As I promised earlier today starts open dialog and transparency. A few cards have been shipped out already, and today we start ramping up shipping. The cards are being sent First Class Mail in large green & white letter envelopes to reduce delays at customs. As everyone know First Class International mail is a bit slow, but it is also the most cost effective method of shipping. Customers will start receiving cards by early to mid next week. Please note there were over 300 pre-orders so please have some patience. Everyone who purchased cards will receive their cards in the order they made their purchase. First come first served.
Now I would like to share some information about the software that is pre-loaded on each card.
Q: What is the Blackcoin Card and the software loaded on it?
A: The BlackCoin card aka CEX Card (Cyrpto-currency Express Card ) is an 8 gig or more USB wafer with special software pre-loaded on it. I realized that the average person interested in using crypto will have a difficult time with all of the steps involved with getting started. So I developed software similar to a "CD-Rom Start Menu" with everything in one place. So when the end-user inserts the USB wafer the start menu automatically launches and the end-user is presented with everything he/she will need to get started.
The cards are pre-loaded with the standard BlackCoin wallet, and the custom software I developed will automatically update the wallet client as needed. The end-user will never have to worry about downloading software and updates. Also, the blockchain is loaded on the card so the end-user can use the card on any PC without having to wait hours to download the entire blockchain. I do recommend that the card be inserted a few times a week to keep the blockchain fairly updated.
I also realized that the average individual needs to be tech savvy to use paper wallets, so I have eliminated the need for paper wallets. The cards can be used for both hot and cold storage!
Q: How do I use the card?
A: The user inserts the card into any Windows PC via the USB port. The start menu executes automatically and the end-user is presented with a wealth of information and options. The end-user can then transfer funds to the wallet software pre-loaded on the card as they would normally on their desktop. Once the funds are transferred and the wallet is encrypted, the end-user can take the card on the go.
Q: Can I use the BlackCoin card at my local store?
A: CEX Cards are not intended for point of sale transactions. They are intended as a "Cypto for Dummies" solution for the non techie. This is the first time the end user can get started with crypto in just a few minutes without having to search the web for solutions. Also, the cards can be used as gift cards because they can be pre-loaded with BlackCoins and then given away to friends and family.
The software I developed is dynamic and can be updated in real time. The software can remain up to date without having to update the core components. However, there is also functionality to update the entire application if needed. I will upload more photos after last minute tweaks are finished. Please note the tweaks do not affect shipping since the software that is pre-loaded on the cards updates automatically and does not have to be 100% perfect before shipping.
I'd like to offer my help in case there is demand for German localization, feel free to PM/send me resource files for translation.
What IDE/language did you use?
Hi thank you for your comments. I use a fairly unknown language called Euphoria for rapid application development. And then I convert to C and compile. The plan is to localize in 5 different languages once we have a few weeks of feedback.
Looks even better then I imagined IE, awesome work!
Also, if you need a Dutch translation, hit me up