The French unicorn Ledger has launched the Nano Gen5, a new device priced at $179. Gone are the small buttons, replaced by a large E Ink touchscreen. However, the real change is strategic: Ledger is no longer just about “wallets” but “signers,” aiming to extend beyond crypto to handle digital identity and even AI. Moreover, the Ledger Live app has been renamed.
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The Nano Gen5: A Touchscreen Evolution
Ledger has updated its classic lineup with the Nano Gen5. Priced at 179 euros, it slots between the Nano X (149€) and the pricier Ledger Flex (249€). The most noticeable upgrade is the replacement of two small buttons with a large E Ink touchscreen. This change should simplify navigation and notably enhance security through “Clear Signing”: users can now see in detail on a clear screen what they are about to confirm. The device is equipped with modern connectivity options including USB-C, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC. An interesting note for Apple fans, Ledger collaborated with Susan Kare, the designer behind the original Macintosh icons, to create customization badges.
Why Ledger Now Talks About “Signers”
The transformation isn’t merely physical. Ledger has made a significant semantic shift: the term “hardware wallet” is replaced by “signer”. This change better reflects the device’s actual function. A Ledger device does not store your cryptocurrencies (those reside on the blockchain); it securely stores your private keys offline and is used solely to sign (approve) transactions. This renaming aligns with a broader ambition to move beyond just Bitcoin. The goal is to turn the Nano Gen5 into a guardian of digital identity.
Managing Your Identity and Authorizing AI
This new approach allows the Nano Gen5 to be used for web authentication similar to “passkeys,” or to verify one’s age without showing an ID card. Ledger is thinking ahead, even suggesting the device could enable personal artificial intelligence agents to perform tasks on your behalf, such as booking a flight. The idea is to hold a personal and secure key to manage your digital life. To support this vision, the companion app, formerly known as Ledger Live, has been renamed “Ledger Wallet.” It includes new features such as converting euros to stablecoins (stable cryptocurrencies) without fees, and a tool that analyzes transactions to detect risks.
What’s the Verdict?
Ledger is making a logically strategic move. The niche market of early crypto adopters is likely reaching saturation, and the company needs to find new avenues for growth. By renaming its products as “signers” and targeting digital identity, the French unicorn is aiming to reach a broader audience and establish itself as a major player in overall security. The timing is right, as “passkeys” are replacing passwords, and there’s talk of allowing AI to act on our behalf. The challenge, however, is educational: Will the general public be willing to spend 179 euros on a device whose primary utility (crypto) still seems quite elusive to many? The main challenge is indeed educational.