HTC is releasing a blockchain phone in December, and consumers can only buy it using Bitcoin or Ethereum. The phone is blockchain-encrypted, meaning security is a central focus. It also features decentralized applications and works as its own blockchain node, reports CNET.
“In the new internet age people are generally more conscious about their data, [and] this is a perfect opportunity to empower the user to start owning their digital identity,” said HTC’s Chief Crypto Officer Phil Chen in a press release earlier this year. “The Exodus is a great place to start because the phone is the most personal device, and it is also the place where all your data originates from. I’m excited about the opportunity it brings to decentralize the internet and reshape it for the modern user.”
The Exodus 1 is targeted towards people who deal in cryptocurrency and want a secure place to store their cryptocurrency keys. This “secure enclave” is separate from the rest of the phone and the Android operating system for added security. There is also a fail safe if your phone is stolen, lost, or you misplace your cryptocurrency information. The Social Key Recovery feature allows users to choose people who will have access to some of their crypto keys.
The phone has a six-inch quad HD+ display with 18:9 aspect ratio and operates on Android Oreo. It includes 6GB of RAM and 126GB of internal storage. There is a 16-megapixel dual rear camera and eight-megapixel dual front camera. It also features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, 3,500mAh battery, and IP68 waterproof rating.
The Exodus I costs 0.15 BTC or 4.78 ETH, which is about $1,255.87 CAD—similar to that of the iPhone XS and Samsung Galaxy Note 9. The advantage is that users get the security of blockchain.
HTC is currently accepting preorders on its website, and the device will ship in December. It’s available in 34 countries, including Canada, the US, UK, Taiwan, Singapore, New Zealand, Norway and various European countries, reports CNET. Chinese consumers won’t have access to the phone because the country bans cryptocurrency trading.
