Open_slate tablet with physical disconnection of mic and camera

# open_slate: Modular Tablet with Hardware Privacy Controls on MediaTek Genio 720

The open_slate tablet by Brax Technologies lets you physically disconnect the camera, microphone, GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi using mechanical switches. Built on the MediaTek Genio 720 SoC, it supports Android or Linux and works as a 2-in-1 device that can connect to peripherals for desktop PC mode. The base configuration starts at $600, with crowdfunding underway on Indiegogo.

Display: 12" IPS 2.4K 90 Hz in the standard version, Pro variant with 2.8K OLED 120 Hz. 8000 mAh removable battery, which simplifies maintenance. The modular design lets you swap components, including the M.2 slot for an SSD or 5G modem.

Technical Specifications

open_slate targets mid/senior-level developers who need a controlled environment free from software vulnerabilities. Key specs:

• Processor: MediaTek Genio 720
• RAM: 8/12 GB
• Storage: 128/256 GB SSD + M.2 slot
• Ports: 2× USB-C 2.0, 2× USB-C 3.0 (1× DP 1.4), USB-A 2.0, Micro HDMI, 3.5 mm audio
• Displays: IPS 2560×1440 90 Hz / OLED 2880×1800 120 Hz (Pro)
• Battery: 8000 mAh, removable

Modularity minimizes downtime during repairs: the battery, SSD, and modems swap out without tools.

Physical Isolation of Components

Switches on the chassis cut power to key modules:

• Cameras (front + rear)
• Microphones
• GPS
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi

This prevents data leaks even if the OS is compromised. Unlike software kill switches, hardware disconnection blocks firmware-level attacks.

For network analysis, BraxOS (an Android fork) includes traffic monitoring and tracker blocking. A private app store filters apps based on privacy metrics. The Linux variant lets you customize the kernel for embedded development.

Use Cases for Developers

The device suits tasks where privacy is critical:

• Security Auditing: Testing without eavesdropping risks.
• Embedded Development: Linux on ARM with Genio 720 GPIO support.
• Field Work: Modularity for rugged environments, 5G via M.2.
• Cross-Platform Development: Android/Linux dual-boot with USB-C docking.

DisplayPort 1.4 supports output to external monitors up to 8K, while USB 3.0 delivers speeds up to 5 Gbps for debugging.

Key Points

• Physical switches ensure a true off-state for cameras, mic, and wireless without OS dependency.
• MediaTek Genio 720: 8-core ARM Cortex-A78/A55, Mali-G610 GPU, NPU for ML tasks.
• Modular architecture + removable battery simplify repairs and upgrades.
• Dual OS: Android with privacy tools or vanilla Linux.
• Prices: $600 (8/128 IPS), $800 (12/128 OLED Pro); shipments fall 2026.

— Editorial Team