Huobi-Backed Whole Network Launches Low-Cost Blockchain Phone

A cheaper blockchain phone is debuting in Southeast Asia, with a U.S. and European launch promised in the near future.

Huobi Global announced Tuesday the launch of the “Acute Angle” blockchain phone for $515. The Acute Angle is made by Whole Network, a startup that Huobi invested in. Also announced today, Whole Network’s NODE token will be listed on Huobi Prime. Running against competitors like Sirin Labs’ $1,000 “Finney” phone, the Whole Network device can be purchased with Huobi’s native token, HT, for roughly half the price.

Based on Android’s operating system, Acute Angle is currently available in China with a Q4 2019 launch planned for Southeast Asia. Dates for the U.S. and European rollout have not yet been given.

In a statement, Huobi Global CEO Livio Weng said blockchain-based phones have a bright future:

“We think blockchain phones are a promising area for future blockchain industry development. As the industry develops and as innovations like 5G become increasingly integrated into our telecommunications systems, we believe more and more crypto communities will want to trade and transact from mobile devices.”

Acute Angle includes built-in crypto-ready features like push trade notifications, a dapp wallet, an optional cold-wallet plugin and the NODE native token.

Acute Angle is the first in a future lineup of blockchain-based phones from Whole Network, Huobi said, with plans for 5G capability for future phones promised.

Whole Network joins Samsung and Sirin Labs, among others, in blockchain-based phone development. Last month, Samsung added bitcoin functionality into its Samsung Developers Kit (SDK).

Huobi image via Shutterstock