Chinese tech company Qihoo 360, which is known for its security and data protection products, has announced that it is expanding its business to cover hardware production. Recently, Qihoo 360 unveiled its newest product, a smartphone that features data protection.

Qihoo 360 said that the main driver behind this project is the increasing demands of government officials and those in the business sector for a smartphone that combines high-end specs with great information security features.

Like Us on Facebook

Many tech analysts agree that due to the growing concerns about national security and the increase in hacking incidents, government entities and state-owned enterprises have started to rely on domestically produced IT products.

In a statement acquired by China Daily, Qihoo chief executive officer and chairman Zhou Hongyi said, "The new device is designed for political, military and commercial officials who have to store confidential information on their devices."

The smartphone, dubbed Qihoo Q5, will cost around $300 and comes equipped with two different operating systems. One of which is designed as a private system where all information and data that are being stored are encrypted.

Qihoo claims that the Q5 allows users to make encrypted calls. This makes it nearly impossible for hackers to tap and listen into the conversation. Additionally, the Q5 can also block remote receivers from recording conversations.

According to GB Times, Qihoo is planning to release two models of the smartphone: a standard Q5, and Q5 Plus. The Qihoo Q5 will have a 5.5-inch display with Full HD resolution, a fingerprint sensor, 13-megapixel camera in dual configuration and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset. The Q5 Plus shares almost the same specs except for the slightly bigger screen at 6-inch, and a slightly powerful chipset with the Snapdragon 820.

TagsQihoo, Qihoo 360, Qihoo 360 news, Qihoo 360 update, Qihoo 360 smartphone, Qihoo 360 government phone, Qihoo 360 secure phone