HTC is the
latest to hop onto the blockchain bandwagon, with the company announcing plans
to make a new blockchain-powered Android phone, as first reported by
TheNextWeb. The company is naming it Exodus and giving it a universal wallet
and hardware support for cryptocurrencies and decentralized apps.
To start
with, the Exodus phone will have support for bitcoin, ethereum, and other major
networks, with more partnerships expected to come later on. HTC envisions a
native blockchain network that uses Exodus phones as nodes that support
cryptocurrency trading between users. HTC is also reportedly considering
allowing people to purchase the Exodus phone with cryptocurrency. No price has
been set yet for the phone.
HTC Vive
founder Phil Chen will be heading all blockchain initiatives. The move follows
the recent trend of Facebook Messenger and Instagram executives switching over
to lead a blockchain division for Facebook. Accordingly, Chen’s new title will
be “decentralized chief officer.” We’ve also reached out to HTC for more
information.
Chen said
during the New York City blockchain conference, Consensus 2018, today: “We
envision a phone where you hold your own keys, you own your own identity and
data, and your phone is the hub.”
It’s
interesting to note the range of companies that have launched their own
blockchain initiatives, from established companies seeking more profits and to
remain competitive to decentralized networks, to those seeking novelty, and
others that are trying to rescue their images. HTC, which laid off a
significant portion of its US staff this year and merged its smartphone and
virtual reality divisions, might fall in the last category of companies.ac
0 comments
Post a Comment