Code Valley instigates ‘industrialisation of software,’ with Bitcoin at its core
Today most software developers create their code directly, often from beginning to end, all with individual people's experience guiding the design process from start to finish. There are a few shortcuts like code libraries that can be shared between projects, but generally, one person will be imagining, creating, and completing each application with a single set of hands, which can take large amounts of time to complete larger projects. Compared to the world of commerce and industry, it is very much a pre-industrialized, craftsman's trade, despite all modern appearances.
Wirex bitcoin debit card adds bitcoin buy feature
[Wirex Limited](https://wirexapp.com), formerly known as E-Coin, recently announced that they have launched a new feature for their bitcoin debit cards. Users can now purchase bitcoin directly in their app. The company claims their flagship product is now the first “two-way” bitcoin debit card. Cardholders can use the card to exchange fiat currencies for bitcoin, as well as spend bitcoin at places that only accept fiat.
Retail bank integrates bitcoin service
Founded by a group of U.S. Army officers in 1922, the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) now has over 23,400 employees in offices throughout the country, and assets of over US$70 Billion in 2015.
Bitcoin and blockchain startups booming in Israel
Israel is a well educated middle-eastern country with a population of only 8.4 Million and GDP of almost US$300 Billion, of which their technology sector accounts for 15.7%. Startups contribute an unusually large portion towards these numbers, and lately, this trend has manifested itself as an unusually rich and constant stream of bitcoin and blockchain companies.
Japanese Exchange Doing 3 Billion Yen a Month
It may be commonly accepted that Bitcoin is an American invention, penned in English by Satoshi Nakamoto, refined by himself and the late Hal Finney, and [mined and sold for the first three years almost exclusively for U.S. Dollars](http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w439/Evander_Smart/7_zpsiz8lsklf.png). Oh, how times have changed. The global decentralized digital currency concept has become real, with more and more countries worldwide not fighting but accepting Bitcoin as a new technology to be valued.
Japanese mega-corporations complete trial using the bitcoin blockchain
Japan-based mega-corporations Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., and Mizuho Bank Ltd., released a joint [announcement](http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/2016/0308-01.html) yesterday, stating that they have completed a blockchain trial to streamline cross-border securities transaction settlements. Their aim is to create a whole new cross-border financial system that minimizes the risk of price fluctuations.
Alternative means of settling with bitcoin
Bitcoin has recently experienced another "stress test," in form of a lot of transaction spam. Along with the continuous debate on whether or not to increase the Bitcoin block size, a lot of people have started looking at the potential outcomes of the situation.
Leading European airline, Wizz Air, promoting the world’s first bitcoin-only espresso bar
[Wizz Air](https://wizzair.com/) is one of the largest European ultra-low-cost airlines. Listed on the London Stock exchange last year, the company offers flights on over 400 routes from 22 operating bases.
20 thousand Free State Project libertarians pledge move to New Hampshire
The [Free State Project](https://freestateproject.org) (FSP) is a thirteen-year-old attempt to get a large concentration of libertarians in one location, so that they can create a freer place to live, both socially and politically.
Vietnam’s cash ‘habit’ hampering economic growth, claims Deputy Prime Minister
Vietnam's economy is predominantly cash based, driven in part by the fear of fraud. The government wants that to change, and Bitcoin may provide a trustless alternative for residents.
Ypsilon partners with BitPay, providing bitcoin payments to over 80,000 travel sites
Ypsilon.Net AG was originally founded in 1994 by Hans Joachim Klenz, who still leads the company as President and CEO. At the core of the company's growing suite of tools lies the development of modular internet booking engines.
Bitcoin gaining ground in India
India, the world’s largest democracy and the second most populous country on Earth behind China, has a rocky and tenuous past when it comes to Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin as an asset could help balance portfolios
Marc Faber, also known as “Dr. Doom” in the investment world, has long made a name for himself with his perpetually bearish outlook and his “Gloom Boom & Doom Report” [newsletter](http://www.gloomboomdoom.com/).
Bitcoin could provide a solution for the unbanked in the marijuana industry
Marijuana in America is predicted to be a US$30b industry by 2019. However, many businesses are operating in a cash only environment, as banks are hesitant of differing legal requirements.
CryptoValley Zug well positioned to become the Silicon Valley of Europe
Conditions appear to be just right for Bitcoin, crypto-finance, and other FinTech startups in central Switzerland, especially in the small town of Zug, known as “CryptoValley.”
The most influential headlines of 2015; in case you missed it
2015 was a real comeback year for bitcoin. Here's a look back at all of the most important stories that happened in 2015.
