Ledger Introduces ‘Ledger Signer’ with the New Nano Gen5 and Launches Enterprise Multisig Solution

Ledger

In a significant announcement, major crypto wallet manufacturer Ledger has revealed that its devices will now function as ‘signers’, starting with the launch of the Ledger Nano Gen5. This innovative device aims to enhance the protection of both financial assets and digital identities.

Ledger is transitioning from the term ‘hardware wallets’ to ‘Ledger signers’ to reflect an expanded role in securing financial transactions and digital identities. The new Ledger Nano Gen5 features modern technology like NFC and Bluetooth, along with a touchscreen interface for easy signing and transaction verification. Alongside this release, Ledger has launched its Ledger Multisig, designed for institutional use and treasury management, enhancing operational security for high-stake transactions.

Key Takeaways

Ledger Nano Gen5 is the latest device offering, now termed as ‘Ledger signers’.
Enhanced features include NFC and Bluetooth capabilities, a touchscreen interface, and improved support for decentralized apps (dapps).
The Ledger Wallet app has been upgraded for faster and more reliable services in buying, selling, and converting currencies.
The newly announced Ledger Multisig aims to facilitate institutional-level operations.
Each Ledger Nano Gen5 comes with a Recovery Key for easier asset access.

Ledger's New Vision: Signers and Enhanced Security

Initially branded as ‘hardware wallets,’ Ledger is now redefining its devices as ‘Ledger signers’ to emphasize their evolved responsibilities in a rapidly digital world. The transformation includes renaming the user interface from Ledger Live to Ledger Wallet. This new branding corresponds to their upgraded functionalities, particularly in safeguarding digital identities as they intersect more with artificial intelligence (AI) developments.

With the introduction of the Ledger Nano Gen5, the company emphasizes that this is “the most powerful and playful Ledger Nano we’ve ever built.” This device is designed to secure everything from assets to identities, smart contracts to future protocols.

Ledger Nano Gen5

One standout feature of the new Nano is its ability to support NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling users to sign transactions on the go. Its devoted E Ink touchscreen offers Clear Signing, Transaction Check, and integrates Ledger Security Key functionalities.

Pascal Gauthier, Chairman and CEO of Ledger, remarked, “The Ledger Nano series has sold millions and has never been hacked, establishing itself as the most successful digital asset security device.” He expressed confidence that the new Nano is equipped to face current and future challenges.

The Ledger Nano Gen5 is currently available for immediate ordering at a price of $179 (€179).

Innovations in DeFi and Multisig Capabilities

The Ledger Wallet application is designed as a portfolio tracker and a centralized control hub for digital assets, now enhanced for buying, swapping, and earning features. The platform has been updated for improved speed and reliability, allowing users to connect directly to decentralized applications (dapps).

Notably, Ledger has also integrated Noah into its services, allowing users to deposit USD or EUR into their wallets without incurring extra fees, instantly exchanging it for USDC.

Ian Rogers, Chief Experience Officer, highlighted the synergy between the Ledger Wallet and the new Ledger signer, making it safe and user-friendly for exploring the vast landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi).

Ledger Wallet App Features

Additionally, Ledger signers will facilitate “Proof of Authority beyond the individual,” expanding their utility into institutional realms by serving banks, custodians, governments, and crypto-related businesses.

As part of its Ledger Enterprise offerings, Ledger debuted the Ledger Multisig solution. This feature is crafted to convert high-stakes operations into reliable, verifiable actions, ensuring that every approval is securely signed on a Ledger device for maximum clarity and cryptographic assurance. Ledger Multisig aims to support treasury management, smart contract governance, and multi-chain activities.

All products, including the Ledger Nano and Ledger Wallet, have undergone rigorous testing by Donjon, Ledger's own white-hat hacker team, and have been audited by external security specialists.

Added Security: Spare Key with Every Nano

Each Ledger Nano Gen5 will come with a Recovery Key included in the package. This feature, originally launched in July, allows users to create a spare key to access their digital assets easily. This spare key links directly with the wallet through NFC technology and is safeguarded by a unique PIN code.

The latest updates also enable users to utilize FIDO2 Passkeys to enhance their login security using their Ledger signer.

Moreover, Susan Kare, renowned graphic designer known for her work on Apple Macintosh’s icons, designed a new series of Badges for personalizing the Ledger Nano.

Competition Heats Up: Trezor Unveils Safe 7

In a timely move, just days before Ledger's announcement, wallet manufacturer Trezor introduced its new product, Safe 7. This device emphasizes security features and is heralded as having several pioneering capabilities focusing on future-proofing against threats, including those from quantum computers.

Notable features of Trezor Safe 7 include the world’s first “transparent and auditable secure element,” secured Bluetooth communication using the new Trezor Host Protocol (THP), and architecture designed for “quantum-secure updates.”

Trezor Safe 7 is priced at $249 (€249) and comes in Charcoal Black and Bitcoin-only editions, with an Obsidian Green model expected soon.

Cryptonews had the exclusivity of interviewing Tomáš Sušánka, Chief Technology Officer at Trezor, on the day of Safe 7's launch. Read the full interview to stay updated.