Feature Request: Integrate Major Cryptocurrency Conversion into Unit Converter

[chriiisss]

Problem Statement

The Windows Calculator’s built-in Currency Converter is a highly valuable tool for converting fiat currencies using updated rates. However, it currently lacks support for cryptocurrencies.
Given the global, mainstream adoption of assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), users frequently require a quick, reliable, and integrated way to check crypto valuations against fiat currencies (like USD or EUR). Currently, this requires leaving the native application and relying on third-party websites or dedicated apps, which interrupts the user's workflow. This is a clear gap in the Calculator's unit conversion utility in the modern financial landscape.

Evidence or User Insights

1. Existing Community Demand: A similar request already exists on this repository (Issue Add bitcoin/crypto currency converter #2129 Add bitcoin/crypto currency converter), demonstrating sustained community interest in this feature.

2. Market Relevance: Cryptocurrencies are now widely traded, owned, and viewed as legitimate assets, making their conversion rates an essential utility.

3. Decimal Precision Issue: Current fiat currency conversion typically defaults to two decimal places, which is insufficient for cryptocurrency units. This proposal would address the need to display a higher degree of precision (e.g., 8 decimal places) for these assets.

Proposal

We propose extending the existing Currency Converter within the Calculator app to include the top 10-20 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization (e.g., BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, DOGE, etc.).
This integration would require the following changes:

1. Expanded Data Source: Update the data fetching mechanism (currently using Bing for fiat rates) to include real-time cryptocurrency exchange rates from a reliable source.

2. Unit List Expansion: Add the selected cryptocurrency symbols (e.g., BTC, ETH) to the existing list of available currencies in the converter dropdown menus.

3. Precision Handling: Implement logic to automatically adjust the display precision up to 8 decimal places (or more, if required by the asset) when a cryptocurrency is selected as the source or target unit.

Goals

• User Can select major cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin, Ethereum) as the source or target unit in the Currency Converter mode.

• User Can perform fast, real-time conversions between crypto and fiat (e.g., 0.5 BTC to EUR).
• The converted value accurately reflects the high decimal precision required for digital assets.

• The core functionality and UX of the existing fiat currency converter remain unchanged.

Non-Goals

• This feature is not intended to include charting, historical data, or complex financial analysis tools.

• This feature will not support every single long-tail altcoin; it will be restricted to the top assets by market cap for stability and scope control.

• This feature will not involve any blockchain integration, wallet functionality, or transaction simulation.

Low-Fidelity Concept

The user experience should be seamless, leveraging the current Currency Converter interface:

1. User opens Calculator and selects Currency.

2. User clicks the "From" or "To" dropdown menu.

3. The list will contain fiat currencies (USD, EUR, JPY...) followed by a new section or entry for Cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, DOGE...).

4. When converting BTC to USD, the resulting dollar amount will display with sufficient decimal precision (e.g., 0.00000001 BTC = $0.00078 USD).

5. When converting a fiat currency to crypto (e.g., $100 USD to BTC), the result should show the full necessary precision (e.g., 0.00154321 BTC).

Requested Assignment
I am primarily interested in suggesting this feature, but I would be happy to contribute to the discussion on design, scope, and technical implementation details.