Consumers will soon have access to a smartphone that automatically encrypts calls and texts, and provides anonymous web browsing, according to reports about the "Blackphone."
Forbes reports that the phone, set for a spring release, caters to phone users who want built-in privacy protections -- and to avoid the hassle of manually changing privacy settings and adding protective features. For $629, purchasers will get three years of encrypted phone calls and messaging services plus 5 GB of encrypted storage, Forbes Reports. The phone also will include anti-tracking and anti-WIFI sniffing services. According to Forbes, the phone was developed by Spanish startup GeeksPhone and Washington D.C.-based Silent Circle.
Newsweek reports that the phone will lack an email app, at least at launch. The company is working with another firm to develop a secure email service. The Guardian reports that the phone will run a version of Android that certain security holes and provides greater data control than third-party apps.
