Tag: phone

HONOR Magic V3 review

The HONOR Magic V3 is my latest foldable phone in and after using it for sometime is certainly an appealing device due to its weight and thickness as when it comes to foldable phones this is the problem, starting out bulky some years ago we now have finally a compelling device that shouts loud to its competition.

For me I am still on kind of on the with the flip and fold phones but the more time spent with them the more I enjoy them and for this model the HONOR Magic V3 does set a tone going forward for others. We have done a good look over the phone below so if you have not seen that video yet do so..

Unboxing and UI walkthrough 

The Phone itself looks and feels good in the hand and is notably lighter than others out there so far anyone that has seen it has asked question noting the camera on the rear getting their attention and when they seen if flipped open they where super impressed with how light it is and how the screen is inside, the build quality also noted and it is fast no matter what you throw a it.

Multitasking King – If you multitask all day long like me look no further this handled anything I threw at it and I would be a power user and the battery easily lasted me a day sometimes more and with the ability to have multiple panels on your inner homescreen doing several jobs at once is a treat and ideal for those who need the same.

With both screens offering dynamic refresh rates this is somewhat a buzzword still however if you notice it you will notice it both the inner screen which is 7.92 inches ands the outer 6.43 inches do a great job be it just looking at social media,emails or watching videos which you will do on this phone.

Official HONOR Magic V3 case review 

Cameras –  If you like photography there is no need not to like this camera and with their AI features and some of Googles AI it is a really good camera and would want to be for the price you pay. On my testing it did well and I am no pro camera guy but it done a great job overall here and you can decide by the samples below yourself. One thing I was hoping and they did bring over from the HONOR 200 Pro which is still a mighty phone I use today was the Studio Harcourt partnership.

The HONOR Magic V3 is an All-in-One device, with no compromises on any specification. With a similar HONOR Magic camera design, the HONOR Magic V3 excels in imaging with its Falcon Camera System and AI-Motion Sensing Capture and for the first time, features a periscope telephoto lens whilst maintaining its slimness. The HONOR Magic V3 features a 50MP Wide Camera with the largest f/1.6 aperture among foldable phones, perfect for capturing every detail in every photograph. The introduction of the periscope lens facilitates up to 100x zoom, creating exceptional zoom-quality images.

Image and Video Samples 

The HONOR Magic V3 is packed with an advanced 5150mAh Third-generation Silicon-carbon Battery, supported by the lightning-fast 66W. Wired and 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge again setting things straight for others.

HONOR Magic V3 offers a host of intelligent features. These include Magic Portal on Foldable, along with on-device AI enabled photography features like HONOR AI Motion Sensing for Lightning-fast shots, and the HONOR AI Portrait Engine for portrait enhancement. Collaborating with Google Cloud, HONOR enriches a range of productivity features supported by Google’s AI models and Cloud technologies to empower users to improve overall efficiency, including HONOR AI Eraser, Face to Face Translation, and Translation tools in HONOR Notes. These deliver on HONOR’s promise of a new era of AI-enabled versatility and productivity, catering to the evolving demands of business and professional users.

Overall if you want a phone that gets things done and still on the fence I think this one might just persuade you if you have or have not seen or tried others this one for now I think hold out on its owns for everything it has on offer. I would like though to see some more cases for this from the company which is not a bad thing really.. Some do not like MagicOS but hey this is my second HONOR phone and I find it grand.

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HONOR announces unprecedented demand for Magic V3 and confirms stock is currently limited in some European markets

Following the EU launch of HONOR’s latest foldable device, the Magic V3 at IFA last week, Global technology brand HONOR today announced record breaking sales in the first few days from launch. According to data from HONOR.com, sales for the Magic V3 in the first day of trading in the UK were 195% higher than the same period for the previous foldable device, the Magic V2.

