Switzerland-Based Group to Release Android Blackphone For Control of Your Privacy
Short of taking yourself off the grid or becoming a technological hermit, living a truly private life is proving nigh impossible. Sending a private message online is not necessarily private, secrets whispered through Skype might not be as secret as you think, and everything else you do is susceptible government interference. The National Security Agency (NSA) knows no bounds, which has prompted the creation of the Blackphone.
What is a Blackphone, you ask? It's the inaugural product of a joint venture between two Switzerland-based firms, Silent Circle and Geeksphone. More specifically, it's supposedly the world's first smartphone that places privacy and control directly in the hands of its users.
Blackphone runs a custom version of Android called PrivatOS that places an emphasis on security and privacy. Using Blackphone, people and businesses can make and receive secure phone calls, swap secure text messages, transfer and store files, and even video chat without big brother looking or listening in.
"I have spent my whole career working towards the launch of secure telephony products," said Phill Zimmermann, co-founder and president of Silent Circle. "Blackphone provides users with everything they need to ensure privacy and control of their communications, along with all the other high-end smartphone features they have come to expect."
Blackphone is an unlocked device that works with any GSM carrier. While the specs haven't yet been revealed, its creators claim it benchmarks among the top performing smartphones from any manufacturer.
You'll be able to pre-order a Blackphone beginning February 24, 2014. In the meantime, you can visit the Blackphone website to register for updates.
What is a Blackphone, you ask? It's the inaugural product of a joint venture between two Switzerland-based firms, Silent Circle and Geeksphone. More specifically, it's supposedly the world's first smartphone that places privacy and control directly in the hands of its users.
Blackphone runs a custom version of Android called PrivatOS that places an emphasis on security and privacy. Using Blackphone, people and businesses can make and receive secure phone calls, swap secure text messages, transfer and store files, and even video chat without big brother looking or listening in.
"I have spent my whole career working towards the launch of secure telephony products," said Phill Zimmermann, co-founder and president of Silent Circle. "Blackphone provides users with everything they need to ensure privacy and control of their communications, along with all the other high-end smartphone features they have come to expect."
Blackphone is an unlocked device that works with any GSM carrier. While the specs haven't yet been revealed, its creators claim it benchmarks among the top performing smartphones from any manufacturer.
You'll be able to pre-order a Blackphone beginning February 24, 2014. In the meantime, you can visit the Blackphone website to register for updates.
