ButterFly Labs Mining Cards and Bitsafe Hardware Wallet - CES 2014

ButterFly Labs showcases two of its CES 2014 offerings, highlighting how their Monarch mining card can operate as either a PCI Express plug-in card or an external USB device. The host notes that the Monarch is a 600 gigahash high capacity mining solution with options for air cooling, water cooling, and both open loop and closed loop variants, illustrating the breadth of configurations available to hobbyists and professional miners alike. A key emphasis is placed on connectivity, explaining USB-based operation compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux mining software, and the ability to daisy-chain multiple devices through USB hubs to reach very high device counts per machine. The conversation also covers power considerations, with each unit drawing roughly 350 watts and the practicality of using multiple relatively inexpensive power supplies to support large card farms. In parallel, the Bitsafe hardware wallet is introduced as a secure solution for private key storage, designed to sign transactions without exposing keys to host computers. The Bitsafe is described as capable of interacting with blockchain wallets via signed requests, thereby reducing theft risk even on compromised machines, and it features a QR code interface for easy transactions. Additional features include the ability to print a paper backup during initial wallet setup, and a solar cell on the back to maintain charge with minimal power draw from the eink display which allows for ultra low power operation and extended battery life. The interviewee explains transaction workflows with the Bitsafe, including QR code scanning, potential Bluetooth real-time transmission, and the possibility of exchanging data between two Bitsafe devices by sharing QR codes. Price discussions reveal the 600 GH/s unit at around $2,100 and a 300 GH/s option at around $1,200, while the Bitsafe hardware wallet is targeted at roughly $150, with ambitions to bring lower-cost options down to the $30–$40 range in the future. The segment closes with a reminder to subscribe for more CES 2014 coverage and appreciation for the sponsors, underscoring the evolving landscape of mining hardware and secure wallets.

Topics · technology · cryptocurrency · hardware wallets · consumer electronics · mining hardware