We’re back on Indiegogo. Two years ago, we started our campaign for a smartphone that gives us back our freedom. Thanks to our backers, the Volla Phone was born again with a completely new operating concept and uncompromising privacy protection. Since then, thousands of devices have been shipped to over 55 countries around the world. 

Thus, a community of developers and users has emerged. Their ideas inspired us to prepare an evolutionary leap: The Volla Phone 22. It combines classy design, high performance, and hardware sustainability. Here’s to a second-generation Volla OS that is even smarter, simpler, and more secure!

• Smarter and polished launcher with notes and signal integration
• Security mode with firewall and app blocker
• The world premiere included a multiboot feature
• Accelerated cutting edge hardware

Volla OS. The new user experience of freedom

IMMEDIATE AND INTELLIGENT

Instead of countless apps, the Volla OS offers quick and effortless access to all important everyday functions and information from the springboard, your home screen. This takes smartphone accessibility to a level of efficiency never before seen. 

• Quick menu: Access specific everyday functions, websites and apps you most frequently use with just a single tap via “the red dot”
• Intelligent text field: When you start typing, the Volla Phone recognizes your search and makes auto-complete suggestions: such as a call, sending a message, or opening up a web page.
• Automatic Collections: Easily find contacts you’ve recently connected with, recent conversations, and messages from feeds you’ve subscribed to.

Customize the look and feel of the Volla OS with a dark and light mode or the translucent mode with the background image of your choice.

And these are the #1 upgrades that no other smartphone has offered before:

• Write an encrypted Signal message directly from the springboard without having to open the app.
• Find Signal messages in the automatic collection for conversations, where you can reply directly.
• Reply with a Signal or Multi-Media Message (MMS) directly in the matching conversation history. 
• Create calendar events right from the springboard like you would tell someone in your everyday speech style. 
• Create notes not only from the springboard, but now managed as another collection.
• More clarity and tidy, minimalist design with a smart grouping of apps by usage or categories.  

 SAVE AND SECURE

The Volla OS is based on the open-source Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and does without Google Apps and Play services to protect your privacy. A combination of measures and technologies ensures high security:

• No dependence on a cloud or user account. You decide which services you use.
• No data collection and user profiling. 
• Curated open source apps that only do what they are supposed to do.
• Optional log-free VPN from Hide.me for anonymizing internet connections.
• Full source end release under Volla license for maximum transparency and control.
• Encrypted device storage with biometrically secured access.

And these are the novelties that make your Volla Phone 22 a fortress:

From the springboard settings, activate the security mode with a single gesture, protected by a password:

• App Locker: With the security mode, you can disable apps, which are additionally hidden in the app grid and do not run in the background. At the same time, you can prevent new apps or malware from being installed.
• Firewall: Use a blacklist or whitelist of the Internet and IP addresses to define which Internet connections your Volla Phone 22 is not allowed to establish, or only allowed to establish. This firewall operates at the lower level of the operating system and applies to all apps. It can even be operated with a VPN. 

With the security mode, you can give your child a Volla Phone and keep your peace of mind. Be confident that your child won’t see anything that is not suitable for children. Additionally, you can whitelist designated apps and sites such as access to a school’s website. 

Additional advantage: If you have to use an app for work, study, or private use that could lead to user data collection, you can specifically block these connections or block the app completely if you don’t need it.

Ubuntu Touch. The independent mobile Linux alternative

Optionally, you can get the Volla Phone 22 again with the mobile Linux operating system Ubuntu Touch, which is completely independent of Android and includes its own app store.

Perfect for Linux users and minimalists 

Those who already use Ubuntu on their PC or laptop will find themselves in a perfectly tuned world with a familiar user interface that has been optimized for smartphones.

Ubuntu Touch is also ideal for minimalists who mainly want to use basic smartphone functions. Benefit from the sidebar with the most go-to apps, which you can view at any time with a tap.

And these are advancements that will turn your Volla Phone 22 into the all-in-one choice:

It’s a world premiere: We equip the Volla Phone 22 with a multi-boot function as standard. Via the system settings, you can install a second or even additional operating system as you would an app and simply select it at startup. 

• Try out another operating system like Ubuntu Touch easily without having to delete your data, without risky rooting and without complicated installation. 
• Strictly separate a professional and private use and their data, professional with strict security settings for the first and with apps for games and social media for the second use case. 

