SGP Technologies has announced the first Blackphone handsets are now shipping to pre-order customers, while the main web store will open on July 14.
The Blackphone, designed to be the “world’s first” privacy-optimised smartphone to maximise the security for its users, has now started shipping out to those who pre-ordered the device.
Initial stock of the phone sold out quickly following its announcement at MWC in February, but the web store will open up again on July 14 for anyone else who fancies getting their hands on the mega secure phone.
You’ll need to spend $629 (approx. £370) to bag yourself one, but it is certainly a unique phone for those looking to keep their phone contents extremely secure.
“We are excited to achieve this key milestone on schedule and ship a remarkable device to customers that is the result of an unprecedented combination of privacy and mobile innovations and visionaries,” said Toby Weir-Jones, CEO of SGP Technologies. “Blackphone’s arrival puts mobile privacy directly in the hands on professionals and consumers everywhere.”
“In a world where devices and apps increasingly offer features only in return for users’ personal or sensitive information, the pent-up demand for Blackphone shows there is strong, international demand for our brand’s devices and services that stand apart by placing privacy before all else.”
Blackphone Features
The Blackphone features a 4.7-inch 720p HD IPS screen running on a 2GHz Nvidia Tegra 4i processor with 1GB of RAM.
It comes with 16GB of internal storage as standard, but this is bolstered by microSD card support.
An 8-megapixel rear camera is partnered with a 5-megapixel front-facing alternative, and you’ll be able to take advantage of 4G LTE and HSPA plus connectivity.
Aside from hardware, the Blackphone’s software features are where its appeal lies. It features encrypted voice and video calls as well as text messages, even with attachments. This is thanks to the Silent Circle, Silent Phone and Silent Text apps found on the Blackphone.
The Security Centre lets you take control over apps, the special Disconnect Search browser for anonymous web browsing and you can remote wipe the phone from anywhere.
For those looking for secure online storage, Blackphone users have access to the SpiderOak’s private encrypted cloud service for their files and other content too.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
