A company called Unplugged has relaunched its smartphone, the Up Phone, with a promise of protecting users’ privacy. However, many experts have raised doubts about these claims due to the phone’s outdated specs and lack of transparency.
The Up Phone runs on UnpluggedOS, an operating system built on top of Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This allows it to sidestep Google Mobile Services, which some argue could prevent “backdoor data collection.” The phone also features a Firewall app that blocks third-party trackers and a VPN with a “no logs” policy.
Despite its privacy-focused features, the Up Phone’s specs have not changed since 2023. It still uses a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor from 2021 and only 8 GB of RAM. Given its steep price tag of $989, it doesn’t match the performance of comparable phones.
Unplugged claims to bring manufacturing to the US later this year, promising to create jobs domestically. However, this rhetoric has raised concerns that it’s reminiscent of previous companies’ failed promises about domestic production.
The phone’s pricing and data privacy services have also sparked controversy. The company offers free access to its privacy services for the first year but charges $13 per month or $130 annually after that.
In other tech news:
Samsung has announced a new 115-inch Micro RGB TV, which boasts enhanced color control with its proprietary Micro RGB backlighting technology. The TV will be available in Korea and the US for $30,000.
Ultrahuman’s Ring Can Track When You Ovulate: Ultrahuman has acquired viO HealthTech to develop an ovulation predictor on their subscription-less smart ring. This feature will offer fertility tracking support, symptom and lifestyle tracking, and be designed for diverse menstrual cycles.
Samsung Debuts a $30K Micro RGB LED TV: Samsung’s new Micro RGB TV uses its proprietary Micro RGB backlighting technology to provide enhanced color control. The TV will be available in Korea and the US for $30,000.
Samsung Also Has 500-Hz Gaming Monitors: Samsung has announced three new gaming monitors in its popular Odyssey lineup. One model features an Insane 27-inch QD-OLED monitor with a refresh rate of 500 Hz, offering unparalleled motion clarity.
Nomad Cycles Wants to Make a Fully Repairable Ebike: Nomad Cycles is launching a Kickstarter for its fully repairable ebikes, which will be priced at $5,500. The company aims to change the industry’s lack of transparency around electric bike maintenance and repair.
Sling Has New Subscription Options: Sling TV has introduced new Day Pass, Weekend Pass, and Week Pass options for noncommittal cord-cutters. This allows them to stream live games or events without committing to a full month of service.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/gear-news-of-the-week-a-new-privacy-phone-arrives-and-samsung-has-a-115-inch-micro-rgb-tv