With this we also want to give the community the chance to make more alternative operating systems easily accessible. A great chance for Sailfish OS, Droidian, Manjaro or Nemo Mobile.  

Initially, we will be able to install the OS on a microSD memory card. This allows for the half-terabyte (TB) space needed for several operating systems. We are in the works for research on the installation of the internal memory, too.

Hardware. The perfect combination of aesthetics and performance

With its minimalist design, the Volla Phone 22 conveys pure elegance and focus on the essentials. The main camera with dual-lens is embedded in the back of the case, which lies flat and sleek and reduces bulk. 

The tempered glass layer not only protects the lenses but also gives the smartphone a high-quality look. The rounded sides make the Volla Phone 22 fit perfectly in the hand. 

The colors available are fresh white and elegant black with a piano finish.

Device features make for cutting-edge performance.

With a 3x higher camera resolution, a 2x higher memory capacity, and the MTK Helio G85 processor with optimized performance through Mediatek HyperEngine technology, the new Volla Phone 22 is well prepared for the future. 

In addition to two nano-SIM cards, the design now allows you to use a memory card of up to half a terabyte at the same time. 

Please note that we provide a white fingerprint sensor with a silver frame for the series producton of the white variant. This looks even lighter and more elegant. 

Sustainability taken a step further. 

Together with the slim Volla OS operating system and long-standing software updates, the Volla Phone 22 also scores in sustainability. 

But this time we go the additional step.

At the request of the Volla community, the Volla Phone 22 includes a user-replaceable battery that also provides up to 350 hours of standby. With its 4,500 mAh power, it allows plenty of charging cycles backed by Libitum polymer technology.

The manufacturing is once again engineered with high-precision machines in Germany.

OUTPERFORMING TECHNICAL STATS 

• CPU: MTK Helio G85 2.0 GHz octa-core processor with HyperEngine Technology.
• GPU: Mali-G52 mot up to 1.0 GHz
• Display: 6.3″ Full HD+ V-Notch display with a pixel density of 410 ppi.
• Main camera: 48 MP PDAF + 8 MP AF ultra wide-angle and macro camera.
• Front camera: 16P MP 
• Memory: 4 GB RAM + 128 GB internal memory, up to 0.5 TB microSD expansion
• Wireless networks: 2G/3G/4G, Wifi IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
• SAR values: 0,290 W/kg (10g) for head, 1,346 W/kg (10g) for body
• Location: A-GPS, GPS, Glonass, Galileo. 
• Sensors: Fingerprint, location, proximity, brightness, compass, gyroscope
• Ports: USB Type-C (USB 2.0 and USB-OTG), 3.5 mm jack.
• SIM: 2 nano-SIM cards
• Dimensions: 157.5 x 75 x 10.4 mm
• Weight: 210 g

We offer donors outside Europe to check carefully if the Volla Phone 22 supports the frequency bands of their provider’s mobile network. The good news is that the Volla Phone 22 will support even more frequency bands than the previous model for international use. 

• GSM/2G: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
• UMTS/3G: 900 / 2100
• TDD/LTE/4G: 2300 / 2600
• FDD/LTE/4G: 700 / 800 / 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600

Why we need your support

From the beginning, we developed the Volla Phone with you in mind. We envisioned an option for our users to stay independent and protect their data. 

We are not venture capital-funded and solely operate on existing cash flow. With this approach, we achieve stability and independence. However, it presents us with challenges for new products. 

With your help, we can create a private space full of personal freedoms on your smartphone. 

We appreciate any support for the project, be it a small or larger donation. We plan to reward your efforts in helping us restore your privacy. Volunteer translators and beta testers are also needed again. Please stay tuned for updates and feel free to write to us.

Get the special Indiegogo discount on the presumed retail price of 439 EUR for backing our project:

As for accessories, we offer a practical Volla protective cover in the form of a bag made of wool finish or a classic bookcase made of sturdy plastic. 

The bag offers space for a key fob as well as additional documents such as your credit card, ticket, or ID card

In addition, a USB power adapter for quick battery charging and a display film to protect against scratches are available, each of which you can add to your reward.

Project schedule and status

• 04.2021: Start designing the hardware

• 07.2021: Specification of the hardware

• 09.2021: First hardware samples and the start of hardware adaptation of operating systems

• 10.2021: Planning of the second generation of Volla OS

• 11.2021: Start of development for multi-boot and security mode

• 12.2021: Start of campaign preparation

• 01.2022: Design of user interface for new features

• 02.2022: Start development for 2nd generation launcher

• 03.2022: Start of pre-campaign and production of components, planning of packaging

• 04.2022: Crowdfunding campaign. 

