XProtocol’s Ethereum Phone XForge Challenges Solana Seeker

XProtocol’s Ethereum Phone XForge Launching to Take on Solana Seeker is generating significant buzz in the tech community. On Wednesday, XProtocol announced the upcoming release of their new Android-powered smartphone, XForge. This device will be optimized for gaming and blockchain rewards, and its launch is eagerly anticipated later this year.

XForge: The World’s First “DePIN Phone”

XProtocol has dubbed their innovative device XForge as the world’s first “DePIN phone.” This term stands for decentralized physical infrastructure networks, a cutting-edge concept in blockchain technology. The XForge smartphone utilizes a layer-3 network, enabling users to earn rewards and participate in airdrops.

The phone is attractively priced at $299 and boasts impressive specifications: 256GB of storage, 12GB of RAM, and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Initially built on the Base layer-2 scaling network on Ethereum, XProtocol aims to enhance the gaming experience on mobile devices.

From Layer-2 to Layer-1: XProtocol’s Future Plans

XProtocol has big dreams beyond their current layer-3 network. The company plans to eventually migrate to its own layer-1 network to achieve more autonomy and scalability. Initially, XProtocol chose the Base layer-2 network due to its capacity to handle high transaction volumes.

The firm is revolutionizing blockchain technology with its XForge smartphone, promising a more connected and decentralized future. Empowered by blockchain, XProtocol will eventually operate on user software running on XForge handsets and Xardian Nodes.

Earlier this year, Solana Mobile made waves with their entry into the crypto smartphone market with the Saga and upcoming Seeker devices. XProtocol aims to compete actively against Solana’s Seeker, offering unique rewards and features. Notably, Solana’s Seeker, priced around $450, is advertised as an “airdrop magnet” with community-driven rewards.

XProtocol, however, has a unique offer for the first 10,000 XForge purchasers—a “free node” allowing participants to validate network transactions. This model, popularized by Ethereum networks, extends to decentralized mobile infrastructure with XProtocol’s latest offerings.

XProtocol’s Layer-3 Testnet and Upcoming Mainnet Launch

XProtocol has successfully launched a testnet for its layer-3 network, with a mainnet rollout planned for the fourth quarter of this year. Already, more than 5,200 nodes have been sold, and node operators will earn a share of network tokens over the first 48 months, rewarding their support of the blockchain network.

The company, based in the Cayman Islands, raised $800,000 in a strategic funding round in July, bringing XProtocol’s total raised funds to $5.2 million. Notable participants in the funding include venture capital firms Dragonfly and Caballeros Capital, as well as gaming hardware giant Razer and Singapore-based Saison Capital.

Edited by Andrew Hayward