➡️Mobile Mining — The whys and hows
Mining crypto on any mobile device has never been easier.
Last updated
Mining crypto on any mobile device has never been easier.
Last updated
Mobile devices and the underlying ARM CPU architecture have evolved significantly in recent years, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. Even now, ARMs are more energy-efficient than x86 CPUs, and the speeds can easily compete with older CPU variants. More and more laptop manufacturers are also utilizing the energy-efficient ARM architecture. And since mining is all about energy efficiency, we think we’re in a good spot with our vision!
In recent years, several initiatives to democratize mobile mining have emerged, aiming to make cryptocurrency mining more accessible to the average user. However, the path to effective mobile mining is not without its challenges and nuances.
Many current mobile mining projects utilize staking or airdrop mechanisms to reward the “miners.” While these methods provide a way to earn cryptocurrency via mobile devices, they do not contribute to the fundamental goals of securing and distributing the blockchain network. Staking and airdrops primarily serve as incentives rather than actual mining processes, leaving the core mining operations to more traditional, powerful hardware.
In response to the limitations and centralization concerns associated with traditional mining hardware like GPUs and ASICs, more and more cryptocurrencies are adopting GPU and ASIC-resistant algorithms. These algorithms are designed to level the playing field by making it harder for specialized hardware to dominate the mining process. This shift opens the door for mobile devices to participate in mining, as the computational requirements align better with the capabilities of modern smartphones and tablets.
Several applications already enable mining cryptocurrencies on mobile phones. These apps often provide an easy-to-use interface and require minimal setup, making it simple for users to start mining. While these applications mark a significant step towards inclusive mining, there is still much room for improvement. The majority of these apps do not fully leverage the potential of mobile devices, often being adaptations of existing mining software rather than solutions built specifically for mobile hardware.
In recent years, several initiatives to democratize mobile mining have emerged, aiming to make cryptocurrency mining more accessible to the average user. However, the path to effective mobile mining is not without its challenges and nuances.
Many current mobile mining projects utilize staking or airdrop mechanisms to reward the “miners.” While these methods provide a way to earn cryptocurrency via mobile devices, they do not contribute to the fundamental goals of securing and distributing the blockchain network. Staking and airdrops primarily serve as incentives rather than actual mining processes, leaving the core mining operations to more traditional, powerful hardware.
A significant problem identified with current initiatives is that the software used to leverage mobile devices for mining often fails to protect the hardware from being damaged. The memory requirements for CPU-mineable cryptocurrencies are also not well adjusted to mobile devices, as they are designed primarily for desktop environments. Simply creating a mobile mining application with an ASIC and GPU-resistant algorithm does not fully address these issues.
In response to the limitations and centralization concerns associated with traditional mining hardware like GPUs and ASICs, more and more cryptocurrencies are adopting GPU and ASIC-resistant algorithms. These algorithms are designed to level the playing field by making it harder for specialized hardware to dominate the mining process. This shift opens the door for mobile devices to participate in mining, as the computational requirements align better with the capabilities of modern smartphones and tablets.
Several applications already enable mining cryptocurrencies on mobile phones. These apps often provide an easy-to-use interface and require minimal setup, making it simple for users to start mining. While these applications mark a significant step towards inclusive mining, there is still much room for improvement. The majority of these apps do not fully leverage the potential of mobile devices, often being adaptations of existing mining software rather than solutions built specifically for mobile hardware.
Our project, BitHash, envisions going beyond these initial steps to create a mining environment designed specifically for mobile devices. This involves developing a mobile-friendly algorithm that maximizes the efficiency and capabilities of ARM CPU architecture. By focusing on energy efficiency and the unique strengths of mobile processors, BitHash aims to make mobile mining not just feasible, but also profitable and sustainable.
The future of mobile mining lies in embracing the full potential of mobile hardware, fostering a more decentralized and inclusive blockchain network. As ARM CPUs continue to evolve, becoming more powerful and energy-efficient, BitHash moves closer to making effective mobile mining a reality. This approach not only democratizes access to mining but also enhances the overall security and distribution of blockchain networks, paving the way for a more decentralized future.
The requirements specificationThere are three main aspects to consider when developing a mobile-friendly algorithm.
GPUs should not have an advantage over CPUs — this is to ensure that mining would not be flooded by GPU mining farms.
Devices should not overheat while mining — nobody likes a burned phone or television.
The memory requirements should fit — ARMs have a different architecture than desktop CPUs.
