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2024-09-24 02:10:28

Vic on Nostr: Notes from Alby AMA on Corny Chat - 23 September 2024 An AMA session was held with ...

Notes from Alby AMA on Corny Chat - 23 September 2024

An AMA session was held with Alby on Corny Chat to help explain new products and services, answer some common questions and solicit feedback.

Here is the first bit of the audio edited from the Q&A session

🟑 This is a summary of key points, not an audio transcript 🟑

Alby Accounts. An Alby account was needed for Alby Hub prior to version 1.8. Everyone with an Alby account can get it setup with Alby Hub. There is still a wait list and people are being granted accounts. They are sending out invites every day but need to work through it and scale up properly to ensure a positive experience.

Alby Extension and Custodial Alby users. Existing users of an Alby custodial lightning account tied to the extension will not be forced to migrate to Alby Hub. Eventually, the custodial will be decommissioned but specific timeline has not been set. It depends on usage. You can migrate your account to Alby Hub either via DiY deployment, or via paid Alby Cloud to have improved sovereignty of your funds.

Alby Hub. Alby Hub is more than a lightning wallet. It can also send and receive on chain funds. The hub interface depicts this as the savings balance. Alby Hub supports instant bitcoin payments across a growing ecosystem of applications, several of which are listed in the Alby Store

For users starting with a fresh Alby Account and no funds, then will need to have funds to create your first channel. There is some consideration about possibly including first channel in the overall subscription but not yet certain.

Anyone can use Alby Hub, and may also be used by small business owners to accept payments. For example, there are simple Point of Sale apps available that support receiving payments without sending. Transactions aren't stored long term in Alby Hub, but are available to download/export from the Alby Account.

A Friends and Family application is available in the Alby App Store that can share an Alby Hub instances across multiple users. Each receives a wallet via Nostr Wallet Connect interoperability, with their own separate balances, but share the liquidity of the connected channels.

Whether doing DiY install or Alby Cloud option, the operator of Alby Hub will need to manage channels.

Costs: The cost for Alby Cloud starts at 10500 sats for a 3 month intro special and set to go to 21000 sats per month after that. An annual plan at 210,000 sats is available for 12 months. Alby does have plans to adjust the pricing at points in the future as the fiat valuation increases. On a Bitcoin standard, prices come down. The subscription for Alby Cloud is paid automatically via a nostr wallet connect subscription. If its cancelled or inadequate funds in the account to pay, then support will send an email when due and overdue prior to shutting down the instance. Fees paid to lightning service providers (LSPs) like ACINQ, Olympus, Megalith etc are direct to that LSP for providing the reserved liquidity + the mining fee for opening channels. These fees may fluctuate over time based on each LSPs pricing models, but once a channel is opened it stays open without an extra fee. Some examples of fees can be seen in the BTC Sessions video referenced in the resources links below. Tomek also provided a comparison of fees as an imgur image link. Fees for topping up a channel via credit card or bank account (region restricted) are based on that separate provider. The only fees Alby itself receives is for Alby Cloud subscriptions.

The Alby Hub interface is a web application. It can be installed as a PWA on mobile.

Benefits of Alby Cloud: Always on 24x7. They manage the infrastructure, leaving you to focus on simple configuration. Updates are still initiated by the Alby Hub operator as it requires a restart and you'll need to unlock the node again with your password.

Regarding privacy.. balance information for channels is not shared with third parties like Amboss. If channels are public, the balance isn't visible but capacity is. If Alby account is connected, then Alby will see the transactions.

The Node health depicted in the upper right corner of Alby Hub is based on the quantity of channels and how the liquidity is balanced. If there is only one channel, then the overall health may be limited to about 50%. With multiple channels, the scoring maxes as long as all the liquidity in a channel isn't on one side or the other.

Does Alby Hub work with Boltcard connections? It doesn't integrate directly because Boltcard uses LNURL Withdraw and relies on having a server with domain. It could however work with a helper service that bridges LNURL to Nostr Wallet Connect.

For DiY setups, when backing up your node, Alby Hub operators should backup the data directory for Alby Hub. This includes maybe 2 database files in there. And obviously backup your seed words.

The names of well known cypherpunks and computer scientists referenced in version release notes for Alby Hub are selected as a tribute to some great inspirational minds.

Alby Go is the mobile application that is simple send and receive lightning. It connects to 1 or more Alby Hub nodes via Nostr Wallet Connect. Technically it can connect to anything that works with the Nostr Wallet Connect protocol improving overall interoperability in a simplified way. User balances are denominated in satoshis, and can configure fiat currencies as well.

