Ledger launches a phone and payment system for AI amid community criticism

• The phone isolates the screen with a dedicated component to prevent fraudulent signatures.
• Previous thefts involving tampered equipment from the factory resulted in losses of USD 86 million.

The hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger has unveiled its new device, the Ledger Atom, marketed as a device that merges the experience of a smartphone with the security of a cold wallet for bitcoin (BTC) and cryptocurrencies. It is accompanied by a payment system for artificial intelligence agents.

However, the announcement has been heavily overshadowed by a wave of criticism and distrust, occurring just days after one of the most severe supply chain attacks in the history of the cryptocurrency ecosystem was confirmed.

During a presentation held on October 15, Ledger's CEO, Pascal Gauthier, and executive Ian Rogers revealed the Ledger Atom.

This device ---as they indicate--- does not intend to replace the traditional smartphone, but to act as a connected vault.

It operates under two environments: a <> for everyday applications and internet connection, and a <> isolated and operated by Ledger OS.

In secure mode, a dedicated hardware component (FPGA) physically cuts off the access of the screen and the touch panel to the standard environment when a transaction signature is required. This aims to ensure that a compromised environment by malicious software cannot forge approvals. Additionally, it features a physical switch that disconnects the camera and microphone, prioritizing user privacy.

In parallel, the company introduced <>. This tool allows users to interact with artificial intelligence agents (such as Grokbot or those developed by OpenClaw and Venice AI) without compromising their private keys.

The system groups requests from agents, allowing the user to review the task queue and approve transactions asynchronously from their physical device, always keeping the human in final control of the funds.

Despite the technical innovation, the timing chosen for this launch has generated criticism.

The cryptocurrency ecosystem is still processing the recent logistical attack in which cybercriminals intercepted shipments of Ledger devices to resellers to solder spy microcontrollers. Photo of a compromised Ledger device. Source: @0xJohannes_ -- X.

As explained by CriptoNoticias, this sophisticated sabotage allowed the theft of users' seed phrases at the exact moment of initial setup, resulting in estimated losses of over 86 million dollars.

The announcement broadcast through Ledger's X account reflected the discontent of the community, where viewers poured strong criticism, skepticism, and mockery into the live chat.{#p-rc_37e8f536e5113576-21}

Users expressed a noticeable loss of trust, with several labeling the company simply as <>. One participant summarized the widespread sentiment and frustration by stating: <<all they had to do was secure people's BTC ---one job--- and they failed>>.{#p-rc_37e8f536e5113576-21}

The disappointment was such that others declared the <> of the brand (<>) and even offered to sell their unopened devices for fear of using them, admitting that they now feel <> of operating with the brand.{#p-rc_37e8f536e5113576-22}

Additionally, some users described the new announcements as mere deception and questioned the company's credibility.{#p-rc_37e8f536e5113576-22} Community comments during the Ledger presentation. Source: screenshot by CriptoNoticias.

While Ledger attempts to leap into the integration of digital life, Web3, and the era of artificial intelligence with the new Atom, it faces a much greater and pressing challenge: regaining the trust of a community that questions its ability to fulfill its fundamental promise of security and self-custody.

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