Osom Shuts Down: Privacy-Focused Smartphone Maker Folds After One Release
Osom Products, Inc. to Shut Down Operations This Week
Osom Products, Inc., a mobile phone company founded by former employees of Essential, is reportedly shutting down this week after releasing only one smartphone. The news comes on the heels of a lawsuit filed by Osom’s former chief privacy officer, alleging that the CEO misused business funds for personal trips and exotic cars.
Multiple sources confirmed to Android Authority that Osom executives announced the decision to close the company during an internal meeting on Tuesday. The majority of employees are expected to be laid off on Friday, with provisions for severance pay and continued health care benefits.
Osom was established by Jason Keats and other former executives and employees of Essential, which ceased operations in 2020 following poor sales of its Essential Phone and the departure of founder Andy Rubin. The company aimed to create privacy-focused products, including a USB-C cable with a switch to disable data transfer capabilities.
In early 2022, Osom unveiled its OV1 smartphone, showcasing the company’s commitment to privacy-centric design. Later that year, Osom partnered with blockchain company Solana to launch a modified version of the OV1 called the Saga, which featured a built-in crypto wallet and other blockchain-based applications.
Despite the impending shutdown, a small team of engineers will remain as contractors to deliver a final security update for the Saga smartphone in December and fulfill the company’s remaining obligations to Solana.
The closure of Osom marks another setback in the competitive smartphone industry, particularly for companies attempting to carve out niche markets with specialized features and design philosophies.
