Solana has just introduced its latest smartphone, “Seeker,” a successor to the Saga phone launched last year. Seeker comes with a more affordable price tag—half the cost of its predecessor—and promises to offer a robust web3 experience without relying solely on memecoins.
The device, which is geared toward crypto enthusiasts, offers a series of upgrades aimed at improving both user experience and hardware performance.
Solana Learns from Past
The release of Solana’s Saga last May was met with lukewarm reviews from tech and crypto communities. Despite this, the device saw a surge in sales later in the year, thanks to a memecoin called Bonk (BONK), which rallied by 1,000%, boosting the phone’s appeal. Interestingly, Solana’s phone broke sales records, selling over 30,000 units on its first day.
Learning from this experience, Solana is positioning Seeker as more than just a phone for speculative tokens, although it will continue to offer users access to similar rewards that contributed to Saga’s eventual success.
What is Seeker?
Seeker is designed to be a truly web3-focused mobile device, seamlessly integrating hardware and software for enhanced user experience. Solana Labs claims the device is lighter, brighter, and equipped with better cameras and a longer battery life.
At the core of Seeker’s functionality is the Seed Vault, a security feature designed to ensure top-tier protection of users’ assets. Partnering with Solflare, Solana has introduced the Seed Vault Wallet, a mobile-first wallet that offers self-custody with just a double tap, aiming to deliver a smoother transaction experience.
According to Emmett Hollyer, General Manager at Solana Labs, Seeker aims to be more than just a “memecoin phone.” Speaking at Token2049 in Singapore, Hollyer emphasized that Seeker would act as a “rewards magnet,” but its purpose extends beyond memecoins. He highlighted Seeker’s potential to foster new experiences and use cases, particularly in decentralized finance (DeFi), payments, and gaming.
An open and unrestricted decentralized app (DApp) store will allow developers to quickly launch new apps on Seeker, capturing the latest trends and narratives in the crypto space.
Focus on Maximizing Crypto Utility
Hollyer also pointed out that while Solana’s phone won’t directly compete with mobile giants like Apple and Samsung, its focus will be on maximizing crypto utility in a handheld format. The upgraded hardware, including a higher-quality screen and better cameras, is aimed at addressing previous criticisms of Saga’s technical shortcomings.
Beyond the user experience, Seeker is expected to be a launchpad for decentralized applications, including token launchpads and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) apps like Helium and Infield. Hollyer believes Seeker’s hardware will enhance the development of these applications, making it a hub for innovative crypto utilities.
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