Last year HTC announced a blockchain smart phone, the Exodus 1. Pre-orders were subsequently opened in October and surprise! You could only pay for one with cryptocurrency. This limitation may not have worked out so well, because HTC will now take regular old dollars.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-htcs-exodus-1-the-blockchain-smartphone/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/wkxkyut7gpz3oqimeuca.jpg” title=”What You Need To Know About Exodus 1: HTC’s ‘Blockchain Phone’” excerpt=”Nothing has signalled that we’ve finally entered the cyber future more than the rise of blockchain networks and cryptocurrency. And that makes HTC’s blockchain-based smartphone, the HTC Exodus 1, one of the most cyberpunk (and strange) devices yet.”]
Originally, the HTC was only accepting Bitcoin and Ethereum, before eventually opening it up to Litecoin and Binance Coin as well.
At the time it cost 0.15 BTC/4.78 ETH which was the equivalent of around $US960.
Although the pre-order website still lists crypto as the only payment option, this will change in the near future according to Venture Beat.
You will soon be able to order an Exodus 1 in Euros, USD and other mainstream currencies. Although it is unlikely to be offered in Australia, you can always ship one in if you’re keen enough.
After all, crypto isn’t the only draw card of this device. A Blockchain phone has the potential to offer more security and data protection.
The Exodus 1 was designed by HTC’s Decentralised Chief Officer, Phil Chen. It is open-sourced and, as Chen’s title suggests, made for a decentralised web.
“Exodus is about the future of data and getting the right architecture for the internet, one that includes security, privacy, and transfer of ownership of data back to the person generating it,” said Chen in a press release.
The specs aren’t bad, either.
It has a 6-inch Quad HD+ display, Snapdragon 845 CPU, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, 3,500mAh battery and USB-C fast charging.
When it comes to the camera, we’re looking at a dual 16MP/12Mp rear setup and an 8MP front facing lens.
Plus, it has a headphone jack and an IP68 water resistance rating.
The Exodus 1 will contain Zion – HTC’s own crypocurrency wallet, which it is opening up to select partners.
Opera will be one of these, and will enable users to make micropayments directly online with private keys stored on the phone.
Other Decentralised Apps (Dapps) such as Blockfolio, a portfolio tracker, and Nodle – a low energy-powered IoT connectivity provider.
The Exodus 1 will be available after March 31 and will have an RRP of $US699, will is just under $1000 here in Australia.
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