Credit: HTC
HTC has officially launched their first "blockchain-powered" smartphone, the HTC Exodus 1, into early access.
The catch: the new device can only be preordered using cryptocurrency. Either bitcoin or etherum. This will likely be a barrier to more mainstream adoption of the device. Of course, the well-known volatility of cryptocurrencies could also make the Exodus 1 a better bargain later down the line.
At the time of writing, the device costs approximately AU $1300 of Bitcoin to preorder. Should the value of bitcoin suddenly plummet as it has in the past, the Exodus 1 might instantly become a more tantalizing package.
As for what a blockchain-powered smartphone might be able to offer that a regular smartphone can't, HTC say that the Exodus 1 comes equipped with a "secure enclave" that'll be used to store a user's cryptocurrency keys.
Later down the line, the company say that third-party APIs will also allow users to make use of these capabilities in other ways.
Beyond the blockchain integration, the smartphone also features a 6.0-inch Quad HD+ display, 3500mAh battery, Snapdragon 845 processor, IP68 waterproofing, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of on-board storage and a dual-lens camera.
HTC have even put together a nifty trailer to celebrate the occasion and show off the device's semi-transparent look, which is somewhat reminiscent of the recent HTC U12+.
The Exodus 1 can now be preordered from HTC direct using either bitcoin (BC 0.15) or ethereum (ETH 4.78). HTC say devices should start shipping in December.
