Mobile device users in emerging economies and those hampered by outdated hardware could tap into a new virtual smartphone application running on Solana’s blockchain and decentralized cloud infrastructure.

Aphone debuted in the Solana ecosystem on March 7 as a web-based virtual smartphone that gives users access to various Web3 and conventional applications. APhone ecosystem development and growth lead Jennifer Booze unpacked details of the service in correspondence with Cointelegraph following its launch.

Cloud-based app taps into Solana to bring life to old devices image 0 Cointelegraph tested Aphone’s virtual device, which features several Web3 DApps and conventional mobile applications. Source: Aphone

Aphone looks and feels like an Android smartphone and is platform-agnostic, meaning it can operate on a browser, Android or Apple device. Booze says it functions more like an operating system with its interface, features and underlying technology rather than replacing a device’s operating system.

“It’s a cloud smartphone environment that users can access through their current devices, leveraging decentralized cloud computing to run Web3 applications smoothly without needing local hardware upgrades,” Booze explains.

The team envisions the virtual device as a means of onboarding users to Web3 applications and protocols previously hindered by the hardware limitations of devices.

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Aphone’s service bypasses the hardware limits of older smartphone models by operating on a decentralized cloud-based graphics processing unit (GPU) computing infrastructure, Aethir. Aphone’s interface and its applications run on the cloud service, which allows users to access apps and games that the physical device would not be able to handle.

Booze said the virtual device’s primary use case is to drive access to the broader Web3 ecosystem as smartphones become increasingly ubiquitous in emerging markets alongside the proliferation of mobile internet access.

“By leveraging Aethir’s decentralized cloud technology, APhone enables these users to experience advanced Web3 applications, NFTs, DeFi platforms, blockchain games and run multiple smartphones on a single device.”

The virtual alternative to buying a new smartphone will cost users $20 a year. Prospective users can buy an Aphone nonfungible token (NFT), which is minted and burned on the Solana blockchain, giving users access to the virtual device.

The device will also provide access to several decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) operating on Solana. This includes Helium, which rewards users for providing network coverage and validating transactions.

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Cointelegraph asked why Aphone needs to operate on blockchain infrastructure and the purpose of its native PHONE token. Booze said that operating on Solana offers high transaction speeds, lower costs and enhanced security and decentralization.

“These features support a seamless Web3 experience, including managing NFTs, tokens, and accessing DApps. Aethir’s infrastructure enables the powerful processing capabilities required for demanding Web3 applications, making the integration of blockchain technology essential for APhone’s operation,” Booze adds.

The device’s native token is set to be used for governance and rewards incentivization mechanisms to drive user engagement and participation.

As Cointelegraph previously explored , DePINs are making their mark as resources to power artificial intelligence tools, which are becoming increasingly valuable. Recently developed DePIN platform IO.net will allow users to source GPU computing power for AI and machine learning, with Solana’s blockchain used to process and facilitate millions of microtransactions to data centers and hardware providers.

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