Bitcoin Block Chain Now Searchable with DuckDuckGo

Users of privacy oriented search engine DuckDuckGo can now access detailed information about their bitcoin transactions thanks to a recent integration with Biteasy.

Biteasy

is the startup behind an API that lets developers pull transaction data directly from the bitcoin block chain. The company recently submitted a GitHub pull request to DuckDuckGo, allowing the code to provide expanded block chain data access for search engine users. Previously, DuckDuckGo could be used to access wallet balance information, a feature added

On 12th August, Biteasy announced that the DuckDuckGo API integration is complete. The company said the onboarding of the API is a collaborative process and that communication is open and positive between the two platforms.

The move reflects a growing trend in the search engine ecosystem of displaying relevant bitcoin information. In the past few months, search giants Google and Yahoo! have also tapped the block chain for price data distribution.

A representative for Biteasy told CoinDesk:

“They showed interest and enthusiasm from the start. They were really helpful with their suggestions and we think it worked out fine for both of us. We really loved working with them in order to complete this task and we are looking forward to do so again in the future.”

Simple interface

As the images below show, the DuckDuckGo integration allows users of the private search engine to look at transaction data and wallet information.

The information provided mirrors data available from platforms like Blockchain. Users can see a block’s size, its difficulty and the associated fees. The search engine took a different approach compared to the services offered by Google and Yahoo!, providing network data rather than information about prices.

Biteasy told CoinDesk that it’s possible the DuckDuckGo integration could be a model for how search engines create intuitive environments for accessing block chain information, saying:

“DuckDuckGo bitcoin users will not have to leave their favorite search tool in order to check their balances or pending transactions. Hopefully other search engines will follow suit.”

Biteasy added that it will be expanding on its services in the future, providing more in-depth block chain data that can be integrated via its open-source API.

Images via Shutterstock, Biteasy