A lot has changes since my original post about the the Status App last May. I will talk about the new features, token price, and how to access Ethereum side chain xDai. With the release of version 1.10 there was the addition of bookmarks. (You can read more about that on the Status Blog here.) The bookmarks are really convenient when you want to visit you favorite exchange without having to go to the directory. This was something I requested some time ago, and I can imagine that others did as well, and now it's live. For those of you that may not be familiar with Status let's give a little review.
A little about Status. There is a very strong focus on privacy, such that when you join Status you choose from a short list of randomly generates names that will be attached to your chat key. Anonymity is the default. Rest assured your messages are encrypted end to end.
Status App Features:
Messenger-
The Status messenger functions a bit like Telegram in that there are open communities you can join to discuss whatever is on your mind. You can also have private groups with up to 20 members. Also new in this version is sent verification check marks, a nice touch. Last mention in the messenger category is profile pictures. You can add a profile pic in your profile settings, and others will not see your pic unless they add you as a contact.
Buy and sell sticker packs! If you are creator this is way for you to make side hustle. Upload your sticker packs and set your price.
(Word is Gif's are coming soon.)
Wallet- The Status wallet is a non-custodial Ethereum wallet that will hold all you ethereum tokens and collectibles. You can add accounts to keep things organized however you like. It also easily connects to Dapps so that you can enter into the world of defi. Which brings me to the browser.
Browser-
The browser will help you securely connect to the rapidly growing world of Dapps, buy collectibles if you like, or access a DEX like Uniswap. Recently added was the ability to create bookmarks for you favorites pages. That's becoming more important with the huge library of excellent Dapps out there.
The "Status" feed- Something I'm rather excited about for it's usefulness... The feed will update those in your contact list making it a bit of a social media like feature. It's a way to share media with people you want, without the people that you don't. You want have to worry about your boss creeping on your Facebook page.
Status Token Price-
Status has seen an increase in activity after issues with censorship, particularly within the U.S. The numbers of new users in the support channel have exploded. Many of those new users are bringing economic activity with them, and so we have seen an increase in the token price. SNT is an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum chain, so that does mean there are issues with transaction fees, and that brings me to my final topic.
XDai Network- I have been using the xDai chain, a side chain of Ethereum, within the app. You can switch networks in the advanced settings fairly easily. The xDai chain runs on the stable coin Dai/xDai, which is bridged over from Ethereum. Gas is paid in xDai, and fees are .01-.001. So given the issues on Ethereum I have bridged some of my Dai over to xDai where I can use Honey Swap (a fork of Uniswap) and participate in some liquidity pools. I encourage you to do your own research on xDai. They have a pretty comprehensive website here. I don't think you will regret it.
