What is Blur?

Blur (BLUR) is a privacy-focused peer-to-peer network that operates on its own private, standalone blockchain. It is a cryptocurrency that places a high emphasis on privacy, striving to provide a level of privacy that is not possible on transparent ledgers like Bitcoin. The Blur Network is designed to address threats to privacy and security that arise from specialized mining hardware and centralized mining pools. It strives to create an ecosystem that is inclusive for all mining hardware, a concept referred to as The Fractal Multichain.

How does Blur work?

Blur operates on a custom Proof-of-Work algorithm known as CryptoNight-Dynamic. This algorithm changes dynamically every five seconds on average, with the calculations required for the algorithm using values directly dependent on the previous block's hash, the current block's height, and a UNIX timestamp. This dynamic and unpredictable variation between and within each block that is mined strives to facilitate CPU-centric mining. The Blur Network also employs the CryptoNote Protocol, which uses cryptographic primitives to secure transactions, enabling individuals to transact in BLUR without the need for trust.

What are the potential use cases for Blur?

Blur's primary use case is to provide a platform for private transactions. Its selective transparency allows for greater fungibility and resistance to censorship than transparent blockchains. When sending or receiving BLUR, amounts and participants are obfuscated, meaning users can decide exactly who can view their transactional information. This level of privacy is not possible on networks like Bitcoin, where anyone can look up addresses and associated balances. Additionally, Blur's CPU-centric mining approach strives to make mining more accessible to anyone with a computer, rather than being limited to those with specialized hardware.

What is the history of Blur?

The Blur Network was launched in June 2018, with the release of Linux and Windows CLI Wallets. The network underwent rapid hardforks to v5 at block heights 1-5 and a hardfork to v6 at block 7500. In July 2018, the MacOS CLI Wallet was released and the development of the GUI Wallet/Miner began. The network has since undergone several updates and improvements, including the release of CryptoNight-Dynamic v1 and v2, the announcement of multi-chain architecture, and the release of Linux Snap Package. The Blur Network continues to be actively developed, with current projects including the development of a checkpointing scheme for BLUR and the integration with the Iguana/KMD Notary Network.