Ledger, the French startup known for its secure cryptocurrency hardware wallets, has started shipping new wallets, about 18 months after introducing its latest Ledger Stax device.
The updated wallet features an E-Ink display and was designed in collaboration with Tony Fadell, one of the lead designers of the iPod. E-Ink technology is commonly used in e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle and Rakuten Kobo because the displays are easy to view in sunlight and don't require a lot of power.
The company plans to list Ledger Stax on its website once it has stock after fulfilling all pre-orders. The delay in the hardware wallet could be due to the company overpromising on the design side. Ledger Stax features a curved E-Ink display. The company said that curved E-Ink displays were more difficult to produce at scale than expected.
So what makes the Ledger Stax different from Ledger's other wallets, the Nano S Plus and Nano X? Unlike those two devices, the Ledger Stax features a large display with a secure touch screen that interacts directly with the secure element inside the device, which is said to be easier to use than the arrow buttons on other Ledger devices.
While the Nano S Plus only works with a USB-C cable, the Nano X and Stax also have a Bluetooth chip, meaning you can initiate cryptocurrency transactions from your phone and have them verified in your cryptocurrency wallet – no wires required.
With this new wallet, Ledger is also targeting high-end customers: the company was selling the Ledger Stax for 279 euros (about $300 at today's exchange rates) during pre-order phase. The final retail price of the wallet wasn't revealed, so we'll have to wait until it's available for purchase again on the company's website.
Thanks to the curved display, you can view information on the back of the device even when it's turned off. This is especially useful for businesses and individuals who own multiple hardware wallets and want to stack them. The Ledger Stax has built-in magnets for easy alignment and also supports Qi wireless charging.
When it comes to security, all Ledger products are based on a Secure Element where your wallet's private key is stored securely. Your private key never leaves your cryptocurrency wallet, so your assets are safe even if your computer or phone is compromised. However, most cryptocurrency hacks are phishing attacks, and Ledger cannot protect you from social engineering or scams.
If you lose your device, you can restore your wallet using your secret recovery phrase, and the company also offers subscription products if you are not comfortable with your recovery phrase.
Interestingly, the Ledger Stax also marks the start of a production partnership with consumer electronics manufacturer Foxconn. Until now, Ledger had assembled its devices in Vierzon, France, and the Nano S Plus and Nano X devices will continue to be manufactured there.
Ledger has sold more than six million devices to date and estimates that they protect roughly one-fifth (20%) of the world's crypto assets.
Image credit: Ledger Under license.
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