A new cellphone equipped with blockchain technology and end-to-end-encryption is set to be launched in time before Christmas. Will it have what it takes to beat its established competitors?
Payments using the blockchain, end-to-end-encryption, online verification with an electronic ID – too good to be true? Wisekey, a Geneva-based cyber-security firm, promises that and more when it launches the Wisephone (pictured below).
Genesis, the standard type Wisephone will reach the stores on December 15 and cost $556. Or 0.12 bitcoins, which was equal to $447 once this story was published.
A premium device called Block will hit the market in the first quarter of 2019, with a better built-in camera, a faster processing chip and integrated crypto wallet. The price has been set at $894 – or 0.19 bitcoin. The wallet will only be activated once the Swiss regulator, Finma, gives its go ahead for the launch of Wisecoin, Wisekey’s own crypto currency platform.
Secure Android Smartphone
Wisekey CEO Carlos Moreira says that Wisephone is an Android phone like any other with exactly the same functionalities. But it has an additional, protected area shielded from the Android-specific security issues. This unique functionality allows users to safely store crypto currencies or other crypto assets and to also secure their email and voice communication.
Of course, only time will tell whether the new phone is more than a marketing tool and whether it actually is capable of all the special features. And here’s a presentation of Wisephone by CEO Moreira:
