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.
Ultra-Secure Smartphones
The Librem 5 Combines Hardware and Software for Increased Security
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.