Silent Circle launches Blackphone 2, delivering business and personal privacy
Silent Circle has launched Blackphone 2 – its next-generation smartphone that delivers privacy and security. It provides full device encryption by default through harnessing the company’s operating system (Silent OS) and Google Android technology.
Blackphone 2 is available to purchase for $799 RRP and is the first component of Silent Circle’s Enterprise Privacy Platform (EPP). The EPP is a cloud-based combination of software, services and devices that connect to existing Internet connections to enable privacy.
At the heart of Silent OS, Blackphone 2 has a built-in Security Center that enables the user to manage their privacy and security settings in one place. The user can control and fine-tune the individual app permissions and the data the apps have access to, while ensuring they need not compromise on the device’s smartphone functionality. The phone also comes with a remote wipe setting should the phone be lost or stolen.
Through Silent OS’ “Spaces” function, Blackphone 2 also provides users with the ability to build separate, secure environments for their critical business data, personal information and even social applications within the same device.
Blackphone 2 is ready for enterprise deployment, with support for Google’s Android For Work program and seamless integration with Google’s suite of applications. It is also certified with existing MDM systems, including MobileIron, Citrix, Good and SOTI. Blackphone 2 also adds an Octa-core Qualcomm processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB of internal storage plus a removable Micro SD card slot, a larger 5.5″ Gorilla Glass display and a 13-megapixel camera.
The new smartphone comes pre-loaded with Silent Phone – Silent Circle’s private communication app – which offers encrypted, secure voice calls, conference calling, video conferencing, secure text and file transfers in one app.
“Blackphone 2 represents the second stage of the Silent Circle Rocket Ship,” said Mike Janke, Co-founder and Chairman. “My fellow co-founders, Phil Zimmerman, Jon Callas and our CEO Bill Conner have been working tirelessly towards the goal of launching our global Enterprise Privacy Platform. Blackphone 2 is a highly disruptive product. It is not about candy-colors, emoji keyboards, curved screens or ‘the next big thing'”, said Janke, “it’s about security, privacy and protecting your digital life, plain and simple. It’s hard not to be incredibly excited about Blackphone 2 when you can literally hold privacy in your hands.”