HMD seeks to create smartphones to tackle e-waste, digital fatigue

Nokia maker Human Mobile Devices (HMD) Global now says it seeks to make phones that are affordable, beautiful, desirable, and repairable – this as part of its evolution strategy.

This, it said, means creating devices that help tackle human tech challenges like e-waste and digital fatigue and make the user’s life a little bit better.

Speaking about the the company’s plans, Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, Vice President, AMEA region at HMD Global said: “At HMD Global, our mission in the AMEA - Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa - region is clear: innovate, sustain, and collaborate to transform mobile technology. Our dedication goes beyond creating devices.

It is about ushering in a future where technology is not only universally accessible and environmentally responsible but also embodies the principles of reparability and durability. This vision propels us towards operational excellence and sets a new benchmark for what it means to be truly innovative in our industry.”

For the first time ever, the mobile market declined two years in a row in the face of challenging economic conditions.

HMD however says it bucked the trend thanks to a major transformation project that allowed for a significant improvement in operational profitability Year-over-Year (YoY) in 2023.

E-waste is one of today’s most important issues for tech makers and tech users, and the company says it wants to now also craft phones that don’t just turn heads but also aim to be kinder to the planet.

HMD committed to launching a smartphone that is a platform for innovation, thereby making technology more accessible to more communities around the world.

“Today, we are releasing the first version toolkit for developers and businesses, which contains design files and information on software integration. We are embracing open innovation, making sure people and businesses can augment their phones to fit their needs,” it said in a statement on Monday.

“We want to champion many people’s creativity- which is leaps and bounds beyond what we can achieve solo. The potential is endless. These could be as simple as a case with an extended battery, a bespoke fashion-forward outfit, a payment terminal, barcode scanners, or even portable, connected medical equipment; it really is a blank canvas for creativity.”

HMD Co-founder, Chairman and CEO Jean-Francois Baril noted: “In our seven-year journey, collaboration and support has allowed us to achieve so much. And we have plans to do so much more as we introduce the world to the new HMD. We want to be a catalyst for positive and profitable change by embracing a multi-brand strategy: crafting new HMD original devices, creating Nokia phones, and collaborating with well-known global partners.”