• 05.2022: Beta testing and production of devices, packaging, printed materials.

• 06.2022: First delivery for early backers

• 07.2022: Delivery to other backers

• Pictures of the prototype and components

The Team. Agile, Regional and International

In 2017, Dr. Jörg Wurzer founded Hallo Welt Systeme and started research and development to reinvent the smartphone, beyond the app and cloud paradigm of Apple and Google. In doing so, the Ph.D. philosopher and long-time high-tech journalist brought in his experience of previous start-ups and research in the field of artificial intelligence and user interfaces.

In 2020, the successful crowdfunding campaign started on Indiegogo, and a month later on Indiegogo, both of which raised around a quarter of a million euros. In October, the delivery of the first Volla Phone started on time. Less than a year later, the Volla Phone X, a robust and splash-proof model, also was created. Since then, thousands of Volla Phones have gone to over 55 countries around the world.

We are a small, powerful team with German production and regional suppliers and service providers from the Bergisches Land. At the same time, we are an international team with dedicated designers and developers from seven countries in Europe and Asia. From Finland to India, our active community of users, testers, and developers stays committed to contributing to Volla’s success.

Volla relies on an alliance of partners with whom we are working together to open up a market alongside Apple and Google and complete the user experience of freedom, simplicity, and security. We see the future in agile, innovative companies.

• Gigaset Communications: Flexible and high-precision manufacturing in Germany
• UBports Foundation: Further development and maintenance of Ubuntu Touch
• Hide.me: Guaranteed log-free, secure VPN for anonymous Internet connections
• Startpage: Anonymous and unbiased web search with the Google index
• MetaGer: Anonymous and unbiased web search with the Bing index
• StartMail: Secure email service for encrypted communication

All rewards with a Volla Phone include a voucher card from Hide.me and StartMail. 

• Secure VPN: Try hide.me’s premium package for free for one month with an unlimited data volume for up to 10 devices online at the same time. The VPN service can also be used free of charge. In this case it is limited to one connection and 10GB data volume
• Secure Email: Save 50% on the annual fee for StartMail’s secure email service with encrypted mailboxes and messages. This service is optional and can also be used from anywhere in your PC’s browser. 

The Volla team wishes you a lot of fun with the Volla Phone 22. We are looking forward to implement the project with you, the Volla community. 

Risk & Challenges

We have already prepared many things. The remaining risks are delivery delays for raw materials for the packaging and for two components whose production we already commissioned. For the production, we have regional partners and are not dependent on supply chains.

There may also be a delay in shipping the reward due to a lack of drivers at German logistics companies. However, we do not observe any significant delays from our partners DHL and DHL Express in our daily business yet.

For the technical implementation of the software, we have a successful proof of concept for all innovations. However, there may be delays in the final implementation as part of the quality assurance process. In this case, we will deliver individual functions via a regular software update so as not to jeopardize delivery.

Commitment to environmental protection

Sustainable Design

• Sleek operating system that responds smoothly and quickly even after updates.
• System updates for many years
• High precision manufacturing for long life
• User-replaceable battery
• Long-lasting lithium polymer battery with high performance

Reuse and recyclability

We are affiliated to a national and international recycling system for the reintroduction of raw materials into the material cycle. Our EAR number is DE95804196. Our robust box, in which the Volla Phone 22 is packed, can be used for other purposes in the household.

Sustainable materials

We do not use any plastic bags or filling material in the packaging, but sustainable and mainly reused raw materials

Environmentally friendly production facilities

Our partner Gigaset for the production of the Volla Phone 22 has received an Ecovadis CSR Gold Rating.

Sustainable Distribution

We work with our partners DHL and DHL Express for logistics. See the statement of DHL regarding climate responsibility;: https://www.dhl.com/de-en/home/about-us/sustain…

Something else

Code of conduct for supplies of our partner Gigaset: It defines the basic requirements placed on Gigaset’s suppliers of goods and services concerning their responsibilities towards their stakeholders and the environment. Gigaset reserves the right to reasonably change the requirements of this Code of Conduct due to changes of the Gigaset Compliance Program. In such event Gigaset expects the supplier to accept such reasonable changes.