French startup Ledger, renowned for its secure cryptocurrency hardware wallets, has started shipping its new high-end wallets nearly 18 months after announcing the Ledger Stax devices.
The latest wallet features an E-Ink display, designed in collaboration with Tony Fadell, one of the key designers behind the iPod. E-Ink technology, commonly used in e-book readers like the Amazon Kindle or the Rakuten Kobo, is chosen for its excellent visibility in daylight and low power consumption.
After fulfilling all pre-orders, Ledger will list the Ledger Stax on its website once additional stock becomes available. The delay in the hardware wallet’s release is attributed to challenges in mass-producing the curved E-Ink displays, which proved more complex than initially anticipated.
What sets the Ledger Stax apart from other Ledger wallets, such as the Nano S Plus and the Nano X? Unlike these models, the Ledger Stax boasts a larger display with a secure touch screen that directly interacts with the device’s secure element, making it easier to use than the arrow buttons found on other Ledger devices.
While the Nano S Plus operates only with a USB-C cable, both the Nano X and the Stax are equipped with Bluetooth. This feature allows users to initiate crypto transactions from their phone and validate them on the wallet without needing a physical connection.
Aimed at high-end customers, the Ledger Stax was sold for €279 during the pre-order phase (approximately $300). The company has not confirmed the final retail price, which will be announced when the wallet is available again on its website.
One distinctive feature of the Ledger Stax is its curved display, which allows users to display information on the spine of the device even when it’s off. This is particularly useful for those who own multiple hardware wallets and need to stack them neatly. The Ledger Stax also includes built-in magnets for easy alignment and supports Qi wireless charging.
In terms of security, all Ledger products are built around a secure element where the private keys of your wallet are stored securely. These keys never leave the wallet, ensuring that your assets remain safe even if your computer or phone is compromised. However, it’s important to note that most cryptocurrency hacks are phishing attempts, against which Ledger cannot protect users.
If a device is lost, the wallet can be recovered using a secret recovery phrase. Ledger also offers a subscription service for users who prefer not to manage recovery phrases themselves.
Notably, the Ledger Stax marks the beginning of a production partnership with Foxconn, a leading consumer electronics manufacturer. Previously, Ledger assembled its devices in Vierzon, France; however, the Nano S Plus and Nano X models will continue to be manufactured in Vierzon.
To date, Ledger has sold more than 6 million devices and estimates that it secures approximately 20% of the world’s cryptocurrency assets.
