HMD - Nokia’s parent company, is collaborating with Mattel
to launch a Barbie-branded flip phone coming July. There is no information
about the device’s pricing and features as of yet, but what is certain is that
it is going to be the iconic flip phone from the old days, and not a smartphone.
This collaboration is part of HMD’s new project that aims to move away from selling its products under the brand name Nokia, and selling them under its own name instead. As part of this new venture, HMD plans to create multiple partnerships with other companies, and Mattel happens to be the first one.
In addition to a Barbie-branded flip phone, HMD has announced
another new device that it is calling ‘HMD Fusion.’ It is not a smartphone, but
resembles one and primarily acts like a DIY platform for tinkerers where they
can create and customize their own accessories.
HMD Fusion runs Android with an unlocked bootloader and features
six pogo pins on its back where hardware accessories can be attached. Among several
functions, end users or businesses can use the device to build a case with
built-in flashing notification lights, or a streaming accessory with a built-in
high-quality microphone and stream controls.
