New Way will distribute HMD  smartphones, feature phones, tablets and accessories, supporting customers across retail, reseller, managed service provider (MSP), enterprise and public-sector markets.

The initial focus will be on Nokia feature phones, with the majority of early stock drawn from that range. Nokia feature phones, which sell for around £60, are seeing strong demand in the UK  appeal for value-focused, enterprise and specialist use cases.

New Way says it was selected by HMD for its execution capability and established channel reach. The partnership is expected to improve availability and supply consistency, particularly in segments where reliable access to stock is critical. HMD aims to better support partners operating in both retail and business environments by expanding distribution through New Way.

“This appointment reflects our continued focus on building a strong, relevant mobile device portfolio for the UK channel,” said New Way MD d Nigel Prince,

“Working with HMD allows us to supporpartners with trusted products, consistent availability and the service levels they need to operate efficiently.”

The agreement reinforces New Way International’s long-term growth strategy, which focuses on expanding choice across price tiers and use cases, supporting sustainable demand, and delivering consistent service and availability to UK partners.

South Korea now joins France, which banned mobile phones in primary and middle schools back in 2018, as one of the few countries to legislate a nationwide restriction. In the UK, debates around smartphone use in schools have intensified, with the government publishing guidance earlier this year encouraging schools to limit phone use during the school day.

The move that could reshape handset makers’ youth strategies, alter operator marketing approaches, and accelerate demand for mobile device management solutions.

The bill, approved this week, revises the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to introduce a nationwide prohibition on smartphones during class hours. It takes effect in March 2026, the beginning of the next academic year.

According to  Korea JoongAng Daily, the bill was supported by all parties signalling broad political consensus on the risks of digital overuse among children and teenagers.

The law establishes a default classroom ban on smartphones and other connected devices, but with carve-outs. Usage will still be permitted in emergencies, for authorised educational activities, or by students with disabilities requiring assistive tools. Schools will be free to decide how restrictions are implemented whether through on-site storage lockers, teacher enforcement, or school-wide bans.

The policy is framed around education, but hits the South Korea’s telecoms and device ecosystem where youth users are a critical growth segment.The ban will reduce daytime usage levels, potentially impacting app engagement, data consumption, and in-app advertising among school-aged demographics.

Handset makers are facing increased scrutiny over youth-focused features, such as parental controls, screen time management, or education-approved “school modes.” These could evolve into differentiators in a competitive domestic market where Samsung already commands strong brand loyalty among younger users. HMD has embraced this issue d launched ia nude-banning Fuse phone

Impact on Mobile Operators

The ban poses risks and opportunities for SK Telecom, KT Corp, and LG U+. Lower in-class usage could dampen short-term data consumption among students. Butoperators may reposition tariffs and bundles around “after-school” connectivity, family safety features, or content services.

The ruling also comes at a tough moment for SK Telecom. The operator was this week fined $97 million over a major data breach affecting 27 million users.

While not yet law, some local authorities have introduced strict campus policies, mirroring the South Korean approach.

For European operators and handset makers, the risk is that tighter restrictions could dampen youth usage patterns, cutting into valuable data consumption and app engagement hours. At the same time, the growing policy focus on digital wellbeing could create new commercial opportunities in parental control tools, education-specific devices, and regulated app ecosystems.

Regulators in the UK and across Europe may now face mounting pressure to legislate, raising new strategic questions for the telecoms and device industries on how to serve the youth market in a more controlled environment.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/south-korea-classroom-smartphone-ban-poses-questions-entire-mobile-industry/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/no-nudes-good-nudes-hmd-vodafone-network-lands-exclusive-child-safe-smartphone/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/no-nudes-good-nudes-hmd-vodafone-network-lands-exclusive-child-safe-smartphone/#respond Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:58:37 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/no-nudes-good-nudes-hmd-vodafone-network-lands-exclusive-child-safe-smartphone/ Vodafone UK has an exclusive deal to distribute the HMD Fuse, claimed to be the world’s first smartphone that blocks children from creating, sharing or receiving nude content.

Vodafone UK has an exclusive deal to distribute the HMD Fuse, claimed to be the world’s first smartphone that blocks children from creating, sharing or receiving nude content.

The handset, developed by HMD  in partnership with online safety specialists SafeToNet, is aimed at the “first phone” market for children. It launches today (20 August) in Vodafone retail and online channels, priced from £33 a month with a £30 upfront cost.

HMD is pitching Fuse as a new category of smartphone designed to give parents peace of mind while still allowing retailers and operators to serve a high-demand segment. Surveys show 85 per cent of parents plan to buy their child a phone before secondary school, but nearly half are worried about exposure to explicit content.

The Fuseccmbines “HarmBlock” AI, which prevents nude content being captured or viewed across all apps and livestreams, with built-in parental controls covering app access, screen time, location tracking, and safe-zone alerts.

James Robinson, VP of HMD Family, said: “This is the most impactful smartphone launch of the year. Fuse creates an entirely new category that puts child safety at the centre of the experience, giving parents confidence to buy a phone earlier – and giving the channel a brand-new growth driver.”\

HMD says Fuse anticipates families are more likely to stay withi ther HMD brand as children progress from their first phone into full smartphone usage.

