On October 28, 2017, San Diego-based Bitcoin wallet Airbitz announced a major overhaul under an embargoed press release, revealing its rebranding to Edge and the launch of a completely new wallet application, Edge Wallet. The move marks a strategic shift from a single-currency Bitcoin wallet to a multi-chain, decentralized security platform.
From Airbitz to Edge: A Rebrand Steeped in Security Philosophy
The Airbitz team explained in the press release that the new name, Edge, stems from the company's focus on network security at the edges. "We call this security at the 'edges' of the network. We have all seen the consequences of over-centralization of data security with hack after hack after hack," Edge stated. The foundation of the project is decentralization—a concept crucial to Satoshi's vision of Bitcoin as both a network and a currency.
Airbitz had previously gained recognition for features such as one-touch two-factor authentication, the first-ever Bitcoin transaction in Cuba, and the invention of Bluetooth low-energy Bitcoin transactions. Now, Edge is consolidating these capabilities into a more open and extensible platform.
Edge Wallet: Modular Architecture for a Multi-Chain Ecosystem
According to the press release, Edge Wallet is "written from the ground up" and employs a modular architecture that allows it to secure and transact with any blockchain or token. "Developers of other blockchains are welcome to contribute support for their blockchain through a simple plugin which enables Edge to transact their digital currency," the company said. At launch, Edge Wallet ships with support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, as well as Augur REP, Wings, and Matryx tokens. It also supports SegWit transactions for Bitcoin and Litecoin, reducing fees and improving transaction efficiency.
For asset conversions, Edge Wallet offers tight integration with ShapeShift, enabling users to seamlessly convert funds between various digital currencies and tokens without leaving the wallet interface.
DApp Integration: Authentication Without Address Copying
A standout feature of Edge Wallet is its native support for decentralized applications (DApps). Through the Edge Security SDK, users can authenticate and view funds used in DApps that utilize the SDK. The company claims this eliminates the need for users "to copy and paste addresses to send and receive funds between a blockchain app and a wallet." For example, users can log in to partner apps such as Augur and Wings with just a scan of a barcode. After authenticating with the DApp, they can see and transact the same Ether, REP, and Wings funds directly from Edge Wallet.
This design not only streamlines user experience but also reinforces security: private keys remain on the user's device at the "edge" rather than being handed over to a centralized service.
Security Vision: Making Mass Data Breaches a Relic of the Past
Edge's new website concludes with a critique of traditional data security models that leave data protection "to large organizations which act as trusted custodians of valuable information," creating "honeypots" that attract hackers and attackers. Edge's answer is to push data security to the network's edges. "Once widely deployed, our Edge Security platform will make large scale data breaches a relic of the past," the company proclaims.
The transformation from Airbitz to Edge represents more than a cosmetic change; it is a fundamental shift toward decentralized security principles. Edge Wallet enters the market at a time when crypto wallets are competing fiercely on user experience, multi-chain support, and security. By offering a modular, SDK-driven platform with native DApp integration, Edge aims to position itself at the forefront of the next wave of secure, user-owned digital asset management.
Edge Wallet remains free to use and targets a broad audience—from casual holders to DApp developers. The crypto community is now watching to see whether Edge can deliver on its promise of "edge security" and attract a vibrant plugin ecosystem from developers around the world.