Silent Circle announced plans for a new version of the Blackphone and a privacy-focused tablet called Blackphone+. Presented at Mobile World Congress, the new products are the first since Silent Circle said it was buying out its partner Geeksphone in the Blackphone joint venture. The devices and a range of new software and services for secure communications form the Silent Circle Enterprise Privacy Platform.
The Blackphone 2, launching in the second half of this year, sees the company expand its focus beyond inidividuals concerned about keeping their communications private to businesses. The phone integrates mobile device management systems systems from Citrix Systems, Good Technology and Soti and also adds a faster processor, more RAM, a longer lasting battery, and a larger display compared to the first Blackphone. The Blackphone+ tablet will launch in late 2015 and also targets business people.
In addition, Silent Circle announced the first update to its PrivatOS Android-based operating system. PrivatOS 1.1 introduces Spaces, a virtualisation and management platform that helps keeps enterprise and personal apps and information separate and secure. IT administrators will be able to lock and wipe enterprise managed 'Spaces' when necessary.
In addition to the OS, the company offers the Silent Suite, a range of applications that enable private, encrypted communication. It offers peer-to-peer key negotiation and management and works on PrivatOS as well as iOS and Android. It includes Silent Phone for private voice and video calls in HD over a peer to-peer encrypted VoIP service, Silent Text for encrypted text services and the capability to transfer files and destroy selected messages automatically, Silent Contacts to encrypt the address book, and the new Silent Meeting for secure conference calling.
The services will be promoted on the Silent Store installed on all Blackphone devices. The store will also offer vetted apps from third-party developers.To extend its services to users who don't have Silent Circle devices or software, the company introduced Silent World, an encrypted calling plan to communicate privately with those who don't have Silent Phone. No roaming charges or extra fees are added to calls.
