Latest news with #BetterPhoneProject
Gulf Business
08-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
HMD's Sanmeet Singh Kochhar on the brand's focus on innovation and human-centric design
Image: Supplied In this interview with Gulf Business , Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, VP for HMD Europe and AMEA, shares how the company is pioneering a human-first design ethos through the launch of its new HMD Family division. With rising interest in healthier digital habits, modularity, and eco-conscious innovation across the AMEA region, HMD, Kochhar says, is focused on shaping a more mindful future for mobile tech. Here are excerpts from the discussion. The launch of the new HMD Family division, with a focus on human-first design and parental input, is a notable move. Can you elaborate on the core philosophy behind this division and how HMD aims to address the growing concerns around children's digital wellbeing, as highlighted by your research? At HMD, we put the human back in the mobile devices, and that is exactly what we did here. We believe in creating technology that enhances lives without compromising well-being. The HMD Family division was established to provide solutions that balance connectivity with digital responsibility. We started the 'Better Phone Project at HMD last July, a collaborative community project to co-create a safer and better phone. Parents asked for better options —now, after working with parents and teens across 84 countries and speaking to nearly 40,000 families, HMD is launching two new devices this year, starting with the More than half of children have been regularly contacted online by someone they don't know, new research from HMD has revealed. One in three children has been asked to take conversations to private messaging apps, and nearly 40 per cent have been exposed to harmful online content, including explicit or violent material. Our research highlights increasing concerns from parents regarding screen time, online safety, and the impact of smartphones on children's mental health. By integrating parental input into our design process, we ensure that our products offer features like controlled screen time, location tracking, and simplified user experiences tailored for younger audiences. That's why HMD is introducing the HMD Fusion X1, a phone built as a 'first step' into the digital world, designed to give teens independence while ensuring parents have the controls they need for peace of mind. The introduction of the HMD Fusion X1 in partnership with Xplora seems a direct response to the 'Better Phone Project' report. How does this collaboration specifically foster healthy digital habits for children, and what key features differentiate it in the market? The HMD Fusion X1 was inspired by the Better Phone project. And is a result of our commitment to fostering positive digital habits. Our collaboration with Xplora brings a fresh approach by ensuring children remain connected without unnecessary distractions. Key safety features through include: Parental controls are deeply integrated into the operating system, giving parents a simple yet powerful way to guide their teen's digital experience. Social media and browser controls – Parents decide when (or if) these features are enabled. Safe calls & messaging – Only pre-approved contacts can get through. GPS tracking and safety zones – Parents receive alerts when teens leave designated safe areas. Stay Focused Mode – Blocks access during school hours or bedtime, reducing distractions when it matters most. Your research indicates over half of children aged eight-12 perceive themselves as suffering from phone addiction. How does HMD intend to leverage the insights from the Better Phone Project report across its broader product portfolio to mitigate this issue? A3: We must remember that smartphones aren't just tech, they are all an integral part of our daily life and society itself. HMD is building solutions with children and parents in mind, and change is possible when families — not corporations — lead the conversation. Our 'Better Phone Project Report' serves as a guiding framework for developing solutions that promote digital wellbeing. Across our portfolio, we are integrating features such as Detox Mode, customisable parental controls, and time management settings. By prioritising user wellbeing in our device software and hardware, we aim to create a healthier relationship between users and their digital lives. The collaboration with FC Barcelona and the launch of the HMD Barça 3210 and HMD Barça Fusion with a 'detox mode' is an interesting strategic move. What is the rationale behind this partnership, and how does the detox mode specifically cater to the needs of users seeking a healthier digital lifestyle? Our collaboration with FC Barcelona aligns with our vision of inspiring individuals to live active, balanced lives. The HMD Barça 3210 (this is a feature phone so does not have detox mode) The HMD Barça Fusion incorporates Detox Mode, a feature designed to encourage users to disconnect from distractions and engage in real-world activities. By allowing customisable restrictions on social media and app usage, Detox Mode helps users take control of their screen time and foster a healthier digital lifestyle. In the end, you can't enjoy football with a phone in your hand, these devices put screen time second and living in the moment first, the phones help you stay in your own game. HMD has reported double-digit growth in its feature phone range for a second year, with new models like the HMD 130 Music, 150 Music, and 2660 Flip. What are the key drivers behind this continued success in the feature phone segment within the AMEA region, and what specific consumer needs are these devices addressing? The growth in our feature phone segment is driven by a combination of reliability, affordability, nostalgia and new innovations to this space. Many consumers in the AMEA region seek devices that offer durability, long battery life, and ease of use. Additionally, feature phones provide a simpler, distraction-free alternative to smartphones, catering to those looking for a more focused digital experience. Our recent models, including music-centric and flip designs, cater to a variety of lifestyle preferences. The Amped Buds, with