Latest news with #GMS
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Unplugged Relaunches UP Phone under New CEO with a Powerful Privacy System and All-New Experience
Led by Former Apple Product Leader Joe Weil, Unplugged's Flagship Smartphone Delivers a Private Alternative to Big Tech Devices LAS VEGAS, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Unplugged today announced a major update to its privacy-first smartphone, UP Phone, alongside the official appointment of Joe Weil as CEO. Weil, who led special projects for Apple Services, was brought on earlier this year to lead the relaunch, restructure operations, and drive long-term growth. "More people are concerned about their smartphones than ever before. Instead of protecting our privacy, devices are subsidized by selling access to our private information. And while our phones give us access to so much of the world, they can also be used to filter and limit what we can see," said Joe Weil, CEO of Unplugged. "When it comes to these issues, Apple and Google take similar and symbiotic approaches, leaving many customers without a phone that's right for them. That's why we built Unplugged—because we believe in a future where a device serves the person who owns it, not the agendas of the company that made it." UP Phone: Breaking the Cycle of Data ExploitationDesigned to optimize privacy at every level, UP Phone integrates proprietary hardware and software like no other smartphone to protect customer privacy. With an on-device Firewall, multi-layered privacy protections, a refreshed OS, and an all-new user experience, UP Phone sets an entirely new standard for privacy with a device that is easy to use out of the box. At the core of UP Phone is a powerful on-device Firewall. More than just software, it's the foundational security infrastructure that enables UP Phone's privacy system across the OS and apps. The Firewall blocks third-party tracking and data harvesting attempts—and exposes the apps behind them—so customers can see their privacy protections in action. UP Phone's operating system, UnpluggedOS, is purpose-built for privacy, functioning independently from Big Tech ecosystems to eliminate surveillance and data harvesting at the source. UP Phone leverages open-source Android without Google Mobile Services (GMS)—preventing backdoor data collection and restoring customer autonomy. Independent Test Reveals UP Phone's Clear Privacy AdvantageIn tests conducted by cybersecurity firm Raxis, UP Phone outperformed Apple's iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy S25 in blocking third-party data harvesting connections and data transmissions. Within a one-hour testing window, Raxis monitored data activity across all three phones in their standard factory configuration while engaging with 33 widely used apps like Snapchat, Expedia, Spotify, Pinterest, The Weather Channel, and Nike. The test revealed that: iPhone performed 3,181 DNS requests to third-party tracking domains and sent and received a total of 210,748 data packets to the trackers during testing—even with "Ask app not to track" selected. Galaxy performed 1,368 DNS requests to third-party tracking domains and sent and received a total of 171,467 data packets to the trackers during testing. For UP Phone, no evidence in packet captures of DNS lookups or data packets sent or received from third-party tracking sites during testing. Fine-Tuned Privacy ControlsA streamlined dashboard displays key stats and settings at a glance, allowing customers to adjust features, monitor Firewall and VPN status, check the phone's last unlock time, and track screen time—all through intuitive controls designed for quick, effortless access. The Privacy Center app makes it simple to manage privacy settings in just a few taps. Firewall activity can be monitored in real time with visibility into how many third-party tracker attempts have been blocked, and the apps behind them. With Time Away, customers can see if there's been unauthorized access and exactly when their phone was last unlocked—helping them keep their personal data securely in their control. Streamlined controls allow customers to block intrusive ads and malware, restrict access to unwanted content such as adult and gambling websites, limit social media embeds and sharing, and disable the camera, microphone, USB data, outgoing NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location services. UP Phone provides fast and secure ways to access and protect data. Lost Mode erases all data after a user-defined period if the device is lost or stolen, helping to secure personal information. It restarts the device in a protected mode, which is designed to enhance security against physical extraction tools compared to the standard locked standby state. With Emergency Reset, data can be wiped from UP Phone using a designated unlock code—ensuring personal information never falls into the wrong hands. Scheduled Reboot lets customers set automatic times to clear cached data and eliminate potential malware, and boost privacy, security, and performance. Built-in, no-logs, VPN protection running in the background hides the IP address while traffic is being blocked. Customers can choose from dozens of routing geographies and three separate server protocols for greater privacy and control over their connection. Unlike other phones that are still active and exchanging data while powered off, UP Phone's Battery Disconnect Switch completely separates the battery from the circuits for secure power-off. Encrypted cloud storage makes it easy to move a photo library, favorites, and even named faces over to the Unplugged platform. For customers who don't want to use the cloud, UP Phone supports an SD card so customers can store photos and files locally up to 1TB. Brave, the privacy browser with built-in ad blockers and tracking protection, comes pre-installed as the default browser. Brave Search includes built-in privacy preserving AI that doesn't train on customer searches or maintain centralized databases of searches and AI conversation history. All-New Experience and Advanced FeaturesSuperior privacy protection doesn't mean sacrificing performance or usability—UP Phone delivers