I have been a ShapeShift user for a few years now. I have used their platform to swap coins between accounts, send coins to friends, and to make payments. It has always worked flawlessly. I found their web based platform easy to use, intuitive and clean. It has always worked.
For the most part, I have always been a user of web-based wallets, exchanges, custodian wallets, etc. I still continue to use desktop clients, paper wallets, and off-line methods of storing and securing crypto.
When I came across the news about ShapeShift acquiring KeepKey I was sold into Hardware Wallets. I have kept a close eye on the release and development of Trezor, Ledger, KeepKey, etc. But the idea of future product interaction between KeepKey and ShapeShift was too good to pass.
And it turns out I made the right decision.
A few weeks ago, I received an invitation to participate and test the ShapeShift Beta portal. Awesome!
I clicked the link and went through the motion. I am not sure if having already an account setup, which I did a while ago through the original site ShapeShift.io, helped the process or not.
In order to use ShapeShift Beta you must have a KeepKey hardware wallet with you, and to use it you will have to update your KeepKey firmware via the KeepKey Updater.
The process is pretty simple but I think it helps if the user has had prior experience using the KeepKey wallet. For one, you need to be using Chrome, and had already installed the KeepKey Client add-on. This allows you to interact with your KeepKey (regardless if you are a Beta user or not).
I had some issues updating the Firmware. Eventually I was able to update my KeepKey. I think it took me 2 or 3 times to get it going. On the last and successful attempt I noticed my KeepKey was asking me to acknowledge a step by pressing and holding the main button on the KeepKey. I failed to recognize this the first attempts so perhaps it was user error.
So now that you are on Chrome, at https://beta.shapeshift.com, and have you KeepKey updated and connected you will need to Pair your KeepKey to your portfolio. The site will guide you through a series of short commands: unplug, plug, verify on KeepKey, etc.
The steps were pretty straight forward. Until my KeepKey was unable to connect or pair again. There were no further indication of a failed attempt nor the site asked me to continue trying. So I failed for the good old method of unplug, plug, try again and so on until it worked.
The platform is beautifully designed and easy to use. The layout is clean and easy to surf through. The Dashboard will show your portfolio value, mix and change in various time frames.
The Trade interface reminds me of the layout and design used by Exodus.
Exodus Below,
At one point my KeepKey decided to ask me again for my PIN number. I have not done anything but browse the site. I entered and went on with my thing. I reported this on Discord and to the online ZenDesk person. I think it would be a good safety feature if a KeepKey is left plugged in with the browser opened for a long time. Unsure if this is a bug or a feature.
A nice feature is the ability to view your portfolio and KeepKey contents while having your hardware wallet away and secured. Honestly, I have almost never used my KeepKey before. I had sent crypto to it, to a known good address. This does not require having the KeepKey connected at all, so it had always been in my drawer inside a sock.
ShapeShift is really pushing the boundaries with the release of ShapeShift Beta. The ability to make transaction, purchases and payments via a web portal while keeping your crypto and private keys completely off-line and secure is a game changer.
ShapeShift Beta is introducing the ability to buy crypto with Cash using Wyre as the facilitator. I can only see ShapeShift becoming a giant in the crypto exchange world and competing against Coinbase, Kraken and the like.
Needless to say, I signed up and now waiting for approval. Once it gets approve, I'll give "Buy Crypto $" a try and will write my thoughts.
Thanks,
DanielRe
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[TL;DR: ShapeShift beta is Invite Only. You need a KeepKey Hardware Wallet running the latest Firmware version to use it on the site. The Site provides guidance on how to update and pair your KeepKey but expect some small bugs. ShapeShift Beta is testing a "Buy With Cash" option. ShapeShift is Awesome!]
