Blockchain Offers Alpha Users First Look at New Bitcoin Wallet

Blockchain has officially opened a closed alpha for its new bitcoin wallet.

The launch precedes a formal debut that is likely to be the bitcoin wallet and block explorer provider's biggest announcement since it raised a then-record $30.5m Series A in October 2014. Nearly 3.8 million Blockchain wallet accounts have been opened since launch in 2011, according to its own statistics.

Following its most recent fundraising, Blockchain has been relatively quiet with new announcements, experiencing heavy user backlash amid security issues in December as well as an under-the-radar CEO change.

Alpha users, the company said, were carefully selected with the goal of providing feedback that could improve the product. As such, these users are currently able to get a first look at the service's new security center, improved account management and simplified interface, among other updates.

Blockchain co-founder Nic Cary indicated that the goal of the alpha was to allow the company to iterate the project based on the feedback of influential users.

Cary told CoinDesk:

"We've set up the alpha program to be a community driven development project. We've been soliciting feedback on what users want out of a future wallet in a live environment."

The company said it expects to update the alpha version of the product weekly ahead of its formal launch.

In the mean time, interested community members to register for the private alpha here.

DISCLOSURE

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG.

Pete Rizzo

Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk’s longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.