APhone app uses Web3 to create an affordable virtual smartphone

APhone is a new app that uses Web3 to create an affordable virtual smartphone. It’s all in the game of democratizing Web3 applications.

Singapore-based APhone has created a device-agnostic web-based virtual phone app that costs $20 a year. It officially launches on the Solana ecosystem with support from Aethir‘s GPU Cloud network.

With a vision to democratize access to Web3 applications, APhone offers an affordable solution for millions, breaking free from hardware limitations, the company said.

Web3 has a vibrant and fast-growing ecosystem, with more than 500 apps, games, NFTs, DeFi protocols, and millions of users. APhone, priced at an annual subscription of $20, brings Web3 accessibility to users, irrespective of their device’s hardware specifications.

Key features of APhone

APhone’s DePIN infrastructure, charging $20 annually, provides a cost-effective solution for users seeking seamless engagement with Web3 applications. This eliminates the barriers posed by expensive smartphones, enabling broader access, especially in emerging markets.

It also has Solana integration. APhone’s debut on the Solana ecosystem ensures compatibility with a diverse range of Web3 apps, including Magic Eden, OKX, Bybit, and popular games like HoneyLand and Mighty Action Heroes. APhone NFTs, integral to the in-app experience, can be minted and activated directly on the Solana chain.

Meanwhile, Aethir’s distributed GPU Cloud Infrastructure enables APhone to transcend hardware limitations and the GPU cloud bypasses restrictive app store requirements. This allows users to access demanding apps and graphically intensive games directly through a browser, fostering inclusivity and eliminating backward compatibility concerns.

APhone has adopted a decentralized approach, distributing user data across a global network to enhance security, eliminate single points of failure, and prioritize data privacy. Aethir’s real-time services also support various applications, including cloud gaming.

Jennifer Booze, ecosystem development & growth lead for APhone, said in a statement, “We’re delighted to launch on Solana and support challenging the duopoly of Google Play and Apple’s App Store, whilst promoting self-custody and open platforms for crypto. We’re here to help provide greater accessibility to capture the growing interest in web3 and crypto.”

As part of the mainnet launch on Solana, APhone is extending discounted access to select Solana Mobile users, further encouraging the adoption of this innovative approach to Web3 engagement.