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QSAlpha in talks to bring Quasar IV smartphone to China Mobile
A couple weeks ago we covered a new Indiegogo campaign from QSAlpha, a company aiming to produce a super-encrypted smartphone (along with a software-based platform for standard Android users as well). Despite the fact that the funding phase didn't go so well, the manufacturer recently announced that its phones will go into production and begin shipping in Q2 of next year. But which operators will take on this hardcore encrypted handset? Sources have confirmed to Engadget that QSAlpha is closely working with China Mobile to bring the Quasar IV handset to market. An official launch isn't likely to happen right away -- nor could our sources go into more detail on what the deal entails -- but at least this is good news for anyone who is rooting for this particular device to become a reality. It's hard to say whether or not we'll see it available anywhere else, though we wouldn't be surprised if we have the opportunity to buy one online in other parts of the world.
Quasar IV encrypted phone begins production, slated for Q2 2014 release
By the looks of it, Quasar IV's Indiegogo campaign won't reach its $3.2 million goal -- not when it's only been able to raise a small fraction of that amount with so little time left. Even so, the super-secure phone with encrypted local and cloud storage will still see the light of day. QSAlpha, the company behind the device, tells Engadget that the crowdfunding campaign generated enough buzz to attract the right people who paved the way for production to begin. The firm hasn't forgotten those who've supported its early efforts, though, and, as a gesture of appreciation, will notify all Indiegogo backers on how to reserve a unit. If you're one of them, you'll get a heads up when the phone's ready for release, although that won't be until the second quarter of 2014.
QSAlpha trying to raise $3.2 million for its super-encrypted Quasar IV superphone
After Canonical asked the world for $32 million to produce its Ubuntu Edge handset, $3.2 million seems like small potatoes, right? All right, it's still a bunch, but QSAlpha's got some big plans for the money. The Quasar IV promises unprecedented security, according to the company's new Indiegogo campaign. That entails military-grade encryption, with either 64- or 128GB of encrypted local storage augmented by a lofty 128GB encrypted in the cloud. The idea here is to "leave no trace in the digital world," and just to be clear, the company's got a ninja in its pitch video to really drive the point home. In fact, ninjas were apparently QSAlpha's starting point: "if a ninja had a phone, what would it look like?" We'd guess more sharpened corners and maybe some smoke bombs, but this is a start. Apparently it would also feature an Android / Linux / Quatrix hybrid called QuaOS based on Android 4.3 and rock some pretty heavy duty specs like a quad-core 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB RAM, 5-inch 1080p IGZO display, 3,300mAh battery, IP57 certification and dual 13MP rear facing cameras for a better augmented reality experience. Like what you hear? The first 1,250 backers to shell out $345 will get a 64GB version when the handset starts shipping in April. Miss out and you won't be able to pick one up until June, and who knows what sorts of secrets you might spill in the meantime?
