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People aren't buying privacy-focused smartphones
It looks as if the demand for smartphones that actively protect your privacy is significantly smaller than anyone expected. A lengthy investigation over at Forbes has looked into the troubles at Silent Circle and the news isn't good. The company that produces the Blackphone has recently cut a fifth of its workforce and is embroiled in litigation with Geeksphone. The reason behind all of this turmoil is very simple: the company believed that it'd sell hundreds of thousands privacy-protecting smartphones that nobody actually wanted.
Blackphone 2 now on sale in North America for $800
If you need maximum smartphone security and are willing to pay for it, the Blackphone 2 is now on sale. The latest handset from Silent Circle has privacy features like the Android-based PrivatOS operating system, encrypted calling and texts, and "spaces" that let you keep business separate from pleasure. But unlike the original Blackphone, the latest model is actually a decent smartphone, with a 5.5-inch 1080p screen, Qualcomm 8-core CPU, 3GB RAM, a 13-megapixel back-side illuminated camera and quick-charging 3,060 mAh battery.
Privacy-focused Blackphone 2 is ready for pre-order
Blackphone 2, the second iteration of Silent Circle's privacy-focused handset, is now available for pre-order -- assuming you don't mind reserving a device without knowing its price. The original Blackphone was sold at the flagship-level cost of $629, but remember, this one's more sophisticated than its predecessor, with its front and rear covered in glass. It has a 5.5-inch 1080p display, and inside, it boasts an octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. What makes it different from other phones with similar specs, though, is that it runs an Android-based platform called PrivatOS which has a suite of secure apps, including ones for encrypted messaging and voice calls.
Spain's first smartphone maker calls it quits
Geeksphone, the world's first Spanish smartphone maker, has decided to leave the phone business after nearly six years. The company has decided that, after developing six devices, that it has come to the "end of a cycle" and will stop making hardware. Instead, it'll open-source everything that it's able to for the benefit of the community and remain a viable concern to keep the lights on in its technical support division.
Android's deviant identities
The story of Google's open-source OS and its resulting forked Android versions.
Blackphone launches a new phone, tablet and privacy platform
Silent Circle, the outfit behind the security-oriented Blackphone, has just revealed two new handsets and "the world's first enterprise privacy platform." The first Blackphone was unveiled last year for (understandably) paranoid entrepreneurs. It was a response to revelations of mass data collection, and the latest devices build on that. Last year's phone was made by Spanish outfit GeeksPhone, but since then, Silent Circle has wrestled control of the brand, and this is its first homemade device. The Blackphone 2 carries similar privacy features, but actually gives you a better phone, with an octa-core CPU, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a bigger battery and a 5.5-inch 1080p display. Meanwhile, the Blackphone+ (briefly mentioned by Silent Circle's co-founder earlier) is a privacy-focused tablet coming later in 2015. So far, there are no exact specs on the tablet (it's not ready for prime time), and there's no price on either device. Both are slated to arrive in the second half of this year, though.
The phone designed to protect your information had a big hole
Folks buy the highly secure Blackphone handset for the warm and fuzzy feeling that nobody can see their stuff, but that trust was misplaced until recently, according to security expert Mark Dowd. He found a vulnerability in the text message application of the phone that let attackers steal messages, contacts and location info, and even execute malicious code to gain full control. All a bad guy needed to know was the device's "SilentCircle" account info or phone number.
Blackberry helps Boeing with its hyper-secure 'Black' smartphone
On top of laser weapons, passenger jets and space stuff Boeing is also, weirdly, building an ultra-secure Android smartphone called "Black" (not to be confused with the Blackphone). According to the Telegraph, it's now enlisted BlackBerry's help to make it even more secure, though it's not clear how, exactly. BlackBerry CEO John Chen said "we're pleased to announce that Boeing is collaborating with BlackBerry to provide a secure mobile solution for Android devices utilizing our BES 12 platform" and quickly added, "that, by the way, is all they allow me to say." The Boeing Black smartphone recently cleared the FAA FCC and comes with all the stuff a spook or G-man could want.
