Link: Blackwater’s founder would like to sell you a privacy phone made in the USA

Unplugged, backed by Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, has launched a revised version of its "privacy-first" UP Phone, promising future manufacturing in the US. Echoing claims by Trump Mobile's T1 Phone, it highlights the goal of creating jobs and enhancing control by reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

The product update does not modify hardware; it features the same four-year-old chipset and specifications as the earlier model. Despite retaining identical hardware, the phone still competes in the high-end market, priced just below prominent competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro.

Unplugged’s UP Phone operates on a modified Android system dubbed UnpluggedOS, omitting Google's services and offering enhanced privacy tools such as a VPN and a kill switch. The recent software updates claim to improve user interface and performance.

Privacy concerns and skepticism towards Unplugged persist, with critiques about the phone's effectiveness and claims of a privacy focus. Professional opinions suggest that for thorough security, mainstream devices might still be preferable.

Although marketed heavily towards conservative Americans, the UP Phone faces criticism for potential political motives and inadequate technical defenses. Questions about the UP Phone's true privacy and security capabilities lead to comparisons with more established brands.

Erik Prince's visible role in promoting the UP Phone has influenced public trust in the device, intertwining its technical promises with political controversy. This association raises doubts about the true priorities of Unplugged’s phone—whether it is user privacy or political ideology.#

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