After so much hype, HTC has introduced its new blockchain-powered smartphone, “EXODUS 1,” as it promised. Right from the way how consumers can order the devices, the EXODUS 1 is wholly dedicated to blockchain encryption.
Genesis Block. Exodus Phone.
This is official early access release to the EXODUS 1. We are inviting a community of developers and enthusiasts to work with us to keep building security. Join us in rebuilding trust together, one phone at a time. Get your early access now! pic.twitter.com/sPcNc7wnzj
— HTC EXODUS (@htcexodus) October 23, 2018
HTC says that in a bid for elevated smartphone security amid recent security breaches, it wants consumers to truly own their data including browsing history, identity, assets, wallets, emails, and all without the need for central authorities. The HTC EXODUS 1 features a secure enclave, a locked area of the device completely protected from the Android OS. The secure enclave will hold crypto keys, whether that is currencies or non-fungible tokens.
The device will also offer an easy and secure way to recover keys lost in the hardware in case if you lose your phone or forget your key. HTC also said that it will soon release APIs to allow third-party developers to use the EXODUS 1 specific hardware to protect keys and sign transactions.
The Exodus 1 sports similar specifications as the HTC U12+, including a 6-inch QHD+ 18:9 display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, dual rear cameras, 8-megapixel dual selfie cameras with a bokeh effect, Android Oreo, dust- and water-resistant body with a rating of IP68 and a 3500mAh battery.
EXODUS 1 can be purchased through the early access program website and will be available in 34 countries including the US, Taiwan, HK, Singapore, New Zealand, UK, Austria, Norway, and other European countries. However, it can be purchased only using Bitcoin or Ethereum and will cost 0.15 Bitcoin or 4.78 Ethereum (roughly around $960 or Rs. 70,565). It will ship from December 2018.
Phil Chen, Decentralized Chief Officer at HTC, in a statement said:
It’s been both 10 years since the launch of the first Android phone by HTC and nearly 10 years since the launch of Bitcoin and the Genesis Block. EXODUS 1 is a foundational element of the crypto internet. For digital assets and decentralized apps to reach their potential, we believe mobile will need to be the main point of distribution.