Ngrave releases ZERO firmware 1.8, adds Polygon token support and open-source QR protocol

Ngrave has shipped firmware version 1.8 for its ZERO hardware wallet, bringing two headline changes: a brand-new open-source Universal QR Protocol that replaces the wallet’s older communication method, and full token support on the Polygon network. The update, which also applies to the companion LIQUID app, went live on August 25.

For a company that has built its brand around air-gapped security (the ZERO has no WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB data connection), the way it talks to the outside world through QR codes is arguably its most important feature. This update overhauls that entire layer.

What the Universal QR Protocol actually changes

The core idea is straightforward: every piece of data exchanged between the ZERO wallet and the LIQUID app now flows through a single, standardized QR protocol that anyone can inspect. The protocol is released under the MIT license, which means other wallet makers, security researchers, or curious developers can read the code, fork it, or audit it without asking permission.

The update also brings faster animated QR scanning, a practical improvement for anyone who has ever held their phone awkwardly in front of a hardware wallet screen waiting for the codes to sync.

Polygon token expansion

Before firmware 1.8, the ZERO wallet supported MATIC as a standalone coin on Polygon but didn’t offer broader token coverage on the network. That changes now. The update adds support for USDC, USDT (specifically USDT0), WETH, WBTC, DAI, AAVE, LINK, and UNI on Polygon.

Beyond Polygon, Ngrave also added support for PAXG and AMP on Ethereum, plus USDT on MultiversX. PAXG is notable as a gold-backed token, giving hardware wallet users a way to hold tokenized gold in cold storage.

What got cut

The update isn’t purely additive. Ngrave removed over 100 inactive or legacy tokens from the device’s asset list. The company also dropped support for BNB Beacon Chain and Groestlcoin entirely, though BNB Smart Chain remains active.

Fingerprint sensor reliability also received an upgrade in this release. The ZERO uses biometric authentication as part of its security model, so improvements to sensor accuracy reduce the number of failed unlock attempts.

Competitive positioning and what to watch

By open-sourcing its QR communication layer, Ngrave is making a bet that transparency will be a competitive differentiator. Ledger faced significant backlash in 2023 over its Recover feature, which many users felt undermined the self-custody premise of owning a hardware wallet.

Ngrave has published manifest signatures and SHA-256 hashes for users who want to verify the firmware’s integrity before installing it.