14 DAY TRIAL // Most smartphone users out there are concerned about their privacy, but it appears that it might not be too long before such fears are a thing of the past.
Geeksphone, the company that launched Firefox OS-based handsets not long ago, is planning on bringing to the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona a device focused on maintaining the privacy of users, one that would be called Blackphone.
The device is being built in collaboration with Silent Circle, and will run under a custom mobile platform, called PrivatOS.
“Silent Circle and Geeksphone have partnered to combine best-of-breed hardware with all the skills and experience necessary to offer PrivatOS, an Android based operating system without the usual compromises,” the team notes on the Blackphone website.
The upcoming device will come to the market with support for all GSM networks out there, and should prove one of the fastest phones available from any manufacturer.
“It has the features necessary to do all the things you need, as well as all the things you want, while maintaining your privacy and security and giving you the freedom to choose your carrier, your apps, and your location,” the team explains.
Blackphone will pack a series of tools that should enable users to take ownership of their mobile presence and digital footprints, while also ensuring that no one can watch them without their knowing it.
“You can make and receive secure phone calls; exchange secure texts; exchange and store secure files; have secure video chat; browse privately; and anonymize your activity through a VPN,” the team also explains.
Unfortunately, no specific info on the handset’s hardware specifications has been provided as of now, and we’re still in the dark when it comes to the device’s price tag. However, we should be able to learn specific details on what it has to offer as soon as the next month.