TL;DR
- Ledger launches the new Flex model, an intermediate option in its line of hardware wallets, priced at $249 with advanced features, such as a 2.8-inch E Ink touchscreen.
- The Flex model includes USB C connectivity, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC, and promises long battery life. It is available in two versions: black and silver, and a special orange BTC edition.
- The new Ledger Security Key app on the Flex allows two-factor authentication (2FA) and access key creation based on the FIDO 2 standard.
Ledger has announced the launch of its new hardware wallet, Flex, which positions itself as an intermediate option in its range of devices, offering advanced features at a more accessible price of $249. This new model follows the design of Stax but with some key differences that distinguish it.
The Flex model features a 2.8-inch E Ink touchscreen with a resolution of 600 x 480 pixels. While it does not include the curved screen designed by Tony Fadell that characterizes Stax, the Flex model offers a capacitive touchscreen interface that facilitates interaction with the device. It is available in two versions: one in black and silver, and another in a special orange BTC edition, designed for Bitcoin enthusiasts.
Ledger Flex is here.
Alongside Ledger Stax, Ledger Flex is the latest addition to our new category of secure touchscreen devices.
Ledger's CEO @_pgauthier, CXO @iancr, CTO @P3b7_ and other members of the team sat down to tell us the story behind Ledger Flex and Ledger's new… pic.twitter.com/K8phbQN9eF
— Ledger (@Ledger) July 26, 2024
Weighing 57.5 grams and measuring 78.40 mm x 56.50 mm x 7.70 mm, the Ledger Flex incorporates USB C, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC connectivity. Its battery promises extended longevity, which can last from weeks to months on a single charge. A crucial aspect of the Flex is its EAL 6 certified secure element, which protects user private keys and secures the device’s screen.
Ledger Flex Allows 2FA Use
Another important innovation of the Flex model is the inclusion of the new Ledger Security Key app, which enables two-factor authentication (2FA) and the creation of access keys using the FIDO 2 standard. This feature facilitates passwordless login to platforms such as Google, Amazon, Binance, and Coinbase via NFC or connection to a computer.
Ledger, known for its security devices for cryptocurrencies, has faced some controversies in the past. In 2021, a hack exposed customer data, and in recent years, the company has been criticized for its Ledger Recover service, which allows backing up private recovery phrases through an ID-based system. While the company assures that this service is optional and does not increase security risks, some critics have expressed concerns about potential vulnerabilities.
With the launch of the Ledger Flex, the company aims to offer a more accessible and secure crypto key management solution while continuing to address challenges related to the security and privacy of its devices.
