HTC Might Release Blockchain-Powered Smartphone on Oct 22

Taiwanese electronics and smartphone maker HTC released on Saturday a teaser presenting its blockchain-powered phone Exodus. It emerged in May that the company was  working on such a device, with HTC saying at the time its product would support decentralized applications (dApps) and would have a “built-in secure hardware enclave.”

Recently, HTC created an Instagram account, htc.exodus, and teased about the upcoming Exodus. The short clip doesn’t hint at any specifications but ends with the suggestive numbers “10.22,” meaning the product might be launched next Monday (October 22).

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo10uP_hptt/?taken-by=htc.exodus

The first post on this Instagram profile is a picture accompanied by the comment:

“Proud to be announcing the official IG launch of the EXODUS! Stay tuned for more about the EXODUS!”

The team working on the device has also created a dedicated single-page website which reads:

“Our vision is to expand the blockchain ecosystem by creating the world’s first phone dedicated to decentralized applications and security. With the release of the HTC Exodus we can now make this a reality.”

Phil Chen, HTC’s chief decentralizing officer, said in May the new model would support blockchain protocols like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Lightning Network, Dfinity, and more. At that time, Cryptovest had the pleasure of securing an exclusive interview with Chen, who noted that HTC was known for taking risks, pointing out it was the first to adopt the Android operating system.

In mid-July, Chen told The Verge his company would be ready to launch the phone by the end of 2018. He added that those who want to own an Exodus should be prepared for a price tag of  about $1,000, which is also the cost of Sirin Lab’s blockchain-powered phone, Finney.