New images of Block's Bitcoin wallet leak as beta version begins to ship
New images have surfaced of a Bitcoin wallet, BitKey, currently being developed by Jack Dorsey’s company, Block Inc, as reports suggest that the product’s beta is nearing its distribution stage.
Several sources have shared an identical photograph of the product, called BitKey. The first known instance was shared by Bitcoin Magazine contributor Alex McShane, who posted this image to Twitter/X on Oct. 3:
The image also tags Block Inc. head, chairman, and cofounder Jack Dorsey in its attributions, though it does not appear that the photo originated with Dorsey himself.
It is unclear whether McShane has received one of the company’s BitKeys, or if he has merely been allowed to photograph the product. McShane noted in a comment that Block Inc.’s “new open source Bitcoin hardware wallet … beta looks ready to ship.”
Similar images of the wallet surfaced in 2022 when Jesse Dorogusker, Bitcoin hardware lead at Block Inc., posted a photo containing several versions of the device.
Launch date is still uncertain
Block Inc. has not commented on the current state of BitKey beta shipments. However, the company announced in June that it would accept beta applications over the course of the month, noting that testers would receive the beta product for free.
Beta applications have closed, but customers can now join a waitlist in order to be notified when the product is released to the general public.
Past statements and reports suggest that the BitKey wallet is designed with self-custody in mind, ensuring that users have full control over their crypto balance. The product is also expected to include various secondary features including fingerprint verification and a built-in rechargeable battery. BitKey has also announced Block Inc.’s own Cash App and the independent crypto exchange Coinbase as partners.
Block Inc. has been working on its hardware wallet since at least 2021. The company also is involved in crypto in other ways: it holds $220 million of Bitcoin, is creating an open mining kit, and offers Bitcoin buying and selling through its Cash App.
