- Solana Labs has announced its second crypto phone, the Seeker, set for release in 2025 with significant upgrades including a better battery, enhanced camera, and a lighter design compared to the previous Saga model.
- The Seeker, which has already garnered $70 million in preorders, will feature the new Solana dApp store 2.0 and various Web3 capabilities, aiming to expand Solana’s reach in the Asia-Pacific region.
At the recent Token 2049 conference, Solana Labs’ phone design subsidiary, Solana Mobile, announced its plans for a groundbreaking new device: the Solana Seeker. Set to launch in 2025, this second iteration of Solana’s crypto phone promises to deliver major enhancements over its predecessor, the Saga.
What to Expect from the Seeker
The Seeker represents a significant hardware upgrade, featuring improvements across several key areas:
- Enhanced Battery and Camera: With a stronger camera and better battery life, the Seeker aims to provide an upgraded user experience. The device boasts a 108MP main camera and a 32MP front-facing camera, far surpassing the Saga’s specifications.
- Lighter and Sleeker Design: Emmet Hollyer, who oversees Solana Labs’ phone project, highlights the Seeker’s lighter and more refined design as a notable upgrade. The phone also features a 6.36-inch display, 128GB of storage, and 8GB of memory.
- Web3 Integration: The Seeker will come preloaded with the Solana dApp store 2.0, which introduces a new rewards tracker and improved app discoverability. This upgrade includes a variety of applications, such as payments, DeFi, NFTs, AI, and gaming, all with zero transaction fees.
Preorder Information and Regional Impact
Solana Mobile has already achieved $70 million in preorders for the Seeker, with more than half of these orders coming from Asia-Pacific countries. This marks a significant expansion into a region where the company previously struggled to gain traction.
Early adopters can take advantage of a special founder’s price of $450 for preorders, available until September 21, 2024. The Seeker’s advanced features and competitive pricing are set to attract a broad audience and drive further adoption of Solana’s blockchain ecosystem.
Reflecting on the Saga’s Legacy
The Seeker’s release is a bold move following the mixed reception of its predecessor, the Saga. Launched at over $1,000 and later reduced to $599 due to slower sales, the Saga introduced Solana’s innovative dApp store, positioning it as a crypto-centric alternative to mainstream smartphones. With the Seeker, Solana aims to build on this foundation, refining its approach and offering a more compelling product.
As Solana Mobile gears up for the Seeker’s launch, the industry will be watching closely to see if this new device can capitalize on the lessons learned from the Saga and further integrate blockchain technology into everyday consumer electronics.
