JAN3 releases Echos, a free, open-source, voice-to-text transcription app from its new AI division, A1 Lab. Echos runs fully offline, offering private, local transcription with no accounts, subscriptions, or data sharing.

PRÓSPERA, Honduras, February 11th, 2026

Echos is the voice-to-text app built for speed, privacy, and freedom. Transcribe speech instantly with on-device AI for free. There are no accounts, subscriptions, or data sharing. 

Echos runs entirely on a user’s device using lightweight AI models, keeping audio and notes private while delivering accurate, multilingual transcription without ever connecting to a server. The key features at launch include one-tap recording, offline transcription, and the ability to organize notes into sessions. Echos encrypts all notes and supports over 65 languages.

“The world has changed with the advent of artificial intelligence, and the software people use must change as well,” said Samson Mow, JAN3 CEO. “This means more powerful apps that are free and open-source. The power of AI should be freely accessible to everyone.”

Echos is a free, private AI transcription app from A1 Lab, a new division of JAN3. A1 Lab uses AI technology to build AI tools for everyday people. Just as JAN3 advances Bitcoin adoption by giving individuals control over their money, A1 Lab develops open-source AI apps that put users in control of their data. 

Leading A1 Lab is Tobias Wupperfeld, JAN3’s new Head of AI. Tobias has been researching and implementing practical AI solutions since 2022. After joining JAN3 earlier last year, Tobias has worked on integrating AI systems across the company’s product and development workflows. Tobias has been a guiding force in the transition from experimental machine learning to mainstream LLM adoption, and now leads JAN3’s mission to make that power accessible to the world.

“We’ve been integrating AI into our development workflows at JAN3 and have been able to accelerate our full-stack development process massively,” said Tobias Wupperfeld, Head of AI. “Echos was a proof-of-concept application for our new processes and was built in roughly two weeks utilizing frameworks from the AQUA Wallet.” 

Echos is currently optimized for short to mid-length note-taking sessions. We recommend sessions of less than 30 minutes for speed of processing, but there is no limit on the duration of each session. Upcoming updates are planned for audio file uploads, transcribing multi-subject dialogue, search, and smarter organization, all while maintaining an offline-first approach.

Echos is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. For updates, follow @A1Laboratory and @A1Echos on X.

About JAN3

JAN3 is a digital infrastructure company focused on expanding access to Bitcoin technology, founded and led by Samson Mow, a leader in nation-state Bitcoin adoption worldwide. JAN3’s mission is to accelerate hyperbitcoinization by building tools for individuals, autonomous regions, and sovereign nations to benefit from a free and open financial system based on Bitcoin. In addition to developing the popular AQUA Wallet, JAN3 also advances AI research and product development through its A1 Lab division.

For media inquiries, please contact press@jan3.com.

In a groundbreaking move set to accelerate the global adoption of Bitcoin, JAN3 proudly announces that Nick Szabo, distinguished cryptographer and legendary cypherpunk, has joined their team as Chief Scientist.

BITCOIN CITY, El Salvador, Jan. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ – Nick Szabo is a computer scientist, legal scholar, and cryptographer, best known for his pioneering work on smart contracts and the conceptualization of "Bit Gold," a precursor to Bitcoin. His extensive research has significantly influenced the development of decentralized digital currencies and blockchain technologies over the years.

In his capacity as Chief Scientist, Szabo will spearhead research initiatives, exploring Bitcoin's implications on topics ranging from monetary policy to international trade, and financial sovereignty. His forthcoming publications will aim to provide in-depth analyses comparable to his seminal work, "Shelling Out: The Origins of Money," which explores the historical evolution of money and its relevance to digital currencies.

"We are very proud of the addition of Nick to the JAN3 team as we ramp up efforts to accelerate the global adoption of Bitcoin," said Samson Mow, JAN3 CEO. "I've known Nick for nearly 10 years now and have always been a big fan of his work – collaborating on advancing Bitcoin adoption just seems like a natural next step."

