World’s “First Truly Free” Linux Smartphone

Linux Smartphone

Privacy focused hardware maker Purism launched a free-software smartphone without a trace of proprietary code or firmware. The device named Librem 5 and it expects to ship with PureOS, an open source Debian GNU/Linux derivative.

KDE has partnered with Purism to adapt Plasma Mobile to Purism’s Libre 5 Linux smartphone. Plasma Mobile, a free and open source, full-featured graphical environment for smart phones.

Plasma Mobile already works on some off-the-shelf smartphones. However, most smartphones ship with hardware that demands some proprietary to work.

Librem 5

Building a free software and privacy-focused smartphone is a dream of the KDE community for a long time. We created Plasma to not just run on desktops and laptops, but for the whole spectrum of devices, said, Lydia Pintscher, president of KDE. Partnering with Purism will allow us to ready Plasma Mobile in the real world and integrate it seamlessly with a commercial device for the first time. The Librem 5 will make Plasma Mobile shine the way it deserves.



KDE has created an evolved, completely free platform in Plasma Mobile, said, Todd Weaver, CEO of Purism. We feel that Plasma Mobile becomes a serious contender that may break the current duopoly and bring a full-featured, and open-source mobile operating system to the market. We look forward to trying out Plasma Mobile on our test hardware and working with KDE"s community.

Librem 5 Linux smartphone is also teasing end-to-end encryption for calling, email, and messaging as its plus point. This 5-inch device is expected to ship with a metal case, high-resolution screen, and a multifunction port.

Initially, Purism planning to use GNOME for its interface. But, GNOME is not designed for phones, Plasma Mobile looks like an appropriate choice. However, Purism hasn’t made it clear if Librem 5 is abandoning GNOME.

The ongoing Librem 5 crowdfunding campaign has already raised $325,000, which is about 21% of the funding goal. The campaign has still 38 days to go, so it’s going ahead with a remarkable pace.

More information: [Purism]