TrustKernel Plugmate is a thumb-sized computer for privacy first

TrustKernel Plugmate is a small, thumb-sized computer running on essentially a USB stick — powered by PlugOS, an Android based operating system built on privacy. It’s designed to be plug-and-play, excellent for cross-platform use, and is programmed from the ground up to put you in control of your data.

Tech companies own our data whether we like it or not. On the operating system level, they can collect, collate, and record anything and everything we do from keystrokes, to financial apps we use, to how we use our systems. Your phone, your computers, your tablets, all of it, and you’re being tracked across all devices constantly. The TrustKernel Plugmate flips all of this on its head. It’s an open platform built to preserve and protect your privacy. I know, I know, you’ve heard this before many times. So have I. This one is a fully isolated Android operating system that’s plug-and-play ready. That means you can use it on any device, phone to computer.

You plug it in via USB-C and everything is onboard. It has an 8-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It’s a complete smart device with dual authentication, as well. It runs Android apps, supports video, audio, camera, maps, messaging, browsing, wallets, and productivity tools. The device itself you plug into becomes your workstation. It has no data collection, no telemetry functions, and there’s no remote access. The entire, secure computer is housed on the small thumb-drive. Yes, it’s password protected. It will even self-destruct in emergencies so your data remains secure. Not like explosion self-destruct, but like data wipe self-destruct. This isn’t Mission Impossible, Ethan. Yet.

How does a USB-C thumb-sized computer work with peripherals?

It converts any device that you plug the thumb-sized computer into, into a workstation. Turn any PC, tablet, or phone into your private system. Any peripherals connected to that system should also work within PlugOS, like keyboards, mice, and so on. It even works with iPhone to run Android on an iPhone — how wild is that? Your workspace moves with you, including all of your data and apps. Lose it, and let’s hope you don’t, all of that data remains secure. Careful protection keeps it physically safe. Dual authentication and advanced security measures keep your data safe.

The idea is not to run everything on the little device but to use risk isolation to put your most critical apps on it. For example, your banking or secure messaging apps. You wouldn’t necessarily want those on your regular phone. You can also store sensitive data on this little device and keep it locked away and isolated. View sensitive files in the system, not the device itself. Physically isolate and secure your critical apps. Keep your private moments on a private system you control without data harvesting from third-parties. It’s plug-and-play, offers continuous use, and more.

PlugOS is based on Android 14, and the processor is a MediaTek Helio G80. It comes with a unique USB Type-C upright cable to make it easier to use with a phone in portrait orientation. Moreover, it also comes with a physical protective case.