HMD-Mattel collaboration brings toy Barbie phones to life
HMD and Mattel announced the Barbie flip phone at the Mobile World Congress (MWC2024) Barcelona. It’s expected to take you back to the days of the Nokia 6131 and other classic flip phones. Both companies haven’t given us a preview of it, the specifications, or pricing details. All we know is that it’s a simple open-and-shut device with buttons — and it’ll most likely not be a “smart” phone.
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.
If it’s anything like HMD is hinting at, the Barbie flip phone may support basic functionalities like calling, texting, and maybe a camera, but not advanced features like extensive web browsing or downloadable apps. The idea is to limit screen time for Gen Zs and Millennials, while disconnecting them from constant notifications on smartphones.
The phone should arrive this summer in July, and a pixelated image on HMD’s website shows that it’s just one out of four new releases the company is planning.
Barbie flip phone release part of HMD’s rebranding efforts
Formerly recognized as HMD Global, the Finnish company has changed its name to Human Mobile Devices. It will continue to release Nokia phones under the new name alongside other innovative devices like Barbie’s flip phone.
The company is following in Samsung’s footsteps and striving to make its phones self-repairable. The brand has partnered with iFixit to provide a self-repair program. With it, you can access kits, guides, and parts to fix your phones at home. The Nokia G22 and the pink Nokia G42 5G phones are already eligible for the program. More phones will join them in the coming months.
The program aims to promote sustainability and reduce e-waste associated with smartphone production and use. It also aligns indirectly with the broader mandate from the European Union (EU) to return to removable batteries by 2025.
HMD is also working on insane phone customizations
HMD has one more concept to tease, and it’s called HMD Fusion. It’s a toolkit that allows developers and individuals to create modular upgrades on their devices — In simpler words, smart outfits or mods. You’ll be able to make cases, accessories, or attachments that connect with your phone seamlessly and add new functionalities.
We’re talking automatic wallpaper changes based on the attached outfit and fast charging boosts when connected to specific chargers. The first version of the development toolkit PDF is available for download on HMD’s official website.