both a powerful and intuitive experience. A redesigned interface—with fresh icons, smarter navigation, and streamlined setup—makes getting started effortless and everyday use smooth, intuitive, and enjoyable. Customers can move faster, stay focused, and accomplish more with ease. The new App Center is uncensored, unbiased, and untracked— giving customers the freedom to access the apps they want without restrictions imposed by major app store ecosystems. UP Phone's striking 6.67-inch AMOLED display brings every detail to life in rich, vivid color and crisp definition. Powered by an octa-core Mediatek 1200 processor with 8GB of RAM, UP Phone delivers fast, efficient performance. The powerful rear triple-camera system captures vivid images with a 108MP high-resolution main lens, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 13MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls—all supported by software settings that help optimize focal length, lighting, and color. Committed to Open Source for Transparency and TrustUnplugged is building a transparent, open-source Android security solution. The Firewall is currently available as open source, with more projects to follow, allowing developers and security professionals to freely audit and verify UP Phone security. Made in AmericaUnplugged also announced plans for U.S.-based manufacturing later this year, creating jobs domestically, improving quality control, and reducing dependence on foreign supply chains. Pricing and Availability All prices listed are in U.S. dollars. UP Phone is available for $989 at and on including an in-store pick up option. Shipping starts in mid-September. Privacy services are offered through a $12.99 monthly or $129.99 annual subscription covering VPN, antivirus, messenger features, and cloud photo storage. Every phone includes one year of full service at no additional charge, and the device remains fully functional regardless of subscription status. A basic tier is available without subscription fees. Customers in the U.S. and Canada can pre-order UP Phone at with shipping beginning in mid-September. Free FedEx 2Day® Shipping in the U.S. on orders of $50 or more. Estimated delivery within 2 business days. Delivery times to ZIP codes in Alaska and Hawaii may differ from delivery times in the contiguous U.S. For shipments outside the U.S., charges will be reflected upon checkout. Customers are responsible for any import duties and taxes upon delivery. UP Phone is fully compatible with mobile service on major carriers, AT&T and T-Mobile. It's also compatible with mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) utilizing their infrastructures, such as Patriot Mobile, Pond Mobile, Mint Mobile, Cricket Wireless, PureTalk, and Really. UP Phone accessories including premium cases by ITSKINS, screen protectors, fast chargers, and USB-C cables are available at with prices ranging from $19.99-$34.99. About UnpluggedUnplugged is a privacy-first technology company empowering digital freedom in an era of rising surveillance and data harvesting. Its flagship product, UP Phone, blocks tracking, data extraction, and behavioral profiling at the system level. Featuring a groundbreaking firewall that provides real-time visibility into third-party activity behind the screen and a robust suite of powerful privacy protections, Unplugged gives users a real choice for true privacy. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Unplugged
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean rail tourism corridor takes centre stage at Mekong's international forum
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang recently, spotlighting the proposed Asean Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to boost regional travel and connectivity. Held under the theme 'United Journey – Stronger Together,' the forum brought together tourism officials and business leaders from Laos, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam to discuss ways to improve cross-border travel. A key session was the first Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Private Sector Workshop, which focused on strengthening regional connectivity through initiatives such as the ARTC. The ARTC aims to link major cities, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Nong Khai, Vientiane, and Boten, through upgraded rail systems and streamlined immigration processes to make travel across Southeast Asia more efficient. Phase 1 of the project (2024–2029) will focus on infrastructure readiness, border coordination, and intergovernmental collaboration. It builds on existing networks like the Laos–China Railway and the Laos–Thailand rail link, which have already enhanced mobility in the region. By expanding these connections, the ARTC is expected to drive tourism growth and support more sustainable, inclusive development across the Greater Mekong Subregion. The forum also introduced the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, a regional framework designed to encourage high-quality, sustainable tourism and help the region recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The strategy prioritizes development in lesser-known destinations and aims to distribute tourism benefits more evenly. MTF 2025 concluded with the announcement that Myanmar as the next host of the forum in 2026. Alongside the main sessions, a tourism exhibition showcased cultural products, local food, and community-based travel experiences, highlighting the region's commitment to sustainable tourism. Phouthone Dalalom, Deputy Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department at Laos's Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, emphasized the importance of visitors from neighboring countries and said he hopes the forum will help increase tourist arrivals and strengthen regional ties. - Xinhua
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Shareholder Alert: The Ademi Firm Investigates Whether GMS Inc. Is Obtaining a Fair Price for its Public Shareholders
MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ademi Firm is investigating GMS (Nasdaq: GMS) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its transaction with Home Depot. Click here to learn how to join our investigation and obtain additional information or contact us at gademi@ or toll-free: 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you. In the tender offer transaction, shareholders of GMS will receive $110 per share, reflecting a total equity value of approximately $4.3 billion and implying a total enterprise value (including net debt) of approximately $5.5 billion. GMS insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements. The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing transactions for GMS by imposing a significant penalty if GMS accepts a competing bid. We are investigating the conduct of the GMS board of directors, and whether they are fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders. We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Bangkok Post
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Conflict undermines cooperation
The long-standing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has again escalated to actual conflict. Dozens of people have been killed, more have been injured, and more than 170,000 people have had to flee their homes. Cross-border trade and tourism are on hold. As I write this piece, a fragile ceasefire is still in place, but we need more than this; we need an end to hostilities between the two countries. Let me be clear, there is no treasure chest to be won here. The land in dispute has little intrinsic value. The most sensitive issue is the ownership of relatively small pieces of land that contain the ruins of two Hindu temples. I am sure I am not the only person to wonder what the priests who served the temples would think of their ruins being the centrepiece of armed conflict. The broader issue is that, in today's world, we increasingly face problems that can only be solved through collective action. This was not so true even a few decades ago. Then, South Korea, Taiwan, or Singapore could, with the right mix of policies, invite investors to build manufacturing or assembly centres that would produce consumer goods for Western markets, paying good wages. Factory Asia required considerable work on the part of the governments, but not necessarily the cooperation of their neighbours. Today, there is still room to join Factory Asia; however, emerging problems will make development harder, problems that require worldwide, coordinated action. Climate change is one such challenge. Without a collective shift in our behaviour and a globally coordinated effort, we will continue to suffer from heatwaves, more intense storms, and higher sea levels, which will degrade seaports and coastal agricultural areas. We will only turn back this present danger if we have global cooperation on an unprecedented scale. Conflict of the type seen at the border of Cambodia and Thailand will inhibit public collaboration between the two countries, weakening Southeast Asia's voice in any global effort. Climate change is only one of the problems we face that requires an international effort to solve. Across Southeast Asia, fish stocks are collapsing. This imperils the food security of many people in the region. But, as is often said, fish do not need passports; they travel from one part of the oceans to another, and without a general agreement to reduce overfishing, the stocks will not recover. Hostile relations between any of the countries in Southeast Asia will make any effort to address this much harder. I'm sure every reader has a list of problems they worry about, such as a new pandemic. Some of these will demand a coordinated multi-country effort. It is possible to have this. In an earlier dustup between Cambodia and Thailand, in 2009, as a Director for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), I was privileged to chair a meeting in Bangkok of the transport sector of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) programme. This initiative brings together the governments of mainland Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand, as well as China, which participates through Yunnan Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. These governments have come together to jointly plan and carry out cross-border projects that enhance the potential for sustainable development. Transportation is a key element, especially for the interior areas of these countries. Without access to the coast, the people of these areas are unable to participate in the international trade that has driven regional development. Cross-border road systems enable trucks to transport goods from factories to ports in neighbouring countries. At the local level, improved roads ease travel to markets, schools, and health facilities. At the time of the Bangkok meeting, the GMS had mobilised roughly $10 billion (324.7 billion baht) to fund transportation projects. The government officials had gathered to consider how to move forward in the sector. As the teams reviewed project proposals, news arrived of a fight at the border between Cambodia and Thailand. We understood that at least one person had died and many were injured. I watched as the teams agonised over whether they could continue collaborating. Fairly quickly, however, the decision was made by all to continue. It was explained to me that, although the relationship between the two countries was strained, the officials at our meeting had been tasked with working together. They understood that the quality of life and the livelihoods of literally millions of people in the region depended on improved transport, something that could not occur without meaningful collaboration. This decision required political courage, and I don't know if even the most dedicated official could have sustained that position if the effort had needed more than a few days and had been more in the public eye. Unfortunately, the problems that face the countries of Southeast Asia, indeed the problems that face the global community, will require both sustained and very public cooperation. The ceasefire in place is welcome, but it should be viewed as a first step towards building a relationship that will enable Cambodia and Thailand to collaborate meaningfully in addressing the broader problems that face us.
