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