Human Mobile Devices (HMD), a prominent European leader in mobile technology, has announced several significant developments that highlight its ambition for global expansion and a forward-thinking approach to innovation. The company, known for its creativity in the mobile space, has solidified its position as a key player with new partnerships, product launches, and plans for further technological advancements.
One of the most notable announcements is HMD’s strategic partnership with FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most renowned sports clubs. As FC Barcelona’s Global Partner and Official Mobile Phone Partner, HMD’s presence will be felt across multiple sports, including football, basketball, futsal, handball, and roller hockey. This three-year deal will boost HMD’s visibility in key sports venues and across FC Barcelona’s extensive digital platforms, which reach millions of fans globally.
The partnership is aimed at creating new fan engagement opportunities by leveraging cutting-edge technology. HMD’s visibility will be particularly prominent in key venues such as the Olympic Stadium and, later, Spotify Camp Nou. In addition, the company will have a strong digital presence, capitalizing on FC Barcelona’s vast global following. The collaboration kicked off with a promotional video featuring celebrity barber Saul Peregrina, where a fan received a haircut blending the club’s crest and the HMD logo, showcasing the HMD Skyline’s unique features.
Beyond this partnership, HMD has announced the Malaysian launch of its much-anticipated HMD Skyline smartphone. This device marks HMD’s debut in the 5G smartphone market and is designed with the modern user in mind, offering a blend of sleek design and powerful functionality. Priced at RM1,999, the HMD Skyline will be available starting October 25, 2024.
The HMD Skyline is equipped with advanced camera technology, featuring a 50MP front camera with autofocus and eye-tracking capabilities. Its innovative “selfie gesture” feature allows users to activate the camera using simple hand gestures, enhancing ease of use. The phone’s rear camera system boasts a 108MP Hybrid OIS triple camera setup, offering multiple modes including portrait, ultra-wide, and zoom. The AI-powered technology ensures high-quality images, even in challenging conditions. To showcase the phone’s photography capabilities, Gen Z photographer Rosanna Elettra has created a 10-image series, capturing vibrant urban scenes and candid moments, all shot on the HMD Skyline.
In addition to its impressive camera capabilities, the HMD Skyline focuses on promoting digital well-being with features like Detox Mode, which allows users to customize their digital experience and prioritize real-world interactions. The phone also offers up to 48 hours of battery life, with Qi2 magnetic charging support, ensuring users remain connected throughout their busy lives.
Accompanying the Skyline is the HMD Barbie™ Phone, another device set to launch in Malaysia on the same date. The HMD Barbie™ Phone is a retro flip phone that merges nostalgia with modern functionality. With its iconic pink design, this phone appeals to users seeking both style and simplicity. Priced at RM599, it offers an affordable option for consumers who want a secondary device or a break from their primary smartphone. The Barbie™ Phone includes customizable back covers, one of which pays homage to the 1992 Totally Hair Barbie™ doll. In collaboration with Mattel, the phone also features Barbie-themed UI elements such as wallpapers and app icons.
The Barbie™ Phone comes with a unique set of accessories, including a beaded lanyard adorned with Barbie charms, retro stickers, and a pink charging cable. It is marketed as both a functional communication tool and a fashion accessory, with up to nine hours of talk time and a basic camera for capturing Y2K-style images.
HMD’s innovations do not stop there. The company is also set to launch its HMD Fusion series in the near future, which promises to revolutionize the mobile experience by offering unprecedented levels of customization. The HMD Fusion will allow users to personalize their devices with various accessories, including ring lights for enhanced selfies, wireless charging, rugged cases, and gaming accessories. This series is expected to redefine how users interact with their smartphones, with a focus on flexibility, personalization, and ease of use.
These product launches reflect HMD’s strategy of blending nostalgia with innovation, offering devices that cater to both tech enthusiasts and users looking for functional, stylish, and customizable mobile solutions. The company’s partnership with FC Barcelona reinforces its commitment to global brand recognition, while its focus on digital well-being and advanced camera technology positions it as a forward-thinking competitor in the mobile market.
HMD’s ambition to innovate while remaining rooted in user-centric values is evident in these developments. Its partnership with one of the most iconic sports clubs in the world, coupled with its new product launches, highlights its intention to remain at the forefront of the mobile technology industry. As the company continues to expand its reach across markets, its latest offerings – the HMD Skyline, HMD Barbie™ Phone, and the upcoming HMD Fusion series – signal a new chapter in the evolution of mobile devices.
Both the HMD Skyline and the HMD Barbie™ Phone will be available starting October 25, 2024, in Malaysia, with further plans for regional and global expansion. These devices will be available at authorized dealers and Zitron Fulfilment, ensuring wide accessibility for consumers eager to experience HMD’s latest innovations.
