"Freedom-respecting computer manufacturer" Purism announces what it calls the "world's first encrypted, open platform smartphone"-- the Librem 5, a phone able to make encrypted calls hiding the user's number.

The device is also able to send encrypted texts and emails, as well as set up a VPN for web browsing. It is compatible with 2G, 3G and 4G connections with any GSM, UMTS or LTE network, and even carry hardware kill switches for the microphone, camera, wifi/Bluetooth and baseband.

The OS of choice is PureOS, the Purism-developed Debian GNU/Linux derivative. It should also be able to run most GNU+Linux distributions. And in case the user wants even more control, Librem will release the device source code, making it open for editing.

In a move to add further security and policy management to the cloud-based messaging application Slack announces integration with 21 enterprise mobility management (EMM) platforms.

Such integration comes through collaboration with the open standards group AppConfig, as well as EMM providers VMware Airwatch, MobileIron and Blackberry Good. As a result, admins get the capability to ensure only approved devices (as in those complying with internal policies) can sign in to organisation Slack accounts.

"As more work moves to mobile, admins need a way to provide people in their company with the tools and devices they want to use-- without compromising security or policy requirements," the company says. "This is especially important at large enterprises where admins may have to manage how thousands of employees-- and their devices-- access sensitive data.”

At SIGGRAPH 2017 Dell celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Precision workstation with a special edition of the Precision 5520 mobile workstation, as well as the launch of the Canvas "smart workspace."

The anniversary edition of the Precision 5520 features an exclusive hard anodised brushed aluminium finish in a new colour, Abyss. It also includes an anti-finger print coating, and ships in two "high-end" configuration options. These include a 15.6-inch UHD IGZO touchscreen, Intel Core i7-7820HQ CPU, Nvidia Quadro M1200 GPU, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, x2 USB 3.0 ports, card reader, HDMI out, Thunderbolt 3 port and headphone jack.

The much vaunted Google take on smart eyewear makes a quiet, enterprise comeback-- Glass Enterprise Edition (EE), a lightweight computer with a transparent display one can clip on eyeglasses or goggles.

Whereas the original Google Glass was primarily a consumer device (even if, after a lengthy trial, Google decided this was not the case), Glass EE is aimed at the workplace. Designed by the X division within Google parent Alphabet, the Glass EE is an improved version of the first Explorer Edition. It has been in testing since 2013 with a network of 30 enterprise partners, including giants such as GE, Boeing, DHL, and Volkswagen.

According to Google, Glass EE features improvements in both software and hardware. On the software side the wearable features customised solutions as per the application it is being used in, while the hardware is both lighter and more powerful, making it ideal for long term wear. Thus, Glass EE provides GE employees with instructional videos and instructions as they repair aircraft engines, while DHL workers receive real-time instructions and visual aids on where to place items.