Dear Nimiq Community,
we know that you are joyfully anticipating the BTC support and of course the crypto-to-crypto swaps directly in our Nimiq Wallet.
We initially anticipated this set of new and exciting features to be released in the third quarter of this year and we are aware that you’ve been patiently awaiting the release. As you might have noticed, the swap is already live in the Nimiq Testnet Wallet and ready for you to try out!
The mainnet release is already very close. As with any new solution that is very complex underneath the hood, before entering the mainnet we need to make extra sure it is really release-ready not only from a security point of view, but also by having worked out less predictable usability kinks which is in everybodies interest!
Here a quick overview of the very last bits and pieces that we’re currently finalizing in order to move the swaps from testnet to mainnet:
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We are currently working on integrating a smart animation that will give the swap a very natural and unique look and feel to both experienced users but also and especially to crypto newcomers. Imagine if you just found out about crypto and know nothing about atomic swaps and their uniquely valuable, non-custodial nature. What would you expect them to look and feel like in order to be perceived as something fun, innovative and appealing to use? Here’s a sneak peek for you: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nK43Ot_Rzw9X1LfgyJodslhDipoJHu4Z/view?usp=sharing
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The team is still working on the very last tasks related to the mainnet Fastspot API which is powering the complex atomic swap experience behind the crypto-to-crypto swap. While we are finishing our work on the API, please take a look at the brand new Fastspot Website in the meantime: https://fastspot.io
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Before releasing the BTC integration and swaps we have to test the Bitcoin integration and BTC swap in the mainnet environment one last time. It is important to understand that this very easy-to-use-solution requires a lot of tech in the back in order to enable this smooth and pleasant non-custodial swap experience. We want and have to make sure that there will be no surprises after launch, and this simply requires some more testing and code audit for BTC handling.
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A tricky real world fact of using non-custodial atomic swaps with BTC is that at times of high BTC network fees, these fees eat up a portion of the swap value (loading and unloading the HTLC effectively sums up to two BTC transactions). The UI needs to better and dynamically accommodate for that so that users are not surprised and to make clear that it is not Fastspot taking any odd cut.
As stated, we are very close to mainnet release and we are working hard through these last motions and appreciate your patience and excitement for whats about to come.
Pura Vida!
Max for Team Nimiq