πŸŸ£πŸ”— Resources🟣

- FAQ: https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/v/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/faq-alby-hub
- Alby Hub source code: https://github.com/getAlby/hub
- Alby Point of Sale powered by NWC: https://github.com/getAlby/pos
- Bumi's simple Point of Sale app: https://github.com/bumi/pos-simple
- Fee comparison: https://imgur.com/a/V9D4LzK
- BTC Sessions video opening an inbound channel: https://youtu.be/2Z1BzwxdP4I?feature=shared&t=783
- BTC Sessions video opening an outbound channel: https://youtu.be/2Z1BzwxdP4I?feature=shared&t=1933

πŸ”΅ Partial Chat Transcript πŸ”΅

[7:17] Alby: There are currently transaction and balance limits on legacy accounts (always has been!).. they will be slowly reduced
[7:18] pekat0: But how about old users?
[7:19] Alby: Vic, shall we bring audience on stage later? :)
[7:19] Vic: Yes we could do that. It can get chaotic with a lot of people talking all at once though as everyone speaking is peer to peer connected with each other
[7:19] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: I'll see if I can read some questions from the chat
[7:21] Kurt: The BtcSessions vid was indeed great!
[7:22] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Message to all, we have a FAQ and guides, you can look up for info on our guides and our FAQs:
[7:22] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/v/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/faq-alby-hub
[7:23] Alby: https://imgur.com/a/V9D4LzK - here is the recent comparison
[7:23] Memer: Just a note that the Alby "connection guide to Voltage" likely needs an update after they changed their interface. Happy to help if the page is on GitHub
[7:24] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Thanks Memer! I'll look onto that!
[7:26] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Hey! for the people on the chat, feel free to ask questions!
[7:28] cloud fodder: is it possible to use Alby Hub as an LNbits funding source?
[7:30] The β‚Ώitcoin Painter: how long until the custodial Alby wallet in the browser extension ends?
[7:31] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: ask us questions!
[7:33] saunter: https://satoshisettlers.com/ this game has NWC
[7:33] saunter: https://rolznz.github.io/zappy-bird/ and this is Roland
[7:33] saunter: Roland
[7:33] saunter: his game^
[7:33] Alby: https://rolznz.github.io/zappy-bird/ also
[7:33] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: rolznz.github.io/zappy-bird/
[7:34] cloud fodder: where can I find docs on connecting LNbits to Alby Hub?
[7:34] Alby: also HODL Paper Scissors: https://paper-scissors-hodl.fly.dev/
[7:36] Alby: CLOUD FODDER: hard to find docs yet, the extensions are still in making. Join LNbits telegram - only few people have managed to link it, but it works!
[7:36] Sovran Systems: How is it going to remove the "need an Alby account" to use a self hosted node?
[7:36] Alby: here is the discussion: https://github.com/lnbits/lnbits/pull/2579
[7:36] Sovran Systems: As I would like to have it as an option for Sovran_SystemsOS
[7:37] The Oracle: for merchants currently using Alby custodial for receiving, can opening channel subscription cost include a guaranteed incoming liquidity?
[7:37] Alby: Here is LNBits telegram: https://t.me/lnbits
[7:38] Bushel has entered the chat!
[7:38] The Oracle: *on Alby hub
[7:38] cloud fodder: Alby: thank you, so it looks like it's in dev branch and not merged yet. do you know when it might be merged into a release?
[7:39] Alby: THE ORACLE - we are considering various payment models, so far you pay for the hosting and all the channel opening is on your side - full self custody. But we're experimenting in voiding certain fees for long time subscribers etc.... but that's an interesting suggestions!
[7:40] Mark πŸ’βš‘οΈπŸ«‚πŸ’œ: Is Alby hub just self custodial lightning or can it use on chain too?
[7:40] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Here are some invites:
[7:40] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: 7f364627
[7:40] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: c05e3b62
[7:40] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: dad00294
[7:40] Sovran Systems: Thanks, I ported it into Nix, but I did not want to sign up with account.
[7:40] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: afa9b2ab
[7:40] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: 2a0ca598
[7:40] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: da0763ac
[7:40] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: 19e20b1e
[7:41] Sovran Systems: When I did my self hosted node it stated I needed an account first.
