HMD Debuts in Audio with AMPD Buds
HMD is gearing up to unveil new products at the 19th edition of the annual Mobile World Congress (MWC2025), a major event dedicated to the world of mobile communications. The conference kicks off on March 3rd and will run for four days.
According to some leaks, HMD might introduce familiar devices like the HMD Crest Max 5G, now aimed at the global market, along with other gadgets and accessories. One confirmed product is the HMD OffGrid, which will be showcased for the European market. Additionally, HMD is preparing to launch its own audio accessories. Certification from the FCC revealed the name “Ampd Buds,” though it’s likely to change before the official launch.
The certification documents also provided a glimpse of the buds and their charging case. While the buds themselves seem underwhelming—generic and, frankly, unattractive at first glance compared to some of Nokia’s RichGo-manufactured buds—the charging case stands out. It features colors matching the HMD Skyline series and is expected to support wireless charging. This suggests a magnetic locking mechanism with Skyline devices, offering added convenience for outdoor use. However, whether the case will include a 10,000 mAh battery to charge a Skyline device remains uncertain.
I find the idea of integrating a phone charger into a buds case intriguing. That said, I could be wrong—it’s possible the case merely supports reverse wireless charging to refresh its internal battery and charge the buds. This alternative makes sense, as a high-capacity charger might make the accessory too bulky for everyday use.
As for the specs, details are still scarce, but the leaked photo reveals each bud has a 35 mAh battery, suggesting around 5 hours of audio playback per charge.
One question remains: who is manufacturing these buds now that RichGo is no longer involved? There’s a company in Columbus, Ohio, named AMPD that produces and sells various accessories, but there’s no confirmation that they’re connected to this project.
All in all, I’m curious to see whether HMD’s first buds will offer better audio quality than the many Nokia-branded buds that accompanied mid-range Nokia devices.
