Bitcoin

Bitcoin is the pioneer of blockchains and cryptocurrencies, introduced in a white paper released in 2008 by an apparently pseudonymous person or group of people known as Satoshi Nakamoto. The document described a peer-to-peer method of transferring money without the use of financial institutions. The cryptocurrency known as bitcoin or BTC debuted in 2009. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger (a blockchain) by entities known as miners who engage in process called proof-of-work. Miners are rewarded for doing that by getting newly minted bitcoin. Some proponents view BTC as an alternative to fiat currencies and a hedge against inflation. Bitcoin has inspired the creation of numerous other cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person

Tech

Blockstream Developer Neigut Expects ‘Cambrian Explosion’ of Bitcoin Layer 2 Protocols

Bitcoin already has one of the most diverse layer 2 ecosystems of any network, but coming technology upgrades could lead to an acceleration in the blockchain's development, according to Blockstream's Lisa Neigut.

By Frederick MunawaMay 3, 2023

Blockstream's Lisa Neigut speaks at Consensus 2023 in Austin, Texas. (CoinDesk)

Tech

Bitcoin Ordinals Surge to 3M Inscriptions, but Most Are Just Text

Over $8 million in fees have been paid to the network by inscription creators since their inception.

By Shaurya MalwaMay 3, 2023

Markets

First Mover Asia: Bitcoin’s Kimchi Premium Has Narrowed, but the Korean Market Is Proving Resilient

ALSO: A crypto markets analyst suggests that the U.S. central bank may not be finished with interest rate hikes, even if it raises the rate on Wednesday as expected.

By Sam Reynolds, James RubinMay 3, 2023