The Star
04-08-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Fair play to the fore: Evolving scoring methods in golf
The weather is hot, but tensions at the clubhouse – where a junior golf tournament is underway – may be rising faster than the temperature. Disputes usually begin when one player claims their opponent took more strokes to complete a hole than recorded. With scores still tracked by hand, there's little evidence to settle the matter – just memory and scribbled numbers on a piece of paper. Parents then might chime in to defend their child's performance. For Sivanandan Chinnadurai, executive director of the non-profit organisation Foundation of Malaysian Sporting Excellence or SportExcel, such a scenario is not uncommon. Bear in mind, he adds, that a junior golf tournament has many different categories. Players in the younger categories of between six to eight years old may face difficulties scoring on their own so parents could step in to help mark their score cards. Based on his own experience, CLL Systems software sales director K.K. Chong says some parents may intentionally mark scores in their child's favour, leading to inconsistencies. In the other categories, typically for players aged 12 and above, competitors are required to mark each other's scores to create a system of checks and balances. But even this isn't foolproof. 'Players sometimes return with scores that weren't recorded accurately often because they become less careful as the tournament progresses. We're talking about 18 holes over four hours,' Chong adds. Officials will have to handle the disagreement by asking players to retrace what happened on the hole, stroke by stroke and, if available, verify the account with on-ground markers or marshals stationed nearby. Real results in real time Sivanandan says parents and players are increasingly asking for a live scoring system, one that allows them to track performance in real time, rather than waiting until the end of the tournament for results. In 2024, Chong entered the discussion to help SportExcel find their solution. Within six months, his team built a Golf Management System (GMS) designed to tackle the longstanding issues tied to manual scoring. 'We introduced an online platform for players to immediately submit their score, either hole by hole or after a few holes, to a marker or officer and that person can update the scoring to display live results,' he says. Sivanandan (right), seen here with Chong, believes technology can also play a positive role by motivating players to improve and take their game more seriously. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star The results are then displayed on a screen at the clubhouse, giving waiting parents and officials real-time updates on players' performance as the game unfolds. They can also access updates through an online link. Scores are also tabulated instantly, eliminating long waiting times for results, though Sivanandan adds that final verification still lies with the tournament director. For each hole, players can input their score once and it cannot be changed. Measuring integrity Can technology help to prevent cheaters from prospering in sports? In 2019, a major high school golf cheating scandal – where players from different schools colluded to shave strokes off each other's scores – prompted an athletic association in the United States to do some soul-searching. It was later decided that players should start learning how to mark their scores in an app called iWanamaker so officials and the public can see the event progress in real time. This year, the National Federation of State High School Associations announced that the app has been widely adopted and used in over 75% of all high school golf tournaments in the US. In June, Reuters reported that the US Open showcased a Rules of Golf AI Avatar that users can interact with to ask questions about rules. For example, it was able to address a question about what to do when there's an alligator in the bunker where the ball has landed. A spokesperson said the technology aims to educate players on the rules leading to fair play and even helping to speed up the game. Raising the bar Sivanandan believes technology can also play a positive role by motivating players to improve and take their game more seriously. 'The system gives us a reliable record of each player's scores and it can also be accessed publicly. Coaches can refer back to this data as a starting point to better understand and train their players,' he says. Sivanandan adds that it also helps SportExcel to meet its objective to support young talent development in Malaysia through data to make more informed decisions. 'It will be useful for players who want to convince talent scouts that they are worthy of a sports scholarship. We are definitely elevating the local junior tournament to move forward and keep up with the times,' he adds.