While stock is currently limited, especially for the unique ‘Reddish Brown’ colourway, which is exclusively available from HONOR.com, an additional, larger shipment is expected to arrive in Europe imminently. Customers can still purchase the Magic V3 from HONOR.com, network operators and other channel partners across the region.

Following the success of the Magic V2 launch in Europe earlier this year, which made the Magic V2 the most shipped foldable device in Europe in Q1 2024, the Magic V3 continues to push the boundaries of foldable devices. The all-new HONOR Magic V3 is the world’s thinnest inward foldable phone with enhanced durability, battery, display and AI experience, to EU consumers at Europe’s largest consumer electronics fair, IFA, on 5th September. It has so far garnered significant praise from leading global tech media, winning numerous ‘Best in show’ awards. These accolades from respected tech publications underscore HONOR’s successful push to the forefront of foldable technology, with the HONOR Magic V3 setting new benchmarks for design and functionality in the competitive flagship device landscape.

 Bond Zhang, HONOR’s UK CEO, added: “The Magic V3 is a game changer, and we are delighted to see that customers are as excited as we are to get their hands on our latest foldable device. It’s also great to see the demand for the foldable category continuing to rise, and we are proud that HONOR can deliver this type of innovation to UK customers.”

HONOR Magic V3: The World’s Thinnest Foldable with Robust Performance

With a sleek folded thickness of 9.2mm and featherlight body weighing just 226g[3], the HONOR Magic V3 rivals the slimness and weight of a flagship bar phone, ensuring utmost portability for users. This feat is accomplished through the meticulous application of 19 innovative materials and 114 microstructures, propelling foldable devices into a new era of precision and slimness. Featuring a dome-shaped octagonal camera module, the HONOR Magic V3 seamlessly combines the architectural beauty of dome structures with technological innovations. This camera module showcases a diamond cut, adding an element of elegance and sleekness to the device’s overall appearance.

Adding to its durability, the HONOR Magic V3 incorporates a Special Fiber into its body material, enhancing impact resistance by 40 times compared to other flagship bar phones while reducing the back cover’s thickness by over 30%. Moreover, featuring the proprietary HONOR Super Steel Hinge, the device can withstand up to 500,000[6] folding cycles and has attained the prestigious SGS Durability Certification. Fortified with the HONOR Super Armored Inner Screen and HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield, the HONOR Magic V3 is crafted to endure the rigors of daily use.

Equipped with a 6.43-inch external display and a 7.92-inch internal foldable screen[7], the HONOR Magic V3 delivers an immersive dual-use experience, offering an enjoyable visual journey to users. Dedicated to prioritizing user well-being and comfort, this device incorporates a range of innovative eye-comfort features, such as the world’s first AI Defocus Display technology, 4320Hz Risk-free PWM Dimming, Dynamic Dimming, Circadian Night Display and Natural Tone Display.

In addition, the HONOR Magic V3 is packed with an advanced 5150mAh Third-generation Silicon-carbon Battery, supported by the lightning-fast 66W Wired and 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, ensuring users an uninterrupted and stress-free mobile experience. Featuring the innovative HONOR Falcon Camera System which encompasses a 50MP Periscope Telephoto Camera, a 50MP Main Camera, and a 40MP Ultra-wide Camera, the device promises unparalleled imaging quality and versatility for users seeking stunning smartphone photography.

HONOR Magic V3 offers a host of intelligent features. These include Magic Portal on Foldable, along with on-device AI enabled photography features like HONOR AI Motion Sensing for Lightning-fast shots, and the HONOR AI Portrait Engine for portrait enhancement. Collaborating with Google Cloud, HONOR enriches a range of productivity features supported by Google’s AI models and Cloud technologies to empower users to improve overall efficiency, including HONOR AI Eraser, Face to Face Translation, and Translation tools in HONOR Notes. These deliver on HONOR’s promise of a new era of AI-enabled versatility and productivity, catering to the evolving demands of business and professional users.