Leveraging Szabo's expertise, JAN3 will develop innovative strategies to support nation-states seeking to integrate Bitcoin into their financial systems. We believe that Szabo's insights will be instrumental in positioning Bitcoin as the new reserve asset in a modern financial system.

"I'm joining JAN3 to help Bitcoin become the cornerstone of an entirely new global financial system. By focusing on decentralization, and trust minimization, we can address the systemic inefficiencies of legacy systems and empower individuals, corporations, and nations to embrace true financial sovereignty," said Nick Szabo, JAN3 Chief Scientist. "I'm excited to contribute to JAN3's mission and help chart the path toward a freer and resilient global economy."

Szabo's addition to the JAN3 team marks a significant milestone in the journey towards global Bitcoin adoption. As JAN3 continues to gather leading minds in the field, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing the sound money revolution mainstream, returning the power of money to individuals, rather than trusted third-parties that are security holes.

About JAN3

JAN3 is a digital infrastructure company focused on expanding access to Bitcoin technology, founded and led by Samson Mow, best known for his work with El Salvador's Bitcoin initiatives and his efforts in nation-state Bitcoin adoption around the world. JAN3's mission is to accelerate hyperbitcoinization by providing tools for individuals, autonomous regions, and sovereign nations to benefit from a free and open financial system based on Bitcoin.

For media inquiries, please contact press@jan3.com.

Media Contact

Bevan Waite, JAN3, 1 4083484805, press@jan3.com, jan3.com

Bitcoin technology company JAN3 has announced raising $5 million in seed financing to accelerate development of the AQUA Wallet. Investors include Fulgur Ventures, Grupo Salinas, Tether, East Ventures, and NYDIG.

BITCOIN CITY, El Salvador, Jan. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ – JAN3 has successfully concluded a $5 million seed round led by Fulgur Ventures, with participation from Grupo Salinas, Tether, Lightning Ventures, East Ventures, Plan B Fund, Bitcoin Opportunity Fund, and NYDIG. This seed financing will accelerate the development and marketing of the AQUA Wallet and support JAN3's nation-state initiatives.

"At Fulgur Ventures, we are dedicated to supporting visionary entrepreneurs who are building the financial infrastructure of the future," said Oleg Mikhalsky, Partner at Fulgur Ventures. "Our investment in JAN3 reflects our confidence in their mission to accelerate Bitcoin adoption globally. We believe that JAN3's innovative approach will play a pivotal role in advancing the Bitcoin and Liquid Network ecosystems and we are excited to support JAN3's journey towards bringing about a more inclusive and efficient financial system."

One focus for the seed raise was to bring on investors that are strategic to JAN3's expansion goals in Latin America and Asia. Grupo Salinas, founded by Ricardo Salinas, is a conglomerate of companies including Banco Azteca, Elektra, and TV Azteca, operating across media, retail, financial services, and telecommunication sectors. East Ventures is a prominent investor in Indonesia and Japan, and its co-founder Batara Eto initiated the transformation of Metaplanet into a Bitcoin Treasury company.

JAN3's new funding follows an oversubscribed pre-seed round of $620,000 that was closed in early 2023. As part of the current seed financing, $1 million of capital will be allocated to establish a Bitcoin Treasury for JAN3, consisting of 12 BTC, acquired at an average cost of $83,333.33 per BTC.

JAN3 is dedicated to accelerating Bitcoin adoption worldwide and this funding and treasury creation marks a major milestone in that mission. The JAN3 team has been instrumental in establishing relationships with leaders in as many as 17 countries to begin discussions on how Bitcoin strategies can benefit their nations. AQUA, a Bitcoin and Layer 2 wallet, is JAN3's flagship product and a key pillar for grassroots Bitcoin adoption in the Global South.

"Tether is excited to support the work JAN3 is doing to advance financial freedom around the world," said Paolo Ardoino, Tether CEO. "JAN3's AQUA wallet has found excellent product-market fit by offering the perfect balance of saving in Bitcoin with spending in USDt."

