The Librem 5 Combines Hardware and Software for Increased Security
Justin Lam — April 25, 2018 — Tech
References: thenextweb & engadget
Purism's latest security smartphone, the Librem 5, is set to launch in 2019 and will feature the choice of multiple operating systems. The phone will initially ship with the free open-source operating system PureOS, but can also be powered by KDE Plasma Mobile. Both systems are incredible in their own right, but the Librem 5 also supports the incredibly secure Ubuntu Touch system. This system was originally designed as the mobile-friendly version of the Linux-based operating service and this phone will be the first to use this operating system.
Like Purism's Librem 13 laptops, the Librem 5 will come with hardware switches—this will give users the ability to disable certain parts of the phone, such as the camera, WiFi, Bluetooth and baseband with just a single tap. The capability to turn off hardware feature may sound trivial, but this ability gives the Librem 5 an added layer of security and privacy, especially when used in conjunction with the Ubuntu Touch OS.
Image Credit: Purism
Like Purism's Librem 13 laptops, the Librem 5 will come with hardware switches—this will give users the ability to disable certain parts of the phone, such as the camera, WiFi, Bluetooth and baseband with just a single tap. The capability to turn off hardware feature may sound trivial, but this ability gives the Librem 5 an added layer of security and privacy, especially when used in conjunction with the Ubuntu Touch OS.
Image Credit: Purism
Trend Themes
1. Ultra-secure Smartphones - Increase in demand for smartphones with increased security and privacy features, particularly those that use open-source software and hardware switches.
2. Open-source Operating Systems - Growing interest in open-source mobile operating systems, particularly those focused on security such as PureOS, KDE Plasma Mobile, and Ubuntu Touch.
3. Hardware Switches - Rising trend of hardware switches on electronic devices, giving users more control over their privacy and security.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Devices - Opportunity for smartphone manufacturers to incorporate open-source software and hardware switches to meet the increasing demand for secure smartphones.
2. Cybersecurity - Growing market for cybersecurity solutions, particularly those with a focus on privacy and security for personal electronic devices.
3. Software Development - Opportunity for developers to create and improve open-source mobile operating systems and hardware switches to meet the growing demand for secure mobile devices.
5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
