In the midst of current events marked by the launches of competing products, HMD is taking advantage of the Mobile World Congress to announce its latest new products. Those who expect to discover smartphones will be at their expense, since the Finnish brand prefers the announcement of the development of a next product, designed in collaboration with Mattel.
For the firm, it is a question of riding on the success of the film barbie to offer what it describes as a Flip Phone, using the terminology usually used to designate smartphones with folding screens in clamshell format. It does not specify any of the technical characteristics, but evokes, within its communication, the desire of Gen Z to avoid overconnection. Suffice it to say that the device has every chance of actually being a feature phone clamshell in the wake of retro smartphones from Nokia (the 8110, for example), a brand operated by HMD. On the other hand, the Finnish firm, which is now promoting its own brand (now called Human Mobile Devices) probably intends to launch it under its own name, and not under that of Nokia. One thing is certain: the terminal will be pink or it will not be.
This announcement is part of a broader strategy. HMD intends to continue to operate Nokia, and also promises “return of an emblematic phone during the summer of 2024”, of which she does not specify the reference. But she does not intend to stop there, and assures that“A range of new brands and partnerships will be revealed throughout the year. To know the name of said partners, you will have to wait, HMD having not mentioned any name, except Mattel. The Barbie Flip Phone will be available during the summer of 2024… a year after the release of the film on which it is inspired, therefore.