Solana Labs which is the founders and core contributors of Solana blockchain network, announced the launch of Saga, an Android web3-focused smartphone that will go with the project’s latest stack for Web3 developers, the Solana Mobile Stack software ecosystem for Android.

At an event in New York City, Saga which is a flagship release from Solana Mobile got launched. The device has 6.6-inch display and 512 GB of storage with an embedded private key security component. Numerous web3 features are being integrated with the phone natively by the developers such as NFT marketplaces and decentralized applications (Dapps).

Solana Mobile Stack (SMS) is an open-source web software kit that enable the development of native Android apps built using the Solana blockchain. The framework includes the Mobile Wallet Adapter which is a protocol for plugging in mobile Solana wallets. This feature will work on all mobile devices including Android the firm said. Using the Solana blockchain, the team will develop mobile crypto software. As per press release, the new web3 mobile device provides users with a new set of libraries for wallets and software apps. Using the "Solana Mobile Stack," the team plans to finance this new ecosystem with $10 million. The company plans to develop digital asset products and services so that users can easily transact with cryptocurrency through a mobile device, rather than a laptop browser. The Solana executives pointed out that they will use a zero-fee SMS-powered store to beat existing Google Play and Apple App Stores.

According to Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko, the cost of the mobile device will be $1000 and is already available for a $100 pre-order deposit. The company, a subsidiary of Solana Labs, predicts that shipping will begin in the first few months of 2023.

At the event notable speakers Sam Bankman-Fried, CEO of FTX exchange and a Solana proponent shared their positive sentiments about the smartphone stating mobile crypto wallets must improve to keep up with the fast-paced web3 space.

According to Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, to reboot the mobile phone people would need to find seven of their friends in Discord implying that the phone may suffer performance issues similar to the Solana blockchain.

Indrani bose

CBW - External Analyst

INDIA