HTC Exodus 1s blockchain phone announced, set to cost $250-300

HTC has announced a new version of its blockchain phone, HTC Exodus 1s. The phone will go on sale in the third quarter of this year.

As the name implies, the new phone is a cheaper version of the main variant HTC Exodus 1 launched in October last year. The phone is expected to be priced between $250 and $300. The new phone, however, comes with several new features including full node capabilities. It will also come with Bitcoin blockchain.

With Exodus 1s, HTC is hoping to create a bigger decentralised network - necessary to push the adoption of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. A cheaper price point is expected to help HTC reach out to newer users interested in cryptocurrencies.

"We are democratizing access to the technology for a free world. Full nodes are the most important ingredient in the resilience of the Bitcoin network, and we have lowered the barrier to entry for any person to run a node, which is simply a computer, mobile in our case, participating in a global Bitcoin network that propagates transactions and blocks everywhere, which is the foundation and fundamental definition of a peer-to-peer cash system," said HTC.

HTC said it will be revealing full specifications and other features of the phone in coming weeks.

The predecessor features a 6-inch HD+ display. It runs on Snapdragon 845 processor with 6GB of RAM and 128GB built-in storage. Other key specifications of the Exodus 1 include 3,500mAh battery, IP68 certification, and 16-megapixel dual rear cameras.

HTC Exodus 1s will join a very small set of blockchain phones which are available in select markets. Last year, Switzerland-based Sirin Labs launched the world's first commercial blockchain phone, Finney. Sinagpore-based Pundi X offers a dedicated blockchain-focused operating system.