Cryptocurrency and its applications have changed the way we live, there has been a marked improvement in the way transactions are done. Speed and efficiency have improved in many folds and this is because of the combination of security and simplicity in conducting transaction. One of such innovation in this aspect is Metamask that can be easily found on the list of wallet dapps found on Stateofthedapps.
Metamask is a browser extension developed by Kumavis, Dan Finlay and a brilliant team that defines simplicity at its finest. The extension serves as a wallet that supports Ethereum and over 200 ERC20 tokens, and of course serves as the first means of security for acessing dapps and platforms found within the blockchain.
Getting The Right Browser
The first thing is Browser compatibility . The wallet currently only has versions for Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Brave Broswer, thus you will need either to use this wallet. Might I suggest you use Brave browser because it is lighter, protects your information and gives you the freedom to decide if you want ads or not and the token rewards for using it. you can download Brave browser by clicking here
Getting the Dapp
After you get the browser part sorted out, the next thing to do is download the dapp. To get the extension, visit metamask.io and select the extension depending on your browser. Don't worry about the wolf head that follows your mouse pointer, it was a bit creepy for me too the first time I visited the site but you'll get used to it after using the wallet regularly, it sort of grows on you, you know?
screenshot: source
Note: If you have already downloaded/installed Brave Browser, select Get Chrome Extension and install the extension through a simple click.
I have had the extension for a long time and it has served me well.
screenshot
Getting Started
After downloading the extension, you will see the logo (fox head) below in the task bar of your browser
Click the logo and begin the easy account creation process
If you already have an ETh wallet, you can simply import it using the seed.
If you don't have an ETH wallet, you can simply generate one. You will be required to store your private key and wallet seed offline. Once that is confirmed, your metamask is ready to use.
Wallet Feature: The extension serves as a wallet with the capacity to hold ethereum and hundreds of other ERC20 tokens.
You ethereum wallet address can be copied and used for receiving ethereum or the numerous other tokens in this network.
Select the menu icon at the top left and then scroll down a bit to "add token". You will be redirected to a portal where you can simply type the name of token you will like to view.
Transaction Permission
It also handles permission for any website that is synced with the Ethereum blockchain.
Certain platforms like the one depicted above will require permission from your metamask extension to connect. Metamask automatically detects this site and then prompts the user to grant or deny access.
I think the simplicity of the extension is the selling point and it allows the user to conveniently make transactions as it works seamlessly in the background. I have a few xrtokens stored safely in my metamask wallet myself and as much as the Chrome Extension is efficient, me thinks a mobile version of this would be really awesome. Considering how convenient this would be, perhaps it is not far fetched that a mobile app that works in sync with the mobile chrome browser and then works in the background, detecting and automating the process in the same way that the browser extension does it.
Relevant links
Metamask website
Chrome and Brave Extension
Firefox and Opera Extension
DISCLAIMER
This is not financial advice, nor a guarantee or promise in regards to any result that may be obtained from using the above content. The information provided here is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as financial and/or investment advice. No person should make any kind of financial decision without first consulting their own financial adviser and/or conducting their own research and due diligence.