Circle Releases Apps for iOS and Android
Circle released today the first native Circle apps for both iOS and Android. These apps are a critical companion to the Circle web service, allowing customers to use native apps to make payments, send and request money, and instantly deposit and convert money between dollars and Bitcoin.
I am a user of the Circle web service since the closed beta before the public launch, and Circle is now an important part of my Bitcoin storage and transfer chain. I have always been impressed with the professional quality and immediateness of the user interface, and the responsiveness of the customer service.
The apps use smartphone-specific features for enhancing the security of your digital finance experience, including leveraging Multi-Factor Authentication, using app-specific PIN Codes for quick access, and new OS-specific features like TouchID (for iOS) to make payments.
More info on the apps and how to install them from the App Store and Google Play Store is available on the Circle Money20/20 page.
Digital Currency Services Could Become a Critical New Global Utility
The press release acknowledges the importance of emerging markets and unbanked populations for the future of Bitcoin and the new global crypto-economy:
“We’re particularly excited about our Android release, both because of its feature completeness, and also because Android is becoming an important platform for finance on a worldwide basis. Low-cost Android phones are coming to markets like India, Indonesia, and Africa, where the vast majority of users don’t have bank accounts, and where digital currency services could become a critical new utility. While the initial release is US only, you can expect to see Circle’s apps available in more markets, languages and currencies.”
What to you think of the Circle service and apps? Comment below!
Images from Circle and Shutterstock.