Blackphone to launch the world's first privacy-focused app store
Earlier this year, with the Snowden leaks still fresh in the public consciousness, a privacy-focused smartphone called the Blackphone wanted to put people back in control of their data. Running PrivatOS, a custom fork of Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the device aims to strip away bloat and make calls, messaging, contact storage, calendars and internet browsing as secure as they could possibly be. However, its secure core also came with one big disadvantage; if users want to keep their communications private, they could only use default apps supplied on the device. That's about to change, though, after the company announced it's going to launch the "world's first privacy-focused app store".
Keeping your digital life safe in the age of surveillance
Like it or not, people are after your data. Whether it's for advertising, national security or other nefarious purposes, you're leaving a trail of digital breadcrumbs for anyone to follow. But there's a growing arsenal of affordable tools to help protect your privacy both digitally and physically. In this week's Rewind, we take a look at this age of surveillance and some of the more approachable gadgets designed to help fight back against prying eyes.
Blackphone to test new waters with privacy-minded tablet
After turning an ambitious plan into reality, the people behind the privacy-focused Blackphone are ready for a new adventure. During an interview with BBC Newsbeat, Jon Callas, co-founder of Silent Circle, which made the privacy-focused device in conjunction with Geeksphone, let it be known that the company will have a tablet in the near future. "Blackphone as it is, is our first device not our last device," Callas said. While he didn't reveal any more specific details, Callas did mention such tablet is already in the works and set to be coming "soon." The bigger hardware would likely bring similar features to the $629 Android phone, most of which is done with user privacy in mind first and foremost. One thing is for sure, it's going to be interesting to see what Blackphone does next.
Blackphone review: putting a price on privacy
Whether it's government agencies, identity thieves, opportunistic hackers or marketers, everyone wants your personal data. As we live more of our lives than ever online, we're increasingly aware of how much data we produce, and the need to protect it. With smartphones playing a key role in our always-connected lifestyle, there's a new breed of services and devices for consumers who want to stay off the grid without going offline. Leading the charge is the Blackphone, a $629 handset that prioritizes privacy over everything else. Running a custom, secure version of Android and shipping with a wealth of privacy tools preinstalled, it claims to be an "unparalleled product" where data protection is concerned. Thanks to the awesome folks at online retailer GSM Nation, who were kind enough to send one for review, I've been getting to know the device and finding out how it keeps data safe from prying eyes.
Silent Circle expands its encrypted calling service to 79 countries
Silent Circle's mobile apps have helped make calls, messages and storing contacts more secure, but to enjoy its encryption benefits other people would need to use the same service. That could no longer be a problem for some, after the company announced its expanding its Silent Phone service to let users make truly private calls to non-Silent Circle members worldwide. While some users have been able to use the iOS and Android apps to make calls to standard mobile and landlines, like you would with Skype or Viber, Silent Circle's encrypted "Out-Circle" calling service was limited to users in a select number of countries. From today, subscribers enrolling in the service will be given a unique ten-digit Silent Phone number to make and receive calls in 79 countries without a roaming charge in sight. If you've ordered the Blackphone, you will, of course, be pre-subscribed to Silent Phone (although you'll have to set up Out-Circle separately) and the company's other anti-surveillance services. Starting at $12.95 for 100 minutes, Out-Circle isn't the cheapest package out there, but you can't put a price on privacy, right?
Privacy-focused Blackphone starts shipping for $630
If you missed our coverage during Mobile World Congress, then here's what you need to know about Blackphone: it's a mid-spec Android smartphone that comes pre-subscribed to (and pre-installed with) a bunch of privacy and anti-surveillance services, for a price of $629 off-contract. It's the offspring of a joint venture between Silent Circle and Geeksphone, who together have just announced that the first batch of devices is now shipping to customers who pre-ordered during the initial publicity rush. Everyone else will have the opportunity to place an order once general sales start on July 14th. Check out our hands-on video from MWC below, but bear in mind that the device was only at prototype stage back then, and it wasn't entirely stable.
