HMD has joined forces with Xplora, a leading provider of children's smartwatches, to develop smartphones that encourage responsible use among young users. Known for its feature phones and initiatives like Detox Mode, HMD is responding to growing parental demand for technology tailored to children's needs. Through its partnership with Xplora, HMD aims to offer a safe and balanced introduction to the digital world.
HMD’s commitment to this cause is further emphasized by the Better Phone Project, launched earlier this year. A global survey of 10,000 parents revealed that more than half regretted giving their child a smartphone too early, citing negative effects on family time, sleep, physical activity, and social interaction.
To provide healthier tech options for children and teenagers, HMD is developing a range of new solutions, including a unique phone concept designed to cater specifically to their needs. This partnership will also help Xplora expand its reach and impact.
Together, HMD and Xplora will create tools that empower parents to manage screen time, navigate social media, and guide their children toward a healthy and confident digital experience.
Xplora plans to showcase the new products and services at the Mobile World Congress in March 2025.
Commenting on the partnership, HMD CEO and Chairman Jean-Francois Baril said -
"We are thrilled to team up with Xplora to create technology solutions designed specifically for children and young people. At Human Mobile Devices, our commitment to putting 'human' at the heart of everything we do is part of our DNA. Our teams handle every aspect of development, from hardware to software, ensuring top-quality, certification, and security. This enables us to promote a healthy and positive relationship with technology—offering all the necessary features without any unnecessary distractions."
Xplora CEO Sten Kirkbak added -
"We're excited to collaborate with HMD as we expand into the youth market. This partnership not only brings top-quality tech devices to our customers but also allows us to extend our product range, helping our customers continue their journey with Xplora beyond the smartwatch phase."