PayPal’s Solana Alignment, Solana’s 2nd Swing At Apple and Google & More

Welcome back!

This is J264G and this week I’ve got these titbits for you:

• Chapter 2: Solana’s new device takes a crack at Apple & Google.

• Regulated Stablecoins: Paxos stablecoin on Solana brings PayPal into play.

• Volume Records: Solana registers $300B stablecoin volume in January.

What can I say, the activity on Solana is off the charts. 

Obviously, it helps that the network keeps on running buttery smooth. 

So … what do systemically important financial institutions think about Solana? Well ⬇️

This week, no chit-chat — let’s get right to it!

Click on any underlined heading/hyperlink to learn more.

Spotlight

Crypto vs. The Duopoly

People often say crypto has no utility.

But how could you possibly argue against the utility of Saga — Solana's crypto-native smartphone?! ⬇️

Kek.

Alright, let's get serious for a minute 😏

As you probably already know, Epic Games has sued both Apple and Google for violating antitrust laws. 

While Google lost its case against Epic — pending an appeal — Apple seems to have won its case against the game developer. Having said that, Apple hasn’t quite won just yet, as the Supreme Court is still deciding whether it’ll hear a final appeal from Epic or not. 

I won't go into all the legal mumbo jumbo, so here’s all you need to know: Both Apple and Google tax app developers with mandatory fees — up to 30% of the transaction price — for apps and in-app purchases that occur in either the App Store or Google Play Store. Moreover, both companies generally don't allow third-party app stores, third-party payment processors, and sideloaded apps.

Do you smell that?

That's right! 

Smells like a bunch of unlawful monopolies.

Even in the most optimistic scenario, however, it's unlikely that Apple and Google's iron fist on their app stores will significantly soften in the near future — even when they lose in the Supreme Court. 

So what can we do to break up Apple and Google's duopoly?

This is where Solana Mobile comes into play. 

The subsidiary of Solana Labs is working on both the hardware and software for crypto-native devices. 

Solana Mobile’s first smartphone — Saga — has been flying off the shelves in the last couple of weeks and is now sold out.

The device leverages the Android operating system and has been designed with blockchain principles at its core and self-custody as its overarching ethos.

Initially, Saga didn't get off to a good start, though. 

A couple of months ago, renowned tech YouTuber Marques Keith Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, even released a video review in which he came to the conclusion that Saga is a waste of time and money.

And just recently, MKBHD doubled down and picked Saga as the “Bust Of The Year” in his Mobile Awards.

Yet, Saga devices are out of stock and in high demand — how does that make any sense?

Here's what MKBHD and most people are missing: 

• Mobile

• App Store

• Self Custody

• Airdrops

Mobile: Today, more than 60% of internet traffic comes from mobile devices. In this context, the launch of Saga fits perfectly into current trends, although more cost-effective models will be needed for mass adoption.

App Store: While Apple and Google's app store policies lead to less competition, limited innovation, higher costs for consumers, and reduced profits for developers, Saga comes with a dApp Store that surpasses the restrictions and fees implemented by the incumbents.

Self-Custody: Saga is also equipped with Seed Vault, a native self-custody feature that safeguards the wallet’s seed phrase within a secure environment on the phone. Even the Android operating system doesn’t have access, and it’s tied to your biometric signature via Saga’s rear fingerprint sensor.

Airdrops: When purchasing a brand-new Saga, you'll also receive a device-bound, non-transferable NFT — the Saga genesis token. This way, Saga owners can be identified and specifically targeted for benefits and rewards, but more importantly, for exclusive airdrops. And here's the kicker: The value of all Saga airdrops is more than the purchasing price of the device itself! The original price of a Saga was $1,000, while the reduced price was $599. Currently, Saga-exclusive airdrops are worth ~$1,200. So, if you bought one of the last Saga devices, you basically received a free crypto-native phone in addition to $600. Let that sink in!

That’s all fine and dandy, but Saga devices are sold out and only available for $1,300+ on secondary markets such as eBay. 

But what if you want to get in on the fun — all while challenging Apple and Google's duopoly?

You’re in luck!

Last week, Solana Mobile announced its second device — Chapter 2 — to launch in 2025.

More than 40,000 devices have been preordered in the first couple of days — and counting.

So what are you waiting for — the Founder Window is still open, allowing you to secure Solana Mobile's newest device for $450 only!

Chart Of The Week

News Bites

Solana Deployment: Aave has cleared the first hurdle on its way to deploying on Solana. The next steps are an in-depth network analysis and the finalisation of the general proposal.

Volume Records: Solana’s stablecoin transfer volume has set a record in January, surging past $300B — which represents approximately 32% of the stablecoin market.

Regulated Stablecoins: Paxos regulated stablecoin — USDP — is now live on Solana. As PayPal’s stablecoin — PYUSD — is issued by Paxos as well, a new generation of use cases might just be unleashed.

Future Of Money: In its “State of the USDC Economy” report, Circle highlights how Solana Pay can help power the future of money.

Developer Stickiness: According to Electric Capital’s Developer Report, Solana ranks as the #1 non-EVM chain for new developers — with a 10x growth in monthly developers since 2020.

Exploring Solana: OKX has called out Solana Super Season — a campaign through which users can earn rewards while exploring the Solana ecosystem.

***

Oh, one last thing ⬇️

Caught In 4K

Weekly Take

Keks & Giggles

And that's a wrap!

If you'd like to reach me, respond to this newsletter or reach out to me on X.

Talk soon!

J264G

_{DISCLAIMER
None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research. Lastly, please be advised that we discuss products and services from our partners from which our team members may hold tokens/equity.}