TLDR:
- Solana unveiled its second crypto phone ‘Seeker’ at Token 2049 conference
- Seeker has $70 million in pre-orders and will ship in early 2025
- Improvements include better hardware, enhanced DApp Store, and new Seed Vault Wallet
- Seeker aims to be an all-in-one Web3 platform for DeFi, payments, and gaming
- The phone integrates with DePIN networks and offers cost-effective airdrops
Solana has officially unveiled its second-generation crypto smartphone, the Seeker, at the Token 2049 conference.
This new device, set to ship in early 2025, represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the Saga, and aims to establish itself as the definitive mobile platform for Web3 users.
The Seeker has already generated substantial interest, with pre-orders reaching an impressive $70 million. This early success stands in stark contrast to the initial struggles faced by the Saga, Solana’s first crypto phone launched in May 2023.
The Saga’s fortunes turned around dramatically in December 2023 when the value of its included BONK token airdrop surged, causing a sell-out of the limited 20,000-unit inventory.
Learning from the Saga’s journey, Solana has designed the Seeker to offer more than just financial incentives. The new device boasts significant hardware upgrades, addressing criticisms leveled at the Saga. These improvements include a brighter AMOLED display, a high-quality 108 MP camera, and a lighter, more portable design.
Emmett Hollyer, general manager at Solana Mobile, emphasized the Seeker’s enhanced capabilities.
“Seeker will have a higher-quality screen, better cameras, and an upgraded battery, making it lighter, brighter, and better than its predecessor,” he stated.
These upgrades are intended to make the Seeker a practical and powerful device for active Web3 users.
One of the Seeker’s standout features is the new Seed Vault Wallet, which provides users with self-custody of their digital assets. This wallet includes advanced security features such as double-tap transactions and a burner mode, enhancing the overall safety of users’ crypto holdings.
The Seeker also builds upon the Saga’s innovative DApp Store concept. This independent app store allows developers to launch specialized crypto apps without incurring the high fees typically associated with mainstream app stores.
The updated version on the Seeker offers improved app discoverability and has attracted significantly more interest from developers.
Solana has expanded the Seeker’s functionality by integrating it with Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) like Helium Mobile. This integration allows users to contribute valuable sensor data to decentralized networks while earning rewards.
The Seeker supports cost-effective airdrops through the Airship tool, making token distributions more accessible for businesses.
While the current airdrop value for Seeker ($322.70) is lower than what was offered with Saga ($1,488.12), Solana is positioning the new phone as a comprehensive Web3 device rather than relying solely on airdrop incentives. The company aims to create an all-encompassing platform that integrates DeFi, payments, and gaming within a single ecosystem.
Solana co-founder and Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko highlighted the company’s mission:
“We founded Solana Mobile with the mission of taking crypto mobile. To achieve that, we needed to make Seeker more accessible, more affordable, and for its hardware and software to be even more deeply integrated for Web3.”
As of now, the Seeker has surpassed 140,000 pre-orders across 57 countries, indicating strong global interest in this Web3-focused device.
