The WARE 2018 New Hardware Summit is set to ignite the tech scene in Shenzhen, bringing together pioneers and innovators from across the global hardware and technology ecosystem. As one of the most anticipated events of the year, this summit unites leaders from top-tier tech giants, semiconductor powerhouses, and disruptive startups — all under one roof to explore the future of intelligent hardware, IoT, and emerging technologies like blockchain.
With confirmed participation from industry titans such as Google, Xiaomi, Tencent, 360, and Sogou, alongside key players in chip design and hardware solutions including Synaptics, Allwinner Technology, MediaTek, EWeLink, and Jastec, WARE 2018 showcases a powerful convergence of software, hardware, and connectivity. The event also features forward-thinking brands like Turing Robot, Cat King Radio, and Skyworth, highlighting how innovation continues to reshape consumer experiences.
But beyond the impressive lineup lies a deeper narrative — one that challenges norms and breaks boundaries.
A Rare Spotlight on Women in Tech
Historically, the hardware industry has been male-dominated — and WARE 2018 reflects that trend in its speaker roster, which is largely composed of male executives spanning generations from post-50s to millennials. Yet amidst this landscape stands a notable exception: Yu Fang, Co-founder and CEO of BitKan, who will be the only female speaker at the summit.
Yu Fang’s presence isn’t just symbolic — it signals a growing integration between two rapidly evolving fields: blockchain technology and smart hardware. She will deliver a keynote during the closing session, discussing the intersection of Bitcoin, decentralized systems, and next-generation hardware applications.
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From Huawei to Blockchain: The Rise of Yu Fang
Before stepping into the crypto spotlight, Yu Fang built a strong foundation in product innovation at some of China’s biggest tech companies. As a former product manager at Huawei and Tencent, she led the development of Huawei’s most popular internal global knowledge-sharing platform — a testament to her expertise in community building and user engagement.
In 2013, she co-founded BitKan (币看) — a platform dedicated to delivering real-time cryptocurrency market data, news, and insights. Under her leadership, BitKan grew into a globally recognized brand serving millions of users across Asia, North America, and Europe.
One of her boldest moves was spearheading the production of "Bitcoin: Rethinking the Future", the first large-scale Chinese-language documentary on Bitcoin. This project not only elevated public understanding of blockchain but also cemented BitKan’s position as a thought leader in the space.
Her journey reflects a broader shift: from traditional tech roles to pioneering decentralized innovation — a path increasingly taken by visionary entrepreneurs worldwide.
Introducing BitKan’s “K Station”: Redefining Crypto Communities
At the heart of BitKan’s evolution is its latest product launch: K Station, a vertical community platform designed specifically for the cryptocurrency industry.
Unlike generic forums or social media groups, K Station introduces several transformative upgrades:
- Content monetization: High-quality articles and analyses can be locked behind paid access.
- Value-based incentives: Contributors earn rewards when their content gains traction.
- Multi-currency support: Users can pay with BTC, BCH, ETH, and other major cryptocurrencies.
- Knowledge preservation: Content is archived and organized for long-term value.
This model aligns with Yu Fang’s belief that "free content attracts traffic, but paid content elevates quality." By incentivizing experts to share deep insights — rather than chasing clicks — K Station aims to become a trusted hub for serious crypto enthusiasts and professionals.
It’s a bold move in an industry often criticized for misinformation and hype. And it mirrors broader trends in digital communities: quality over quantity, expertise over virality.
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Why Blockchain and Hardware Are Converging
While blockchain may seem abstract compared to tangible devices, the two domains are becoming increasingly intertwined.
Consider these intersections:
- Secure hardware wallets: Devices like Ledger and Trezor rely on advanced chipsets to protect private keys.
- Mining rigs: Specialized ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) power the backbone of proof-of-work networks.
- IoT + blockchain: Smart devices use decentralized ledgers for secure firmware updates and peer-to-peer data exchange.
- Supply chain tracking: Embedded sensors combined with blockchain ensure authenticity in manufacturing.
The WARE summit provides a rare opportunity for blockchain leaders like Yu Fang to engage directly with hardware engineers, chip designers, and product strategists — fostering collaboration that could lead to breakthrough innovations.
As more devices go online, ensuring trust, security, and identity becomes critical. Blockchain offers solutions — and hardware brings them to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is Yu Fang?
A: Yu Fang is the Co-founder and CEO of BitKan, a leading cryptocurrency information platform. She previously worked at Huawei and Tencent, and has played a key role in promoting blockchain education through initiatives like the documentary Bitcoin: Rethinking the Future.
Q: What is BitKan?
A: BitKan is a mobile app and digital platform launched in 2012 that provides real-time cryptocurrency price data, news updates, mining monitoring, wallet tools, and community features for traders and investors.
Q: What is K Station?
A: K Station is BitKan’s new vertical community platform that enables content creators to publish premium articles with paid access, supported by multiple cryptocurrencies and reward mechanisms for high-quality contributions.
Q: Why is blockchain relevant to hardware?
A: Blockchain enhances hardware security (e.g., secure boot processes), enables decentralized device networks (IoT), supports crypto mining infrastructure, and improves supply chain transparency through tamper-proof records.
Q: Is WARE 2018 open to the public?
A: Yes — although the first round of tickets sold out quickly, a second release was made available. Attendance requires registration through official channels.
Q: How does K Station differ from traditional crypto forums?
A: Unlike free-for-all discussion boards, K Station emphasizes curated, expert-driven content with financial incentives for quality creators and payment barriers to reduce noise and spam.
The Bigger Picture: Paying for Knowledge in the Digital Age
Yu Fang’s vision for K Station taps into a growing demand: trustworthy information in an era of information overload. In finance — especially in volatile markets like cryptocurrency — accurate insights can mean the difference between profit and loss.
Platforms that enable direct monetization of knowledge are gaining momentum. Think Substack for journalism, Patreon for creators — now applied to blockchain analysts and technical traders.
This shift empowers independent voices while filtering out low-effort content. It also creates sustainable ecosystems where expertise is rewarded — not just liked or shared.
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Final Thoughts
The WARE 2018 New Hardware Summit isn’t just about gadgets and circuits — it’s about ideas colliding, industries converging, and pioneers pushing boundaries. With Yu Fang taking the stage as a rare female voice in both tech and crypto leadership, the event promises not only technological insight but also cultural significance.
As blockchain becomes embedded in everything from smart homes to industrial automation, events like WARE play a crucial role in bridging communities. Whether you're a developer, investor, or innovator, the fusion of hardware intelligence and decentralized trust is where the next wave of disruption begins.
Stay informed. Stay curious. And stay ready for what’s coming next.