Status Launches a 'Tap-to-Pay' Crypto Hardware Wallet

Published on by Coindesk | Published on

Status, the ethereum messaging app and mobile browser startup, has relaunched their cryptocurrency hardware wallet under a new name: the Keycard.

The hardware, as highlighted by Status project lead Guy-Louis Grau, is "The exact same shape as a Visa card you have in your wallet today."

It's going to work with your mobile crypto wallet.

You'll just need to tap your Keycard on a mobile device to sign transactions.

Functionally speaking, it's really a hardware wallet but it works with mobile.

According to the firm, the Status Keycard is compatible with several cryptocurrencies including bitcoin, bitcoin cash, litecoin, XRP, ether and all ethereum-based ERC20 tokens.

"We're releasing a tool actually. That's the way it should be seen. At this stage, it's a tool for third-party blockchain projects that want to secure their application with a cost effective hardware wallet."

Adding that the integration of Keycard into Status software for end-users specifically will be released later this year, Grau also explained that Status, unlike most other cryptocurrency wallet manufacturers, wants to encourage people to build the card themselves.

In order to reduce the barrier to entry for blockchain projects to do so, the Keycard API - which is the codebase integrating with hardware to perform a number of different applications such as storing private keys, signing transactions, tap-to-pay, and more - runs on common, standardized technology that has been around for over 15 years.

"Security should be able to be assessed by anyone. That's why software and hardware needs to be open. That's the first and most important thing. And then as much as possible, use widely used hardware platforms."

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