HMD makes groundbreaking partnership with Mattel and Barbie.

HMD has today revealed what life will look like as Human Mobile Devices. As part of its evolution, HMD is about making phones that are affordable, beautiful, desirable, and repairable. Or, to keep it simple, they help you get what you need without breaking the bank. That means creating devices that help tackle human tech challenges like e-waste and digital fatigue and make your life that little bit better.

In short, the makers of Nokia phones since 2016 will create new HMD original devices, continue to sell Nokia phones, and work with exciting partners you know as part of a multi-brand vision.

Speaking about the HMD plans, Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, Vice President, AMEA region at HMD Global said, “At HMD Global, our mission in the AMEA – Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa – region is clear: innovate, sustain, and collaborate to transform mobile technology. Our dedication goes beyond creating devices. It is about ushering in a future where technology is not only universally accessible and environmentally responsible but also embodies the principles of repairability and durability. This vision propels us towards operational excellence and sets a new benchmark for what it means to be truly innovative in our industry.”

Transformation to profit

For the first time ever, the mobile market declined two years in a row in the face of challenging economic conditions, yet HMD bucked the trend thanks to its major transformation project allowing for a significant improvement in operational profitability YoY in 2023¹. This success is all thanks to fresh, energetic leadership, a sharp focus on strategy, staying nimble and getting better at keeping costs down.

Repping repair-at-home devices this summer

E-waste is one of today’s most important issues for tech makers and tech users. HMD crafts phones that don’t just turn heads, but also aim to be kinder to the planet and your bank balance.

We make award-winning repairable devices and phones that last longer. HMD is pushing boundaries to make the repairability experience accessible to everyone.

HMD repairability goes to the next level, substantially reducing the number of steps it takes to fix the screen. You can say goodbye to phone separation due to a broken screen and get swept up in the ‘FIY’ (Fix it Yourself) movement.

Purposefully leaving a lot to the imagination

HMD is all about human innovation. That means making normally expensive digital tools globally accessible and affordable. Whether that’s introducing new payment options to feature phones or adding microfinancing capabilities to smartphones, HMD already has a tradition of human innovation with purpose.

This summer, we are launching a smartphone that is a platform for innovation, making technology more accessible to more communities around the world.

Today, we are releasing the first version toolkit for developers and businesses, which contains design files and information on software integration, that is available now on our website.  We are embracing open innovation, making sure people and businesses can augment their phones to fit their needs.

We want to champion many people’s creativity- which is leaps and bounds beyond what we can achieve solo. The potential is endless. These could be as simple as a case with an extended battery, a bespoke fashion-forward outfit, a payment terminal, barcode scanners, or even portable, connected medical equipment, it really is a blank canvas for creativity.

Multi-brand for the things you expect, and the things you don’t

As Human Mobile Devices, HMD aims to redefine screen time, champion repairability, and forge meaningful partnerships as part of a multi-brand vision. 

You’ll continue to see Nokia phones and we will bring back an iconic phone this summer. You’ll also see a stellar lineup of exciting new brands coming to you this year.

“In our seven-year journey, collaboration and support has allowed us to achieve so much. And we have plans to do so much more as we introduce the world to the new HMD. We want to be a catalyst for positive and profitable change by embracing a multi-brand strategy: crafting new HMD original devices, creating Nokia phones, and collaborating with well-known global partners.”
Jean-Francois Baril, HMD Co-founder, Chairman and CEO

Hi, Barbie! 

As we venture into new partnerships, HMD will be guided by its core values, seeking collaborations that resonate with its mission. On that note, HMD is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Mattel and with Barbie, highlighting our joint dedication to shake things up, empower connections, and enable some quiet amidst digital noise and interruptions.

The Barbie Flip Phone will arrive this summer 2024. Promising style, nostalgia, and a much-needed digital detox, this retro feature phone will flip the script on smartphone culture and will be this summer’s hottest accessory. 

For more information and imagery, please visit the HMD press centre.

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