Purism Is Still Hoping To Build A GNU/Linux Free Software Librem Smartphone

Written by Michael Larabel in Hardware on 30 September 2016 at 10:32 AM EDT. 16 Comments
HARDWARE
Purism, the startup behind the Librem laptops with a focus on free software and user privacy/freedom, still has their minds set on coming up with a GNU/Linux smartphone.

Purism continues selling their high-priced laptops and their Librem 11 is forthcoming as an Intel-based tablet/convertible device with stocking station. Next on their horizon they want to produce "the ideal no-carrier, Free Software phone running a bona fide GNU+Linux stack."

Purism wants the Librem Phone to be running a free software stack made up of GNU+Linux without Android, protects user privacy, emphasizes digital security, etc.

The specifications they are thinking about include a Freescale i.MX6 quad-core SoC, Vivante GC2000 graphics using the Etnaviv driver, DDR3 RAM, and other modern sensors / receivers / adapters. They also hope to have kill switches for webcam / microphone / GPS, external mini SD slots, etc.

In working towards this device, Purism has started the Librem Phone survey. They are hoping users will provide their feedback on device specification particulars, ideal pricing, their main concerns, what apps they would be after, etc.

Can a possible Purism Librem GNU/Linux Phone survive where the likes of OpenMoko, webOS, Jolla / Sailfish OS, Firefox OS, and Ubuntu Phone have either failed or made little sustainable progress in the smartphone market against the iOS and Android giants? Share your thoughts in the forums.
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Michael Larabel is the principal author of Phoronix.com and founded the site in 2004 with a focus on enriching the Linux hardware experience. Michael has written more than 20,000 articles covering the state of Linux hardware support, Linux performance, graphics drivers, and other topics. Michael is also the lead developer of the Phoronix Test Suite, Phoromatic, and OpenBenchmarking.org automated benchmarking software. He can be followed via Twitter, LinkedIn, or contacted via MichaelLarabel.com.

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