The Rise and Fall of OSOM: A Privacy-Focused Smartphone Dream Deferred
A Bold Vision, a Troubled Path
Launching a new smartphone company is a daunting task, often described as foolhardy. OSOM Products, born from the ashes of Essential in 2020, aimed to carve its niche by championing privacy. However, like its predecessor, OSOM faced numerous hurdles on its journey. The company’s ambitious plans for a privacy-focused handset were constantly challenged by legal battles and financial woes. A lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging financial mismanagement cast a shadow over OSOM’s operations, further complicating its already precarious situation.
A Pivot to Web3 and the Privacy Cable
Despite these setbacks, OSOM managed to bring a product to market, albeit not the flagship smartphone it initially envisioned. The company leveraged its expertise by collaborating with Solana on a range of Web3-focused devices. Learn more about OSOM’s foray into the world of Web3. Furthermore, OSOM introduced the OSOM Privacy Cable, a USB cable designed to prevent “juice jacking” – a malicious practice where attackers exploit charging ports to steal data. Discover how this innovative cable safeguards your privacy.
The End of an Era: A Market Climate Too Harsh
In May 2024, facing dwindling customer interest for its unreleased smartphone, OSOM made the difficult decision to pivot towards a new project – an AI-powered camera. CEO Jason Keats revealed in a statement that despite attempts to secure funding and even explore a potential acquisition by HP, the company ultimately succumbed to the challenging market conditions for consumer electronics startups. Learn more about the dangers of juice jacking and how to protect yourself.
“Sadly, given the grim market climate for fundraising for consumer electronics startups, we were unable to raise a new round,” Keats stated. “While some maintenance operations to ensure contractual requirements will continue, OSOM’s general operations will shut down on September 6th.”
