I came across this article about the lightning network that is being built for Bitcoin and apparently it has already ben tested successfully. That's right, we are close. If you are wondering what the lightening network is, basically it is a second layer that will be built on top of the blockchain to speed up transactions. This will help one of the major problems that bitcoin is facing as it becomes popular. According to the article this, combined with segwit, can really help to speed up the network.

This is great news for bitcoin. Having the transaction speed that newer coins have will really open up the network and also make bitcoin more appealing for apps. This is one of the reasons why people use ETH and other coins for their apps as it is cheaper for their transactions. Steem is their own coin and blockchain and they have a system where people do not have to pay anything for their transactions. Maybe more people will adopt it in the future. But as bitcoin is the coin that is going to go mainstream first, it is important that it gets it right.

Here is the link for info:

http://www.nasdaq.com/article/segwit-or-not-bitfury-is-ready-for-lightning-with-successful-bitcoin-main-net-test-cm818843

https://s14.postimg.org/hrpqbc6b5/bitcoin-1813503_640.jpg

@whatageek

*my upvotes/rep disclaimer: https://steemit.com/steemit/@whatageek/my-steemit-account-where-i-stand-on-bots-self-votes-and-multiple-account