7 working blockchain & crypto products: And how to use them

What working blockchain or cryptocurrency products are there?  There are many cryptocurrency products and services being developed, but there are only a handful which are currently use-able for the average consumer. 

​One of the things I have noticed about this industry is that there seems to be an important progression taking place.  Imagine a funnel.  At the top of the funnel, there are new crypto project ideas and lots of speculative financial investments (ICO's).  Next, a smaller amount of businesses begin developing blockchain/cryptocurrency to better serve their customers.  Finally, products are launched and consumers have access to them.  Currently, most crypto projects are somewhere between the top and middle of the funnel.  Which means that the true connection of products to the mainstream consumer have not even made it to market yet. 

​7 Working Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Products:

However, there are a few products and services available to the average consumer that I would like to introduce to you.

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1)  Steemit / Dtube  

These are completely decentralized blogging and video sharing sites.  They are separate platforms, but both created by the same creator. 

How it works:
Content creators write blog articles, or upload videos, which are then voted upon by the community.  The more an article is upvoted, the higher the content rises in the search rankings.  Basically, this allows every content creator an equal opportunity to rise to the top without editor bias or political influence. 

In addition, there are financial benefits for both the content creator and the curators who take time to evaluate the article.  Content creators get paid "Steem" for each upvote they receive, which allows them to be compensated for providing great content.  Curators also get paid a form of "Steem" for taking the time to review content.  Because content creators have an opportunity to receive payment for their work, there is no need for advertising.  Therefore the content viewer is never bombarded with unwanted advertisements.      

The biggest downside of these platforms is they do not have all the bells and whistles that more established content creator networks have.  Hopefully this will improve with time.         

Why would you want to use Steemit instead of other popular blog networks?
   
Most social networking sites are centralized, which means articles are censored and can be deleted, or not promoted fairly.  Being able to publish information with a fair opportunity for success allows the content creator a platform to share honest and transformative ideas.   

Feel free to view my Steemit Page by clicking Here.   

2)  C4 APP:  

Craypay and Life Leadership have partnered on this loyalty reward program, and since 2015 it has proven itself with plenty of successful transactions in the marketplace.

What it is:

C4 is a loyalty reward program which is secured using a blockchain like token.  It features 3-10% savings on purchases from 100's of nationally recognized brands.  The app is easy to use, and has built in security offered by a secure blockchain like token.  It is free to download and free to use.  Also, coming in the near future, there is the potential for cryptocurrency to be earned as added rewards for loyal customers.        

How it works:
Step 1:  Download APP and set up all pertinent account information.
Step 2: At checkout, get final total from cashier.
Step 3:  Enter total into your app and submit payment. 
Step 4:  Cashier scans the unique bar code as if it is a gift card. 
Congrats!  You just saved money!

For more details read: "Life Leadership C4 Project: A Real World Crypto Use" 

3)  Coinpayment:  

Coinpayment is a payment processor which makes it possible for businesses to accept over a thousand different cryptocurrencies.  They provide tools for invoices, shopping carts, point of sale (POS), and have a mobile app.  I have researched several different cryptocurrency payment processing sites and have found this one to be the best for business owners. 

How it works:
Step 1:  Sign up for an account and enter all applicable information.
Step 2:  Choose which services to use, and which coins to accept.
Step 3:  Combine your chosen services with your existing business infrastructure.  

Read "How to Accept Cryptocurrencies: What, Why, And How"    

4)  Brave Browser (BAT):

Brave is a web browser similar to Chrome or Firefox with a few important differences.  Brave is built on the Ethereum platform which means that it is secured through the blockchain.  The most important feature that separates Brave from the other browsers is that it automatically blocks ads.  It is easily downloaded onto your desktop or mobile device, and as of mid 2018 there were over 3.1 million users.  

How to use it?

Step 1:  Download onto desired device.
Step 2:  Click on the Brave Icon
Step 3:  Search like you normally would.

5)  Overstock.com

Overstock.com is the first major internet retailer who accepts cryptocurrency as payment.  They are reputable and have been in business since 1997.  They accept Bitcoin and all major altcoins (40+).  Many people who are new to cryptocurrency aren't sure where they can spend them.  Overstock.com is among the early adopters into the cryptocurrency space and they offer a great retail service. 

Use Cryptocurrency to buy:  
-Electronics
-Jewelry
-Home and Garden Supplies
-Clothing
-Health and Beauty Supplies
-Baby Gear
- And a ton of other catagories.

6)  Bitpay Credit Card:  

Bitpay offers a credit card that can be funded with cryptocurrency.  This is a good option for someone who wants to use their Bitcoin without having to worry about remembering and fumbling with Ewallets.  Many people are used to making purchases with credit cards, and this is a good way to have the best of both worlds. 

How does it work?

It works similar to a normal prepaid credit card issued through Visa except that it is funded with Bitcoin.  There is a fee to open the card, but once the card is loaded with funds it can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. 

7)  Bitcoin:  

Bitcoin itself is an example of a working blockchain.  It has been working for over 10 years now and is used as an investment asset, medium of exchange, and currency.  The decentralized nature of this digital currency ushered in a new way of financial exchange and asset ownership.  It does have limitations, but it has consistently proven itself as a secure and reliable asset as far as working projects go.

How to purchase it?

Step 1:  Set up a Coinbase account with relevant information.
Step 2:  Click on Bitcoin.  
Step 3:  Enter how much you would like to buy and confirm purchase.         

Conclusion
​
At this early stage of development it is hard to find working blockchain and cryptocurrency products that actually meet the end users need.  There is still a lot of maturing and advancements that need to happen in the industry but there are hundreds of projects being developed which will hit the market in the near future.  It is exciting to be on the forefront of a massive economic shift.  The products and services listed in this article are great for all of you early adopters and crypto enthusiast.  Hope this list helps!  

Next Article:   "7 Blockchain Breakthroughs...And Why They Matter"