The Bitcoin ecosystem continues to evolve, and so does the SeedSigner project with the launch of its latest update, SeedSigner v0.8.0, aptly named the 'Low Time Preference' release. Staying true to its ethos of careful and deliberate development, this release focuses on enhancing the functionality and user experience of SeedSigner, the DIY Bitcoin signing device that emphasizes security through air-gapped and stateless operation.

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What is SeedSigner?

SeedSigner offers Bitcoiners the opportunity to build their own verifiably air-gapped signing device using affordable, off-the-shelf hardware. By utilizing inexpensive components, typically costing less than $50, SeedSigner provides a secure and permissionless alternative for Bitcoin transactions. Unlike other hardware wallets, SeedSigner operates in a stateless manner, meaning it does not retain any seed information once powered off, enhancing the security of user funds.

Highlights of SeedSigner v0.8.0

The 'Low Time Preference' release brings several new features and improvements, making SeedSigner even more robust and user-friendly. Some of the key highlights include:

1. Legacy Signing Support:

P2PKH (BIP-44): SeedSigner now supports legacy format transactions dating back to 2014, which enhances compatibility for users with older Bitcoin addresses.
P2SH Multisig (BIP-45): Legacy multisig support has been added, enabling compatibility with Unchained Capital vaults. However, this feature is unofficial, and Unchained's customer support may not provide assistance for it.

2. Quality-of-Life Improvements:

Animated QR Scanning UI: The introduction of a new user interface for QR scanning, featuring frame-by-frame feedback, enhances the accuracy and speed of data reading. Green dots indicate new data received, grey indicates no new data, and the absence of a dot prompts users to adjust their camera angle.
Smarter QR Rendering: Enhanced rendering techniques for outgoing animated QRs allow for faster recognition by wallet software, improving overall transaction speed.
UX Enhancements: User experience improvements include better handling of BIP-39 passphrase entries, clearer verification processes for multisig changes, and more intuitive feedback during self-transfer outputs.

3. Expanded Compatibility:

Electrum Seeds: Limited support for importing Electrum native Segwit mnemonics allows users to export xpubs and sign transactions, offering a pathway for users to migrate from Electrum to more standardized wallet software.
PSBTs with OP_RETURN: SeedSigner can now parse Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions (PSBTs) that include OP_RETURN data, displaying the message in a human-readable format or showing the raw hexadecimal data.

4. Development and Community Contributions:

New 3D-Printable Enclosure Designs: The community has contributed two new designs for 3D-printable enclosures, enhancing the customization and physical protection of SeedSigner devices.
Codebase Improvements: Major refactors have made the code more manageable, with increased test coverage and automated testing through GitHub Actions. These enhancements make development more streamlined and robust.

Pro Tip for Users

A handy new tip for users facing issues with long outgoing animated QR codes: flicking the SeedSigner joystick up or down can replay the most valuable initial frames of the QR sequence, enhancing the success rate of QR reads.

Detailed Release Notes

SeedSigner v0.8.0 includes a comprehensive list of features, improvements, and bug fixes. Key new features encompass legacy signing support, limited integration for Electrum seeds, and PSBT parsing with OP_RETURN data. Improvements focus on animated QR scanning, user interface clarity, and more intuitive feedback mechanisms.

Bug fixes address issues such as incorrect xpub export selections, message signing exceptions, and user interface elements that were not displaying correctly. The release also includes updates to the development environment, with enhancements for Python compatibility, better error handling, and improved documentation.

Supporting SeedSigner

The SeedSigner project continues to deliver value to Bitcoin users seeking secure, cost-effective ways to manage their funds. To explore the independent custody guide and understand the full capabilities of SeedSigner, visit their official website. Users who benefit from the project are encouraged to consider contributing to SeedSigner’s development fund, helping to support the ongoing enhancement and security of this vital tool.

For those interested in diving deeper into the technical details, full release notes and additional resources are available on the SeedSigner GitHub repository. As SeedSigner continues its journey, the project exemplifies the Bitcoin ethos of open, permissionless innovation, providing users with tools that prioritize security, privacy, and self-sovereignty.

SeedSigner v0.8.0: The 'Low Time Preference' Release