Colour and Pricing 

Inspired by the wonders of natural landscape, the HONOR Magic V3 is available three stunning colorways: Reddish Brown, Green and Black, starting at £1,699 in the UK and is be available from honor.com/uk, O2, Three, Amazon, Argos and Very.

The HONOR Magic V3 will also be available from both EE and Vodafone, with availability due to be announced in the coming weeks.

For a limited time only, UK customers purchasing through one of HONOR’s retail partners will be able to claim Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX headphones worth £549 with their purchase of HONOR Magic V3.

Tech Review – Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is my first foldable to use long term so to speak and is certainly a beast of a mobile phone in more ways than one.

Being a foldable this is still regarded as a niche product however at the beginning I was not a fan of the closed option due to the ratio but over time this grew on me and some slight adjustments made it easier to use and all was good but still on the thin but all the screen was reachable for me as I have big hands and they often get in my way.

The price of these phones to has come into question and even for me I find it a hard sell but if you want a powerhouse phone that opens into a device with screen estate like no other this is perhaps the way to go and is easily the best phone now for multitasking on the go or at home and when fully loaded with your apps and even apps on board the device this is a super productivity tool.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 standing – techbuzzireland

When closed it is on the thick side but when open it is not but here is another caveat to get used to is that it is hard to hold one handed and you find yourself hitting things on the screen but again this wears off once you get comfortable with it and get to grips so to speak.

Whilst on holiday for example was a good idea to start putting features into test so with maps and more and the interpreter using the big inner screen was an instant advantage, everywhere I took it people asked about it and the watch ultra so it was good to see people had interest in it.

 

Being a foldable of course the interpreter could be used in two ways as seen below on the big screen.

 

Of course AI is part of the package here and people are probably sick of it and as a tech guy I do not have much interest in it but you cant avoid it being honest and it should be embraced a bit more and of course this was tested as it is not new on devices now and much of what the S24 Ultra had to offer and more is now here at your fingertips.

Circle to search works well, Flex mode which is super handy and a better hinge this time,detailed notes, photo assist, live translate etc all worked well when I was testing away and at home and came in handy when on a recent holiday as language barriers still exist but not with this phone and it picks up speech pretty much on point all the time it is super cool and made life easier and got me some discounts I might add.

Photo and video would be another question people have asked about and again all good here, I will not bore you with specs and so on we did a walkthrough of the phone here and below is image and video samples taken with the phone and you can be the judge but i found it great overall and with photo assist and other features built in this is a portable editing studio too and again ideal for content creators who want the larger canvas.

 

Being the 6th iteration the phone has improved and is probably still the best and most solid one out there but the price is a key factor to consider with the competition out there which most of is not available here to be fair..

Overall for me this is a luxurious powerhouse of a phone that gives you real screen estate and ideal for those who are multitaskers and want the bigger canvas with great speakers you could even attach a bluetooth keyboard if you liked to make it even more special and almost close to laptop status depending on what you do, it grabs attention looks good does what you ask it to do and more..

Read more on the Z Fold6 here

Product Features:
  • IP48: Water resistance
  • Flex mode
  • Stereo speaker
  • Fast Wireless charging 2.0
  • 25W Super Fast Charging
  • Enhanced armour aluminum
  • Brightest ever display
  • Nightography
  • Interpreter
  • Long lasting battery
  • Photo assist
  • S pen assist
  • Dynamic Amoled 2X main display
  • Gorilla Glass Victus 2
  • Live Translate
  • Brightest ever display on a foldable smartphone

For more information about Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Buds3 and Buds3 Pro, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsungmobilepress.com, or Samsung.com.

Tech Review – emporia TALKglam flip phone

The Emporia TALKglam is a compact and user-friendly flip phone designed for the needs of seniors and those looking for a simple, no-frills mobile device in mind.

