QSAlpha launches crowdfunding campaign for the Quasar IV smartphone

The new handset promises top-tier specs and military-grade encryption

Craig Munro, Published 09/17/2013

Half the world seems to be in an uproar these days over allegations of governments monitoring communications. While the NSA is taking the brunt of the blame, more recent reports implicating other countries are just adding fuel to the fire. It would seem then that QSAlpha is really in the right place at the right time with its promise of a fully encrypted smartphone - the Quasar IV.

The new handset features a 5-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 IGZO display with Corning Gorilla Glass III, a 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 3 GB RAM, 64 or 128 GB of internal memory, dual 13 MP back-facing Sony cameras, an 8 MP front-facing camera, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac wifi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, a microSD slot, a 3300 mAh battery, and is IP57 rated waterproof.

While running on QuaOS (QSAlpha's own modified version of Android 4.3) the Quasar IV uses a Quatrix Trusted-Authentication Processor to insure that every voice, text, or email message is encrypted in a way that apparently makes them totally unhackable.

The inspiration behind the device was an attempt to make a smartphone suitable for a ninja. This may seem a little cheesy to some, but the device really does combine extremely good specs with a reasonable price, all while offering a little more peace of mind (particularly if you like to use your phone for banking).

If the company's indiegogo campaign is successful, the Quasar IV is expected to start shipping in April 2014. A 64 GB version can be had for as little as a US$495 pledge.