How HTC Battles for Privacy and Takes on Google and Amazon

Taiwanese electronics manufacturer HTC has announced a new blockchain router with a focus on privacy, which also allows users to run a full Bitcoin node. This router can also relay transactions independently. It also supports email service ProtonMail, web browser Brave and the decentralized VPN service Incognito.

HTC has named the device Exodus 5G Hub, sharing the same name as the company’s blockchain phones. The device will release this Spring.

“Owning your keys, owning your data, owning your privacy. Exodus is the shield against the onslaught of big tech and its assault on the privacy of your home. By using the Exodus 5G Hub, you have more control and ownership of your data than ever before.”

Phil Chen, Decentralized Chief Officer of HTC — press release

Why HTC Exodus 5G Hub?

The router needs to improve data privacy in the home space. As a result HTC wants to use this router to challenge the dominance of Alexa, Google Nest, and other smart devices. Instead of using software-backed encryption, the Exodus 5G Hub has hardware-based encryption.

Chen argues that software encryption isn’t good enough, as cloud companies still have access to data. Companies like Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Google collects all…