This seed funding will take AQUA to the next phase of its mission to onboard a billion people to Bitcoin. The focus for the past year has been optimizing the core AQUA offering: seamless swaps across Bitcoin layers and with Tether USDt – all in a self-custodial wallet. With the new funding, the priority will shift to growth and adding more Marketplace integrations, such as credit cards, loans, and local on/off ramps.

"We've seen rapid growth in both user adoption and volumes, with the month of November 2024 alone crossing $11 million in swap volume," said Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3. "By leveraging advanced technologies like the Lightning and Liquid Networks, we've managed to create a Bitcoin Superapp that's able to deliver real utility and is being used in daily life around the world. It just works, and it's only going to get even better."

With the AQUA Wallet, JAN3 aims to bridge gaps in the global financial system, providing solutions for those who have been left behind. Whether it's helping families in Latin America find stability in uncertain economies, enabling small businesses in Southeast Asia to thrive, or providing savings tools for individuals in underbanked regions, AQUA is making Bitcoin accessible to anyone who wants to take control of their finances.

About JAN3

JAN3 is a digital infrastructure company focused on expanding access to Bitcoin technology, founded and led by Samson Mow, best known for his work with El Salvador's Bitcoin initiatives and his efforts in nation-state Bitcoin adoption around the world. JAN3's mission is to accelerate hyperbitcoinization by providing tools for individuals, autonomous regions, and sovereign nations to benefit from a free and open financial system based on Bitcoin.

About AQUA

AQUA Wallet is a next-generation Bitcoin wallet that leverages advanced Layer 2 scaling technologies like the Lightning and Liquid Networks, alongside on-chain Bitcoin, to offer users efficiency and security in managing their finances. As the first Bitcoin wallet to integrate native stablecoin support, AQUA enables seamless spending in Tether USDt while saving in Bitcoin – helping people escape inflation, build businesses, and store wealth. With its intuitive design and innovative features, AQUA redefines what's possible with self-custodial Bitcoin wallets, empowering users to take full control of their keys while delivering unparalleled utility.

Media Contact

Bevan Waite, JAN3, 1 4083484805, press@jan3.com, https://jan3.com/

AQUA by JAN3, a revolutionary Bitcoin and stablecoin wallet, was launched on January 3rd, 2024 and empowers global financial freedom. It serves Latin America and emerging markets, bridging financial inclusion gaps. AQUA's user-friendly interface facilitates seamless transactions, supports the Liquid Network, and targets a billion-strong market. Tailored for Latin America and Bitcoin maximalists, AQUA ensures financial autonomy, offering a non-custodial wallet with advanced features. CEO Samson Mow envisions AQUA as a spark for Bitcoin's wildfire spread, accelerating hyperbitcoinization.

January 3rd, 2024. Bitcoin City, El Salvador, January 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --

A groundbreaking product is set to disrupt the status quo, bringing freedom and opportunity to billions. Meet AQUA, a transformative Bitcoin and stablecoin wallet developed by JAN3’s trailblazing team.

AQUA isn’t your average Bitcoin wallet; it's an emblem of liberation and empowerment, designed to serve Latin America and emerging markets all over the globe. This launch ushers in a new era of financial inclusion, particularly for the unbanked, bridging the gap in an increasingly digital world. AQUA is more than just banking the unbanked – it's about protecting people from inflation and giving them control over their financial destiny.

This user-friendly wallet enables users to send and receive Tether USDt, Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid digital assets with ease, even offering native asset swapping. AQUA is the key to Bitcoin circular economies, a daily driver for your digital assets, and a powerful tool that gives users full control and custody of their keys and assets.

AQUA boasts of being one of the first wallets to support the Liquid Network and can store an array of digital assets based on the Liquid sidechain, such as Bitcoin Bonds and game currencies. With this strong foundation, it's poised to become the dominant Bitcoin/Dollar wallet worldwide, reaching a previously untapped market of over a billion individuals.

