Solana, the open source software project and developer of the Solana protocol, launched its web3-focused Android smartphone, Saga, months after shutting down its physical retail stores in New York City and Miami. With the phone, users have access to crypto platforms and services via mobile phones, which is a big plus compared to needing a desktop. Solana Mobile Stack, an Android framework for developers to create engaging mobile interfaces for Solana wallets and applications, and Seed Vault, which provides secure hardware and AES encryption for users' private keys, are included with the phone. Additionally, physical features include a 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide dual-camera system, a 16MP selfie camera, and a rear fingerprint sensor.

Pre-orders for Saga are expected to start shipping in April, with the first 10,000 purchasers receiving a limited edition of NFTs from Solana. This demonstrates the potential for blockchain-based digital assets, as well as displaying the tight connection between mobile technology and blockchains. However, the phone's $1,000 price tag has failed to push the value of Solana's token, SOL, up beyond $24.90 at press time. Although it occupies the number 11 spot in terms of market cap (CoinMarketCap has it at #10), it's down from its peak in 2022, when it was one of the top 20 cryptocurrencies.

Prior to the shutdown of the retail stores, which managed to assist with over 16,000 network tutorials in the second-half of 2022, they experienced a drop in value due to the bankruptcy of FTX. Nevertheless, Solana Labs' founder, Anatoly Yakovenko, is promoting blockchain adoption on mobile, citing that more than 100 million people currently own digital assets, and 7 billion users have phones. Therefore, the potential for web3 crypto experiences on mobile is immense. It looks like Solana is hoping its Saga phone will put them a step ahead in the race towards blockchain adoption.



Other News from Today