HTC isn’t the major player in the smartphone space it once was, but the company did release one of the more unusual phones of 2018 — the HTC Exodus 1.

It’s an Android phone with built-in blockchain hardware and software, allowing you to use it as a cryptocurrency wallet and support for decentralized “web 3.0” apps.

While the Exodus 1 seemed like a phone that was only ever going to appeal to a small group of people, apparently HTC is happy with the reception so far — because according to Taiwan News, HTC is preparing to release a second-gen blockchain phone later this year.

HTC Exodus 1

There aren’t many details about the phone yet, but it’s said to be coming in the second half of the year, and it will likely include some of the same blockchain features as the Exodus 1.

Those include the ability store your private keys in a secure enclave that’s isolated from the Android operating system, and the ability to recover missing keys if you lose your phone by designating a group of trusted friends who each have access to a part of your key. None of them can access your data on their own, but together they’ll be able to help you recover your key.

The HTC Exodus 1 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, a 6 inch display, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, four cameras (two on the back and two on the front), and a 3,500 mAh battery.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the next version upgraded to a Snapdragon 855 chip.

At launch, the HTC Exodus 1 was only available for purchase using Bitcoin or Etherium and it sold for the equivalent of $950. Now you can pay with cryptocurrency or cash, and it sells for $699.

via xda-developers

 

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6 replies on “HTC’s second blockchain phone is coming this year”

    1. iOS or Android?
      Both have their shares of security problems, but right now Android is considered a safe choice (If you get some device with latest version).
      But in the end it does not matter at all, being a bit better is pretty much useless.

      If you care for security, you do not use FPS, you do not use face unlock, you encrypt your phone and every comunication via VPN etc…
      If you really care for security, you would have not asked iPhone or Pixel, you would know.

      1. “If you really care for security, you would have not asked iPhone or Pixel, you would know.”

        This device is intended for average folks. Average folks interested in blockchain technology. To help spread blockchain technology. According to the website: https://www.htcexodus.com/us/

        What’s FPS? Last time it meant frames per second.

        1. Fingerprint Scanner.
          Joe is wrong, if you want security you do not use Face Unlock, but fingerprint scanners are fairly secure… much more than a 4-digit pin or simple code. Though its probably better to use a proper 8-digit password with capitals, numbers, and symbols.

          And between the iPhone and Android, iPhone is a lot more restrictive, but its more secure since the API works in defined sandboxes, whereas Android has more freedom. It’s possible for a malicious Android App to have an affect on the system/settings, or other Apps. That is far less probable on iOS.

          And that’s before you even factor the big difference in security between the AppStore and the Play Store.

          1. “Fingerprint Scanner.”

            How come Americans always come up with new, obscured acronyms I was never though of?

            Security is always a trade-off. As Bruce Schneier says. The trade-off you are comfortable with depends on your threat model.

            “Though its probably better to use a proper 8-digit password with capitals, numbers, and symbols.”

            You don’t need those crazy symbols anymore. What you need is entropy. A little longer password containing small letters only with the same entropy as one which is albeit shorter, but contains crazy characters is exactly as secure. But probably neither of those are usable in the real world on a smartphone.

            https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2016/08/18/nists-new-password-rules-what-you-need-to-know/

            On an iPhone you can select to erase device after 10 unsuccessful attempts, and a continuous increase in time needed between attempting to enter your password again. That’s a good trade-off.

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