SafeToNet founder Richard Pursey described the Fuse as “the first phone that makes pornography incompatible,” while the Internet Watch Foundation and UK government have both welcomed the move.

The Fuse will alsp be available to Three customers. HMD says that more family-focused devices will be brought out soomn

]]>

MacAllister’s Private Member’s Bill was presented to Parliament today (Friday). It seeks to make it a legal requirement for all schools in England to be mobile-free zones during the school day.

The bill also proposes raising the minimum age for children to consent to data sharing from 13 to 16. Additionally, it aims to strengthen Ofcom’s powers to protect children from apps designed to be addictive and calls for a review of regulations surrounding the design, supply, marketing, and use of mobile phones by children under 16.

The government argues that headteachers already have the authority to restrict phone use during school hours.

The *Safer Phones Bill* has gained support from education unions, children’s charities, and MPs across party lines. However, as of March 2025, it has not yet been enacted into law. The debate continues over the best ways to protect children from the negative effects of excessive smartphone use and addictive online content.

Some manufacturers are already taking steps to limit children’s smartphone use. HMD last week launched a new Fusion X1 smartphone with parental controls, no default social media or internet access, and continuous location tracking. Parents can manage settings remotely via a subscription starting at €4.99 per month. 

The new smartphone offers parental controls, no default social media or internet access, and continuous location tracking. Parents can manage settings remotely via a subscription starting at €4.99 per month. The Fusion X1 will be available in May.

The device follows research from HMD’s Better Phone Project, which surveyed 25,000 children and parents. Findings indicate that 52 per cent of children aged 8-12 believe they are addicted to their phones, and many have been contacted by strangers online. HMD plans to integrate SafeToNet’s AI-powered content protection to further enhance online safety.

Lars Silberbauer, HMD’s Chief Marketing Officer, said, “Smartphones shape childhoods and family dynamics. Few companies prioritize children and parents in their designs, but we are working to change that.”

FC Barcelona Partnership

HMD also announced a collaboration with FC Barcelona, unveiling two branded feature phones: HMD Barça 3210 and HMD Barça Fusion. The Barça 3210*is a simplified phone featuring hidden messages from players and team wallpapers. The Barça Fusion includes engraved player signatures, exclusive audio content, and a “detox mode” to limit screen time.

Marc Bruix, FC Barcelona’s Partnerships Director, stated, *“This collaboration promotes responsible screen use while offering fans a unique way to engage with the club.”*

The HMD Barça 3210 will retail for £79, and the HMD Barça Fusion for £229.

HMD also reinforced its presence in the feature phone market with three new models:

HMD 130 and HMD 150 Music which have, speaker-centric phones with FM radios, long battery life, and Bluetooth connectivity. Also the HMD 2660 Flip is a lip phone with a cover screen, large buttons, and a minimalist interface.

HMD says its new product line demonstrates a shift from “smart tech” tobetter tech, focusing on human-centered innovation and responsible mobile usage.

The partnership is designed to raise awareness of Human Mobile Devices through digital advertising opportunities at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys and Spotify Camp Nou when it opens later this season. 

Camp Nou has a capacity of over 99,000, making it the largest stadium in Europe. Barcelona is a member-owned club, with over 140,000 members. Barcelona’s total sponsorship revenue for the 2023/24 season is over $369.9m, with the biggest single investment coming from NIKE, which is an agreement valued at $169.32m per year.Other sponsors include Coca Cola, Spotify and Cupra.

HMD has also launched a new £229 phone called HMD Fusion desgned to double as a games console. In line with HMD’s ethos it has been designed to have a user-replacable screen and alternative snap-on covers

Global Chief Marketing Officer Lars Silberbauer said “HMD Fusion is the next generation of smartphone. We’re inviting people to build a device that’s tailored to them with our Smart Outfits”

The phone is a feature phone, not a smart device, and aligns with HMD’s belief that younger people are trying to limit their screen time. It was developed with Mattel’s design team and is available from HMD direct and at Vodafone and Argos.

The phone comes with a bright pink cover, interchangeable back covers, stick-on crystals, Barbie stickers, a braided phone strap, and Barbie bracelet charms. The user interface offers Barbie wallpapers and Barbie app icons.

HMD Global Chief Marketing Officer Lars Silberbauer, said; “This phone encourages you to ditch your smartphone in times when you just want less browsing and more fun, Feature phones are continuing to go from strength to strength”

Head of Licensing at Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez, added “At Mattel, we have an unwavering commitment to design and innovation, and this exciting new phone is a great example of that, tapping into important insights into how people want to limit their screen time. HMD has created amazing Easter eggs that will make the user experience even more special and playful, sure to delight Barbie fans all over the world.”

A 0.3MP camera with a torch is included, and power is delivered by a nine-hour talk time battery.

