The Murena 2 smartphone, the highly anticipated follow-up to last year’s popular Murena One, is now available for backing on Kickstarter. The campaign has been incredibly successful, surpassing its initial goal of $26,437 and raising over $156,000. This overwhelming response is a testament to the demand for privacy-focused smartphones in today’s digital age.
One of the standout features of the Murena 2 is its physical privacy switch. This switch allows users to disconnect the front and back cameras, as well as the microphones, providing an added layer of control over personal data and privacy. This concept is reminiscent of the privacy switches found on certain laptops, which have gained popularity in recent years. Additionally, the Murena 2 includes a second physical switch that activates airplane mode, disconnecting the phone from networks, and enables do not disturb mode.
In terms of hardware specifications, the Murena 2 boasts a 6.43-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2400. It offers 128GB of storage and is powered by a 4,000mAh battery. The phone is equipped with a MediaTek Helio P70 chip, which features four 2.1GHz cores and four 2GHz cores, ensuring smooth performance and efficient multitasking. As for the cameras, the Murena 2 features a 25MP front camera and a high-resolution 64MP main camera. It also offers a 13MP telephoto camera and a 5MP wide-angle camera on the back, providing users with a versatile photography experience.
Similar to its predecessor, the Murena 2 runs on /e/OS, a custom fork of Android that removes all Google apps from the phone. Instead, the phone offers alternative custom apps for tasks such as messaging and email. However, users can still access the App Lounge marketplace to download Android apps. While the apps come from Google Play, users have the option to browse the marketplace anonymously to avoid tracking. It’s important to note that anonymous browsing on the marketplace only grants access to free apps, as stated by /e/OS documentation.
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If you’re interested in backing the Murena 2, some early bird tiers with estimated delivery dates in December are still available. The “early bird” tier, priced at €399 (approximately $425), offers one phone, while the “trio early bird” tier, priced at €898 (about $957), includes three phones. The presale tier, priced at €449 (approximately $478), guarantees delivery in January 2024. Additionally, there are a few higher-priced tiers available for those seeking additional rewards and earlier delivery dates in December.
As of now, the Kickstarter campaign for the Murena 2 has nine days remaining. This limited timeframe adds a sense of urgency for those interested in supporting the project and getting their hands on this cutting-edge smartphone.
The success of the Murena 2 campaign demonstrates the growing demand for privacy-centric smartphones that prioritize user control and data protection. With its innovative physical privacy switch and a wealth of impressive hardware features, the Murena 2 is poised to be a popular choice among individuals who value their privacy in an increasingly connected world. Backing this campaign not only supports the development of the Murena 2 but also contributes to the advancement of privacy-focused technology as a whole.
