There is a new HTC blockchain smartphone that buyers can only acquire using cryptocurrency. Dubbed Exodus 1, the phone comes with its own crypto wallet called Zion.
HTC is a Taiwanese phone maker that is experiencing low sales in the traditional handset market. Therefore, analysts see this new offering as a way to reinvent themselves. Interestingly, the blockchain-focused handset incorporates a separate operating system that keeps cryptocurrency secure. According to Phil Chen, HTC’s decentralized chief officer, Android OS is insecure and cannot store cryptocurrency.
New HTC blockchain smartphone to bring blockchain closer to masses
The new operating system does not rely on a central command like in the case of Android, which has Google. However, the two operating systems (OS) will run concurrently to power the blockchain handset.
Speaking to CNBC, Chen says that the micro OS will act like a crypto wallet but not in the traditional sense. “It basically is a wallet, but the wallet, what it does is hold your private keys,” Chen explains. Chen further explains that need to separate the wallet from Google’s Android is to avoid chances of hacks.
Furthermore, Chen revealed in the conversation with CNBC that the new handset fundamentally seeks to bolster users’ digital assets. Also, the phone will utilize blockchain technology to help to protect customer data and identity.
Users to own their data
The HTC executive adds that social media giants of today like Facebook flourish because they hold a lot of data. Therefore, the phone tries to change that narrative by giving every user a control over their data.
“And the reason why you do a blockchain phone is … for everybody just to own their own keys. Everything starts there. When you start owning your own keys, then you can start owning your own digital identity, then you can start to own data,” Chen tells CNBC.
Interestingly, the new HTC blockchain smartphone is not the first to hit the market. The Swiss Sirin Labs and Indonesia’s Pundi X are other pioneers with their own blockchain smartphones. Particularly, Pundi X offers a handset that can operate on its own blockchain-based transmission protocol, independently of mobile carriers.
