2023: The Year Crypto Went Mainstream
In 2023, the crypto industry witnessed a shift from virtual to physical products aimed at mainstream consumers. This article highlights some of the notable crypto products that emerged in 2023, catering to a wider audience.
Solana Saga Smartphone
The Solana Saga smartphone, launched in April, is designed specifically for the Solana ecosystem. It features a built-in hardware wallet and a native store for decentralized applications (dapps). Despite being the first attempt, it has received positive feedback for its polished design and intuitive Web3 integration. The initial price was $1,000, but recently, discounted Saga smartphones bundled with valuable meme coins have sold out globally.
Trezor Safe 3
To address security concerns in the crypto space, Trezor introduced the Trezor Safe 3. This hardware wallet offers a sleek design and a user-friendly interface, appealing to new users entering the crypto industry.
Muse Frame
For NFT collectors who want to display their digital artworks, Muse Frame offers a solution. This digital art frame comes in various sizes with features like rotatable mounts, 4K displays, HD speakers, and an anti-glare screen. With the accompanying smartphone app, you can easily swap your digital art on display.
Trezor Keep Metal
To protect your mnemonic recovery seed, Trezor released the Trezor Keep Metal. Made from stainless steel, this metal wallet provides durability and security for your seed phrase.
Nike x RTFKT Dunk Ghost Edition and Dunk VOID Edition
Nike collaborated with its crypto subsidiary RTFKT to launch sneakers tied to NFTs. The RTFKT Dunk Genesis sneakers feature an embedded NFC chip that allows users to obtain digital collectibles and link them to the physical shoes. This move suggests Nike’s interest in expanding its NFT offerings to a broader audience.
Vertu Metavertu II
Targeting the luxury market, Vertu introduced the Metavertu II, a high-end Web3 smartphone wrapped in alligator skin. It offers advanced Web3 features, including an I-DID identity system and a separate parallel OS for managing Web3 dapps. While some features may be ahead of user adoption, Vertu aims to cater to the crypto nouveau riche.
Meta Quest 3
In the race for the metaverse, Meta (formerly Facebook) launched the Meta Quest 3 headset. Priced competitively and boasting top-end specs, including mixed-reality features, this consumer-friendly device provides a simple way to experience Meta’s version of the metaverse.
Hot Take: Crypto Goes Mainstream
2023 marked a significant year for crypto as it transitioned from virtual to physical products targeting mainstream consumers. With sleek designs and user-friendly interfaces, these products aimed to bridge the gap between traditional consumer electronics and the crypto industry. The introduction of smartphones, hardware wallets, digital art frames, luxury smartphones, and VR headsets demonstrates the growing adoption and integration of crypto technology into everyday life. As more people embrace cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications, we can expect further innovation and advancements in the coming years.