Blockchain.info Launches
Blockchain.info (now Blockchain.com) officially launches, providing the first user-friendly block explorer and web wallet.
On October 15, 2011, the domain Blockchain.info was registered and the service officially launched by co-founders Ben Reeves, Peter Smith, and Nic Cary. Before Blockchain.info, checking the status of a transaction required running a full node or using clunky, developer-focused tools. Blockchain.info provided a clean, visual 'Block Explorer' that allowed anyone to search addresses, view transaction flows, and monitor network health in real-time. This transparency was crucial for building trust with the general public.
Shortly after launch, the site added a 'hybrid' web wallet feature. Unlike MyBitcoin (which held user keys and exit-scammed), Blockchain.info's wallet executed encryption client-side in the browser. This meant the company allegedly never saw the user's private keys, offering a middle ground between the convenience of a web wallet and the security of self-custody. This model onboarded millions of users who were intimidated by the technical requirements of the Bitcoin Core desktop client.
Blockchain.info became the default homepage of the Bitcoin ecosystem for years. Its API powered thousands of merchant tools and charts, and its wallet became the most popular in the world, hosting millions of users by 2013. It was the first company to make the blockchain 'readable' for the average person.
Key Sources: Blockchain.com: 12 Years History | Bitcointalk: Launch Thread