Hello L5 Backers!

We wanted to update you on the progress of the L5 phone. We are so close
to being finished - and we are ecstatic! Things are progressing at such
a frenetic pace on the Librem 5 that we are eager to share with you the
latest updates.

The last time we communicated, we reported that the i.MX 8M Quad CPU had
known errata issues in the silicon, and that this was the root cause for
a delay, and for the need for research about potential alternatives.

The i.MX 8M Quad silicon issues meant not only that the temperature of
the battery was too high, but also that it would discharge quickly. The
i.MX 8M Mini had an updated silicon process (14nm instead of 28nm) and a
reduced feature set, resulting in lower power consumption. But being
new, there could be unknown issues and risks. Our development team
started evaluating the i.MX 8M Mini to see if it would fit our
requirements - of free software only, no binary blobs, mainline based
software stacks.

During the month of February, something unexpectedly happened: NXP
released a new software stack for the i.MX 8M Quad, our first CPU
choice; and all the power consumption and heating issues suddenly
disappeared!

So here we are, on track again after a small - but useful - delay,
because now we know. We know a lot more about the i.MX 8M Quad CPU we
had chosen, and a little bit more on a possible alternative. With power
consumption issues dealt with in software, we ultimately know we don't
need to change the hardware to solve the issue. Full fabrication will
thus begin for the Librem 5 with the same specifications we described
before:

Display: 5.5" - 5.7" HD display
Processor: i.MX 8M Quad CPU
Storage: 32 GB eMMC internal storage
Wireless: 802.11abgn 2.4 Ghz / 5Ghz + Bluetooth 4
Baseband: Gemalto PLS8 3G/4G modem w/ single sim on replaceable M.2 card
GPS: TESEO LIF3 multiconstellation GNSS receiver
Smartcard: yes for 2FF format smart cards
Kill Switches: 3 - WiFi, Cellular, Microphone/Cameras
Speaker: at least one
External Storage: microSD storage expansion
Accelerometer: 9-axis IMU (gyro, accel, magnetometer)
Front Camera: specs not confirmed
Back Camera w/LED flash: specs not confirmed
Vibration motor: yes
Charging: USB C connector for charging, USB client function, USB host
function, power delivery
Battery: User replaceable

Q3 2019 - Shipping the Librem 5

But all this leads us to the aforementioned (one quarter) shipping
adjustment: the previous Q2 estimate is now confirmed for Q3 product
shipping: this accounts for the time it took us to properly benchmark
test the newest CPU choices from NXP for the Librem 5, of whether or not
to choose the i.MX 8M Quad or the i.MX 8M Mini. We have had to adjust
our delivery plans slightly.

Delivering on our Promise:

As you have come to know, Purism will always keep you posted – about the
impressive progress we are making, about any issues, major or minor,
that come along. And ultimately, this CPU choice has brought many
opportunities – ones that will change the future of computing for the
better, for this decision comes with certain advantages in the long
term. The i.MX8M Quad is the most powerful CPU that has both a good
operating temperature and a good battery life. Having chosen it will
provide us, and you, with an overall better hardware experience, better
capabilities and a shorter integration path – the integration with the
software platform.

Software development continues to move forward quickly. Amazingly
quickly. In the past few months, we’ve seen astonishing software
progress, and we are now able to take advantage of it. Finally, the
extra time for Librem 5 hardware fabrication will benefit software
advancements that continue without slowdown, such as quality testing,
providing a greater number of default apps, and community advancements
made on our Librem 5 dev kit.

Here is a video of the dev kit running PureOS with apps showcasing the
great progress we have made:
https://videos.puri.sm/librem5/devkit-demo.webm

It is an exciting time, and we thank you dear backers for making this
all possible. January was a month of massive interest concerning the L5,
and we are continuing to build momentum with the app store announcement;
soon, with a regular cadence of application announcements.

As the time grows nigh, we will reach out to you with regular updates.

With kind regards on behalf of Purism SPC,
Sriram Ramkrishna

Originally Posted by mikecomputing

After a few month with librem kit I actually have lost interests a bit.


However I still have hope on the company since there are no alternatives shown so far.

Originally Posted by mscion

Rumor has it that Samsung is interested in purchasing NXP (chip manufacturer for librem phone)

Originally Posted by mscion

Rumor has it that Samsung is interested in purchasing NXP (chip manufacturer for librem phone)