At MWC today (Sunday) HMD has announced its Family division with the introduction of the £229 HMD Fusion X1 developed in partnership with children’s smartwatches manufacturer Xplora.
The new smartphone offers parental controls, no default social media or internet access, and continuous location tracking. Parents can manage settings remotely via a subscription starting at €4.99 per month. The Fusion X1 will be available in May.
The device follows research from HMD’s Better Phone Project, which surveyed 25,000 children and parents. Findings indicate that 52 per cent of children aged 8-12 believe they are addicted to their phones, and many have been contacted by strangers online. HMD plans to integrate SafeToNet’s AI-powered content protection to further enhance online safety.
Lars Silberbauer, HMD’s Chief Marketing Officer, said, “Smartphones shape childhoods and family dynamics. Few companies prioritize children and parents in their designs, but we are working to change that.”
FC Barcelona Partnership
HMD also announced a collaboration with FC Barcelona, unveiling two branded feature phones: HMD Barça 3210 and HMD Barça Fusion. The Barça 3210*is a simplified phone featuring hidden messages from players and team wallpapers. The Barça Fusion includes engraved player signatures, exclusive audio content, and a “detox mode” to limit screen time.
Marc Bruix, FC Barcelona’s Partnerships Director, stated, *“This collaboration promotes responsible screen use while offering fans a unique way to engage with the club.”*
The HMD Barça 3210 will retail for £79, and the HMD Barça Fusion for £229.
HMD also announced a collaboration with FC Barcelona
HMD also reinforced its presence in the feature phone market with three new models:
HMD 130 and HMD 150 Music which have, speaker-centric phones with FM radios, long battery life, and Bluetooth connectivity. Also the HMD 2660 Flip is a lip phone with a cover screen, large buttons, and a minimalist interface.
HMD says its new product line demonstrates a shift from “smart tech” tobetter tech, focusing on human-centered innovation and responsible mobile usage.
