HMD Global and Xplora to Collaborate to Make Addiction-free Devices for Young Users

Highlights

• HMD Global and Xplora Technologies are partnering to create responsible devices for young people.
• HMD will develop feature phones and smartwatches with parental controls.
• Devices are expected to be released by March 2025.

HMD Global and Xplora Technologies are coming together to address one of the most pressing concerns parents have about their young children today – technology addiction.

In a press release, both companies announced their strategic partnership “to produce responsible and mindful devices for young people to enable choice and balance with technology.”

Human Mobile Devices (HMD) is Europe’s largest smartphone manufacturer and Xplora is the leading Norwegian company known for producing smartwatches for children.

Previously, HMD and Perspectus Global launched “The Better Phone Project” to under the pressing issues parents face today with their young children and technology.

Under the project, they worked together to gather responses from more than 10,000 parents across the UK, US, India, Germany and Australia.

The survey findings revealed that about 60% of parents worry about smartphone overuse among children, 50% regret giving smartphones at an early age and 70% say they had more family interactions growing up without smartphones.

HMD is working to develop a range of children friendly feature phones and smartwatches through its collaboration with Xplora.

As per the reports, Xplora will handle the design of these devices and HMD will manage distribution.

Together both companies are aiming to offer alternatives to traditional smartphones that reduce distractions and enhance child safety.

HMD’s “Anti-Addiction” Devices – What to Expect?

Expected to be released at MWC in March 2025, these devices will include parental controls, smart home connectivity and eSIM support.

They are designed to promote healthy digital use allowing parents to oversee screen time and social media access.

HMD CEO Jean-Francois Baril shared his enthusiasm for developing technology with “human” values at the forefront, while Xplora CEO Sten Kirkbak noted that the partnership will enable Xplora to broaden its reach in youth tech and support children’s digital well-being.

This partnership aims to create safe, distraction-free technology that fosters a healthy relationship with digital devices for young users.

Commenting on the collaboration with Xplora, the CEO and chairman of HMD Jean-Francois Baril said: “We are excited to join forces with Xplora to deliver tech solutions tailored to the unique needs of children and young people. At Human Mobile Devices, putting ‘human’ at the core of everything we do is in our DNA. Our teams oversee the complete development process, from software to hardware, ensuring top-tier quality, certification, and security. This allows us to foster a healthy and positive relationship with technology—providing all the essential features, without any unnecessary distractions.

Meanwhile, Xplora CEO Sten Kirkbak also added in the press release: “We are thrilled to collaborate with HMD in our expansion into the youth market. This partnership not only delivers the best possible tech devices for our customers but also expands our products allowing our customers to continue their journey with Xplora beyond the smartwatch stage.”

FAQs

Q1. What is the goal of the partnership between HMD Global and Xplora Technologies?

Answer. The partnership aims “to produce responsible and mindful devices for young people to enable choice and balance with technology.”

Q2. When are the new children-friendly devices expected to be released?

Answer. Scheduled for a March 2025 release at MWC, these devices will include parental controls, smart home connectivity and eSIM support.

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