VISION: EMPOWERING THE WORLD, ONE WALLET AT A TIME

As part of its mission, AQUA will open the doors to a diverse set of financial possibilities, ranging from everyday transactions to more advanced offerings such as debit cards, fiat on and off ramps, and even peer-to-peer lending.

“Our long-term vision is a wallet that helps users ‘leapfrog’ banking, much like users in Africa skipped landlines and went straight to mobile,” said JAN3 CEO, Samson Mow. “Our goal is for AQUA to be the spark that will help Bitcoin spread like wildfire throughout the developing world.”

TAILOR-MADE FOR LATIN AMERICA AND BITCOIN MAXIMALISTS AROUND THE WORLD

AQUA is designed with a deep understanding of users in Latin America; AQUA is their gateway to the financial system - all they need is a budget Android phone. People in Latin America are already familiar with and have a strong need for stablecoins like Tether USDt due to rampant inflation. AQUA’s streamlined and simplified user interface makes it easy for them to send and receive USDt on Liquid, while also keeping them focused on the optionality of Bitcoin as a savings technology.

AQUA’s features can also attract die-hard Bitcoin Maximalists, offering them a powerful interface to Layer 2 technologies like Lightning and Liquid. By utilizing submarine swaps, AQUA can completely bypass high fee-rate environments, seamlessly moving between Lightning and Liquid. AQUA gives Bitcoiners the ability to batch their Bitcoin transactions in Layer 2 and then swap to mainchain Bitcoin when fees are low.

With few options on the market for Lightning wallets to onboard new users, AQUA fills a massive void. Many custodial Lightning wallets were very convenient for sending a few sats to new users, but are no longer available on app stores. Non-custodial Lightning wallets offer a less optimal user experience due to the need for channel opening which can be expensive.

“AQUA is something that Joe or Paco would use to onboard new users to Bitcoin during their travels,” said Edwin Rivas, JAN3 CMO. “AQUA offers the best of both worlds, a non-custodial wallet with a streamlined Lightning experience.”

INSIGHTS FROM JAN3’S CEO, SAMSON MOW

"Our vision for AQUA is an easy, interoperable, and engaging Bitcoin wallet that caters to Latin America and the global south. Bitcoin offers a life of opportunity, enabling anyone to save by owning an asset that appreciates over time, even in an inflationary environment," Mow explained.

By providing native USDt stablecoin and Bitcoin storage, AQUA does away with any fears new Bitcoin users have concerning price volatility and, instead, it gives them access to dollars right out of the box.

"Our mission at JAN3 is to accelerate hyperbitcoinization. We see Bitcoin as a tool for economically empowering billions globally, but without self-custody, you're at risk of losing your Bitcoin," Mow continued.

AQUA’s non-custodial nature emphasizes the importance of self-sovereignty, yet it does so in an easy-to-use, privacy-focused package that you can recommend to friends and family with confidence as they take their first steps in the Bitcoin world.

The story behind AQUA is the same as many grassroots movements, of individuals reclaiming their financial freedom, one app installation at a time. At its core, AQUA values freedom, self-custody, user-friendliness, and being the stablecoin solution people in developing countries need.

JOIN THE REVOLUTION

Experience the freedom of financial autonomy, wherever you are. With AQUA, anyone can thrive in an oasis of digital prosperity. Surf the waves of the global Bitcoin revolution with AQUA. Welcome to the future of finance. Join us. For more information, visit www.aquawallet.io or contact media@jan3.com.