their unique wireless charging case for smartphones, represent a novel approach. What inspired this innovation, and how do you see this feature resonating with consumers in the AMEA region? The Amped Buds were inspired by the increasing demand for convenience and multi-functionality in tech accessories. Being caught out without tunes or power isn't fun. In regions where power accessibility can be a challenge, a wireless charging case that doubles as a power bank for smartphones adds tremendous value. This feature resonates well with consumers who need reliable on-the-go solutions, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and entertainment. Innovation in HMD Amped Buds, is not limited to its powerful 1600mAh battery, it combines premium wireless earbuds with superb sound quality, ANC, and ENC to dial out ambient noise, plus an ultra-slim, sleek case compatible with devices that support wireless charging. The mobile market in the AMEA region is highly competitive. How does HMD differentiate itself from other players in both the smartphone and feature phone segments? We understand this region and have a very long and successful history in it. HMD differentiates itself through a strong emphasis on sustainability, repairability, and human-first design. Our commitment to modular designs, like the HMD Fusion, allows users to personalize and extend the lifespan of their devices. Additionally, we maintain a balance between innovation and affordability, ensuring our products remain accessible to a broad audience without compromising on quality or functionality. What specific market trends and consumer preferences are you observing in the AMEA region that are influencing HMD's product strategy and go-to-market approach? A8: We are witnessing a growing interest in digital well-being, modularity, and sustainability. Consumers are looking for devices that align with their values, offering customisability, repairability, and mindful usage. Additionally, the rise of mobile gaming and content creation is driving demand for devices with high-performance cameras and accessories. Our product strategy is centered on meeting these evolving needs while ensuring accessibility and affordability. Beyond the 'human-first' design, how is HMD integrating sustainability into its product development and overall business operations within the AMEA region? Sustainability is at the core of What are the key priorities and strategic directions for HMD in the AMEA region, and what are your expectations for market growth? A10: At HMD, we are proud to think ahead and anticipate customer needs which is why we are a leader in repairable devices and are introducing new devices to families. Our key priorities include expanding our modular device ecosystem, strengthening our sustainability initiatives, and fostering deeper collaborations with industry partners. We anticipate continued growth in both the smartphone and feature phone segments, driven by our focus on digital wellbeing, affordability, and repairability. With the increasing demand for user-centric innovation, we are confident that HMD will continue to be a leading player in the AMEA mobile market.
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Zawya
Redefining what is 'smart' about devices, human mobile devices poised for growth in South Africa
Expectations are that 2025 is going to be a turning point year for tech and consumers. For many, there's been enough talk about our hapless addiction to our phones. Young generations have first-hand experience of the modern loneliness crisis, mindlessly prioritising followers over making real friends. And everyone has a tale to tell of the damage done when we blindly follow cynical algorithms down toxic rabbit holes. The pursuit of better digital health is escalating change - from countries and communities to consumers. There are new bans on children signing up on social media platforms in Australia, while many South African schools have started the year with rules that ban smartphones as soon as learners arrive for the school day. On an individual level, consumers are making some strikingly different choices in their everyday lives. A case in point is the recent success of Human Mobile Devices' (HMD's) launch of the HMD Barbie Phone at the end of last year. According to Martiens Prinsloo, general manager of HMD Southern Africa, 'There was a 57% sell-out in the first two weeks, and consumer interest was so high that the South African operator, Vodacom, placed an additional order even before the first shipment landed in the country.' He points out that it wasn't just the allure of HMD's partnership with the highly popular Mattel brand: 'Yes, it's a super-cute phone, but consumers want more than just an aesthetic device. Retro-style phones like our HMD Barbie™ Phone are popular because they give you a vacation from your smartphone, and young people have growing concerns about the impact of 24/7 social media fixation on their real relationships, moods and sleep. They are increasingly prioritising their mental health and looking for ways that their devices support their important life goals. They are interested in finding ways to disconnect digitally so that they can be meaningfully connected in the real world. They want their devices to help them - not trap them in self-defeating cycles of anxiety, low self-esteem and loneliness.' How digital health concerns can reshape device design Of course, most consumers would prefer that their smartphones got smarter about digital health rather than take up a minimalist phone as a long-term solution for their digital overwhelm. For HMD, which has been the exclusive provider of Nokia branded phones in South Africa since 2017, this is a consumer concern that will be shaping their new HMD branded range launching in the country this year. Prinsloo says, 'HMD is at the forefront of these design challenges with our Better Phone Project that invites users to engage with us in the co-creation of designs for future device models and their built-in modes. As we expand our HMD brand presence in the country, this gives South African young people and parents opportunities to help shape our team's design thinking to address their pressing concerns and to meet their aspirations for living well. 