HMD
Hands On with the HMD Fusion and its Smart Outfits
HMD is trying to make a name for itself as a new brand on the phone scene. They are pursuing multiple specific strategies in an effort to stand out, including repairable phones, brand partnerships, and devices for kids. But the most interesting might be the HMD Fusion, a $300 phone that's designed to be augmented with "Smart Outfits" that integrate with the phone's hardware and software to add specific functionality. If you remember Moto Mods, you'll know that this basic concept has been tried before. But HMD has specific reasons they think the time is right to bring this idea back. We spent a little time with the Fusion and some Smart Outfits. Here's what the Fusion and Smart Outfits are like in person.
HMD Teams up with Xplora for Kids' Devices
HMD has "formed a strategic partnership with Xplora, a leading provider of smartwatches for children." The partnership coincides with HMD's growing interest in the devices-for-kids category. HMD recently launched the Barbie Phone. HMD also recently launched The Better Phone Project, a global survey of 10,000 parents with the aim of better understanding needs in the kids category. HMD says it is "in the process of designing a suite of new solutions which serve as viable alternatives to smartphones, including a new type of phone, which are better suited to the needs of children and teens."
HMD Fusion Enables Functional Smart Cases
HMD's newest phone — the HMD Fusion — has a special six-pin connector the enables new kinds cases that add to the phone's functionality. HMD calls these enhanced cases "Smart Outfits". HMD is rolling out several of its own, while also releasing an open-source developer kit for others to make their own Smart Outfits. HMD's first option is the Flashy Outfit, which adds a ring light to the camera area. The light is on a hinge to be adjustable, and the light output can be customized via the phone's built-in camera app. A Rugged Outfit adds IP68 protection as well as wireless charging and an SOS button. HMD also promises a gaming Outfit, and says at least one third party is committed to making their own Outfit for vertical solutions. HMD envisions potential other Outfits including e-ink or solar charging. The Fusion is also easily repairable, including the display and battery. HMD is committing to making parts available for seven years, although it only promises software security updates for three years. The Fusion is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset with 5G, with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage (expandable). It has a 108 megapixel main camera and 50 megapixel front camera. The display measures 6.56" with 90 Hz refresh, and the battery is 5,000 mAh. The phone has 33W fast charging, NFC, fingerprint reader, and a 3.5mm headset jack. The Fusion comes with a simple clear case. The HMD Fusion will be available in the US later this year for $299. Motorola tried a similar concept with Moto Mods in 2016.
HMD Launches Barbie Phone in US
HMD has teamed up with Mattel for a Barbie Phone. The HMD Barbie Phone is a basic flip phone offering a simple, Barbie-themed interface (based on KaiOS). A number of Barbie-themed accessories are included, such as two extra back covers with different designs, a beaded lanyard with attachable charms, stickers for decorating the phone, and a pink charger. The phone itself includes a 5 megapixel camera with flash, memory card slot, MP3 player, and a 1,450 mAh (pink) battery. A Snake game is included, which has been re-themed for Barbie with watermelons. It has excellent support for Verizon and T-Mobile 4G networks, and decent support for AT&T's 4G network. It will sell for $129 unlocked from HMD. Pre-orders begin Sept. 23, with full availability Oct. 1.
HMD Launches Repairable Affordable-Flagship Model
HMD today announced the HMD Skyline, the company's first "premium" model under its own HMD brand. The phone is easily repairable thanks to a unique "internal screw-driven camshaft" that lets you pop open the back cover with just the turn of a screw. The screen, battery, charging port, and back cover are all designed to be easily replaced by the end user or a repair center. The phone has high-end specs including a 108 megapixel main camera, 13 megapixel wide camera, 50 megapixel tele camera for 4x zoom, and a 50 megapixel front camera with auto-focus. The 6.55-inch pOLED display has FHD+ resolution, 144 Hz refresh, and Gorilla Glass 3. The recycled-aluminum-frame body is rated IP54 for water and dust. The 4,600 mAh battery can be charged with 33-watt fast charging. The Skyline also supports two-way Qi2 wireless charging (15W/5W). Other specs include Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, 8 or 12 GB RAM, 128 or 256 GB storage (expandable), NFC, Wi-Fi 6E, and a fingerprint sensor. It has good support for most 4G and 5G networks in the US (particularly T-Mobile, and Verizon if they certify it). It will come in pink or black. The HMD Skyline goes on sale in the US this August for $499 unlocked. HMD is best known for making Nokia-branded phones for the last several years, but is now branching out to other brands, including its own.
The First HMD-Branded Phone for the US Now Available
The HMD Vibe is now available to buy unlocked. HMD is selling it directly on its web site. HMD has long made Nokia-branded phones, but is now branching out to offer its own brand as well as others. For $150, the HMD Vibe offers a 6.56" HD+ display with 90 Hz refresh, 13 megapixel camera, 4,000 mAh battery, Snapdragon 680 chip, 6 GB RAM, and 128 GB of storage (expandable). It will also be sold by TracFone.
HMD to Launch its Own Phone Brand Alongside Nokia
HMD Global, the company that took over the Nokia brand in the phone space, plans to launch its own brand of phones. HMD Global CEO Jean-Francois Baril published a post saying that "we are establishing an original HMD brand. You can expect to see a new portfolio of HMD branded mobile devices, as well as Nokia devices and collaboration with exciting new partners."
