iPod's father Tony Fadell designs new cold wallet Ledger Stax

Designed by the "Father of the iPod" Tony Fadell, Ledger has launched a cold wallet called Ledger Stax. Ledger Stax is the size of a credit card and features an e-ink screen, making it easier for users to view and manage their cryptocurrency assets and NFTs. Ledger Stax is currently available for pre-order at $279 and is expected to be released in March next year.

Tony Fadell

Tony Fadell served as the Senior Vice President of the iPod Division at Apple Computer from 2006 to 2008, leading the development and design of the iPod, earning him the nickname "Father of the iPod." He was also involved in the development of the iPhone, leading the development of the multi-touch screen technology. After leaving Apple, Fadell founded Nest Lab, which develops smart home devices, and was later acquired by Google for $3.2 billion. He is currently the head of the venture capital firm Future Shape, providing guidance to over 200 startups engaged in deep tech.

Fadell initially declined an invitation from the Ledger team but later purchased some Ledger devices for research. He found that, similar to the design challenges faced with MP3 players in 1999, people were unsure how to design these devices, which reminded him of his work on the iPod and led him to take on this new challenge.

Ledger Stax

Ledger Stax measures 85mm x 54mm x 6mm, roughly the size of five stacked credit cards, and weighs 45.2 grams. It features a black-and-white e-ink display similar to Amazon's Kindle e-reader. It also includes magnets to stack multiple devices together. Users can connect it to a laptop via USB or to a phone via Bluetooth.

Since many Ledger users have multiple devices for storing NFTs, various cryptocurrencies, or managing assets for different clients, the Ledger Stax display extends to the side, resembling a CD or book, allowing users to name their Ledger Stax for easy identification. Users can also use their favorite photos or NFTs as the cover when the screen is locked.

Not Your Keys, Not Your Crypto

Following the collapse of FTX, crypto holders have been seeking alternative methods to store digital assets. Utilizing cold storage solutions like Ledger, where users' private keys are stored on devices not connected to the internet, offers a more secure approach less susceptible to hacking or failures.

Ledger saw its best sales ever in November, reflecting a growing trend of individuals wanting to self-custody digital assets. The new Ledger Stax is now available for pre-order at $279 and is expected to be released in March next year.