'Our purpose is right in our name - Human Mobile Devices – human comes first, and the tech is deeply in service. Devices are not supposed to be overlords or manipulators or drivers of addictive and other unhealthy behaviours. Human well-being should not be a struggle against the devices we use – it should be facilitated, even enhanced, by those devices. In practical terms, that means that if a digital detox is what you need, then your mobile device should make that so easy for you to accomplish, such as switching on the Detox mode. This is a fundamental change in mobile device design thinking for this modern era. It's a shift from looking for ways to mitigate harm, such as through parental controls, to proactively building in human well-being.' This focus on human well-being includes issues of sustainability, and HMD takes a different stance on the typical built-in obsolescence of mobile devices. Prinsloo says, 'Affordability and durability has always been a focus for our brand.' Going forward, what can South Africa expect from HMD? This year, HMD will be launching two new devices in South Africa that come with two years of security updates to ensure the consumer's data is safe. HMD Key is already in-store and at a R1,299 price point, aiming to meet the needs of everyday South Africans with essential photography modes and performance-boosting virtual memory. Following soon in the same entry-level category will be the launch of HMD Arc, which will retail at R1,499 and offer enhanced battery and camera performance as well as fingerprint access. HMD's commitment to South Africa includes the brand's global priorities: Caring for the planet – In 2025, HMD Global maintained its EcoVadis Platinum sustainability rating for the third year running, placing us in the top 1% of the companies assessed. Prinsloo says, 'Globally, we have launched devices that are designed with repairability and eco-friendliness at its core, and we will be bringing those to South Africa in the future. Championing mental health and digital well-being - Through initiatives like the Better Phone Project and the partnership with Xplora, HMD aims to help families navigate the digital world safely. 'From the Boring Phone with Heineken to the HMD Barbie™ Phone with Mattel and the Nokia 3210, we're redefining what it means to take a break from digital distractions. And of course, our HMD original smartphones come with Detox mode,' says Prinsloo. Driving innovation – HMD is an established leader when it comes to Gen 2 Repairability, making it easy for consumers to have repairs conducted in a much shorter time frame at authorised service centres. In addition, bold partnerships like the HMD Sony Venom collaboration and ongoing work with FC Barcelona show that the company is always pushing boundaries. Prinsloo concludes, 'Our focus is on leaning into what people truly need, creating technology for good and staying committed to people and the planet.'
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Yahoo
Safety-first smartphone for children unveiled
A new smartphone has been unveiled that is designed to keep children safe through extensive built-in parental controls, location tracking and parental approval for messaging and call contacts. Announced by phone maker HMD – the firm behind modern Nokia devices – the Fusion X1 has been created in response to new research from the firm which found that more than half of children had been contacted online by strangers. The study, which included a survey of 25,000 children and adults in the UK, US, Germany, India, Australia and the UAE also found that one in three children had been encouraged to take conversations to private platforms, 40% of children had been sent sexual or violent content and 52% of children felt they were addicted to their screens. In response to this, and ongoing concerns about the impact of the digital world on the physical and mental well-being of young people, HMD's child-safe phone contains controls that allows parents to decide when and if social media apps are accessible. The built-in controls all include parental approval for contacts for messaging and calls, a location-tracking feature which enables parents to receive alerts when children leave designated safe areas, and a 'stay focused' mode which can block app access during school hours or bedtime to reduce distractions. The features have been developed in partnership with Norwegian tech firm Xplora, who make child-safe smartwatches, and are powered by an Xplora subscription, which is integrated into the operating system of the phone. HMD said the aim of the device was to provide parents with an alternative to the dilemma many parents currently face, which is to either give their child a fully-fledged smartphone and the more unrestricted internet access that comes with it, or to keep their child unconnected. The phone maker has committed to launching two devices in 2025 as part of The Better Phone Project – a year-long scheme which has seen the firm work with parents and experts on what to include in a child-friendly device. 'Smartphones aren't just tech – they shape childhoods, family dynamics, and society itself,' Lars Silberbauer, HMD's chief marketing officer said. 'Few companies are building solutions with children and parents in mind. We are working with parents to do exactly that. 'The Better Phone Project is proof that change is possible when families, not corporations, lead the conversation.' In addition, HMD has confirmed that it will begin rolling out a real-time harm protection feature to its phones built with British cybersecurity firm SafeToNet. It will use AI-powered tools to automatically spot and block harmful content before it reaches the user, HMD said. 'This is about giving parents real choices. The HMD Fusion X1 with Xplora and technology planned with SafeToNet are just the start,' Mr Silberbauer said. 'Together, we're pushing for a future where kids are empowered to use technology in a safer way, and parents have the tools for added protection and peace of mind.' New, dedicated phones for young users are becoming increasingly common. Last year, US firm Pinwheel launched its child-safe smartphone in the UK for the first time, which places a special parent-controlled operating system on top of the existing software of a Samsung or Google smartphone.
