After extensive testing, it’s finally here: the new SHIFTphone 8.1 with iodéOS is now available at NovaCustom! It’s a privacy-friendly phone that’s not only user-friendly and secure, but also sustainable and fully modular. This smartphone stands for privacy, security, freedom of choice, and repairability: values that perfectly align with NovaCustom’s mission.
Why NovaCustom and SHIFTphone are the perfect match
At NovaCustom, we believe that users should have control over their own hardware and software. The SHIFTphone is perfect for this in terms of hardware: it has a modular design and is easy to repair. In terms of software, the original product is less than ideal: it comes with Google software as standard. NovaCustom replaces that software with iodéOS by default. This is an operating system without Google services (only microG, but it can also work without it!). This gives you a privacy-friendly phone with maximum control over your data.
Fully modular and customizable
Whether you want to replace a screen, insert a new battery, or simply tinker with your smartphone yourself, the SHIFTphone makes it possible. No glue, no frustration, just pure freedom. NovaCustom has been supporting this principle for years with configurable laptops, and now we are bringing that same idea to smartphones.
iodéOS with tracking blocker
iodéOS eliminates Google services and minimizes data collection by blocking big tech tracking. It comes standard with privacy-friendly apps.
F-Droid Store
You will be pleasantly surprised by the large number of fully open source apps available in the standard pre-installed F-Droid Store.
Anonymous Aurora Store
The Aurora Store is an open source alternative to the Google Play Store, allowing users to install Play Store apps anonymously.
Removable battery
Replacing the battery? It’s a breeze! You can easily replace the battery in less than 30 seconds. Just pull off the cover, remove the battery with your fingers, and insert the new battery.
Hardware kill switches
Hardware kill switches are physical switches that can completely disable your microphone and camera. That way, you can be 100% sure that no one is spying on you or listening in.
Hardware removal
It’s possible to have certain hardware components physically removed, such as cameras, fingerprint scanners, microphones, and speakers. Even air gapped is possible.
Why we chose iodéOS
A hot topic within the community is our choice of iodéOS. iodéOS is open source and doesn’t depend on Google Pixel hardware. In addition, microG and the Aurora Store are pre-installed by default (unless you deselect it as system app). This allows you to install Play Store apps anonymously, while blocking Big Tech tracking as much as possible. iodéOS offers the perfect balance between privacy, security, and user-friendliness. And that is exactly what we value at NovaCustom.
This section has been modified for a second time: NovaCustom will no longer mention the name of other projects.
NovaCustom invests in iodéOS
We contribute financially to the continued existence and improvement of iodéOS. See the Investments in iodéOS tab on the product page for an overview of the investments we have made and will make.
From: 870 EUR
Wessel klein Snakenborg (Director of NovaCustom)
About the author: Wessel Klein Snakenborg is passionate about technology since childhood. He launched NovaCustom in 2015, crafting tailor-made laptops with privacy and security in mind. With a focus on user-friendliness, NovaCustom continues to redefine the laptop experience, led by Wessel's commitment to innovation and collaboration.