Solana News Today: Solana Mobile Ships Seeker to 50+ Countries with Enhanced Blockchain Features

Solana Mobile has begun shipping its second-generation mobile device, the Seeker, to users in over 50 countries, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to integrate blockchain technology into mobile hardware. The device, which received over 150,000 pre-orders, features an upgraded design, a mobile-native crypto wallet, and a decentralized application store that aims to circumvent the “cryptophobic censorship” typically found in mainstream app stores [1].

According to Solana Mobile’s general manager, Emmett Hollyer, the Seeker offers comprehensive hardware improvements over the first-generation Saga model. However, what distinguishes the device is its onchain features, including the Seed Vault—a hardware-secured component that separates private keys, seed phrases, and secrets from the application layer, while still allowing interaction with apps [1]. The Seed Vault enhances the security of user assets and is a key innovation in the device’s architecture.

The new phone is priced at $450 and $500, and is projected to generate at least $67.5 million in gross revenue for Solana Mobile, which operates under Solana Labs. The first-generation model, the Saga, sold only 20,000 units, and its sales were slow until memecoins stored on the device made ownership profitable [1]. The Seeker aims to address those issues by improving the user experience for crypto enthusiasts, particularly in areas such as NFT trading, gaming, and DeFi applications.

To achieve a more decentralized mobile ecosystem, Solana Mobile is implementing a technology called TEEPIN, or the “Trusted Execution Environment Platform Infrastructure Network.” This three-layer architecture decentralizes device access, app distribution, and other critical functions by linking hardware, verified software, users, and network Guardians. The system enables cryptographic attestation, allowing the device to prove it runs legitimate software, a feature that enhances security and trust [1].

The launch of the Seeker comes amid broader regulatory and competitive shifts in the tech industry. Notably, Apple, which has a market capitalization of $3 trillion, recently faced a court ruling in favor of developers who challenged its high app-store fees and restrictive policies. The ruling allows developers to direct users to external payment systems without incurring commission fees. This development has been particularly impactful for crypto app developers, who previously struggled with Apple’s control over app distribution [1].

As the mobile and crypto industries continue to converge, Solana Mobile’s Seeker represents an attempt to build a more open, secure, and decentralized alternative to traditional smartphones. Its success will depend not only on its technical features but also on its ability to attract both developers and end users who seek greater autonomy in their digital experiences [1].

Source: [1]Solana Mobile Device Seeker Ships in 50 Countries

(https://cointelegraph.com/news/solana-mobile-device-seeker-ships-50-countries?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound)