Recently, Jack Mallers, the Developer of the Zap Lightning Wallet, announced that “Strike”, a new app for iPhone, Android, and Chrome, will foster the use of Bitcoin.
As per the announcement, the Strike app will let users send and receive BTC directly to and from bank accounts, without a wallet or Bitcoin account necessary.
Other regulations often required for exchanges, such as Know Your Customer (KYC), will purportedly be kept to a bare minimum.
As Mallers reported, Strike comes from years of development on Zap Lightning and other testing projects, along with intensive product iteration and user research.
The Lightning Network developer also explained that his main focus for this year is to introduce a Strike card for use by consumers using the app and integrate it with Visa Direct (the protocol that facilitates superfast payments on Venmo).
Strike App Spearheads BTC Adoption
Instead of having to buy Bitcoin and load up their Lightning channels, users on Strike will never touch BTC, which at times exposes them to challenges such as volatility, tax consequences, and custody challenges.
According to Mallers:
“When a user makes a Lightning payment with Strike, their balance is debited. When a user receives a payment into Strike, their balance is credited.”
Also, the app allows users to make easy fund transfers, as well as make both online and offline purchases. The app also comes with a strike.me social media profile, which can be used to accept free payments across the globe via a simple online QR code.
Even more interestingly, to use Strike, all you’ll need is your name and a phone number, making the app easy and confidential to use for ordinary folks.
Interoperability with BTC and Lightning Network
One of Strike’s major selling points is its interoperability with the Bitcoin and Lightning network. By using the app, users can interact with millions of existing users instantly from day one.
Moreover, the platform plans to equip merchants with the tools needed to process contactless payments swiftly, and an upgraded e-commerce structure will be launched soon to this effect.
There is also a rewards program in the works offered in partnership with certified merchants and the Visa Strike Card.
Mallers enthusiastically concluded that this is only the beginning of his app, bringing BTC closer to mainstream use, and he is very eager to see the future of Bitcoin adoption come to fruition.
