This sort of thing has actually been pioneered by high frequency traders. Utilizing FPGA's & ASIC's is pretty standard fare for high frequency trading and algor

This sort of thing has actually been pioneered by high frequency traders. Utilizing FPGA's & ASIC's is pretty standard fare for high frequency trading and algorithmic trading. What's novel about bitcoin is that it has been driven largely by end consumers. Thus, it is easier to see the technical landscape around it evolve.