HMD has partnered with Xplora to make phones aimed at kids and teens
HMD has announced a strategic partnership with Norway-based Xplora, which offers smartwatches for children. The collaboration aims to create a new type of phone, an alternative to a smartphone, for children and teenagers. This project is the result of a global survey the company conducted earlier this year, which identified a need among parents for an addiction-free productivity-enhancing device for young people. The company has not yet revealed the phone’s name, likely launch timeline, or other details.
HMD x Xplora collaboration
HMD, the Finnish OEM, announced in a press release on October 29 that it is teaming up with Xplora to create a new phone aimed at kids and teens. The companies aim to create “responsible and conscious devices” for users.
Earlier this year, HMD launched The Better Phone Project. A global survey of 10,000 parents accompanied the launch of the project. More than half of the parents surveyed regretted early on that they had offered their children a smartphone. According to the parents, this had a negative impact on the children’s family time, sleep cycle, exercise routines and social opportunities.
HMD says it is creating “a range of new solutions that serve as viable alternatives to smartphones.” This includes a smartphone alternative for kids and teens. Notably, HMD previously introduced Detox Mode in its HMD Skyline and HMD Fusion handsets, which allows users to monitor their screen time.
The name, features or launch details of the HMD and Xplora collaboration phone have not yet been announced. Speculations to suggest that the first device could be presented at the Mobile World Congress 2025 in March next year.
Meanwhile, previous leaks suggested that HMD is gearing up to launch an HMD Sage smartphone next. It recently surfaced online with a design very similar to that of the HMD Skyline or HMD Crest handsets. It is expected to run on a Unisoc T760 5G, have a 50-megapixel rear camera and selfie, and support 33W wired fast charging.
