HTC announces a lower-cost version of the Exodus 1 blockchain-capable smartphone-- the Exodus 1s, a version featuring less powerful hardware but still capable of running a full bitcoin node, a first according to the company.
Having a bitcoin node does mean the phone can mine for cryptocurrency. Instead, it allows the Exodus 1s to hold an entire bitcoin transaction ledger, allowing it to verify and relay cryptocurrency transaction without need for a 3rd party. It is a fairly compute-heavy task demanding connection to a wifi network and, preferably, plugging the phone into the power adapter. It also requires at least 400GB of storage (via microSD card), since the ledger takes around 260GB and grows at a rate of 60GB per year.
The Exodus 1s includes the Zion wallet, a piece of HTC software allowing it send, store and receive a range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Steller and Etherum-based ERC-20 and ERC-720 tokens. Actually powering the phone is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, together with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. It also includes a 5.7-inch 720p resolution display, 13MP front-/13MP rear-facing cameras. 3.5mm jack and a rear-facing fingerprint sensor.
The Exodus 1s is available now in European markets, with S. Arabia and the UAE to follow on a later date.
