:0BTC) [0%]
4. Build bug-tracing and other diagnostic features into OS (cost:0BTC) [0%]
5. Ensure base OS is hardware agnostic (cost:~0BTC) [0%]
6. Build and test driver/kernel level Internet lockout features (cost:~1-2BTC) [0%]
7. Ensure security of the base OS (cost:0BTC) [0%]
8. Ensure required functionality of the base OS



PHASE 2 -- A STRONG CLIENT:
1. Define functionality of custom client (cost:0BTC) [0%]
2. Modify base client to work perfectly on device hardware (cost:0BTC) [0%]
3. Modify base client for more fluid interface on device (cost:0BTC) [0%]
4. Add security features to client (cost:0BTC) [0%]
5. Add in functionality features (cost:0BTC) [0%]
6. Create secure API for all functions aside from transit of bitcoins (cost:0BTC) [0%]
7. Ensure security of custom client (cost:0BTC) [0%]
8. Ensure functionality of custom client (cost:0BTC) [0%]



PHASE 3 -- A STRONG CASE:
1. Define requirements of device production hardware (cost:0BTC) [0%]
2. Create standard and select parts required (cost:0BTC) [0%]
3. Acquire prototypes of production hardware (cost:~20BTC) [0%]
4. Ensure base OS works properly and securely on prototypes (cost:0BTC) [0%]
5. Ensure custom Client works properly and securely on prototypes (cost:0BTC) [0%]
6. Define physical requirements of device casing  (cost:0BTC) [0%]
7. Design and build device casing (cost:~10BTC) [0%]
8. Test device for ease of use and durability (cost:0BTC) [0%]
9. Test device for security (cost:0BTC) [0%]



PHASE 4 -- A STRONG FUTURE: (cost:0BTC) [0%]
1. Define where we think bitcoin is likely to go (cost:0BTC) [0%]
2. Define problems created by where we think bitcoin will go (cost:0BTC) [0%]
3. Create solutions to these problems (cost:0BTC) [0%]
4. Implement solutions in a practical and secure manner (cost:0BTC) [0%]
5. Ensure these changes are secure and do not impact reasonable ease of use (cost:0BTC) [0%]
6. Evaluate the situation as if we could never upgrade them (cost:0BTC) [0%]
7. Prepare a plan to upgrade the devices given a severe hit to the system (cost:0BTC) [0%]
8. Secure the devices with a special salt for extra security (cost:0BTC) [0%]



PHASE 0 -- A STRONG WEBSITE:
1. Acquire a website (cost:~2-3BTC) [0%]
2. Put stuff on it (cost:0BTC) [0%]

Edit: Also added this to the OP

[rebuilder]

If you find yourself in need of plastic prototypes, I may be able to help. I have a Makerbot, an extruder-type 3d printer.

[natman3400]

If you find yourself in need of plastic prototypes, I may be able to help. I have a Makerbot, an extruder-type 3d printer.

I was thinking that the cases (at least for anything above the myBit) should be made of metal, as so you can't cut into it easily.
However, I would say that the most important thing right now would be to acquire web hosting so I can better organize the project. Anyone that donates greater the 0.75BTC will receive a custom case on all products they order upon request (such as name in raised metal on the case, or powder coating).
Cost of hosting for a year: 4BTC
What I have in my wallet: 0.1BTC

[RodeoX]

Are you looking for venture capital? I might invest some dollars or BTC into such an idea.
 I looked into the smart card that is in development, but I like your device better. It is way more versatile.

[natman3400]

Are you looking for venture capital? I might invest some dollars or BTC into such an idea.
 I looked into the smart card that is in development, but I like your device better. It is way more versatile.

I would rater go the donation route due to the fact that I may hand off the project to someone else with more experience.
If you would like, I could make the amount you donate worth a discount on the final product(s) you wish to buy.
If you don't want to go any other way, as I have no real financial experience, all I can do is promise you Ill try to give you a set return.
Also thanks for liking my idea. 

[RodeoX]

Are you looking for venture capital? I might invest some dollars or BTC into such an idea.
 I looked into the smart card that is in development, but I like your device better. It is way more versatile.

I would rater go the donation route due to the fact that I may hand off the project to someone else with more experience.
If you would like, I could make the amount you donate worth a discount on the final product(s) you wish to buy.
If you don't want to go any other way, as I have no real financial experience, all I can do is promise you Ill try to give you a set return.

cool. Well you can count on me for your first sale. No need for any discount. Hell I'd buy a buggy, overpriced prototype just to support the idea.
P.S. i sent you a PM

[natman3400]

Now all I need is a few other programmers and we can get started.

[Serge]

I would like to point out that in case of hardware failure wallet.dat ideally needs to be stored on some kind removable storage media OR at least caring a copy of wallet from computer. This way bitcoins could be easily recovered if anything happens to the device.

[natman3400]

I would like to point out that in case of hardware failure wallet.dat ideally needs to be stored on some kind removable storage media OR at least caring a copy of wallet from computer. This way bitcoins could be easily recovered if anything happens to the device.

I agree, I'm working on a way for this to be done securely, I think I might go about the way I had previously mentioned and include a usb key inside the case of the device that is encrypted with the code shipped with the device that would allow you to back up wallets to it if you had the code to the device. Another way to do it would be only to back up the main wallet, or to do a Little tiny raid with microSD cards. This will be further addressed in phase 2.

[Rassah]

I would like to point out that in case of hardware failure wallet.dat ideally needs to be stored on some kind removable storage media OR at least caring a copy of wallet from computer. This way bitcoins could be easily recovered if anything happens to the device.

I agree, I'm working on a way for this to be done securely, I think I might go about the way I had previously mentioned and include a usb key inside the case of the device that is encrypted with the code shipped with the device that would allow you to back up wallets to it if you had the code to the device. Another way to do it would be only to back up the main wallet, or to do a Little tiny raid with microSD cards. This will be further addressed in phase 2.

What was the problem of simply backing up an encrypted password-protected version of the wallet file on a home computer?

BTW, slap an Apple logo on the case, and it'll sell like hotcakes. Just have to sell it outside US/EU

[Serge]

I would like to point out that in case of hardware failure wallet.dat ideally needs to be stored on some kind removable storage media OR at least caring a copy of wallet from computer. This way bitcoins could be easily recovered if anything happens to the device.

I agree, I'm working on a way for this to be done securely, I think I might go about the way I had previously mentioned and include a usb key inside the case of the device that is encrypted with the code shipped with the device that would allow you to back up wallets to it if you had the code to the device. Another way to do it would be only to back up the main wallet, or to do a Little tiny raid with microSD cards. This will be further addressed in phase 2.

What was the problem of simply backing up an encrypted password-protected version of the wallet file on a home computer?

BTW, slap an Apple logo on the case, and it'll sell like hotcakes. Just have to sell it outside US/EU

No problem if such device can connect and talk with computer