S16 E57: Trezor Safe 7 Setup with Matej Zak & Tomáš Sušánka

Recently, Trezor unveiled the Safe 7: the first hardware wallet in the world to include the Tropic Square verifiable secure element chip, a true game-changer for Bitcoin security. In this episode, Matej Zak & Tomáš Sušánka explain how it works.

Buy your Trezor Safe 7 (referral link): affil.trezor.io/SHuM

Time stamps:

00:01:13 - Introduction to the podcast episode and guests (Matej Zak, CEO, and Tomáš Sušánka, CTO of Trezor).

00:01:34 - Discussion of the Trezor Safe 7 product launch event in Prague and the host's excitement about the Tropic Square chip.

00:01:55 - Mention of the live unboxing and potential for things to go wrong.

00:02:17 - Addressing rumors about paying influencers; clarification that no payments were made, only travel costs covered.

00:03:11 - Start of unboxing the Trezor Safe 7, focusing on packaging security and tamper-proof elements.

00:04:31 - Overview of Trezor Safe 7 features: flagship product, auditable secure element, large color touchscreen, premium build quality, Bluetooth connectivity, and quantum protections.

00:07:20 - Explanation of "quantum ready" label: Post-quantum signatures for bootloader updates and device authenticity, not full quantum-proofing for Bitcoin.

00:09:00 - Deeper dive into quantum readiness, industry trends (e.g., Cloudflare, Apple), and why it's not a gimmick.

00:12:51 - Continuation of unboxing: Tamper-proof seals, holographic stickers, and physical security layers.

00:14:18 - Confirmation that devices ship without firmware; installation happens via Trezor Suite for added security.

00:15:26 - Setup process on iPhone: Downloading the app, Bluetooth pairing, and why iPhone compatibility was prioritized.

00:16:10 - Market insights: US as the biggest market, challenges with Apple (MFi program), and opting for Bluetooth over cables.

00:18:30 - Ads segment (Sideshift.ai, Layer 2 Labs, NoOnes.com, news.bitcoin.com).

00:20:13 - Resuming app setup: Privacy options, biometrics, Bluetooth permissions, and pairing code.

00:21:42 - Counting physical security layers (five in total) and their purpose.

00:23:07 - Authenticity checks in the app: Confirming purchase source, seals, and packaging integrity.

00:24:09 - Firmware installation process and confirmation that devices ship with only bootloader.

00:25:05 - Discussion of dual secure elements (Tropic Square T01 and Infineon Optiga Trust M) for enhanced security.

00:26:01 - Bluetooth security: End-to-end encryption using Noise protocol.

00:27:04 - Haptic feedback and one-time code for pairing confirmation.

00:28:00 - Device authenticity verification via secure elements.

00:29:39 - More on quantum readiness: Post-quantum certificates for future implementation.

00:30:23 - Tutorial walkthrough: Power button, menu options, and Tropic Square chip explanation.

00:30:59 - Background on Tropic Square: Origin story, name meaning (Truly Open IC), and founding to create auditable secure elements.

00:32:06 - Experience with proprietary secure elements: Discovering vulnerabilities under NDA and deciding to develop an open alternative.

00:34:25 - Why Tropic Square chip is described as "auditable and transparent" rather than fully "open source" (digital parts open, analog parts not yet due to costs; no NDAs required).

00:37:18 - Advantages of Tropic Square for competitors: Better security, transparency, and ability to discuss vulnerabilities openly.

00:38:46 - Competition philosophy: Focus on features, software, third-party integrations, and innovation rather than aggressive tactics.

00:40:29 - Bitcoin-only version mention and pre-order availability.

00:41:26 - Completion of setup tutorial; default 20-word SLIP-39 backup with options for multi-share.

00:43:41 - Metrics for setup experience: Emphasis on user understanding over speed.

00:45:32 - Compatibility with BIP-44 for multi-asset support; differences limited to SLIP-39 replacing BIP-39.

00:47:09 - Status as production-quality device; shipping soon, with room for early feedback.

00:49:19 - Audience questions: Ordering in Southeast Asia (via trezor.io or vetted resellers).

00:50:35 - Audience questions: Coin control in mobile app (planned for parity with desktop in a few months).

00:51:29 - Audience questions: Shielded Zcash support (on backlog, no ETA; space issues resolved but requires further cryptography work).

00:53:18 - Pricing ($250) and pre-order info.

00:53:43 - Closing remarks: Pride in the product, future features, and thanks.