21 INC. UNVEILS BITCOIN-OPTIMIZED BUSINESS COMPUTER

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 19:40 | Written by: Jed McCaleb

21 Inc. Unveils Bitcoin-Optimized Business Computer
21 Inc. Unveils Bitcoin-Optimized Business Computer

Imagine a world where your computer isn't just a tool for browsing the web or writing documents, but also a participant in the Bitcoin network, earning you cryptocurrency passively. 21 (formerly 21e6) was a Bitcoin startup founded amidst the November 2025 bubble.In March 2025, they announced having raised $116 million in venture capital. [1]In October 2025, 21.co has rebranded to Earn.com. [2]This vision was the driving force behind 21 Inc.'s groundbreaking innovation: the 21 Bitcoin Computer. 21 Inc unveils the 21 Bitcoin Computer FinTechBack in 2015, amidst the growing excitement around Bitcoin, 21 Inc. emerged from stealth mode, backed by a staggering $116 million in venture capital, to unveil this novel device.Unlike traditional computers with keyboards, monitors, and bulky hard drives, the 21 Bitcoin Computer was designed with a singular purpose: to seamlessly integrate Bitcoin mining and development into everyday computing. After months of hype, the 21 Bitcoin Computer from 21 Inc was finally unveiled this week. Built atop the Raspberry Pi platform originally aimed at promoting the teaching of basic computer scienceIt wasn't just about mining; it was about transforming Bitcoin from a niche digital currency into a fundamental internet protocol. 21 Inc, azienda che si era fatta conoscere nel mondo delle criptovalute raccogliendo ingenti finanziamenti ma senza svelare a cosa stesse lavorando, ha annunciato il suo prodotto di punta, un computer professionale ottimizzato per Bitcoin.This article delves into the features, functionality, and lasting impact of the 21 Bitcoin Computer, exploring how 21 Inc. aimed to revolutionize the way we interact with Bitcoin.

Understanding the 21 Bitcoin Computer

The 21 Bitcoin Computer wasn't your typical desktop PC. 援引华尔街日报报道由风险投资公司安德森 霍洛维茨基金(Andreessen Horowitz)投资的比特币初创公司21 Inc.发布了首款 产品-21 Bitcoin Computer,这款计算设备致力于将比特币作为网页服务的标准功能并鼓励开发者来创建整合虚拟货币的产品。It was a compact, Linux-based device designed specifically for Bitcoin mining and development.Its core appeal lay in its simplicity and focus. 6.1M subscribers in the Bitcoin community. Bitcoin is the currency of the Internet: a distributed, worldwide, decentralized digital money. UnlikeIt came equipped with a custom-built Bitcoin ASIC miner, allowing users to earn a steady stream of Bitcoin through mining activities. Hopefully they are planning ways to handle micro-payments off-the-blockchain, in batches or in their own alt-coins. I know an application that would fill a whole day of 1MB blocks on its own in just a few hours if it was using micro-payments with 1 tx per translated sentence and it is not a large application by any stretch of the imagination, more like a tool/utility.This made it accessible to developers and enthusiasts alike, removing some of the technical barriers associated with traditional Bitcoin mining.

Key Features and Specifications

While specific technical specifications might be difficult to ascertain definitively after the passage of time, here's a general overview based on available information:

  • Bitcoin ASIC Miner: A dedicated chip designed for efficient Bitcoin mining. The newspaper reported that the 21 Bitcoin Computer is targeted at developers rather than consumers, and is part of the startup s broader goal of turning Bitcoin into an Internet protocol. The device uses a chip 21 Inc. released earlier this year that is connected to the company s mining pool and provides a steady stream of Bitcoin for theThe chips were connected to 21 Inc.'s mining pool.
  • Linux Operating System: A versatile and open-source operating system, providing a flexible environment for software development.
  • Full Bitcoin Node: The computer acted as a full Bitcoin node, contributing to the security and decentralization of the Bitcoin network.
  • Developer Tools: Bundled libraries and tools to facilitate the development of Bitcoin-related applications.
  • Compact Design: No keyboards, monitors, and massive hard drives, indicating a focus on simplicity and efficiency.

