Embedded Lab

We have seen Arduino-powered cellphones before. Arsenijs introduces ZeroPhone– a Raspberry Pi Zero powered DIY mobile phone that costs less than $50 in parts. It is mostly open-source and linux-powered. It supports voice calls, texting, and basic apps like alarm clock, calendar, calculator, web browser, music player, etc.

Features:

• Calling and SMS – this is the first functionality to be implemented, and will be considered crucial in the development.
• All the basic apps – alarm clock, calendar, calculator, phonebook, file browser, web browser and music player.
• Your own apps – SDK will be provided and it will be developer-friendly. The laand I’ll personally expect, if not at least aid with, social media apps – for a good start, since those are the apps people spend most time in.
• Running Linux software – since it’s a computer after all, you can run ARM compatible (thus, almost all) Linux programs on it. A Raspberry Pi can give you a desktop with a monitor, keyboard and a mouse? This phone can, too! You like to use SSH, like me? It’s going to be available!
• Pentesting – lots of fun, a nice hobby for many and well-paying work for some, this phone can do it too.
• Security and privacy – one of the features that isn’t typically provided but can mean anything from something simply bringing peace of mind to a matter of life and death.
• Experimenting – there’ll be a sensor port available for connecting anything you think could add useful functions to your phone. Want to wake up when the sun rises? Add a light sensor! An additional display for notifications? Easy, connect and write code! A Geiger counter? Can have it, too!