Foxconn is going to assist Sirin Labs with the development of its new Finney blockchain phone.
The blockchain Blackberry
Finney, the “state-of-the-art mobile device for the Blockchain era”, is rumored to ship in October for a target price of USD 1,000. Sirin has currently received 25,000 preorders, with 2018 sales expected to exceed 100,000 units, with the possibility of reaching several million. The device is due to initially go on sale in stores located in active crypto communities such as Vietnam and Turkey. The mobile is also available to be shipped worldwide via purchases from their website. As sales increase, the intention will be to expand distribution to common mobile retailers.
Cryptocurrency accessibility
Cryptocurrencies have grown in popularity but in terms of everyday convenience, there hasn’t been much progression. Most people store cryptocurrency on hardware or software wallets which tend to require PC access or hot wallets such as Coinbase. Although mobile wallets are available, they aren’t necessarily as secure. Bitcoin ATMs are increasing in number, but are not as abundant as their fiat counterparts and are limited to trading a few currencies. Having a secure, intuitive mobile designed from the ground up around blockchain would bring cryptocurrency use to the mainstream.
Tech specifications
Current smartphones have several underlying issues in their ability to deliver a secure crypto experience. Sirin Labs’s mission with Finney is to provide the functionality and usability of an Android. Their flagship will shift towards enhanced security via its suite of cybersecurity technologies, providing reliable access to the blockchain. Finney’s physical security switch is a cool addition to the hardware as a preventative measure.
An app store for distributed apps (like ysigns messenger app) will streamline accessibility and provide a competitive marketplace for developers. The ability to make easy purchases from crypto-friendly sites like Overstock and Newegg with quick conversions from cash to crypto may encourage a more widespread adoption from customers and retailers alike.
Secure future
It’s time for innovation in the outdated mobile market shadowed by ever-growing cyber threats. With more personal details being stored on our mobile devices, a future with secure mobile trade and communication is imperative. Mobiles need to take on the responsibility of safeguarding our data so we don’t have to worry as much.