This has a  2.4-inch screen flip phone with an emergency call function, and speed-dial keys M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility. The Flip phone has a large keyboard with and MicroSD card slot of 8 GB (max), Bluetooth   3.0,  Frequency 2G  900/1800 MHz,

This came with a USB C charging cable (no plug)

Design and Ergonomics

The standout feature of the TALKglam is its lightweight construction, weighing in at just 94g. This makes it comfortable to hold and use, even for those with limited dexterity. The large, raised buttons provide excellent tactile feedback and are easy to press, a crucial consideration for the target audience. The 2.4-inch display, while modest by today’s standards, is clear and readable. 

Specifications:

Functionality

Setting up the TALKglam is a straightforward process, though manually inputting the date and time may be required. The menu structure is intuitive, with quick access to essential functions like the camera and emergency call feature. While the camera resolution is low at 0.3MP, it can still capture basic images if needed.

The phone’s audio quality is commendable, with M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility for an enhanced listening experience. The impressive battery life, with up to 320 minutes of talk time and 200 hours of standby, ensures users can rely on the TALKglam for extended periods without the need for frequent charging.

Company and Warranty

Emporia, the manufacturer of the TALKglam, has been in the business of developing user-friendly mobile devices for over 30 years, with a focus on the older generation. The company’s headquarters are located in Austria, and it sells its products in the UK, Ireland, and throughout the European Union.

The warranty provided with the TALKglam is a mixed bag, with 6 months of coverage for the battery and 1 year for the handset itself. While the shorter battery warranty is somewhat disappointing, the presence of a local UK and Ireland support number is a positive.

Conclusion

The Emporia TALKglam is a solid choice for those seeking a basic, easy-to-use flip phone. Its large buttons, clear audio, and emergency call functionality make it an attractive option for seniors or those who prefer to disconnect from the constant connectivity of modern smartphones. While it may lack the advanced features and capabilities of more sophisticated devices, the TALKglam excels at its core purpose of providing reliable and accessible communication. This is a straightforward and user-friendly mobile solution.

See other emporia reviews

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Video Review

 

 

 

Tech Review – emporia 313 (FN313i)

With many folk now seeking time away from the constant notifications there is many options at hand to do so and recently one example was the Nokia 3210 we checked out, though that phone had some features at hand this one cuts it to the bone and is perhaps a better option to completely detach yourself from it all.

In the first of several phones from emporia we are taking a look at the emporia 313 today and will show you what it is on offer, now this phone does not have the bells and whistles you might think but it does have great battery life torch calendar calculator and a built in FM radio so that is plenty to keep your fingers moving should they get itchy.

The phone itself is well built with tactile keys and could take a good beating in my opinion and should last any festival or weekend away if you are clumsy

There is voice and text here and a VGA camera if you remember them and bluetooth connectivity and this device is a candybar shaped device that is slim and fits in any pocket with up to a weeks use and 4 hours talktime, this is ideal for taking away on holidays or festivals and even weekends away so you can leave the rest behind and check in when you get back.

With no apps or internet connectivity you can talk and text away to your hearts content and just enjoy the freedom and not having to get or receive messages from social or emails all day long. Unlike previous devices such as the emporia Smart 6 this is the opposite end of how you communicate and ideal for those who want to take a break from it all. There is also a Smart 4 on offer and emporia one which we checked out some years ago

Check out the video review below for more.

Image from the emporia 313 camera

Features 

  • Amazing value Dual SIM, 2G mobile phone, ideal for outdoor and festival use
  • Great functionality in a classic mobile phone format.
  • Uncomplicated communication with voice and Text on any 2G network (Not 3)
  • Packed with useful features – VGA camera, torch, calendar, Bluetooth, calculator and FM radio.
  • Great battery life with up to 7 days standby time and over 4 hours talk time

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Video Review

Evolve IP Launches Anywhere Mobile – Putting The Power Of A Desk Phone Into The Hands Of Mobile Users

Evolve IP has launched a new Fixed Mobile Convergence [FMC] mobile solution, which seamlessly combines desk phone functionality within a personal mobile device, to further accelerate its ‘work from anywhere’ strategy.

