In January 2020, we introduced the world to a brand-new way of using money on the internet, HandCash Connect. The idea was simple, users connect their money to apps and games with one click, so that they could feel secure having all their funds in one place with a wallet they trust.
Over time, we saw a wide range of creative apps pop up. From casinos to video games to tipping widgets. Many of these projects went on to see great success and were even able to attain funding to further their business. As these platforms grew, we noticed an evolving pattern; it appeared that HandCash applications were becoming more than just apps, they were becoming platforms.
Haste, for instance, was the first to discover that their arcade-style video-game platform could attract 3rd-party builders, they quickly evolved and launched their API for ILP (Instant Leaderboard Payout) Gaming.
Next, we saw the creation of Asset Layer (formerly known as NFTy Jigs) debut their proof of concept for digital goods: Duro Dogs. With this, they also pursued the goal of expanding to support 3rd-party platforms.
We were amazed to see how companies could not only leverage the HandCash technology to make apps, but offer their own services and platforms as well. Yet, we couldn’t help but feel that we could be doing a better job facilitating these models.
Connecting apps to services did work, but each platform had to come up with their own way of gathering permissions and their own authorization flows, creating extra friction and more redirects.
A couple of examples
Powchess (a chess platform built with HandCash) began to leverage HasteArcade to power their arcade, this meant any user who wanted to play their mini-games also had to authenticate with HasteArcade even if they were already authenticated through HandCash. Here is the user’s journey:
HasteArcade then began to leverage Asset Layer to power their digital goods, this meant any user who wanted to trade NFTs inside of Haste also had to authenticate with Asset Layer even if they were already authenticated through HandCash. Similarly, here is the user’s journey:
Now, let’s imagine an app wanted to leverage both HasteArcade and Asset Layer:
That’s 10 redirects! As a company whose primary focus is UX, we saw this as our responsibility to come up with a solution.
It is our pleasure to introduce HandCash App Extensions.
App Extensions are an all-in-one authorization flow for HandCash powered apps. Now, additional services can be permissioned, all within the same initial authorization flow. With extensions, it has never been easier for companies to collaborate within the HandCash ecosystem.
How do App Extensions work?
App extensions allow the user to provide permissions to multiple apps with just one click, still passing a main authToken to the target app, but also sending pluginAuthTokens to any extended apps. This gives users full control and full transparency of any cross app permission, all within the context of their wallet.
We believe App Extensions are paving a new road for true interoperability across the HandCash network.
App Extensions are already live, so you might notice certain apps asking you to re-authorize them again in the coming days and weeks.
TLDR
HandCash App Extensions provide a streamlined authorization flow to allow HandCash-based services to be more effectively leveraged by other apps in the ecosystem.
