Web3 Companies Expand Into Hardware With New Devices
Crypto ventures are increasingly moving beyond traditional apps and tokens to explore physical hardware. Recent launches from companies like Gaia Labs and Solana Mobile highlight this shift, aiming to merge blockchain technology with everyday tools.
Gaia Labs Announces AI-Powered Smartphone
This week, Gaia Labs, a decentralized AI and Web3 infrastructure company, introduced an AI smartphone targeting users in South Korea and Hong Kong. Developed on Samsung�s Galaxy S25 Edge hardware, the device is designed to run AI models locally, allowing users to interact with agents without using cloud services. The phone features integrated onchain identity support, a pre-loaded Gaia domain, and tools for deploying custom AI agents.
Solana Mobile Expands Device Offerings
Solana Mobile, affiliated with the Solana blockchain, recently announced its second-generation device, the Solana Seeker. The company reported over 150,000 pre-orders, with shipping also planned for 2025. Its previous offering, the Saga phone, debuted in 2023 and came equipped with a Seed Vault and a dedicated Solana decentralized application store. According to Solana Mobile's general manager, their focus is to create a mobile ecosystem centered on crypto users and developers, rather than competing directly with larger manufacturers like Apple or Samsung.
Early Blockchain Device Initiatives
The blending of blockchain and mobile devices is not entirely new. In 2018, Taiwanese electronics manufacturer HTC launched the Exodus?1 smartphone, which included a built-in hardware wallet for multiple cryptocurrencies. Other firms, such as Nothing, have also introduced devices with dual Web2/Web3 capabilities, crypto wallet integration, and NFT support.
Gaming Devices Join the Trend
Beyond smartphones, major blockchain teams have experimented with handheld gaming hardware. In 2024, Mysten Labs, creators of the Sui blockchain, revealed the SuiPlay0X1 console, featuring blockchain-based authentication and onchain asset management. Solana Mobile is also preparing to launch a portable gaming console in October 2025. This device will serve as both a gaming platform and a hardware wallet, featuring Solana wallet integration and access to Solana�s DApp ecosystem.
Viability Over Market Share
Industry leaders say the primary goal is to demonstrate that decentralized and blockchain-powered devices can offer viable alternatives to mainstream technology. Gaia Labs co-founder Shashank Sripada emphasized the focus on technical and economic viability, rather than pursuing traditional market share. As more companies launch physical devices, the trend suggests that hardware may play a growing role in the evolution of Web3 infrastructure.
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