Lightning desktop app launches on mainnet

Lightning Labs announced via a blog post that they have released their first desktop app on the bitcoin blockchain. Previously the desktop app worked for bitcoin’s testnet, but now the app will work on the bitcoin mainnet. Users will now be able to send and receive real money instead of fake coins. As per the post, written by Lightning Labs developers Tankred Hase and Valentine Wallace:

“Driving this release is a complete commitment to scaling the principles that Bitcoin was built on: privacy, security, and self-determination. For that we need to go beyond custodial solutions and enthusiast guides and deliver a great user experience for everyone. Scaling Bitcoin and Lightning to everyone means not requiring people to follow complex setup processes or hand over control of their funds to trusted counterparties. For everyone to truly explore what is possible with the Lightning Network, we needed to build a wallet that knocks down these barriers-to-entry and demonstrates what is possible when technology fights for the user.”

The app works on MacOS, Windows, and Linux devices. The app uses “Neutrino,” a “light client” technology which requires users to download much less of the bitcoin blockchain while also emphasizes privacy. Regarding the potential importance of the app, the post stated:

“It also represents an important stepping stone towards mobile while we continue to invest in performance and stability. We’re working as quickly as we can to get our mainnet iOS and Android apps out soon.”