Full Specs:

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/hmd-dials-barbie-mania-99-pink-mattel-approved-feature-phone/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/hmds-new-skyline-smartphone-designed-withj-diy-repairability-mind/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/hmds-new-skyline-smartphone-designed-withj-diy-repairability-mind/#respond Thu, 18 Jul 2024 17:24:00 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/hmds-new-skyline-smartphone-designed-withj-diy-repairability-mind/ HMD, which now calls itself Human Mobile Devices, has introduced a smartphone it says can be easily repaired at home. The HMD Skyline’s back is removed by turning one screw and levering it out with a guitar pick. The screen, any bent ports, and a depleted battery can be accessed and fixed. The phone has

HMD, which now calls itself Human Mobile Devices, has introduced a smartphone it says can be easily repaired at home.

The HMD Skyline’s back is removed by turning one screw and levering it out with a guitar pick. The screen, any bent ports, and a depleted battery can be accessed and fixed. The phone has been rated 9/10 by iFixit for repairability.

Skyline launches in Neon Pink and Twisted Black and is available now at hmd.com for £399 for the 8/128GB model and £499 for the 12/256GB model.

Kyle Wiens, CEO at iFixit, said, “Human Mobile Devices has set a new bar for repairable design. This is what happens when a design team considers repair from the start. Human Mobile Devices’ approach to disassembly is a quantum leap forward.”

An internal screw-driven camshaft speeds up disassembly. One screw opens the back cover. A screw-driven rotating arm has a spring to pull it back down when released. Its cam lobe pushes against a plate on the back cover, which clips back together once a repair is done.

Once the back cover is removed, an array of screws disconnects the display cable and the screen is removable. A foam gasket around the display perimeter maintains its IP54 rating. The battery comes with a built-in plastic liner that is pulled to separate the battery from the chassis. Once the battery is out, the plastic is peeled from underneath.

Lars Silberbauer, Global CMO of Human Mobile Devices, said, “We are making smartphones easy to repair, and we inspired the digital detox for ‘balanced relationships’ with technology when we brought back feature phones. Skyline is the next step: it’s repair and detox all in one. And it looks absolutely beautiful.”

HMD’s Global Head of Insight, Adam Ferguson, will be speaking about HMD’s repair ethos at the Mobile News Circular Summit secondary market conference.

]]>

The Nokia 3210 was released by Nokia in 1999 and sparked a new accessories industry for interchangeable covers. It was also famous for the inclusion of the game “Snake”, which was played by millions of people.

The 3210 was known for its impressive battery life, capable of lasting several days on a single charge. At the time, SMS was in its messaging infancy, and the Nokia 3210 helped to further popularise it.

The 2024 Nokia 3210 comes with a 2MP camera, and a 1450 mAh battery, and of course, Snake.

“The Nokia 3210, a cultural icon, is back at the pinnacle of the global dumbphone boom as consumers look to balance their screen time usage with a digital detox.“The Nokia 3210 has simplicity at its core, allowing consumers to be totally present. Forget dumbphone, this is 2024’s fun phone,” said HMD marketing head Lars Silberbauer,

HMD is basing much current strategy on producing basic feature phones, A year ago it brought out £65 flip phone based on what it said was a resurgence of demand for “dumb” phones.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/hmd-brings-back-nokia-3210-1999/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/hmd-brings-trio-user-repairable-pulse-phones/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/hmd-brings-trio-user-repairable-pulse-phones/#respond Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:29:38 +0000 https://mncwp.tailrd.cloud/hmd-brings-trio-user-repairable-pulse-phones/ HMD, which now stands for ‘Human Mobile Devices’ has launched a range of ‘Pulse’ branded phones designed to be repairable by consumers. They are the HMD Pulse Pro, (price to be announced) HMD Pulse+ (£129) and HMD Pulse (£99). The HMD Pulse range is built so owners can replace a damaged display, fix a bent

HMD, which now stands for ‘Human Mobile Devices’ has launched a range of ‘Pulse’ branded phones designed to be repairable by consumers.

They are the HMD Pulse Pro, (price to be announced) HMD Pulse+ (£129) and HMD Pulse (£99).

The HMD Pulse range is built so owners can replace a damaged display, fix a bent charging port, or change a depleted battery themselves using a self-repair kit from iFixit starting from £17.99.

Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, said “HMD’s commitment to designing phones with repairability in mind is an encouraging shift in our throwaway culture. We’re keen to collaborate as they work towards making repairable phones the norm, not the exception.”

HMD says its research indicates 41 per cent of Gen Z would be more likely to purchase an electrical device if they could repair it themselves at home

 HMD predicts that three out of every four devices it sells in Europe in 2024 will be repairable, up from one in three in 2023, demonstrating a significant shift in consumer purchase habits. 

Ben Wood, Chief Analyst CCS Insight, said: “Repairability is a hot topic for consumers. CCS Insight has seen interest in repairing mobile phones increase significantly in both the EU and USA over the last year.

“Approximately 55 per cent of those surveyed in the EU said they would like to have a device that’s outside its warranty period repaired at a reasonable cost rather than replacing it with a new device. In the US interest is also strong, at an impressive 49 per cent. We also note that 47 per cent of EU consumers and 48 per cent of US consumers express readiness to pay slightly more for environmentally friendly products which underlines an appetite for more repairable products.”

 

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/news/article/hmd-brings-trio-user-repairable-pulse-phones/feed/ 0