HMD Unveils something New and something Old at Camp Nou
HMD held an event at Barcelona’s Camp Nou, where the company announced several new devices along with some existing models presented in a new color scheme and featuring an updated brand logo.
The newly introduced devices include the HMD Amped Buds, which come in a charging case that can be attached to Skyline’s magnetic Qi2 charger, as well as the HMD Music series—HMD 150 Music and HMD 130 Music, featuring a 2W speaker on the back. These models may be released as Nokia Music devices in markets where the Nokia brand remains strong.
The HMD Amped Buds
The Amped Buds are particularly interesting as they can magnetically attach to the Skyline and use its power. Alternatively, they can reverse charge the Skyline when its battery is critically low, thanks to their 1600mAh battery. Additionally, since the case supports reverse wireless charging, it can also be used to charge a smartwatch.
For the first time, these earbuds introduce a charging case capable of wirelessly charging smartphones. They also include Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), and EQ control. The Amped Buds will be available in Black, Cyan, and Pink starting in April, priced at a rather steep £169.
HMD Amped Buds – Specifications
- Colors: Cyan, Pink Black
- Size & Weight: 74 mm x 60 mm x 14.3 mm; 78 g
- Design: In-ear
- Connectivity: Bt 5.4, USB Type-C, Fast Pair & Low Latency for Gaming & Video
- Battery : Charging Case 1,600 mAh; Earphone/Earbud Battery: 35 mAh; Reverse Wireless Charging, Playback Time: Up to 95 h
- Audio Features: Hybrid ANC, ENC, Dual Mic Noise Reduction
- IP Rating: Earbuds: IP54, Charging Case: IP4
New Feature Phones
HMD also introduced new feature phones designed for music, durability, and digital detox:
- HMD 130 Music & HMD 150 Music: These models come with FM radio, Bluetooth speakers, and long battery life.
- The HMD 130 Music includes a dual torch.
- The HMD 150 Music features a QVGA camera.
- Both models will retail for £29.
- Additionally, HMD revealed a revamped 2660 Flip, priced at £69.
Gradual Transition from Nokia to HMD
HMD is continuing its gradual transition from the Nokia brand to its own HMD branding. As part of this shift, it launched the HMD 3210 as part of the FC Barcelona special edition series, which also includes the HMD Fusion version.
The series, called ‘Barça-Phone-A’, consists of:
- HMD Barça 3210: A feature phone without social media
- HMD Barça Fusion: A collector’s edition smartphone with a detox mode, FC Barcelona player signatures, hidden messages from players, exclusive wallpapers, and player wake-up alarms (featuring Lewandowski, Gavi, etc.).
- Prices: £79 for HMD Barça 3210 and £229 for HMD Barça Fusion.
Well, this is a phone that would work well for a Barca fan.
HMD Fusion X1 – A Safe Smartphone for Kids
HMD also partnered with Xplora to introduce the Fusion X1, a smartphone designed with child safety in mind. The device will be sold on Xplora’s website and will feature Xplora’s parental control software, which includes:
- No social media by default
- Real-time location tracking
- Subscription-based parental controls starting at €4.99/month
The Fusion X1 will retail for £229, launching in May.
Other Announcements
HMD also showcased OffGrid, which we had previously seen.
In a brief chat with HMD representatives, they hinted that the Better Phone Project may introduce a digital detox-focused phone designed for kids—possibly something between a feature phone and a smartphone. However, they did not reveal further details.
Maybe we might be seeing something like this.
