Blackphone offers a full suite of applications giving worldwide users unprecedented control over privacy and security
SGP Technologies, the joint venture from encrypted communications service, Silent Circle, and Geeksphone, a mobile telephony development company, has announced Blackphone, the world's first smartphone that places privacy and control directly in the hands of its users.
Blackphone includes a unique combination of operating system and application tools that offer high security and privacy to information workers, executives, public figures, and anyone else unwilling to cede ownership of their privacy to other authorities.
Blackphone's PrivatOS, built on Android and combined with a full suite of privacy-enabled applications, allows users to regain control over their communications activities.
Blackphone is powered by a 2 GHz quadcore SoC and features a full set of premium features, such as a 4.7 inch HD IPS screen, LTE, HSPA+, 2GB DDR3 RAM, 16GB of storage, 8MP primary camera with flash and 1.3MP front camera, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11n WiFi, GPS, and more. However, certain specifications are subject to change prior to shipping.
Blackphone comes unlocked and features several pre-installed privacy tools, all of which are fully enabled for at least two years of usage. These tools include the Silent Circle suite of apps such as: Silent Phone, Silent Text, and Silent Contacts; anonymous search, private browsing, and VPN from Disconnect; and secure cloud file storage from SpiderOak. In addition, Blackphone ships with the Smart Wi-Fi Manager from Mike Kershaw, chief architect for SGP Technologies, and a powerful remote-wipe and device recovery tool.
'We wanted to deliver not just the best privacy, but the best total package,' said Toby Weir-Jones, SGP Technologies' managing director. 'Blackphone offers unprecedented value in a turnkey secure communications platform, and it's easy enough to use that anyone who's used a smartphone before will feel right at home as soon as they turn it on.'
Blackphone is now available for pre-order to individuals and enterprises as an unlocked device with a starting price of $629, and will also be available through selected partner carriers from launch, including KPN Mobile, the inaugural launch carrier for Blackphone serving European regions including Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Blackphone is scheduled to ship to the first end users in June 2014, and testing units will be provided to partner carriers in the April timeframe.
