Librem 5 New Batch Shipping to Customers

With the controversial surrounding purism’s so-called Librem phone where the shipment was first divided in multiple batches with each batch improving upon older device but the initial shipped just to backers so technically, no one was getting the Privacy Focused, Linux based Phone. Well, the consumers can rejoice that the next Batch called “birch” is now shipping to users albeit with limited functionality.

The “Birch” batch was delayed due to some hardware bug which led to unusable USB port. This has now been fixed and the mobile now also has better thermal efficiency vide hardware and software tweaks. They have a much improved antennae design, shield protectors across all components on the PCBA, rubber bumpers to help tighten up the fit of component placement, strong clips to secure the WiFi and Cellular cards, shorter cables to clean-up the cable routing, tighter overall tolerance, improved thermal dissipation into the case.

However, even this batch has its own issues like

• Delayed Power Up- The phone has to be disconnected from charger and power up by holding down the power key
• No sound in call- Call works in the new batch, however audio is not being routed through making this phone kind of useless as far as calling goes.
• Thermal issue- The thermal and screen on time is abysmal (reddit user has stated 3 hours of SOT with 70% power backup). This is set to change with software tweaks.

Considering that a $700 mobile is unable to route audio for call is an understatement how much the project is difficult and still has long way to go for those who envisioned Pure Open source Linux based mobile phone. but the good news is that things are shaping up and due to upstream effort by purism would help in future endeavors and other Linux based mobiles.

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Abhishek

Abhishek is a Finance Professional and has worked in multiple MNCs. However, he is also an avid tech reader and tinkerer with over 20 years of experience. His passions include 3D animation and drawing Illustrations. His creations can be viewed at www.artstation.com/abhifx

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