On a day marked by Bitcoin’s historical significance, Blockstream unveils its latest innovation—the Jade Plus self-custody hardware wallet. This introduction, coinciding with Bitcoin Genesis Day, signifies a major stride in revolutionizing user experience for Bitcoin (BTC) users across the spectrum.
Celebrating the creation of Bitcoin's first block on January 3, 2009, Blockstream enters the expanding hardware wallet market with aspirations to position the Jade Plus as a frontrunner in usability, security, and cost-effectiveness.
A natural progression from the original Jade launched in 2021, Jade Plus incorporates notable advancements. Central to its enhanced performance is the new ESP32-S3 chipset, designed for fluid operation.
Blockstream emphasizes the device's accessibility, making it a suitable choice for novice and seasoned users alike.
Key features include improved display, tactile navigation, and advanced security protocols, crucial given persistent Bitcoin custody threats. The “Genuine Check” feature assures device authenticity, protecting users from tampered hardware.
Additionally, the Jade Plus boasts “Blind Oracle Technology” to deter key extraction. The inclusion of “Secure Boot and Anti-Exfil” further fortifies against unauthorized software and safeguards private keys. With air-gapped capabilities supported by USB-C compatibility and an integrated battery, the wallet enables offline transaction signing and secure firmware updates. Reinforced materials ensure durability, catering particularly to long-term Bitcoin holders who value resilience.
Designed for integration with leading Bitcoin wallets like Sparrow and BlueWallet, Jade Plus offers users extensive flexibility in fund management. These attributes underscore Blockstream’s dedication to promoting self-custody and user autonomy, aligning with the firm’s vision of advancing secure Bitcoin use for both individuals and institutions.
In a conversation with BeInCrypto, Dr. Adam Back, Blockstream Co-Founder and CEO, remarked, “Today’s launch of the all-new Jade Plus hardware wallet marks a significant achievement for Blockstream as we uphold our commitment to delivering secure, user-centric Bitcoin solutions.”
The introduction of Jade Plus occurs amidst growing scrutiny of centralized exchanges (CEX) and custodial services due to security concerns and transparency issues. By prioritizing open-source transparency and user-managed solutions, Blockstream meets the increasing demand for safe and private Bitcoin storage.
The original Jade model remains available as a starting point for newcomers to self-custody. By maintaining support for its predecessor, Blockstream provides a tiered approach, addressing varying user expertise and security preferences.