Galaxy S10: Latest leak hints Samsung is planning a bitcoin cryptocurrency wallet

Phone users could be able to store and spend bitcoin, bitcoin cash and ethereum through the Blockchain Keystore feature

Anthony Cuthbertson
Thursday 24 January 2019 08:17 EST
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Samsung Galaxy S10: Five best features to expect in the new smartphone

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Samsung may be about to jump aboard the bitcoin bandwagon, with the latest leaked photos of the Galaxy S10 smartphone suggesting it will feature an in-built cryptocurrency wallet.

The South Korean tech giant was first rumoured to be working on blockchain and cryptocurrency software last month, after three trademark applications were spotted for its Galaxy range of phones.

One of these trademarks was for something called a Blockchain Keystore, which described a software application "for use with mobile devices."

Newly leaked images appearing to show the Galaxy S10 reveal a cryptocurrency wallet by the same name as the December trademark.

If the leak is genuine, Samsung will be joining HTC and several startups in introducing smartphones designed to support cryptocurrency.

Ethereum is mentioned within the wallet app, though it will be possible to store other cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and bitcoin cash within the wallet, according to SamMobile.

"You can import cryptocurrency from your previous wallet," the leaked imagery reveals.

The images shared on Twitter feature a device with a hole-punch front camera design – one of the most widely-rumoured features of Samsung's next flagship phone – further supporting the authenticity of the the leak.

Samsung is expected to confirm the feature at an event on 20 February but does not comment on rumours about devices before the are officially announced.

Numerous leaks mean there may be little left for Samsung to reveal next month, with everything from the size to the price of the device already revealed.

Some of the most highly-anticipated features include an in-screen fingerprint scanner and a much-improved camera.

The scanner should allow Samsung to maximise the size of the screen while also incorporating biometric security on the front of the phone.

A Reddit user recently shared an image of the suspected Galaxy S10 smartphone
A Reddit user recently shared an image of the suspected Galaxy S10 smartphone (Reddit/ hissick27)

A recent report, however, suggests that the ground-breaking feature will be unusable if the Galaxy S10 is fitted with a screen protector.

The new smartphone is also expected to come in three different versions, ranging from an entry-level Galaxy S10 Lite to a high-end Galaxy S10 Plus.

Each will vary in size, specs and price, ranging from around £700 to upwards of £1,400.

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