Solana Mobile, a subsidiary of Solana Labs, unveiled its second-generation web3 smartphone, Seeker, with pre-orders already surpassing 140,000 across 57 countries.

Following the success of the first web3 phone, Solana Saga, Seeker is reportedly designed to further integrate web3 technology into mobile devices, making crypto more accessible to everyday users. Seeker will launch in 2025 and promises exclusive rewards for early purchasers at a price between $450 and $500.

"We founded Solana Mobile with the mission of taking crypto mobile," said Solana Co-Founder and Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko. "To achieve that, we needed to make Seeker more accessible, more affordable, and for its hardware and software to be even more deeply integrated for web3”

Solana Mobile has extended early founder pricing for the Seeker device until September 21, 2024. Those who pre-order the phone for $450 to $500 will reportedly gain access to exclusive rewards through the Seeker Genesis Token. 

Key Features of the Solana Seeker

Following are the Seeker’s features according to a press release from Solana Mobile:

• Seed Vault Wallet: The Seeker will feature a mobile-first crypto wallet, integrated directly into the device, offering access to the Solana blockchain. Seed Vault enhances security for web3 users with double-tap transactions and simplified account management.

• Solana dApp Store 2.0: The updated decentralized app store improves discoverability and includes a rewards tracker for users engaging with apps in categories like payments, DeFi, NFTs, and gaming.

• Seeker Genesis Token: Seeker users will also receive a unique, soulbound NFT, the Seeker Genesis Token, unlocking exclusive rewards and content within the Solana ecosystem.

• Improved Hardware: The device offers hardware upgrades, including a lighter design, brighter display, better camera, and extended battery life.

Promoting innovation with the Seeker Ecosystem

Emmett Hollyer, General Manager of Solana Labs stated that the Seeker would facilitate a broad range of use cases beyond rewards, from DeFi and gaming to payments and NFTs. The new device aims to provide crypto users with a dynamic and functional mobile experience, opening up more opportunities for decentralized applications.

"Seeker will be a rewards magnet," said Hollyer, speaking at TOKEN2049 in Singapore. "But it’s also an opportunity for teams to build new experiences. We don’t want to be seen as just the 'memecoin phone'."

While some may wonder if Solana aims to compete with major mobile manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, Hollyer clarified that their goal is different. 

"We’re not trying to compete directly with giants like Apple or Samsung. Instead, we focus on providing as much crypto utility as possible in a handheld device," Hollyer said.

According to Solana’s airdrop checker, TwoLoot, Seeker users have received $302 in airdropped tokens so far, compared to the $1,350 airdrop value locked on the Saga at its peak.

Hollyer noted that while rewards will remain part of the strategy:

"Seeker will provide a broader range of experiences, not just airdrops. We believe users are starting to see the bigger picture of where we’re headed."