The leading UCaaS collaborations provider has announced Anywhere Mobile which uses innovative eSIM technology, designed to streamline business communication into one personal device in a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario.

Powered by technology partner, Tango Networks, the service enables Evolve IP EMEA partners to have flexibility in device usage and encourages a BYOD (bring your own device) culture across a host of industries. This drives efficiencies and convenience by turning any employee’s personal mobile phone into a fully-featured business extension.

Making Business Mobile 

Evolve IP Solutions Director, Scott Rixon says the new addition gives a business direct control over a second line on an employee’s phone, whilst personal communications remain private and secure. All business communications use the existing UC platform and business number.

“This represents a major step forward and offers a host of benefits to organisations and their staff,” he explained. “For example, it allows employees to use the mobile phones they like and are familiar with. It’s about working smarter and more effectively in an increasingly mobile-driven world. As it’s a full extension the presence of a user is visible, and the calls can be recorded and fully reported with reports and on dashboards. This should be thought of as just another way to take a call, supporting all our platform features.”

Anywhere Mobile is simple to use and requires no special apps, phone clients or training. It supports eSIM and physical SIMs. Furthermore, a business can reduce administrative overheads by eliminating personal phone expenses, according to Rixon.

“They can prevent employees from making business calls with personal numbers and retain business contacts when employees leave. Routing calls correctly means having proper call treatment, fewer missed calls and ultimately higher customer satisfaction.”

Work Anywhere Technologies 

He says Anywhere Mobile offers the best of both worlds with added cost savings and convenience.

Rixon concluded: “This is another innovative addition to our Anywhere UCaaS Solutions. Anywhere Mobile is the latest UC solution we are excited to be offering to partners across EMEA after seeing a clear demand and understanding that mobile services should sit within the essential part of any UC offering. Empowering teams to have the tools that allow them to work anywhere.”

Lee Essex, SVP Global Sales and Marketing, Tango Networks, is equally enthusiastic and emphasised: “We are thrilled to partner with and support Evolve IP with their launch of Anywhere Mobile. As leaders in fixed mobile convergence, we want to work with fellow leaders in UCaaS. Evolve IP continue to show themselves as innovators in both technology and their approach to delivering customer focused outcomes. This collaboration underscores our joint commitment to delivering seamless communication solutions on a global scale.”

To learn more, resellers can register to attend a webinar on August 7th by clicking here.

 

Meet the Boring Phone from Heineken and Bodega produced by HMD

Heineken®, in collaboration with tastemakers in street culture, Bodega have launched ‘The Boring Phone’ produced by Human Mobile Devices (HMD).

The limited run of ‘dumb’ phones – specifically designed to have reduced tech capabilities – has been created to encourage people to enjoy better real-life connections on nights out by disconnecting from their smartphones.

With smartphones becoming so advanced and interesting to the user, it’s easier than ever to connect to the online world but harder to stay in the moment. Produced by European mobile innovator, Human Mobile Devices (HMD), the Heineken® x Bodega Boring Phone strips back the distractions of today’s smartphones. Designed to deliver the basics needed for a great night out, the phone’s primary function is to send and receive calls and text messages.

The phone’s transparent casing and holographic stickers draw inspiration from Gen Z’s love of Newtro fashion and design and are reminiscent of mobile phones of the early 2000s. With modern-day frills removed, the phone is unable to download social media or other apps that take away from being present. It also has a handy week of standby time and up to 20 hours of talk time.

As smartphones continue to dominate attention spans globally, new research commissioned by Heineken® reveals 90% of Zillennials* across the UK and US confess to doom scrolling while socialising with friends and family; checking their devices seven times each night out on average.

When it comes to the biggest distractions, two-thirds admit to checking social media (62%) when hanging out with others, while over a third (36%) confess to checking work emails. Three in ten (30%) also revealed they sneakily play games instead of engaging with their family and friends in the moment.

