Sirin Labs is developing world's first blockchain smartphones and PC terminals
The crypto world is still mostly shrouded in mystery and far from going mainstream, as the technicalities of cryptocoins and blockchains are barely grasped even by IT&C nerds. Sirin Labs intends to bring the crypto world closer to mainstream by releasing the first open-source devices connected to a fee-less blockchain. The device line, which includes a smartphone and a PC terminal, was named Finney in honor of Bitcoin pioneer Hal Finney.
All Finney devices will connect to an independent blockchain network. This will feature a distributed ledger both scalable and lightweight, powered by IOTA’s Tangle technology. Sirin Labs aims at providing a decentralized experience, capable of providing fast, fee-less and secure transactions.
Both the smartphone and the PC terminal come with a built-in “cold storage” crypto wallet and SIRIN LABS’ Cyber Protection suite that includes:
• Behavioral based Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
• Physical security switch (for wallet protection)
• Secured communications (VoIP, text, email)
• Three-Factor authentication: Biometric, Lock Pattern, Behavioral
The Finney smartphone has a target price of US$999 and runs the proprietary Android-based Shield OS. It comes with a 5.2-inch QHD display, but Sirin Labs does not specify what SoC will be included. The price suggests this should be a high-end chip, though. Other features include 8 GB RAM, 256 GB internal storage, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0, 16 MP rear camera and 12 MP front selfie camera.
The PC terminal will also come with the Android-based Shield OS and will feature a 24-inch 2K monitor that incorporates the computing core. Again, Sirin Labs doesn’t provide any info about the CPU / GPU specs. The target price of US$799 suggests that these should be mid-range solutions. Also included with the PC terminal are 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB storage (presumably in SSD form) and Wi-Fi connectivity, along with biometric security sensors.
The London-based company announced that it will begin a crowdfunding campaign this October in order to facilitate the mass production of the Finney devices.