The popular blockchain-based cat breeding game will launch a brand new version of its app exclusively for HTC mobile devices.
Usually, blockchain is used to form the backbone of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, however using imagination one might come up with other applications of the underlying technology.
Digital ledger creates a trustworthy paper trail of each transaction made on blockchain as it keeps a thorough record of everyone’s possessions that is not allowed be tampered with. Consequently, the so-called chain of custody potentially helps to verify the identity of digital assets or, in the case of the CryptoKitties game, digital furballs.
CryptoKitties is a viral game based on the Ethereum blockchain, which allows users to collect and breed digital cats. A cat owner can breed the cat by changing its features, adding colors and make their cats distinguish from other users present in the marketplace. All the collected “cats” with their breeds belong to the individual owners and cannot be copied by other users.
Soon after its launch, CryptoKitties became so popular that it clogged a considerable 15% of the Ethereum network. The game also gave a start to the series of same concept ventures including CryptoPets and CryptoPuppies.
Recently the far-famed blockchain-based game announced a partnership with Taiwanese phone producer HTC. According to the official statement made on Tuesday, CryptoKitties is to roll out a version for mobile devices available on HTC’s flagship phone the U12+ and the upcoming HTC Exodus.
The Exodus is a world’s first blockchain-powered smartphone dedicated to decentralized applications and security. The launch of device announced by the Taiwanese firm during CoinDesk’s Consensus 2018 conference is set in the third quarter of this year, which should mean in three months tops.
Yet, details and specs are still unavailable, but HTC says the phone will have a cold storage wallet and features allowing for recovering of lost or corrupted cryptocurrency keys. Although the sale date and price are still to be announced, there are rumors going around a $1000-worth price tag for the upcoming device.
Speaking on the collaboration with CryptoKitties, The HTC takes a positive tone describing the recently partnered game as:
“CryptoKitties is a game centered on breakable, collectible, and oh-so-adorable creatures we call CryptoKitties! It is one world’s biggest game to be built on blockchain technology – the same breakthrough that makes things like Bitcoin and Ethereum possible. Bitcoin and ether are cryptocurrencies but CryptoKitties are cryptocollectibles.
In spite of the fact that HTC is the first major brand to announce a phone based around the blockchain technology, the first phone that CryptoKitties will come to is not a “crypto” phone. The U12 Plus is a mass-market device.
As well as cryptocurrency prices, HTC recently has been through hard times. Reportedly, last week the company fired over 1,500 employees in Taiwan hoping to become profitable. Sales in June were down 68 percent, according to the company’s revenue record. With the exclusive CryptoKitties partnership and a successful launch of its blockchain-based mobile device, HTC is likely to be back on track by the end of the year.
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