But as over a third (37%) reveal that they check their phones more often than they should when socialising, the tide is beginning to turn with 32% admitting they would like to be able to switch off from their phones while on a night out.

Encouragingly, one in five (22%) revealed they already turn their phone off or leave it at home ahead of social occasions and a further two in five (38%) say they’d consider doing so.

Heineken® and Bodega have embarked on this partnership to show people that there is more to their social life when there is less on their phone.

Nabil Nasser, the Global Head of Heineken® comments, “We could all do with a break from the constant distractions of smart tech; something our research has shown is even more important to our Gen Z and Millennial consumers. When we spoke to them about their smartphone usage, we quickly realised that many feel they are habitually distracted when socialising by their device but also admit they didn’t want to go completely phone-free. At Heineken®, we want to foster moments of genuine connection and help people experience the joy of true togetherness. In creating The Boring Phone we have gone back to basics, we have dialled down the tech to help people truly connect over a beer, without any distraction from the constant buzzing and dings.”

Lars Silberbauer, CMO of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), Europe’s leading mobile innovator and manufacturer said, “Early in 2023, we spotted something cool with Gen Z in the US. They started cutting down their screen time to feel better mentally, swapping their smartphones for simpler phones. As big fans of unplugging from the digital buzz, we’re super excited about launching The Boring Phone with Heineken and Bodega. It’s definitely going to get people talking when they’re out and about.”

Oliver Mak, co-founder of Bodega adds, “At Bodega, we see ourselves as a vehicle for connecting culture and young people, so when Heineken approached us to collaborate on a project designed to do exactly this, we were excited to get involved. Despite having grown up surrounded by technology, us Gen Z and Millennials are now recognising that our dependence on our phones is impacting our ability to make actual, real-life connections. This in turn impacts our ability to have fun, and on a macro level, the development of culture.

“Smartphones can be too interesting, so we wanted to design a boring one. We were really inspired by the rise of Newtro and wanted to reinterpret a past cultural icon that some younger Zillennials may not have experienced before. We can’t wait to see the response to The Boring Phone as we merge our visions in a shared pursuit of creativity and community. This is truly going to help answer the call for better nights out.”

Emerging Ibiza-based, British producer, TSHA, who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young artists in the industry, will be celebrating The Boring Phone launch with a giveaway to fans, having experienced first-hand how smart tech serves as a barrier to being in the moment at music events.

TSHA says, “As an artist, you want to connect with the audience to know they’re having a good time, but it’s hard to do this when you look up from the decks and see a sea of smartphones flashing in your face. I would love to see a world where we enter the venue and just live in the moment; connect with the artist, your mates and just have a good time. The Heineken x Bodega Boring Phone is the perfect antidote to the barriers smart tech pose to nights out.”

Heineken® and Bodega will unveil The Boring Phone at Milan Design Week on Thursday 18th April, with a party hosted by the collaborators. Following this, devices will be given away to revellers around the world, so they can disconnect, reclaim quality time with friends, family and loved ones, and dial up their nights out.

An app that will turn smartphones boring will also be launched in June to give those who don’t manage to get their hands on a physical device the Boring Phone experience.

To discover more about The Boring Phone and why ditching smart tech enables better nights out, visit: www.heineken.com/theboringphone.

Meet HMD – Human Mobile Devices… and say hi to 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 definitely know as part of a multi-brand vision.

“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

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 (we didn’t say it, TIME Magazine did2) and phones that last longer. HMD is pushing boundaries to make the repairability experience accessible to everyone.

Did you know on average 66% of people in the UK currently live with a smashed screen?3 In Europe and ANZ, repairable devices made up 1:4 of HMD smartphone sales in 20234. This year we expect that to grow to 3:4 devices in Europe and ANZ and we expect half of the smartphone devices we sell globally to be repairable.

This summer, 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.

