MC02, powered by Apostrophy, is designed to give users full control over their mobile experience with data sovereignty at its core.

 Punkt., the Swiss pioneer of intentional consumer electronics that combine thoughtful design with a simplicity aimed at making life less complex, will be present at CES with its new MC02 smartphone. This smart mobile device is the first to market powered by Apostrophy OS, providing a host of features that focus on empowering users, not leveraging them, so they control how they live their mobile lives on their terms and without conceding personal data for corporate gain. The stylish MC02, powered by Apostrophy privacy-first operating system, offers users complete control over their personal data, without forcing them to compromise on their tech preferences, and meets increasing demands for digital minimalist options when it comes to mobile devices.

 

The Punkt. MC02 is currently on pre-order from $749 / €699 / £599, and will officially be available from the end of January 2024. For more information, visit Punkt.ch.

 

“Our mobile devices are created to give customers more choice about how their digital devices impact their lives. Thanks to our partnership with Apostrophy, the MC02 offers all the functionality that a modern smartphone should provide, but with personal data sovereignty at its core,” says Petter Neby, Punkt. Founder & CEO. We disagree with the modern idea that privacy is nothing but the ability to hide secrets – and that this is a fairly recent misnomer. Alongside many other rights, the right to privacy is a fundamental human value, is nuanced and context matters. This is why we worked with Apostrophy OS on the MC02. We feel this makes for a better relationship with tech and mental wellbeing.

 

“The Punkt. MC02 is the first device to feature the new Apostrophy operating system, offering our customers the opportunity to live in a mobile world where their data isn’t monetized and their privacy is kept paramount,” said Steve Cistulli, CEO of Apostrophy. “Partnering with Punkt. allows us to work hand-in-hand with Punkt.’s commitment to technology, that helps us adopt good habits for less distracted lives.”

MC02, Powered by Apostrophy OS

Apostrophy OS is a bespoke OS-level implementation integrated in partnership with Punkt. This all-new operating system is unique in that the user experience is divided into portioned segments prioritizing app integrity and person data privacy. This means MC02 users can take comfort knowing their contacts, email, calendar and other native applications, along with their corresponding data are kept securely within Switzerland.

 

With Apostrophy OS, the MC02 features a ‘home’ space with a suite of digital tools that can be kept secure and free from advertising-based data infiltration. These include Email, Calendar, Contacts, Notes and Storage. There is also a ‘public’ space navigated via Apostrophy’s GMS Wizard, where users can still access the Google Play Store and all of applications available there. Apostrophy OS on the MC02 also protects user data from monetization, even during the use of regular apps, with the information exchange occurring only between specific app developers and the MC02 user. No other information is available for data harvesting by third parties.

 

The MC02 comes with a built-in VPN from Apostrophy called Digital Nomad that allows users to protect their internet connectivity and privacy, wherever they are. This secure VPN and DNS enables MC02 users to access the internet safely and privately from wherever they are knowing that their web browsing isn’t being monitored or monetized in any way that exposes person data.

 

With Apostrophy OS on the MC02, users are empowered to more easily control app specific data privacy, from no privacy where all app permissions are allowed to full privacy where all requested app permissions are denied. Ledger also includes a feature called Carbon Reduction, which gives MC02 users insights into the energy impact of their installed apps and control over how those apps operate in the background.

 

Practically speaking

While the MC02 comes with a focused set of pre-loaded features, it is purposely designed to provide minimal distractions for users, in line with the Punkt. design ethos. Users can add to the device, but the standard model includes: A 6.7” full high definition+ screen, 64mp back / 24mp front camera, 6GB memory and long lasting 5,500 mAh battery. Full tech spec available here.

 

Subscription model

By partnering with fellow Swiss tech company, Apostrophy, Punkt. can incorporate the software firm’s digital services to create a seamless ecosystem of private communications aligned with Swiss data processing regulations that are built into the country’s constitution and laws to protect the right of privacy.

 

Apostrophy has a transparent subscription* model, along the lines of an entertainment, streaming or cloud data storage service. This allows users to know exactly what they are paying for without the monetization of their data being a factor.

 

The Punkt. MC02 is currently on pre-order and will officially be available from the end of January 2024.

 

Price: $749 / €699 / £599

 

*The first 12 month’s Apostrophy Services subscription is included in the MC02 purchase price from new (worth CHF179). Thereafter there is a monthly tariff of CHF14.99 (Approx. €14.99 / $20.00 / £12.99 – The amount may vary in local currency at the time of renewal due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.)

 

MC02 URL: https://www.punkt.ch/en/mc02-5g-secure-phone