HTC has revealed more details on its blockchain-centric Exodus phone, which it says will go on sale later this year.
The “world’s first major blockchain phone” was first announced back in May and will be available sometime before the end of September, the company says.
The idea for the phone is to create a cold storage wallet for Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies, while offering added security through decentralised apps.
HTC hasn’t released any specs or images of the phone, just a blueprint, but the company crypto boss Phil Chen told The Verge it’ll cost around $1,000. That’s around the same as an iPhone X, but for blockchain enthusiasts it’s likely to be a price worth paying. He hopes the phone will go on sale everywhere, but knows the company may struggle due to regulations in China.
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“In the new internet age people are generally more conscious about their data, this a perfect opportunity to empower the user to start owning their digital identity,” Chen said in a press release.
“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 decentralise the internet and reshape it for the modern user.”
While we still don’t know much about HTC’s plans, the firm is announcing a partnership with the blockchain game CryptoKitties, which will be available on a number of HTC phones, including the new U12+.
The company overwrites: “Mobile is the most prevalent device in the history of humankind and for digital assets and dapps to reach their potential, mobile will need to be the main point of distribution. The partnership with CryptoKitties is the beginning of a non fungible, collectible marketplace and crypto gaming app store.”
HTC’s efforts in crypto come as it seemingly fights for its survival. The firm recently laid off another 1,500 people with sales down 67% year-on-year.
Are you intrigued by the Exodus phone? Or is it it a final, desperate throw of the dice from a company in deep trouble? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
