Very soon, a group of crypto investors who pre-ordered the brand new Stax hardware crypto wallet created by Ledged will happily receive their purchase.

On Monday, the French company announced that it had shipped the #1 Batch roughly two years after the firm appointed Tony Fadell, the former Apple designer who led the team that ultimately created the popular iPod.

According to Ledger, Stax represents a paradigm shift in how individuals securely manage their digital assets, featuring top-notch technical specifications including a secure touchscreen.

Ledger’s Road to Stax Began in 2022

Ledger’s journey to bring the Stax to the marketplace has been an ambitious and challenging one, marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to delivering an unparalleled user experience.

Pascal Gauthier, CEO and Chairman of Ledger, explains: “Ledger Stax was designed by the godfather of the iPod Tony Fadell and is unprecedented in many ways. It is the first secure touchscreen; the first time a touchscreen user interface has been driven by a secure element chip, which is crucial for crypto security.”

He added: “It’s also the first curved E-Ink display ever built, the first display using organic semiconductor materials on plastic substrates rather than silicon materials on glass, and the only screen made at less than 100 degrees.”

Overcoming Obstacles and Forging Partnerships to Bring the Stax to Market

The development of the Ledger Stax’s first-of-its-kind display proved to be a formidable challenge that caused some delays in the device’s delivery times.

Gauthier expresses his gratitude to the customers who pre-ordered the device as they were very patient throughout the process. “I would like to thank all our pre-order customers who stayed with us for this long. I hope you love your Ledger Stax and the extras we added to your box, and can’t wait to see how you customize your screen,” the CEO said in a letter published on the company’s website.

To bring Ledger Stax to life, the company forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including Foxconn (which manufactures most iPhones), E Ink Corporation, and DKE. Gauthier highlighted his appreciation for these collaborators and also praised the dedicated team at Ledger’s Vierzon facility in France for their invaluable contributions.

The Ledger Stax Combines Unparalleled Security and Intuitiveness

At the core of the Stax’s design is a commitment to uncompromising security and accessibility.

The device features a CC EAL 6+ certified Secure Element, ensuring that users’ digital assets are safeguarded with the highest level of protection. Its curved E Ink touchscreen, with a resolution of 672 x 400 pixels, provides a seamless and intuitive interface to view and manage transactions.

One of the standout features of the Ledger Stax is its ability to showcase users’ favorite art or photos on the always-on lock screen, even when the device is powered off. This unique capability, combined with the device’s integrated magnets, allows users to easily stack and customize multiple Ledger Stax units.

Connectivity is another key aspect where the designers of the Ledger Stax tried to deliver the best experience possible. The device supports USB-C, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC.

Moreover, users can connect easily to the Ledger Live companion app on their laptops or smartphones and they can use the application to buy, sell, swap, and earn a yield on their cryptocurrencies with fewer risks.

Multiple third-party applications can be accessed via the secure app including popular centralized crypto exchanges and apps like Coinbase, PayPal, and Lido. The physical crypto wallet supports over 10,000 coins and tokens and can operate on more than 70 different blockchains.

Ledger Stax Specifications and Pricing: Is It Worth It?

For those eager to learn more about the technical specifications of the Ledger Stax, this is a summary of its most relevant features:

  • Dimensions: 85mm x 54mm x 6mm (credit card length and width).
  • Screen type: E Ink (up to 16 grays), customizable always-on lock screen, capacitive touch
  • Weight: 45g.
  • Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC.
  • Qi Wireless Charging.
  • Security: CC EAL 6+ certified Secure Element.

During the pre-order phase, the Ledger Stax was offered at 279 Euros or about $300. The company has not yet confirmed the final retail price for new orders, but judging by the device’s impressive feature set, security, and build, it seems like it will be more expensive if anything.

Even if it is released for $300, it will be a difficult sell to many frugal crypto investors (if such a thing exists), as regular Ledger Nano S hardware wallets cost about $80 and are incredibly secure. However, it will likely be a fun crypto enthusiast-targeted gadget that could take off in some circles.

Fostering a New Era of Secure Digital Ownership

As Gauthier emphasizes, the Ledger Stax represents a significant step towards making digital ownership accessible and safe to everyone, not just tech-savvy individuals.

“Within the next few years, the crypto revolution will reshape how hundreds of millions of people own and manage all value, but as I’ve said on multiple occasions, our smartphones and laptops lack fundamental security features to let us onboard this era,” Gauthier commented.

While the initial batch of Ledger Stax devices is being shipped to pre-order customers only, the company plans to make the wallet available to anyone for new orders in Summer 2024. Priority access will be given to customers who have expressed interest on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gauthier promised to share more details about the availability of the Ledger Stax and the company’s future plans during the highly anticipated Bitcoin 2024 event in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 26th, 2024.

The Stax’s First Deliveries Coincide with Ledger’s 10th Anniversary Celebration

The launch of Ledger Stax coincides with a significant milestone for the company – its 10th anniversary in 2024.

As Ian Rogers, Chief Experience Officer at Ledger, states: “Launching Ledger Stax™ alongside Tony Fadell in the summer of the 2024 bull market heralds a new chapter for Ledger.”

“We’re excited to get Ledger Stax™ into your hands and can’t wait to show you the rest of what we have on deck for 2024,” the tech executive added.

As Ledger Stax begins its journey into the hands of customers, the company remains committed to driving innovation and delivering world-class products for the crypto space.

With a robust supply chain in place and a wealth of experience gained from overcoming the challenges of bringing the Ledger Stax to market, Ledger is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of digital asset management.