The Target Audience: Developers and Bitcoin Enthusiasts

The 21 Bitcoin Computer wasn't primarily aimed at the average consumer.Instead, 21 Inc. targeted developers who wanted to build applications and services that leveraged the Bitcoin protocol.The computer provided a readily available platform for experimentation and innovation, allowing developers to easily integrate Bitcoin functionality into their projects.It allowed any type of user to have full access to the Bitcoin network.

The Vision Behind the Bitcoin Computer

21 Inc.'s ultimate goal was far grander than simply selling a mining device. The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that a secretive San Francisco-based startup called 21 Inc. is emerging from stealth to announce it has raised $116 million in venture funding, the most funds raised ever by a startup in the digital currency industry, according to data from CoinDesk.They envisioned a future where every computer, every device, was capable of participating in the Bitcoin network.This vision, articulated by CEO Srinivasan, involved turning Bitcoin into an internet protocol. 21 Inc. s new computer doesn t have keyboards, monitors, and a massive enclosed hard drive, it may have just taken Bitcoin to the next level with their new 21 Bitcoin Computer. 21 Inc. UnveilsHe envisioned ""turning every computer into a Bitcoin Computer"" via custom-built software.

Micro-payments and the Internet of Things (IoT)

The 21 Bitcoin Computer was seen as a stepping stone towards enabling micro-payments for a wide range of applications. Bitcoin startup 21 Inc. unveils Bitcoin Computer 21.co mainpage screenshot Tuesday, Septem UTCImagine paying a tiny fraction of a cent for each sentence translated by a language translation service, or rewarding sensors in a smart city for collecting environmental data. 21 Inc. believed that Bitcoin could provide the infrastructure for these types of transactions, powering a new generation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. 21inc has released a platform that enables a person to set a fee structure for transactions.Bitcoin users can now reference the prediction services live chart of common fee levels on the network allowing them to optimize their experience.The company launched a micropayments marketplace to facilitate this kind of exchange.

Bitcoin as an Internet Protocol

The concept of Bitcoin as an internet protocol implies a deeper integration of the cryptocurrency into the fabric of the internet. The 21 Bitcoin computer is a highly anticipated product from the 21 Inc. startup. It features native support for the bitcoin protocol along with a nice library to help you develop and deployJust as HTTP enables web browsing and SMTP enables email, Bitcoin could enable secure and decentralized value transfer between devices and applications. 21 Inc. believed that their Bitcoin Computer would accelerate this process by making it easier for developers to build Bitcoin-enabled services.

Setting Up and Using the 21 Bitcoin Computer

Getting started with the 21 Bitcoin Computer involved a relatively straightforward setup process.The device came with instructions for connecting it to a Windows, Mac, or Linux laptop. San Francisco-based Bitcoin startup 21 Inc. unveiled this week plans to market a line of chips to embed in consumer gadgets, allowing smartphones and other Internet-connected devices to continuously earn Bitcoin through mining, reported the Wall Street Journal. In a blog post revealing the companyIt could also be configured as a standalone Linux box. Cryptocurrency startup 21 Inc. unveiled its latest project, a bitcoin computer that went on sale Monday and will ship in November. The computer, which sells for $400, is able to mine a constantThe initial setup involved visiting a setup page, likely hosted on the 21.co website, and following the instructions provided.

Accessing the Bitcoin Network

Once configured, the 21 Bitcoin Computer provided full access to the Bitcoin network.Being a full node, the device directly interacted with the blockchain, verifying transactions and contributing to the overall security of the network. CEO Srinivasan recently told the Consensus attendees how 21 Inc wants to turn every computer into a Bitcoin Computer via a custom-built software package.This contrasted with lightweight wallets that rely on third-party services to access the blockchain.

