Blockstream Unveils Jade Plus Self-Custody Wallet on Bitcoin’s 16th Birthday

Bitcoin infrastructure company Blockstream has introduced the Jade Plus wallet, a new self-custody hardware solution designed to improve the experience for Bitcoin (BTC) users of all levels.

The launch celebrates Bitcoin Genesis Day, marking the first block mined on January 3, 2009. With the hardware wallet market expanding, Blockstream aims to make the Jade Plus a top choice by combining usability, security, and affordability.

Blockstream Marks Bitcoin Genesis Day with Self-Custody Wallet Launch

Described as an evolution of the original Jade released in 2021, the Blockstream Jade Plus introduces several improvements. Performance-wise, the hardware integrates the new ESP32-S3 chipset, intended for seamless operation.

Blockstream positions the device as accessible to both beginners and advanced users. It highlights features like enhanced display, tactile navigation, and sophisticated security measures. These are critical in a space where threats to Bitcoin custody remain persistent. Features like “Genuine Check” verify the authenticity of the device, safeguarding users from tampered hardware.

The wallet also incorporates “Blind Oracle Technology,” a countermeasure against key extraction. It also uses “Secure Boot and Anti-Exfil,” which prevents unauthorized software from running and protects against private key exposure.

Air-gapped operations, facilitated by USB-C drive support and a built-in battery, further enhance security by enabling offline transaction signing and firmware updates. These measures protect users from both physical and online threats. Durability is another focal point, with reinforced materials ensuring longevity. The metal variants, in particular, are aimed at long-term Bitcoin holders who prioritize resilience.

Blockstream Jade Plus. Source: Blockstream

Jade Plus integrates with leading Bitcoin wallets such as Sparrow and BlueWallet, offering users flexibility in managing their funds. Taken together, these features reflect Blockstream’s commitment to self-custody and user autonomy. It aligns with the firm’s mission to foster secure Bitcoin usage for individuals and institutions alike.

“Todays launch of the all-new Jade Plus hardware wallet represents an important moment for Blockstream, as we deliver on our mission to provide the most secure, user-focused Bitcoin solutions for both individuals and institutions,” Dr. Adam Back, Co-Founder and CEO of Blockstream, told BeInCrypto.

The launch of Jade Plus coincides with increasing scrutiny of centralized exchanges (CEX) and custodial services, which have been criticized for security lapses and lack of transparency. Blockstream’s focus on open-source transparency and user-controlled solutions addresses the growing demand for secure and private Bitcoin storage.

The original Jade continues to serve as an entry-level option for users new to self-custody. By maintaining support for the earlier model, Blockstream provides a tiered approach to hardware wallets, catering to different levels of user expertise and security needs.

Bitcoin Genesis Block: The Birth of a Financial Revolution

Elsewhere, crypto enthusiasts are celebrating the 16th anniversary of Satoshi Nakamoto mining Bitcoin’s first block. This historic event on January 3, 2009, sparked a technological and financial revolution, paving the way for blockchain technology and decentralized finance (DeFi).

“I would consider this the most important happening in modern human history,” said one popular user on X (Twitter).

The Genesis Block was encoded with a now-famous message: “The Times Jan/03/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.” Beyond timestamping the block, this message stresses the financial instability and banking crises that inspired Nakamoto to create Bitcoin as an alternative to centralized financial systems.

Since that day, Bitcoin has grown from a niche project into a global phenomenon. It has spurred innovation across industries, from digital payments and smart contracts to decentralized applications (dApps) and alternative assets. Blockchain technology, born from this moment, is now a foundational element in the quest for greater financial transparency and autonomy.

As Bitcoin celebrates its 16th birthday, the blockchain ecosystem continues to mature, driven by Satoshi’s vision of a decentralized future. Today’s milestone serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of that first mined block and the ongoing journey toward financial sovereignty.

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