This week, HTC took the opportunity to formally introduce its newest smartphone offering -- the Exodus. So what makes this particular handset so special? This device so happens to be the first ever smartphone made by a major mobile manufacturing brand that is dedicated to blockchain encryption.
For those who are not familiar with the term, blockchain refers to the technology that is used to secure various forms of cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum and Bitcoin. And HTC may be positioning its new Exodus smartphone as a device that will allow mobile users to secure their data and their blockchain currencies within the handset as opposed to storing potentially sensitive and private information in the cloud, where it could be vulnerable to intrusion.
Mobile privacy and security remains a hot topic today, especially in the wake of Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica controversy, not to mention loads of other data and security breaches that seemingly grab headlines each and every week. For HTC, offering a new smartphone that promises heightened security is definitely a no brainer.
The Exodus’ overall design is certainly capable of offering some protection. Powered by Google’s Android mobile operating system, the device not only comes with full support for decentralized applications (or DApps, for short), it also provides a universal wallet that can store the user’s digital currencies. And as pointed out by HTC, each Exodus unit will function as its own blockchain node, contributing to an expanding blockchain network that gets stronger and safer as it becomes bigger.
Still, it should be noted that HTC’s Exodus is a sort of irregular smartphone release. For those excited about the new flagships that the Taiwanese phone maker had promised to officially unveil this coming May 23rd, the Exodus is definitely not one of those. If they feel disappointed about that, they will not have to wait long -- a week from now, they should be able to see what the upcoming U12 models are all about.
HTC is hardly the only tech company busying itself with blockchain related projects. As a matter of fact, it was more than a month ago when Foxconn and Sirin Labs had announced a collaboration to build the first blockchain phone (called the Finney). Also, there is talk that Chinese tech giant Huawei is also thinking of developing its blockchain handset, one that will be patterned after Sirin’s system. Two other companies -- BitVault and Blacture -- are also saying that their blockchain device offering will debut soon, but so far, no release date has been made public yet.
While it is true that HTC’s Exodus similarly has no details regarding pricing and availability yet, interested parties however can already reserve their unit online. Interested in other devices? Feel free to explore more phones and plans from HTC at Wirefly now. To browse more cell phone plans, click here.
