HMD Global has entered an intriguing partnership with Norway-based Xplora, renowned for its child-friendly smartwatches. This collaboration aims to create a fresh kind of device, offering a smartphone alternative tailored specifically for children and teenagers. The concept was born out of HMD’s recent global study conducted as part of “The Better Phone Project,” which surveyed 10,000 parents worldwide.
The findings revealed a strong demand among parents for a tech solution that prioritises productivity and minimises the addictive qualities typically associated with smartphones. The October 29 announcement highlighted HMD and Xplora’s shared vision of “responsible and mindful technology.” This ambitious initiative reflects the companies’ commitment to offering young users a safer, healthier digital experience.
According to the survey, over half of the participating parents expressed regret about introducing smartphones to their children at an early age, citing issues like disrupted family time, irregular sleep patterns, reduced physical activity, and diminished opportunities for social interaction.
Building on these insights, HMD is now developing a series of “smartphone alternatives” designed to support balanced tech use among young users. This line is expected to include unique features, much like the “Detox Mode” introduced in the HMD Skyline and Fusion models, which helps users manage screen time effectively.
While HMD and Xplora have yet to reveal specifics on the device’s name, features, or release date, there’s speculation that the debut device from this collaboration could make an appearance at the Mobile World Congress in March 2025. This initiative signals an exciting new direction for both companies as they strive to reshape digital interactions for the next generation.
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