• Company and Product: The Spanish company Liberux launched a crowdfunder on Indiegogo for their new Linux phone "Nexx" with various specs starting from 8 GB RAM/128 GB eMMC/LTE for 799 EUR and going up to 32 GB RAM/512 GB/5G for 1300 EUR. It has two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and is somewhat modular with cellular modem, RAM, and storage on modules. They aim to manufacture in Spain and make it open source hardware.
• Reasons for Making Linux Phone: Concerned about surveillance and lack of control over devices in dominant mobile OSes. Wanted to build a phone respecting user freedom with an auditable OS and no backdoors. It's for those valuing digital autonomy, though it's a niche.
• Team Experience: The team has a mix of backgrounds. Pedro developed the operating system for the first Linux tablet PC and collaborated with major companies. Carlos designed mechanical keyboards and consumer electronics. The hardware design partner has developed a portable game console, and the manufacturing partner has extensive experience. The team at Collabora also helped.
• Response to Rumors: Found rumors amusing as some were outlandish. The team is committed to free software, with Pedro starting programming at a young age and being a Debian user. They don't understand those spreading false information.
• Analysis of Other Phones: Respect both PinePhone and Librem 5 as pioneers. PinePhone was affordable but a development platform. Librem 5 took long and its hardware was outdated. They learned from both what to avoid and preserve.
• Software Development Alignment: Feel more aligned with Purism in offering polished hardware and strong software development.
• Pricing Explanation: Components like 32 GB RAM, 5G, and 512 GB storage are not typical. Manufacturing in Europe in small batches makes it expensive. They don't rely on big manufacturers or opaque supply chains.
• Chip Choice: Picked RockChip RK3588s as a well-known Linux chip. It needs proprietary firmware for GPU and DDR RAM like alternatives but has advantages like isolated 5G modem and the ability to work toward freeing DDR firmware.
• Design Choices: Two USB-C ports for simultaneous charging and using as a desktop. At least one port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. USB ports are USB 3.1 with plans for USB Power Delivery support.
• Hardware Details: 5G modem is replaceable on a small FPC board. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are soldered with physical kill switches. Battery life is a priority with a dedicated power management daemon.
• LTE Consideration: VoLTE is a major deciding factor for choosing 5G parts as it's becoming mandatory in some markets.
• Open Source Hardware: Aim for OSHW certification and will release schematics with the first units. Other assets will come later.
• Accessories: Considered a wireless dock for remote access and are not ruling out a traditional USB dock with passive cooling. The Liberux Mechanical Keyboard will be available separately under €200.
• Software Details: LiberuxOS is based on Debian 13 Linux with most apps open source. No Halium or libhybris. Will develop everything openly and contribute upstream.
• Distribution Choice: Considered partnering with existing projects but decided to build their own distro for better hardware and use tailoring.
• Interface Choice: Chose GNOME Shell Mobile for more customization and graphical performance over Phosh. Working on improving it for the Nexx.
• Community Involvement: In touch with community members and developers. Welcome help in spreading the word and donating. Community effort is important.