Ledger Launches Flex: A New Mid-Tier Crypto Hardware Wallet with Secure Touchscreen
Ledger, the renowned cryptocurrency storage company, has unveiled its latest hardware wallet, the Ledger Flex, as part of a significant product line revamp. Priced at $249, the Flex sits between the premium Ledger Stax ($399) and the more affordable Nano series in the company’s lineup.
Announced on July 26, 2024, at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, Tennessee, the Ledger Flex features a 2.8-inch E Ink capacitive touchscreen display with 600 x 480 pixel resolution. This new device builds on the design language established by the Ledger Stax, which was released earlier this year after facing production delays.
Pascal Gauthier, Chairman and CEO of Ledger, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating, “After a decade of setting the standard for security and self-custody in crypto and digital assets, I’m proud to say we’re raising the bar again.” He added that the new secure touchscreen category would make self-custody more accessible to consumers and enterprises alike.
The Flex incorporates Ledger’s trademark security features, including an EAL 6 certified secure element chip, the company’s proprietary BOLOS operating system, and a secure screen driven by the secure element. Gauthier claims that Ledger devices are unique in meeting all three security requirements, making them the “only truly secure touchscreens in the world.”
In addition to its security features, the Ledger Flex boasts USB-C, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC connectivity. The device’s battery life is impressive, lasting “weeks or even months on one charge,” according to the company.
Ledger is also introducing a new software feature called Ledger Security Key, available on both Flex and Stax devices. This feature enables two-factor authentication (2FA) and passkey capabilities, allowing for passwordless logins to various services, including Google, Amazon, Binance, and Coinbase.
The launch of Ledger Flex comes as part of the company’s broader initiative to “secure a world that’s embracing AI” by providing “Proof of You.” This approach aims to address the growing need for trusted methods to prove identity in an increasingly digitized world.
Despite facing some controversies in recent years, including a 2021 customer data breach and criticism over its Ledger Recover service, the company has maintained its position as a leader in the crypto security space. Ledger reports having sold over six million hardware wallets, securing more than 20% of the world’s digital assets.
