You could very soon own a blockchain-powered smartphone.
Pundi X, a Singapore-based tech startup launched its blockchain-powered smartphone in Rwanda at the GSMA Mobile 360 Africa.
The XPhone is the first blockchain mobile phone to be launched in Africa.
Zac Cheah, Pundi X CEO, said, “The XPhone allows everyone to make a phone call on the blockchain.”
The company claims that a blockchain-powered phone is powered by Function X(FX) Operating System which is a blockchain system.
With the FX OS, users’ communication, media sharing, browsing is all transmitted via the blockchain they are connected to.
The hype surrounding blockchain in the recent past has led to the assumption that the technology is primarily suited for cryptocurrencies and the finance industry, however, more blockchain powered applications are coming up every other day.
Some of the new applications include: designing smart contracts, enable digital voting, create digital Ids, and enhance supply chain management.
XPhone does not require a centralized service provider, hence it is a more secure option for users wary of giving free access to their data to second and third parties.
The XPhone’s technology is open source in order to allow any interested party to build applications and services easily.
Pundi X says it will produce 5000 XPhones later this year, and will partner with telecommunication companies to produce more phones.
The company promises transitioning between blockchain and Android will be smooth.