Media Contact

Bevan Waite, JAN3, 1 4083484805, press@jan3.com, jan3.com

Colombian President Gustavo Petro welcomed a delegation of Bitcoiners, led by JAN3 CEO Samson Mow, to explore opportunities for Bitcoin adoption projects in the country. The delegation, including prominent figures like Mauricio Tovar and Diego Gutiérrez Zaldívar, presented proposals, with a focus on utilizing flare gas for Bitcoin mining to reduce CO2 emissions. President Petro, known for his environmental advocacy, expressed interest in the potential of Bitcoin to empower marginalized communities. Discussions encompassed key areas for accelerating Bitcoin initiatives, such as integrating Bitcoin into a major refinery. The President, acknowledging the importance of regulatory clarity, recorded a video endorsing Bitcoin's potential for prosperity and pledged to establish government working groups. The delegation will now present proposals for mining operations using flare gas and engage communities interested in Bitcoin initiatives, aiming to position Colombia as a leading Bitcoin hub in South America.

Bogota, Colombia, December 20, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --

Colombian President Gustavo Petro welcomed a delegation of Bitcoiners, led by JAN3 CEO Samson Mow, after expressing his openness to hear proposals on how the country can take advantage of its natural resources and economic position in the region to kickstart new Bitcoin adoption projects.

Following his trip to Suriname, Mow was invited to the presidential palace, Casa de Nariño, along with JAN3 members Edwin Rivas and Raúl Velásquez, and joined by Mauricio Tovar and Diego Gutiérrez Zaldívar. The delegation presented an analysis of which areas Colombia should look towards to accelerate Bitcoin initiatives. Besides highlighting the importance of Bitcoin’s technological breakthrough for the president, Mow also brought up the possibility of using flare gas to power mining operations.

President Petro, who is a known advocate of environmental causes, instantly took interest in the subject as flared gas energy used in Bitcoin mining can reduce CO2 emissions by over 60%. The project was identified as one of the areas in which Colombia could make strides faster by introducing a Bitcoin component into one of the country’s largest refineries. Colombia’s earnings from oil are expected to reach $37.7b in 2023 (2.6%), with the state-owned Ecopetrol being the biggest contributor to those figures.

Despite that, President Petro’s biggest concern was how Bitcoin could be used to empower marginalized communities, with the Bitcoin delegation quickly pointing out how the currency’s open and neutral nature emphasizes just that. Mow argued that “for the first time in history Bitcoin allows for a person in a remote village to use the same kind of money a billionaire in New York uses.”

The JAN3 team specifically told the president how in recent months they had been approached by communities in La Guajira and its vicinities that were already interested in exploiting the energy potential of the region, using Bitcoin as a monetary incentive that can partly fund these projects in parts of the country where electricity demand is not always as high. JAN3 believes that the national government’s approval of these initiatives will fuel further interest from the indigenous communities involved.

Mow, Tovar, and Gutiérrez discussed regulation, as Colombia’s past attempts to draft laws involving Bitcoin are yet to pay off. In that regard, the delegation made clear that while this is a loftier goal involving many branches of government, the topic will be crucial if Colombia is to launch itself as South America’s leading Bitcoin hub.

The one-hour meeting finished with the President recording a brief video message where he described Bitcoin as a tool that is “promising for the prosperity of the people,” vowing also to establish working groups within the government to explore all these ideas. At the same time, President Petro was keen on seeing grassroots communities and worker cooperatives embrace Bitcoin in their day-to-day economies.

When asked about the political implications of Petro’s statement, combined with the President’s ideology, Mow, known for his involvement in nation-state Bitcoin initiatives around the world, considered that “Bitcoin is for everyone. Regardless of politics, today the president showed himself to be very open to listen to what Bitcoin can do for his country. His interest is in helping Colombia benefit from Bitcoin.”

Gabriel Angulo Anaya, Banco Agrario de Colombia’s VP of Technology, also attended the meeting, where he mainly addressed the importance of regulatory clarity, saying that this could make it possible for Colombia’s largest banks to integrate Bitcoin into their services one day.

At the behest of the Presidency, JAN3 and the rest of the delegation will now move on to presenting Gustavo Petro and relevant parties with a proposal to start mining operations using flared gas, as well as contacting potential communities or cooperatives eager to follow up on the President's intentions. Aside from these efforts with the planned commissions, JAN3 will also continue to explore ways in which Colombia can use Bitcoin to gain a strategic advantage that can boost the nation's development.

