The Bitcoin Group #16 (Live) - Apple Bans Bitcoin - Bitcoin 7 11 Mexico - Mt Gox - Russia Bitcoin

## The Bitcoin Group #16 (Live) - Episode Summary

This episode of The Bitcoin Group, a live broadcast, tackled a range of pressing issues impacting the cryptocurrency landscape, from Apple's recent actions to the ongoing challenges at Mt. Gox and the potential for wider adoption. The initial shock of Apple's decision to ban the Final Bitcoin Wallet from the App Store dominated the early discussion, prompting panelists to question Apple's motives and lament the stifling of innovation. However, the conversation quickly broadened to explore positive developments like Bitcoin adoption in Mexico through 7-Eleven stores and the need for increased education and outreach to foster broader understanding and usage of Bitcoin. The episode underscored the importance of decentralized solutions and the risks associated with relying on centralized entities like Mt. Gox, which experienced significant withdrawal problems impacting the Bitcoin price.

Main Topics Discussed:

• Apple's Bitcoin Wallet Ban: The controversial removal of the Final Bitcoin Wallet from the App Store and the implications for Bitcoin adoption and Apple's role in the cryptocurrency space.
• Bitcoin Adoption in Mexico: The partnership between 7-Eleven stores and Padmobile Wallet Service to accept Bitcoin payments, viewed as a significant step towards mainstream adoption.
• Mt. Gox Withdrawal Issues: The ongoing problems with withdrawals from the Mt. Gox exchange and the impact on Bitcoin's price and market stability.
• Exchange Centralization & Reliability: Concerns about the risks associated with relying on centralized cryptocurrency exchanges and the need for more decentralized solutions.
• Bitcoin Education & Outreach: The importance of educating individuals about Bitcoin and assisting them with wallet setup to drive broader adoption.
• Alternative Bitcoin Use Cases: Exploring potential applications for Bitcoin beyond traditional transactions, such as in-game purchases and market simulations.
• Merchant Adoption & Volatility: Addressing merchant hesitancy to accept Bitcoin due to price volatility and the role of services like Padmobile and M-Pesa in mitigating this concern.

Key Quotes:

• Davy Barker: "It makes Apple look stupid. It's going to make them look even stupider when they have to, you know, change their position."
• Andreas Antonopoulos: "When you are the gatekeeper of innovation and a walled garden with a world that’s moving far too fast to keep up, that’s a really lonely spot to be in."
• "Apple's position is their banning the technology wave of cryptocurrencies."
• "Bitcoin activists, it's better get to work." (Encouraging proactive outreach to businesses)

People Mentioned:

• Davy Barker (ShinyBadges.com)
• Chris J. (Feathercoin)
• Megan Lords (Bitcoin, not Bombs)
• Will Pengman (Bitcoin, Mill Locky)
• Kyle (Founder of CoinPunk.org)
• Andreas Antonopoulos (Blockchain Chief Security Officer)
• Steve Jobs
• Steve Wozniak
• Jay
• David Barker
• Derek James

Bitcoin Price:

• The episode mentioned a 20% drop in Bitcoin's price due to Mt. Gox withdrawal issues, followed by a recovery. No specific price points were given.