Educational Byte: Chatbots in Obyte and What They Do

Sometimes, the crypto world and its technicalities could be difficult for non-expert users to navigate. A quick support system is more or less common now on big crypto exchanges, but that’s not usually the case with wallets or decentralized apps (Dapps). If they have any kind of support at all, that is. Obyte fixed this gap by integrating user-friendly chatbots into the same wallet.

Chatbots are basic computer programs designed to simulate conversations with users, often through text. They follow preset rules to answer common questions, provide information, or guide someone through a specific task. This way, users can benefit from instant responses, 24/7 availability, and simplifying common processes, like exchanges or verifications.

In general, chatbots could include AI technology, but, in our case, they’re simple ones that rely on straightforward logic. Easy to use, including a few steps, and offering a nice degree of privacy, these bots can make a lot of processes easier and clearer.

Private Chatbots & Chat

The Obyte wallet includes a built-in private chat system that allows users to connect securely. You can use it to message contacts or interact with chatbots for tasks like getting information or performing wallet actions. These chatbots are simple programs written in Node.js, communicating through WebSockets and an Obyte hub (node). This setup ensures real-time, efficient answers without relying on complex infrastructure.

The hub, a core component of Obyte, serves as a temporary storage and relay point for messages, ensuring privacy by design. Messages are stored only on the user’s device, not in the cloud. The hub can’t decrypt these messages, as all communication is end-to-end encrypted. Even if a hub temporarily stores messages, it only forwards them when the recipient’s device connects, guaranteeing confidentiality.

Obyte’s hub infrastructure is decentralized, offering users flexibility in choosing a hub operated by trusted parties. For example, the default hub, “obyte.org/bb,” is maintained by Obyte’s founder, but alternatives like “www.cryptomypto.ca/bb” are also available. It’s also possible to download and set up your own hub node if you have some technical knowledge of Node.js.

What Can You Do with Chatbots in Obyte?

These bots can be found in the “Bot Store” within the chat section of the wallet. Each bot’s purpose is reflected in its name, and you can add them as contacts to get started. They offer diverse functionalities, from verifying your identity and exchanging assets to providing external services like insurance or Oracle data.

One powerful use of chatbots in Obyte is managing self-sovereign identity through attestations. This feature allows you to verify and control your personal information, like your username, email, or investor status. For example, the “Username Attestation Bot” enables you to purchase a unique nickname for wallet transactions, making your experience more user-friendly. By following simple instructions provided during the chat, you can complete the attestation process and begin using your new nickname right away.

Chatbots also facilitate exchanges within the Obyte wallet, such as trading Blackbytes (a private Obyte asset) through the Blackbytes.io Exchange chatbot. These transactions are entirely peer-to-peer (P2P), ensuring decentralization and privacy. Additionally, chatbots like oracles provide reliable information for smart contracts, including data on flight delays or sport results, enabling applications like decentralized insurance and betting.

With a growing variety of chatbots available, users can explore even more features, from creating tokens with the Asset Manager bot to participating in polls or accessing community-driven tools. Developers can expand this ecosystem by building and sharing new chatbots and integrating their applications into Obyte’s secure and user-friendly framework. Remember that these bots operate round-the-clock, providing fast and private assistance tailored to your needs.