Developing Bitcoin Applications

The 21 Bitcoin Computer came equipped with a library to help you develop and deploy applications.These tools were intended to simplify the process of interacting with the Bitcoin protocol, allowing developers to focus on building innovative services without getting bogged down in the complexities of the underlying technology. 21 Inc, has launched the micropayments marketplace that will enable buyers and sellers to trade digital goods using micropayments.The exact nature of these tools is difficult to ascertain now, but they likely included APIs and libraries for managing Bitcoin transactions, mining, and other Bitcoin-related functionalities.

The Legacy of 21 Inc. and the Bitcoin Computer

While the 21 Bitcoin Computer itself may no longer be readily available, its impact on the Bitcoin ecosystem is undeniable. 21 Inc.'s vision of integrating Bitcoin into everyday computing helped to shape the conversation around the potential of cryptocurrency.The company, formerly known as 21e6, later rebranded to Earn.com, signalling a shift in focus.

From Mining Hardware to Social Networks

The rebranding from 21 Inc. to Earn.com reflected a change in strategy. Balaji Srinivasan, co-founder and CEO of 21 Inc, announced the launch of the 21 software package at the Consensus 2025 blockchain conference. Updated, p.m. Published May 3The company moved away from focusing solely on mining hardware and began to explore the use of Bitcoin to power a social network.This shift highlights the evolving nature of the Bitcoin industry and the constant need for companies to adapt to changing market conditions.

The Importance of Micro-payments

The concept of micro-payments, championed by 21 Inc., remains relevant today. See full list on coingecko.comWhile technical challenges still exist, the potential for Bitcoin to facilitate small-value transactions for a wide range of services is still being explored.The rise of layer-2 scaling solutions like the Lightning Network could make micro-payments more viable in the future.

The Continuous Evolution of Bitcoin

The story of 21 Inc. and the Bitcoin Computer serves as a reminder of the constant evolution of Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency landscape. SEALSQ Unveils Quantum-Resistant Cryptography with QS7001 to Secure Bitcoin Wallets Against Quantum Threat Provided by GlobeNewswire, 1: Geneva, SwitzerlandNew technologies, new applications, and new companies continue to emerge, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with decentralized digital currencies. 21 Inc, once a maker of bitcoin mining hardware, is rebranding to emphasize its recent focus on using digital currency to power a social network. By Marc Hochstein MarketsThe company allowed users to set a fee structure for transactions and provided access to live charts of common fee levels.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 21 Bitcoin Computer

What was the price of the 21 Bitcoin Computer?

The 21 Bitcoin Computer sold for $400.

Did the 21 Bitcoin Computer come with a monitor and keyboard?

No, the 21 Bitcoin Computer did not come with a monitor, keyboard, or a traditional enclosed hard drive.It was designed to be a minimalist device focused on Bitcoin mining and development.

What operating system did the 21 Bitcoin Computer use?

The 21 Bitcoin Computer used a Linux operating system.

Could the 21 Bitcoin Computer mine Bitcoin profitably?

The profitability of mining with the 21 Bitcoin Computer would have depended on various factors, including the price of Bitcoin, the difficulty of the Bitcoin network, and the cost of electricity.Given the age of the device and advancements in mining technology, it is unlikely that it would be profitable to mine with it today.

What happened to 21 Inc.?

21 Inc. rebranded to Earn.com and shifted its focus away from mining hardware towards using Bitcoin to power a social network.

Conclusion: The Enduring Vision of Bitcoin Integration

The 21 Bitcoin Computer, while a specific product of its time, represented a bold vision for the future of Bitcoin. 21 Inc. sought to embed Bitcoin into the very fabric of computing, making it accessible to developers and enabling new forms of digital commerce.Although 21 Inc. evolved and changed its focus, the underlying principles of their vision – the integration of Bitcoin into everyday life and the potential for micro-payments – continue to resonate.The Bitcoin Computer showcased the possibilities of a world where digital currency is not just a speculative asset, but a fundamental building block of the internet.The main takeaway is that innovation in the Bitcoin space is constant and transformative, and the dream of a Bitcoin-powered future remains a driving force for many.

Jed McCaleb can be reached at [email protected].

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