Unplugged is a mobile technology developer that is dedicated to helping everyday users reclaim their data privacy through hardware, software, and network products. Our mobile app suite has enabled Unplugged to create an alternative that empowers consumers to communicate and browse online without unwanted monitoring or analysis.
Our current app offering includes an instant messaging app, UP Messenger, which enables users to keep their daily communications secured from outside interception with maximal encryption. It also includes a proprietary VPN, Antivirus, and an App store.
Additionally, Unplugged is now in the pre-production phase of a privacy-focused smartphone. This phone is built from the ground up with our very own design and will operate on unique privacy-first firmware and OS. The UP Phone will be available for pre-order in March and with deliveries in Summer 2023.
What do you think makes this company unique?
I believe what sets Unplugged apart from other companies focused on reinstating user data privacy is that we work on fixing this issue from multiple angles. Companies can siphon user data in multiple ways, so an effective solution has to provide an alternative that looks at the big picture. We are tackling this by providing solutions at the software, hardware, and network levels to address what we believe to be one of the biggest challenges in our increasingly online lives.
Likewise, what makes us unique is the background of our development teams who bring a unique range of perspectives to building a fantastic product. Our emphasis on creating a product that enables institutional-level protection for everyday users requires a team that understands what that entails and how to meet those needs. We’re facing increasing demands from consumers for privacy and protection from unwanted surveillance of their data head-on with the best tools we can possibly provide.
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How has the company evolved over the last couple of years?
We have only been operating for about a year, but there have already been many evolutions and additions to our product offering. For one, our app suite expanded to include a VPN service for our customers to utilize in their day-to-day internet browsing. Additionally, we’ve been able to update and retool the design of our software offerings to create a more user-friendly and comprehensive experience.
The most dramatic evolution has been on the hardware level with design spec upgrades of the UP Phone. Any sort of hardware product and mobile device inevitably goes through multiple design changes, but finalizing the UP Phone was a big step forward for us. The full new specification details will be revealed in the new year but it includes major improvements for both internal and external hardware to bring our customers a state-of-the-art product.
What can we hope to see from Unplugged in the future?
Our next landmark is the full launch of the UP Phone which we are gearing up for in full force. Enabling users to reclaim their data in a physical device is a huge milestone we can’t wait to achieve.
Additionally, the third tier in bringing true privacy control to the public is through the launch of our network layer. Unplugged is aiming for a 2024 launch of a Mobile Virtual Network Operator in the United States, which will allow users to control their privacy on the software, hardware, and network layers, tunable to their needs.
