This article was published on February 27, 2014

Boeing flies into the smartphone market with a super-secure Android device James Bond might use


Boeing flies into the smartphone market with a super-secure Android device James Bond might use

Boeing is best known for manufacturing airplanes, but it has now stepped into making smartphones by unveiling the ‘Boeing Black’ — an extra-secure device designed for government-level “missions.” Yes, that makes it sound like a smartphone built for spies, à la James Bond.

In a filing to the US Federal Communications Commission, Boeing says the device “will be sold primarily to government agencies and companies engaged in contractual activities with those agencies that are related to defense and homeland security.”

boeing_black_smartphone_product_card

The 4.3-inch Android smartphone weighs 170 grams, is powered by a 1590mAh battery and has a dual-SIM capability for users to switch between government and commercial networks.

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Of course, Boeing has made tweaks to its Android operating system — it has a specific software security policy configuration so users can configure the device for “maximum mission productivity and security.” Even the device’s hardware has embedded security features to help ensure that user data will be safe, Boeing says.

“Hardware media encryption and configurable inhibit controls are embedded to protect the device, its data, and the transmission of information, significantly reducing the risk  of mission compromise due to data loss,” the Boeing Black’s product card notes.

A Reuters report also says that any attempt to open the Boeing Black’s casing will trigger an automatic deleting of all data and make it entirely inoperable.

Sounds like the Boeing Black is one smartphone James Bond will definitely appreciate.

Headline image via Shutterstock

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