Blackphone aims to protect your privacy in a world where your data is for sale
Information is a currency. For every company selling your details for profit, there's another selling you the promise of more security. Recognizing that consumers are running a gauntlet every time they pick up their smartphone, a group of companies has partnered up to offer something different. Announced earlier this year, the Blackphone is an Android smartphone that prioritizes privacy and security, shielding your data from carriers, advertisers and malicious third parties who could trade your details for the purposes of profit or oppression -- and it's on sale today for $629. How does it work? The idea is pretty simple: You start out with a nicely designed and well-specced Android-based phone, and then package it with some tried-and-tested apps and services that will work out of the box. The first layer is a customized skin called "PrivatOS" which gives the phone a different look and feel, but also works as a platform (soon to be open-source) that encrypts locally stored information. Next, you add in services like Silent Circle and Disconnect.me to enable anonymous phone calls, texts and browsing too. Finally, Blackphone comes with utilities that give the user better control over what third-party software does on their phone. We tried out a dashboard that makes it extremely easy to set the degree of access each app has to cellular networks, WiFi and locally stored info. The video below shows you just how easy Blackphone makes it to take yourself off the grid.
Blackphone offers a mostly secure Android-based smartphone for $629
In a perfect world, everybody's sure their right to privacy is honored. Since that's not the case, people tend to whip up special tools for protection, like the Blackphone -- a privacy-focused device whose thick veil of mystery has now been lifted at Mobile World Congress. Its creators (SGP Technologies, made up of Silent Circle and Geeksphone) said very little when the shadowy phone was announced in January, but we now know that it'll retail at $629 unlocked and has similar specs to comparably-priced Android devices. While its final components might be altered later, right now the developers are aiming to equip the device with a 2GHz quad-core processor, 4.7-inch HD IPS display, LTE connectivity, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage (no microSD card slot in sight), 8-megapixel rear and 1.3-megapixel front cameras. The Blackphone will come loaded with a derivative version of Android called PrivatOS that's supposedly more secure, and it'll be bundled with two-year subscriptions to a few privacy tools. These include Silent Circle's encrypted app suite (for messages, calls and contacts), a VPN, anonymous search and browsing tools, and secure cloud storage. You'll also get a free Wi-Fi analyzer and a remote wipe and recovery tool. Plus, if you place very little faith in carriers -- the Blackphone will work with any GSM carrier, though it's partnered with KPN Mobile in Europe for launch -- you'll be happy that the creators will issue software updates directly. Now, if you're looking for a foolproof device to shield you from stalkers, hackers or, you know, government agencies, it may best to wait for more info before shelling out your cash. We still don't know whether the phone touts secure hardware, and you can only text or call people through Silent Circle's apps if they're users, as well. Sure, the device comes with one-year subscriptions to the app suite for three friends and family, but that certainly won't cover all your contacts. Also, the security only lasts as long as you use those apps -- which will cost you and your friends after the first twelve months. Blackphone general manager Toby Weir-Jones even said: "We've never made the claim we're offering an NSA-proof device, but we are offering a tool that makes a huge difference to someone who's using no privacy tools at all." With that ringing endorsement, who wouldn't want one? Good thing you can pre-order one right now and get your paws on it sometime in June.
Weekly Roundup: Google acquires Nest, President Obama speaks out on surveillance and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Daily Roundup: FuelBand SE Silver Edition, privacy-focused Blackphone and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Back off, NSA: Blackphone promises to be the first privacy-focused smartphone
You may never have heard of Geeksphone, unless you take a particular interest in Firefox OS, but the Spanish manufacturer could be about to garner some global attention. It says it'll launch a new handset at Mobile World Congress next month that will prioritize privacy and security instead of all the intrusions that smartphone users usually have to put up with from carriers, advertisers and the occasional government agency. We're looking at an Android-based phone with a "top performing" processor and a cellular module that will be unlocked, free of geographical restrictions and compatible with any GSM network. In place of carrier bloatware, we're promised a skin called "PrivatOS" that will allow you to make and receive secure phone calls and text messages, store files securely and browse the web privately through an anonymous VPN -- services that are largely already available from Silent Circle, which happens to be a key partner on the Blackphone project. That's pretty much all we know for now, but pre-orders will begin sometime during the last week of February, and by then we hope to have hands-on impressions and a better understanding of how Blackphone will be different to BlackBerry encryption, Samsung's Knox service and other more established rivals.