[7:41] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: don't be greedy don't pick one if you already have one!
[7:41] Sovran Systems: Oh, that might have updated it. I will check this week to see if that was removed.
[7:42] Clementine: Really enjoying using Alby Hub so far
[7:42] Alby: Sovran, from 1.8.0 you don't need account :)
[7:43] Sovran Systems: Oh, great. Thank you! Do you all want to see the code for the Nix version of Alby?
[7:43] The Oracle: Nice job on the POS !
[7:44] Alby: Sovran, we \ALWAYS\ want to see the code
[7:44] Alby: POS is very early version, there is still job to be done
[7:45] Alby: https://github.com/getAlby/pos
[7:45] bumi: and: https://github.com/bumi/pos-simple
[7:45] bumi: https://bumi.github.io/pos-simple
[7:45] Sovran Systems: Great! I will upload it to my git and send the link to bumi.
[7:46] bumi: <3
[7:47] Sovran Systems: Thanks Alby team. Have to go now.
[7:47] Alby: Guys, if you want to help out with PoS, feel free to contribute on Github! We need support for keypad...currency conversion....
[7:47] Kurt: My first cornychat participation. I will definitely come back, but I really have to go now. Love you all πŸ’œ
[7:47] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Thanks!
[7:47] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Thanks for coming!
[7:48] The Oracle: https://tinyurl.com/snackstest
[7:48] The Oracle: testing POS and buzzpay
[7:51] mrecheese > yarnlady zapped ⚑10 sats to the dev toward the server goal.
[7:52] Alby: Anyone here needs an invite code?
[7:53] Sprout: i need a invite code please
[7:53] Alby: "I HAD TO GO"
[7:53] Alby: SPROUT: 07e1fad9
[7:54] Sprout: REGISTERED, I LOVE YOU BRO
[7:54] Vic: I always have to begrudgingly goto parties.. for research purposes
[7:55] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: lol yes.
[7:55] PresidentElectTheRupertDamnit: Yes, but VicGPT, you're researching human behavior to be more believable.
[7:57] BITLEAF: Fwiw I’d really love an easier option to connect things like boltcard/boltring with my own node, could this be added to the hub app?
[7:57] Mark πŸ’βš‘οΈπŸ«‚πŸ’œ: Only party I go to is on Nostr or Corny Chat
[7:57] Mark πŸ’βš‘οΈπŸ«‚πŸ’œ: For sat stacking purposes :-)
[7:58] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: I must be doing something wrong because I spent my sats on parties :'(
[8:02] Sparrow 316739: Can I get an invite code please?
[8:03] Tomek K: HUGE 🌽BADGE
[8:03] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Sparrow, I'll re-share some at the end of the call
[8:05] Sparrow 316739: Thanks very much
[8:05] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Ask us questions!
[8:07] saunter: https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/v/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/node/node-health
[8:07] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Thanks for the link Rug Salesman!
[8:11] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: xD great question
[8:12] mrecheese > yarnlady zapped ⚑10 sats to the dev toward the server goal!
[8:13] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Ask us questions!
[8:14] BITLEAF: Boltcard connections?
[8:14] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Does any boy wants to jump up into the stage?
[8:14] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: any body
[8:14] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: wow
[8:15] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: Here are some invites for those who missed them before: 7f364627 | c05e3b62 | dad00294 | afa9b2ab | 2a0ca598 | da0763ac | 19e20b1e | dont be greedy dont pick one if you already have one!
[8:16] Sparrow 316739: Great! Thanks so much! And I appreciate the presentation very much.
[8:16] BITLEAF: Thanks guys
[8:19] Alby: nodana.io
[8:22] Ζ‘Κ‰Ν«cΝ§ΠΊΝ­ΞΉΝͺΞ·Ν£ 𝕡𝖔𝖍𝖓 ΦŽβš‘οΈβš‘οΈπŸœ‰ ∞/₂₁ 🜚: Can't heard looks like my connection is bad
[8:22] Ζ‘Κ‰Ν«cΝ§ΠΊΝ­ΞΉΝͺΞ·Ν£ 𝕡𝖔𝖍𝖓 ΦŽβš‘οΈβš‘οΈπŸœ‰ ∞/₂₁ 🜚: Hear*
[8:23] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: 21k Is a good starting price for the Cloud service and It will definitely will go down when bitcoin re-values itself
[8:24] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: cya!
[8:25] BITLEAF: πŸ‘‹πŸ»
[8:25] πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈjpl_btc πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·πŸ§‰β­β­β­: lol
[8:26] Gracjan Pietras: Thanks a lot, everyone. See you on nostr.
[8:27] Alby: https://getalby.com/discover

#cornychat #albyama #audiospace
Author Public Key
npub1yx6pjypd4r7qh2gysjhvjd9l2km6hnm4amdnjyjw3467fy05rf0qfp7kza