Road To Ledger Stax

Summary

The video script introduces Ledger Stax, a credit card-sized device designed to securely hold digital assets. Developed by Ledger with contributions from Tony and E Ink Holdings, the device features a pioneering secure touchscreen and an organic TFT display, marking a milestone in both security and usability for crypto users. The project faced significant challenges, including delays and manufacturing hurdles, but the team's resilience and innovation led to a breakthrough in flexible, durable, and eco-friendly display technology. The result is a product that could revolutionize the display industry and enhance future wearables and AR glasses.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The Ledger Stax is a credit card-sized device designed to securely hold digital assets and is considered a milestone for both Ledger and crypto users.
• 🔐 The device emphasizes security, with a focus on maintaining private keys and preventing the loss of Bitcoin and other digital assets.
• 👤 Tony, a key figure in the development of the Ledger Stax, chose a challenging path by opting for an innovative display technology that had never been done before.
• 📱 The secure touchscreen on the Ledger Stax is a world first, directly connected to the secure element, allowing users to verify transactions safely.
• 💡 The idea for Stax came from a combination of design and functionality, aiming to be recognizable, valuable, and convenient to use.
• 📈 The development of the Ledger Stax involved overcoming significant technical challenges, including the integration of an organic TFT display, which was a first in the industry.
• 🌱 The use of organic TFT technology is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional amorphous silicon displays, as it is less prone to breakage and does not require a metal case.
• 🔬 The organic TFT process operates at temperatures under 100 degrees Celsius, which is significantly lower than the temperatures used in traditional silicon-based processes.
• 🔍 The manufacturing process for the Stax had to be meticulously clean to avoid defects, as any particle contamination could ruin the display.
• 🚀 The successful development and production of the Ledger Stax could potentially change the display industry and pave the way for new applications in wearables and AR glasses.
• 💪 The resilience of the team and partners involved in the project was crucial to overcoming the numerous challenges and delays in bringing the Ledger Stax to market.

Q & A

What is Ledger Stax and who is Tony's contribution to its creation?

Ledger Stax is a credit card-sized device designed to hold all of your digital assets. Tony chose a challenging path by opting for a display that had never been done before, which was instrumental in the device's creation.

Who is Pascal Gauthier and what is his role in Ledger?

Pascal Gauthier is the CEO of Ledger. He led the seed round of investment in the company at the end of 2014 or the beginning of 2015 and has been instrumental in making cryptocurrencies secure and user-friendly.

What is the significance of the private key in cryptocurrency security according to Pascal Gauthier?

According to Pascal Gauthier, the private key is the 'secret' of everything in cryptocurrency. Losing the private key would ultimately lead to losing one's Bitcoin, emphasizing the importance of security.

What is Charles Guillemet's background and his contribution to Ledger Stax?

Charles Guillemet is the CTO at Ledger, and he joined the company in 2017. His background is in cryptography and security, which he has been interested in since he was 12 years old. He contributed to the development of Ledger Stax by focusing on secure elements and the secure touchscreen.

How does the secure touchscreen on Ledger Stax enhance security?

The secure touchscreen on Ledger Stax is directly connected to the secure element, which is a secure circuit made for security. This allows users to verify transactions and consents, enhancing the overall security of the device.

What was the design challenge for Ledger Stax in terms of size and usability?

The design challenge for Ledger Stax was to create a device that communicates value, is the size and shape of a credit card, and is convenient to use. It needed to be small enough to be pocketable but still usable with a touchscreen keyboard and other features.

Who is Johnson Lee and what is his connection to the development of Ledger Stax?

Johnson Lee is the Chairman and CEO of E Ink Holdings, the company that makes the display for the Amazon Kindle. He was involved in the development of Ledger Stax by providing the organic TFT display technology that is more environmentally friendly and durable than traditional displays.

What is electrophoretic display technology and how is it used in Ledger Stax?

Electrophoretic display technology is a bi-stable technology that uses two pigments inside enclosed capsules. Electricity is used to move these pigments around, and they remain in place until moved again. This technology is used in Ledger Stax for its durability and environmental benefits.

What are the advantages of using an organic TFT display over traditional amorphous silicon displays?

Organic TFT displays are more environmentally friendly, as they are less prone to cracks and breakage like glass. They also allow for a thinner design without the need for a metal case behind the display, enabling a sleeker device design.

What was the vision behind the development of organic transistor technology?

The vision behind the development of organic transistor technology was to replace silicon and glass with lightweight, unbreakable, thin, and curvable polymers that have semiconductor properties, enabling new form factors and applications for displays and electronics.

What challenges did the team face in bringing the organic TFT technology to mass production for Ledger Stax?

The team faced challenges such as the complexity of the manufacturing process with hundreds of process steps, the need for a pristine environment to avoid defects, and the learning curve associated with being the first to produce such a complex transistor on plastic at scale.

How did the team overcome the challenges and achieve a successful product launch for Ledger Stax?

The team overcame challenges through resilience, patience, and collaboration with partners who believed in the technology's long-term viability. They were able to solve manufacturing problems, change suppliers midstream, and ultimately achieve a high yield of good output.

What is the potential impact of Ledger Stax's technology on the future of wearables and AR glasses?

The technology used in Ledger Stax could potentially enable the development of wearables and AR glasses with pixel-by-pixel activation and dimming capabilities, improving all-day wearability and performance, and contributing to the widespread adoption of AR technology.