Mobile phone

FSF Launches Librephone Project to Reverse-Engineer Mobile Firmware Blobs

The Free Software Foundation has launched the Librephone project to develop free software replacements for proprietary binary blobs in mobile device firmware. The multi-year initiative will focus on reverse-engineering components handling cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi, and GPU functions to enhance software freedom for mobile users.

New Initiative Targets Mobile Software Freedom

The Free Software Foundation has launched a new initiative called Librephone aimed at bridging the gap between Android distributions and true mobile phone freedom, according to foundation announcements. Rather than building another mobile operating system, sources indicate the project focuses specifically on developing replacements for proprietary software blobs – binary components without available source code – found in Android device firmware.

by Ethan Reynolds PhDOctober 16, 2025

Gaming Hardware International Business and Trade

iPhone 17 Preorders Surge as Global Smartphone Market Defies Economic Headwinds

Global smartphone shipments increased 2.6% in Q3 2025 despite economic uncertainty, with iPhone 17 preorders outpacing last year’s model. Samsung maintained market leadership while premium devices continued to drive growth across the industry.

Despite ongoing tariffs and economic uncertainty, global smartphone shipments increased 2.6% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with iPhone 17 preorders significantly outpacing last year’s iPhone 16 launch according to the International Data Corporation. The sustained growth in premium device sales, including Apple’s latest iPhone and Samsung’s newest foldables, demonstrates remarkable consumer resilience in the face of economic pressures that industry experts note would typically suppress high-end purchases.