HMD and Xplora Technologies collaborate to create new solutions to help families achieve the balanced relationship with technology they’re calling out for
Human Mobile Devices (HMD), Europe’s largest smartphone manufacturer, has formed a strategic partnership with Xplora, a leading provider of smartwatches for children.
The collaboration with Norwegian-based Xplora is a perfect match of an ethos both companies share: to produce responsible and mindful devices for young people to enable choice and balance with technology.
HMD is a global leader in the feature phone space and has been helping people digitally disconnect by modernising designs and by developing a new Detox Mode for two of our smartphones, HMD Skyline and HMD Fusion.
Recently there have been increased calls from parents for solutions that bridge the gap between products designed for adults and ones more suitable for children, to help introduce them to the world of technology in a safe and balanced way. HMD and Xplora intend to combine their expertise to help meet this growing need.
Earlier this year HMD launched The Better Phone Project with the aim of co-collaborating with parents to better understand this issue. A global survey of 10,000 parents, commissioned to accompany the launch of the project, found that more than half regretted handing over a smartphone to their child as early as they did.¹ They felt the device negatively impacted time spent with family, hindered children’s sleep, reduced their physical exercise and limited time socialising with their friends.¹
HMD 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.
Commenting on the partnership with Xplora, 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.”
Xplora has built a strong presence in the children’s smartwatch market. The collaboration with HMD will allow the business to elevate to the next level. Xplora and HMD will develop solutions that aim to better protect the safety and mental wellbeing of children and young people.
These solutions will be designed to allow parents to manage and control screen time, social media and help younger users navigate the digital world with confidence.
Xplora CEO, Sten Kirkbak, said: "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."
¹Based on a study commissioned by HMD and conducted by Perspectus Global. 10,092 parents were interviewed, across 5 different countries, United Kingdom, the United States, India, Germany and Australia. The study was conducted in July 2024.
About HMD:
We are HMD, Human Mobile Devices. At HMD, we start by tuning into what people really want. Our consumers are passionate about the planet, often feel swamped by digital overload, and are keeping a close eye on their budget. That’s why we are thrilled to be Europe’s largest smartphone maker, championing repair-at-home phones, and a go-to for much needed digital time out.
This year, you can see a new portfolio of HMD original mobile devices, as well as Nokia phones and exciting new partnerships. For further information, see www.hmd.com. HMD Global Oy is a licensee of the Nokia brand for phones. Nokia is a registered trademark of Nokia Corporation.
About Xplora Technologies AS: Xplora is a platform and services company and an industry leader in the market for children’s smartwatches. Xplora was founded to give children a safe onboarding to the digital life and a better balance between screen time and physical activity. Xplora’s vision is to enable children around the world to experience how their everyday activities can create value and make a positive change in the world. The company is headquartered in Norway with operations in leading European markets. Xplora is listed on Euronext Growth under the ticker symbol XPLRA.