Sunset browser.blockstack.org 🌅

[markmhendrickson]

Hiro PBC has made the decision to sunset browser.blockstack.org after giving developers and users alike the opportunity to move off this hosted version of the product in favor of the newer Stacks Wallet for web or authenticators / wallets provided by other companies.

This sunset will take place on July 1, 2021, which is one year after the release of Blockstack Connect and simultaneous with the sunset of the newer Blockstack Connect as well.

Hiro PBC will continue to maintain browser.blockstack.org with a relatively frozen version of the Blockstack Browser until that date, particularly for apps that rely on it via integration with the deprecated blockstack.js library. Critical P1 bug patches will be made as well as any changes needed to maintain core functionality against the Stacks 2.0 blockchain.

While the decision to sunset this hosted product in favor an installed extension will present an addition hurdle for some users going forward, it was made with their security in mind since it will discourage the entry of cryptographic keys into dynamically loaded websites. This decision also helps Hiro PBC focus on delivering maximum value for Stacks 2.0 via the maintenance and extension of a single authentication product, the Stacks Wallet.

If you're the developer of an app dependent on either app.blockstack.org or browser.blockstack.org at this time, we highly recommend you start planning a transition to the latest version of connect with Stacks.js, which integrates authentication and transaction signing more sustainably.

[markmhendrickson]

We've discussed this upcoming sunset internally and decided to push it back ~to September 1, 2021~ while @andresgalante and I prepare materials that help developers migrate their apps to suitable alternatives.

We'll provide an update here once those materials are available.

Update: We've removed specific date guidance until these materials are available to ensure adequate preparation time before setting a new date. The new date will be no earlier than October 1, 2021 and no less than 2 months after the release of these materials.