“One year ago, we introduced our first repairable phone to a great response. 12 months on, we are determined to continue to push the boundaries to reimagine repairability. As more and more people seek out easy to repair devices so they can keep their phone longer – and save hassle or delays when fixes are needed – we’re excited to make that process as easy as possible, starting this summer.”

James Robinson, HMD VP Europe, Americas and Enterprise

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 a 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 phone 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 fashionable outfit, an outfit with an extended battery, 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 line up of exciting new brands coming to you this year.

“Our commitment to human-centred innovation has spurred our expansion, unlocking new prospects for us and our collaborators, and has been a driving force behind our adoption of a multi-brand strategy. We take pride working with remarkable partners and are excited about extending our collaborative efforts with dynamic new partners like Mattel. Barbie and HMD are on a mission to shake things up with a new flip phone coming this summer”.

Lars Silberbauer, HMD CMO

Speaking of which… 

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, *drumroll please*, it 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. 

Head of Consumer Products, Publishing, and LBE, Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez said “At the heart of Mattel is design and innovation, and this latest collaboration is another step forward in that direction. The Barbie x HMD launch promises to be an exciting moment for Barbie fans of all ages, we’re excited to flip the switch and unveil it to the world at Mobile World Congress.”

Unplug and Play, The Barbie Flip Phone this Summers hottest accessory

Human Mobile Devices, Europe’s largest and leading smartphone manufacturer, partners with Mattel, a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, to create the Barbie Flip Phone arriving this summer 2024.

Barbie is an icon of design, from the chevron stripes of No. 1 Barbie released in 1959 to the bold styling of Totally Hair Barbie which hit the market in 1992.  This device promises to embody the vintage chic of the original girl empowerment brand with a dash of pink and of course, sparkle.

Human Mobile Devices Chief Marketing Office, Lars Silberbauer, said: “Is it time to swap reel life for real life and take a breather from all the interruptions of notifications? We’re thrilled to partner with Mattel, a company that shares our commitment to meaningful innovation and societal change.”

Head of Consumer Products, Publishing, and LBE, Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez said “At the heart of Mattel is design and innovation, and this latest collaboration is another step forward in that direction. The Barbie x HMD launch promises to be an exciting moment for Barbie fans of all ages, we’re excited to flip the switch and unveil it to the world at Mobile World Congress.”.

Flip phones are beloved for offering a solution for a digital detox in a world where almost four in ten (38%) of 16-24 year-olds worry they spend too much time on their smartphone.  In the US alone, a third of Gen Z are actively trying to limit time on social media, and their fear of missing out (FOMO) is creeping down. Gen Z are the only generation whose daily time on social media has fallen since Q1 2021 for the better. Since 2021 talking to friends online dropped 13%, while seeing friends in-person increased to 28%.

Feature phones are on the rise as Gen Z and millennials are choosing to limit their screen time for their own mental health. Self-named ‘screenagers’ took to TikTok with #bringbackflipphones garnering 60.2 million views.

But it’s not just a generational shift, it’s a cultural movement. The great switch-off trend, initiated in 2021, is gaining momentum as people of all ages seek balance in an increasingly digital world. Feature phones are making a comeback with HMD reporting Flip Phone sales alone more than doubled in Europe (2022 vs 2023) and expects further growth in 2024.

Even celebrities are jumping on board, with Michael Cera,  opting for a flip phone lifestyle.

Arne Mathiasen, advocate of the feature phone movement works with young people in Denmark to help them switch off and enjoy the present.  So far he has converted over 1500 university students from a smartphone to a feature phone. He said: “My students take part in experiments where they switch to a feature phone for ten days. The students noticeably chatted more with each other, reported better sleep and also said their anxiety levels dropped. It’s all about the balance; I like to say to my students, use your smartphone like a tablet, use it for what you need, then put it away, don’t get lost in it.”

Stay tuned for updates https://www.hmd.com