The world’s first blockchain-powered smart speaker opened up for preorders on Indiegogo today in an effort to bring an open-source, privacy-focused alternative to market against the likes of Google LLC and Apple Inc.

Called Volareo, the smart speaker is claimed to be designed for those “who value creativity, privacy and independence” through a device that supports voice commands, ordering and music streaming. It also looks very much like a reusable coffee mug.

Under the hood, Volareo uses a blockchain network developed by Musicoin that offers a catalog of music from independent musicians. With support for cryptocurrency payments using Musicoins, 500 worth $10, that come with each device purchased, users can tip musicians, buy merchandise and book concert tickets.

“Blockchain music has huge potential to drive much-needed revenue to artists, particularly independent ones, transparently, directly and instantly,” company founder Nick Yap said in a statement. “The listener gets the chance to connect on a much closer level with the artist, by being able to tip artists or buy merchandise, for example, via voice commerce.”

Given its open-source base, the device will not be locked down to one service. It will support new music platforms such as Emanate, Choon, Soundeon and Jazz de Ville and “many more.”

Hardware specs are somewhat vague, but the product page notes that the speaker supports WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, allowing it to be used as a regular speaker. It has support for wireless charging and a battery that can run six hours in continuous usage.

Emphasizing a focus on privacy, the smart speaker also has a built-in microphone off switch, meaning that “nobody can listen to anything when the microphone is switched off, simply because the power towards the microphone is cut off.”

Another appealing feature is the introductory price. Early-bird adopters can prepurchase Volareo for $99 until Sept. 15, with delivery promised for the first quarter of 2019.

Photo: Volareo