WISekey has announced that it is developing a blockchain phone to be known as WISephone in a partnership deal with Highscreen. The device is expected to have the software and hardware technologies and will be the first smartphone that will be powered by the virtual currency known as WISecoin. Additionally the device will possess a native wallet which will offer users the ability of accessing their private key through a contactless method. Users will thus be able to conduct cryptocurrency payments as well as contactless transactions using the device.

For contactless payments Wisephone will use near-field communication technology that will be powered by the company’s own semiconductors. The native wallet has achieved compatibility with the majority of the blockchain technologies that currently exist. “With the highly secured WISePhone, people can safely conduct cryptocurrency transactions. Through our partnership with Highscreen, WISeKey will use its globally recognized digital security pedigree to make communications safe,” the founder and chief executive officer of WISekey, Carlos Moreira.

Earlier in the month HTC, an electronics manufacturer based in Taiwan, launched a blockchain-powered smartphone known as Exodus. The devices runs on the Android operating system and will come with a digital wallet as well as hardware support for various digital currencies and dApps – decentralized apps. The purpose of the Exodus will be dual – connecting to decentralized networks and storing virtual currencies.

HTC intends to release the device before the close of this year and will initially support some of the major virtual currencies including Ethereum (ETH) and bitcoin (BTC). More virtual currencies and blockchain networks will be added in phases in future. HTC is set out to build a device which offers enhanced security for users as well as convenience which the current digital wallets don’t have. Exodus will also have an API which will let developers build apps that are based on the blockchain networks. Additionally the device could work as network node and thus allowing for the trading of digital currencies. HTC will also include an online store which will serve as a marketplace for distributed applications.