Why Solana Mobile Is Launching a Token Alongside Its New Android Phone

The second-generation Solana cell phone, the Solana Seeker, will start transport worldwide on August 4, Solana Cellular introduced on Wednesday—with plans for a local ecosystem token, SKR. 

The extra inexpensive, Android-based Seeker cellphone will keep the Solana Saga’s genesis token and {hardware} seed vault, whereas including newer options corresponding to SeekerID, the SeedVault Pockets, and an improved Solana Dapp Retailer. 

“We spent the previous couple of years centered on constructing what we predict is the very best crypto cellular expertise,” Solana Cellular GM Emmett Hollyer advised Decrypt. “We centered on usability, we’ve centered on safety, we’ve centered on giving builders distribution. What we’re doing with that is we’re extending what’s doable, we’re decentralizing it, and we’re rising it with further gadgets from different unique gear producers sooner or later.”

The long run, decentralized Solana Cellular ecosystem will probably be rooted in SKR, the native ecosystem token that can stay on Solana’s layer-1 blockchain. He stated that the token is designed to anchor a “way forward for a decentralized cellular platform” across the crypto telephones.

However why not simply use the present Solana (SOL) coin?

“We see a possibility to coordinate progress and alter, and we need to be sure that the choices which can be made there are aligned round one thing that’s basic to the cellular ecosystem, one thing that’s purely aligned with that ecosystem and its outcomes,” Hollyer stated, including that it’s crucial that SKR be “solely consultant of the Solana Cellular platform—and that’s it.”

Particular particulars in regards to the token launch and the way it is going to be earned haven’t but been shared, however the Solana Cellular web site signifies that SKR will go “on to builders and customers for ecosystem participation.”

“The token itself is larger than anybody gadget,” stated Hollyer, noting that each the Saga and Seeker and any future gadgets introduced into the Solana Cellular ecosystem will be capable to take part within the economic system, incentives, and possession of the platform. 

“We need to be sure that everyone who has joined the ecosystem to date comes alongside for the trip,” he stated. 

Except for the token, the Seeker’s new infrastructure structure is about to distinguish the gadget and Solana Cellular from in the present day’s main cellular gadget corporations, opening its ecosystem and increasing its platform to permit further {hardware} producers. 

“If you happen to take a look at the present cellular platform architectures, they’re completely closed. Whoever runs the platform, they handle every little thing,” stated Hollyer. “Our purpose is to construct one thing that accomplishes a variety of the identical crucial outcomes that current cellular platforms do nicely, issues like belief, issues like safety… however we need to do this in a approach that’s decentralized.”



Due to this fact Solana Cellular launched TEEPIN, a three-layer structure mannequin that permits ecosystem actors to take part in a safe and trustless approach. 

“TEEPIN represents the subsequent evolution in cellular—a framework the place belief is not granted by a government however verified by means of cryptography,” stated Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder and CEO of Solana Labs, in a press release. “By leveraging safe {hardware} that already exists on trendy smartphones and governing entry on-chain, we’re unlocking open innovation, platform possession, and a decentralized future for cellular.”

With TEEPIN and Solana Cellular’s future decentralized ecosystem, Hollyer stated meaning builders don’t want to fret about app retailer guidelines and charges—and they are often positive their customers are actual.

The Seeker, which has earned greater than 150,000 pre-orders, continues to be obtainable for pre-order at $500 plus tax, for a restricted time in keeping with the Solana Cellular web site. It arrives at half the launch worth of the unique Saga, however with numerous updates and obvious enhancements over the mannequin launched in 2023.

“Our emphasis is on making the very best crypto expertise,” stated Hollyer. “We expect cellular is the best way to do it, and we don’t suppose anyone’s cracked that code but.”

Edited by Andrew Hayward