Days after Pundi X announced it had carried out the first-ever blockchain phone call, HTC has revealed that its blockchain-powered Exodus smartphone will be publicly launched on 22nd October.

Project lead Phil Chen explains that this will essentially serve as a secure wallet device for Bitcoin, Ethereum and other virtual currencies.

The device’s software is based on Android and will include additional security protocols and applications designed to deal with the necessary encryption for secure handling of many cryptocurrencies, he adds. The phone will be priced at around $1,000 (£759).

Privacy-oriented device

“The Exodus is also designed for the privacy-minded people because it gives them control over their data without having to rely on the major tech firms for cloud storage,” states Chen. Further details will be made public in a week’s time.

Chen, who also led the Vive virtual reality (VR) headset, says the device will initially target a “niche” sector, but that it would soon be available worldwide.

The Exodus is reportedly similar to Sirin Lab’s world’s first blockchain-powered smartphone dubbed the Finney, which is also priced at around $1,000. The Switzerland-based firm launched this earlier in the year.