About JAN3

JAN3 is a digital infrastructure company focused on expanding access to Bitcoin technology, founded and led by Samson Mow, best known for his efforts in nation-state Bitcoin adoption around the world. JAN3's mission is to accelerate hyperbitcoinization by providing tools for individuals, autonomous regions, and sovereign nations to benefit from a free and open financial system based on Bitcoin.

Media Contact

Bevan Waite, JAN3, 1 4083484805, press@jan3.com, jan3.com

Bitcoin technology company JAN3 has introduced its JAN3 Financial division, featuring a bespoke Bitcoin Over the Counter (OTC) desk designed to cater to the specific needs of nation-states, public entities, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals. With a focus on Bitcoin acquisition, custody, and security, JAN3 aims to help clients build a digital "Fort Knox" for their Bitcoin assets. The company, led by CEO Samson Mow, positions itself as a comprehensive solution provider for both public and private sector clients looking to navigate the complexities of Bitcoin adoption and financial fortification.

Bitcoin City, El Salvador, December 15, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --

JAN3, a leading Bitcoin technology company, has proudly announced the launch of its JAN3 Financial division. This service will initially offer a bespoke Bitcoin Over the Counter (OTC) desk that can accommodate the unique needs of nation-states at a time of increasing adoption across the world.

JAN3 Financial's OTC desk caters to nation-states, as well as public companies, municipalities, institutions, unions, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and high-net-worth individuals looking to expose themselves to Bitcoin’s impressive performance over the past decade, boasting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 73.32%. By harnessing the power and potential of Bitcoin, nations and large entities can safeguard their financial assets, either privately or by joining JAN3 at the forefront of this industry.

Samson Mow, JAN3's CEO, commented on the launch, saying "Nation-states and corporations require robust means to acquire Bitcoin. We can offer them bespoke solutions to accumulate their Bitcoin treasury reserves (or 'stack sats', as we say). The expertise of the JAN3 team uniquely positions us to meet the distinct needs of our nation-state clientele, offering unmatched solutions concerning Bitcoin acquisition, custody, and the high-grade security they demand."

Elaborating further on their holistic service approach, JAN3 COO, Ben Van Hool added, "We're not just about Bitcoin acquisition. Our services extend to assisting nation-states in securing their Bitcoin. We design and establish strategies, procedures, and systems, to ensure the longevity and security of a nation's treasury. Think of it as building a digital, individual Bitcoin 'Fort Knox' for our clients. Our seasoned team walks our customers through every step, to make their Bitcoin adoption and financial fortification journey easier and more secure."

In addition to serving public entities at every level, JAN3 Financial also caters to a diverse range of clientele in the private sector. This includes enterprises, family offices, and high net-worth individuals, to ensure a broad spectrum of clients can benefit from JAN3’s Bitcoin expertise as they each look to diversify their assets.

CBO of JAN3, Andrew Howard commented, "There are many, many notable figures we’ve been in contact with who either own Bitcoin or have expressed to us that they want to start allocating into it. You may not always hear on the news about these people buying it - they don’t always have an incentive to tell the world they’re buying. But they exist, it’s happening, and they are now allocating into Bitcoin through JAN3 Financial.”

JAN3’s reputation and track record servicing nation-states guarantees private parties can also access an OTC desk that guarantees reliability, professionalism, and privacy. Along with a complete suite of consulting services, JAN Financial enables a smooth Bitcoin experience from beginning to end.

About JAN3:

JAN3 is a digital infrastructure company focused on expanding access to Bitcoin technology, founded and led by Samson Mow, best known for his efforts in nation-state Bitcoin adoption around the world. JAN3's mission is to accelerate hyperbitcoinization by providing tools for individuals, autonomous regions, and sovereign nations to benefit from a free and open financial system based on Bitcoin.

Media Contact

Bevan Waite, JAN3, 1 4083484805, press@jan3.com, jan3.com