Ledger Begins Shipping its High-End Crypto Hardware Wallet

Ledger, the French startup renowned for its secure crypto hardware wallets, has commenced shipping its latest device, the Ledger Stax. This launch comes nearly 18 months after the initial announcement of the new wallet.

The Ledger Stax is distinguished by its innovative E Ink display, a design collaboration with Tony Fadell, the visionary behind the iPod. E Ink technology, commonly used in e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle and Rakuten Kobo, is known for its excellent visibility in daylight and low power consumption.

Addressing Delays and Preorders

Ledger has prioritized fulfilling all preorders before listing the Ledger Stax on its website for general sale. The delay in shipping was due to unexpected challenges in producing the wallet’s curved E Ink display at scale, which the company acknowledges was more complex than initially anticipated.

Key Features and Enhancements

The Ledger Stax sets itself apart from its predecessors, the Nano S Plus and Nano X, with several notable features:

Larger E Ink Display: The Ledger Stax includes a larger, secure touchscreen that directly interacts with the device’s secure element, offering a more user-friendly experience compared to the arrow buttons on previous models.

Bluetooth Connectivity: Like the Nano X, the Ledger Stax is equipped with a Bluetooth chip, allowing users to initiate and validate crypto transactions from their phones without the need for a USB-C cable.

High-End Design: Priced at €279 during the preorder phase in (approximately $300), the Ledger Stax targets high-end customers. The final retail price will be disclosed when the wallet is available again on Ledger’s website.

Curved Display and Qi Wireless Charging: The curved display can show information on the device’s spine even when it’s off, useful for stacking multiple wallets. Additionally, the Ledger Stax supports Qi wireless charging and has built-in magnets for easy alignment.

Security and Recovery

As with all Ledger products, the Ledger Stax is built around a secure element that safely stores private keys, ensuring they never leave the wallet. This design keeps assets secure even if the user’s computer or phone is compromised. However, it’s important to note that Ledger devices cannot protect against phishing attempts and social engineering scams.

For added security, if a device is lost, users can recover their wallet using a secret recovery phrase. Ledger also offers a subscription service for those who prefer additional assistance with recovery phrases.

Production and Sales Milestones

The introduction of the Ledger Stax also signifies the beginning of a production partnership with Foxconn, the renowned consumer electronics manufacturer. While the Ledger Stax will be produced by Foxconn, the Nano S Plus and Nano X devices will continue to be assembled in Vierzon, France.

To date, Ledger has sold over 6 million devices and estimates that it secures approximately 20% of the world’s crypto assets.

With the launch of the Ledger Stax, Ledger continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the crypto hardware wallet market.

By combining advanced design, enhanced security features, and user-friendly interfaces, Ledger is poised to attract high-end customers and further solidify its position as a leader in the industry.