OpenBazaar released version 0.4.0, called Portobello. The decentralized marketplace is widely seen in cryptocurrency circles as the Silk Road's spiritual successor. The update went to Linux and Mac us
OpenBazaar released version 0.4.0, called Portobello. The decentralized marketplace is widely seen in cryptocurrency circles as the Silk Road's spiritual successor. The update went to Linux and Mac users. Windows remains unavailable. Those on Linux or Mac will need to compile binaries themselves for now.
Several upgrades ship with the release. HD key signing becomes available. The software includes an internal messaging system. Notaries gained expanded capabilities. Additional improvements round out the package. Brian Hoffman, the lead developer, detailed the changes to Brave New Coin. The official blog posted technical documentation.
RoboCoin unveiled Romit, targeting the remittance market that cryptocurrency enthusiasts discuss. The software allows cross-border money transfers without requiring either party to own Bitcoin. Fees sit at 4 percent, well below Western Union and MoneyGram rates.
The system works through ATMs or web-enabled cash registers. Senders deposit cash and enter the receiver's phone number. The recipient gets a notification and picks up funds at a designated location. A $75 transfer from the United States to the Philippines costs $3 via Romit. Western Union charges $12.48. MoneyGram charges $11.60. Merchants can become Romit cashiers without purchasing expensive hardware.
Finding Romit locations presented a challenge at publication. The company had not released a directory for customers.
The Bitcoin Foundation faced more transitions. The core development team announced plans to join MIT's Digital Currency Initiative, where they would receive salaries. That shift left the foundation questioning its purpose.
Brock Pierce, a board member and former child actor, became board chairman. The vote went 3-0-1, with Olivier Janssents abstaining. Pierce told CoinDesk that he plans to work with newly appointed executive director Bruce Fenton and fellow board members to determine the foundation's direction.
The foundation had focused on core development. It now appears positioned to return to earlier priorities: promotion, adoption, and advocacy. Whether the organization regains influence in the coming months depends on the decisions its leadership makes.
