Warring factions are splitting Bitcoin in 2. Here's what you need to know.

The wild world of Bitcoin is about to get a whole lot wilder. 

On August 1, 2017, the preeminent cryptocurrency is set to break in two. Two warring factions, fundamentally divided on Bitcoin's future, are coming to a head — and the impending split could either save Bitcoin or doom it.

The split, called a hard fork, will result in two separate and distinct cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin Core. Oh, and it also has the potential to create billions of dollars worth of new cryptocurrency out of thin air.  

But that's not what this is really about. Bitcoin as it currently stands is in trouble, and with so much money on the line opposing parties have naturally come forward with plans to save it. And, surprise, they all don't agree on the solution.  Read more...