Aptos and Jambo Unveil JamboPhone: The Crypto Smartphone Reviewed
The JamboPhone, emerging as of February 2024 as the latest device crafted by and for the crypto community, aims to bridge digital technology with developing nations. Let’s examine its features and explore the potential for an airdrop.
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After Saga smartphone owners received airdrops from several Solana ecosystem projects (BONK, SAMO, SHDW), the concept of crypto smartphones has expanded from mere tech gadgets to avenues for airdrop hunting. This was echoed in the Solana Mobile Chapter 2 event, where 3 of the top 1500 users received a Tensorians NFT each. With a pre-order price of $450, the value of one NFT soared to approximately $9,000!
By mid-February 2024, the Aptos Foundation announced a partnership with Jambo, a developer of Web3 solutions aimed at fostering economic growth in developing countries. This collaboration is set to expand Web3 innovation access in regions such as Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Priced at $99, the JamboPhone is available in over 40 countries.
The JamboPhone Features
The JamboPhone marks Jambo's debut in the crypto smartphone market, equipped with the JamboApp and an Aptos-compatible crypto wallet, Petra.
The JamboPhone Presentation. Source: jambophone.xyz
At the heart of the JamboPhone is the JamboApp, designed to ease access to GameFi and DeFi protocols, education, and other essential Web3 services, conceived before the Aptos collaboration.
The JamboApp Functions:
- JamboEarn: Offers smartphone users the chance to participate in sponsored quests, earning rewards upon completion.
- JamboPlay: A distinct gaming and app ecosystem accessible through the JamboApp.
- JamboWallet: Integrates interaction with Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks, allowing installed dApps on the smartphone to connect with the wallet (e.g., for claiming rewards).
- JamboScore. A loyalty system exclusive to the JamboPhone users.
This strategy mirrors that of the Solana Saga creators, who incorporated Web3 functionalities to streamline cryptocurrency access for users. Unlike Saga, however, the JamboPhone lacks built-in security features like Seed Vault, offering Petra—a wallet from the Aptos ecosystem instead.
“The JamboPhone is more than a device; it's a bridge to the Aptos ecosystem, seamlessly integrated through pre-installed applications such as Petra, a leading Aptos-compatible wallet, and the Jambo App,” according to the Aptos blog.
The JamboPhone's design subtly nods to the iPhone, featuring rounded corners and dual cameras situated on the upper left of the back panel. It is available in two colors: space black and sky gold.
The JamboPhone Features:
- Battery Capacity: 4900 mAh, typically sufficient for 3–4 hours of active smartphone use.
- Screen Size: 6.5 inches, an average size in the smartphone market. For comparison, the iPhone 15's screen size is 6.12 inches, while the Solana Saga has a 6.67-inch display.
- Dual SIM Card: Enables the use of two different SIM cards, such as AT&T and Verizon.
The cost of shipping the smartphone is $30. Along with the device, users receive a Type-C charging cable, protective glass, and a SIM card ejector tool.
Cryptocurrency Adoption in Developing Countries
Despite the bulk of crypto market activity occurring in the USA and European countries, the Asian segment is also gaining momentum. According to Chainalysis, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam are leading in mass cryptocurrency adoption.
Global Crypto Adoption Index as of 2023. Source: chainalysis.com
In many of these countries, cryptocurrency is used as a hedge against inflation and a cost-effective method for sending payments abroad. In some regions of Africa, where banks are scarce, web3 could serve as an excellent solution for receiving financial support from relatives or non-profit organizations.
It may be hard to envision now, but within the next 5–10 years, the GameFi sector (especially Move-To-Earn) could become an alternative income source for unemployed residents of Africa and Latin America. Apps like STEPN and Sweatcoin offer a viable alternative to traditional labor in fields, factories, or construction.
Can We Expect an APT Airdrop for Purchasing JamboPhone?
Aptos has allocated 51% of the total APT supply for the community. However, after the first airdrop in October 2022, users received only 2% of all tokens. This raises speculation about a potential second APT drop, one criterion of which could be the use of the JamboPhone.
Aptos Tokenomics. Source: cryptorank.io
Compared to Solana, Aptos does not enjoy widespread user popularity, and projects within its ecosystem significantly lag in the list of most capitalized assets. For example, the Propbase real estate tokenization platform ranks only 1126th, while the NFT marketplace BlueMove is even lower at 1230th.
The criteria for a potential airdrop from Aptos or projects within its ecosystem are not precisely known. Moreover, it is still being determined whether there will be a distribution of new tokens at all. Therefore, those considering purchasing the JamboPhone for airdrop hunting should weigh the risks and conduct their own research.
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