I had heard about Bitwalking some time earlier this year and I signed up for the mailshots. Im already into several cryptos like Gridcoin, Solarcoin (if you dont know them, its worth taking the time) and of course Steem.
WHY?
The concept of the Proof of Work being based on footsteps seemed intreaguing, and the concept being launched in countries in the first world and poorer nations tickled my altruism Spidey-Sense. The creators claim to be offering the same value of walking dollars to everyone regardless of location, so for me in London a walking dollar has relatively low value, but the same walking dollar for a person in Sub-Saharan Africa who subsists on roughly 1% of my income , its probably very valuable for them. Additionally for me walking is a life choice, whereas walking for many people in poorer nations is a necessity, fetching water, firewood, kerosene, charging mobile phones ect. So my inclusion in generating value, may help those in need if the project is a success.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The Android App is avalable from the Play Store, installed quickly and didnt want too many permissions, I felt comfortable with it = Positive
To get it working you need to provide your name, email, phone number. Im not very worried about it, but I dont like handing over personal info, especially when location info is included = Negative
Currently it only reads step info form the Android Fit App, so you need to install that too, but its no bother and is easily ignored = Neutral
The Android Fit App only reads steps from your phone accelerometer, it wont look at my FitBit, so Im missing steps. Also to prevent fraud Bitwalking needs to see you actually moving (between WiFi or cells) to gain the reward, so you dont fake your movement with a static device; understandable but time on the treadmill at the gym doesnt pay (in walking dollars at least!). So its not easy to earn walking dollars as you might think, at least not if you are a first world gym bunny, for the guy in Africa, he is walking in the real world with his mobile phone, so he should earn more easily = Positive
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
There are currently no Fiat or BTC exchanges for walking dollars that I have found, I also cant find anything on GitHub. Im assuming then that this is a permissioned blockchain controlled by a centralised server system. Its not clear at the moment how I will do anything with my walking dollars; I wont be spending my 0.70 walking dollars anytime soon. However if the poor chap in Africa cant spend/exchange them either, thats a much bigger concern.
The App has a 'Store' that appears to be creating polls of what fitness related gadgets you would like to buy with your walking dollars in the future. As there are devices like FitBit on there I presume at some point there will be integrations for step counting.
SUMMARY
Its worth watching, if you feel comfortable with it join at your own risk. Definately potential here to do some good things, but also the real risk of it falling flat on its arse. Im viewing this with a hopeful outlook for now :)
