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HMD Partners with Xplora to Develop Kids and Teen-Focused Phones!

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HMD Partners with Xplora to Develop Kids and Teen-Focused Phones!

HMD Global has announced a strategic partnership with Norway-based Xplora, known for its smartwatches designed for children. This collaboration aims to create a new type of phone that serves as an alternative to traditional smartphones, specifically targeting children and teenagers. The initiative stems from a global survey conducted by HMD earlier this year, revealing a parental demand for addiction-free devices that enhance productivity among youth. While details regarding the phone’s name, features, or launch timeline have yet to be disclosed, the project is generating considerable interest.

Background and Motivation

In a press release dated October 29, HMD emphasized its commitment to developing “responsible and mindful devices” for young users through this partnership. The collaboration follows the launch of HMD’s Better Phone Project, which included a survey of 10,000 parents. The findings indicated that over half of the respondents regretted providing their children with smartphones at an early age, citing negative impacts on family time, sleep, physical activity, and social interactions.

Key Findings from the Survey

  • Over 50% of parents regretted giving their children smartphones early.
  • 75% of parents expressed concerns about smartphones exposing their children to internet dangers.
  • Nearly 50% of parents noted that mobile phone use has changed their child’s personality.

Development Focus

HMD is working on a range of new solutions that present viable alternatives to smartphones, starting with a phone designed specifically for kids and teenagers. The company has previously introduced features like Detox Mode in its HMD Skyline and HMD Fusion devices, aimed at helping users manage screen time effectively.

Features Under Consideration

While specifics about the upcoming device remain under wraps, there is speculation that the first unit from the HMD and Xplora collaboration may be unveiled at the 2025 Mobile World Congress, scheduled for March next year. This event could serve as a significant platform for showcasing innovations aimed at improving digital well-being among young users.

Current Developments: HMD Sage Smartphone

In the meantime, reports indicate that HMD is preparing to launch the HMD Sage smartphone, which has been spotted online featuring a design reminiscent of the HMD Skyline and HMD Crest models. This device is expected to be powered by the Unisoc T760 5G chipset, equipped with 50-megapixel cameras on both the rear and front, and capable of 33W wired fast charging.

Anticipated Specifications

  • Chipset: Unisoc T760 5G
  • Camera: 50-megapixel on both rear and front
  • Charging: 33W wired fast charging

Conclusion

HMD Global’s partnership with Xplora marks an important step towards addressing parental concerns regarding smartphone usage among children and teenagers. By focusing on creating devices that promote healthy usage patterns while enhancing productivity, HMD aims to fill a significant gap in the market.

As this initiative unfolds, it will be critical for HMD to maintain open communication with parents and stakeholders to ensure that the final product meets the needs of both users and their families. With ongoing developments in this space, consumers can look forward to innovative solutions designed specifically for younger audiences in an increasingly digital world.

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CoRover Unveils BharatGPT Mini: India’s First Offline Multilingual AI

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BharatGPT

CoRover has launched BharatGPT Mini, India’s first offline multilingual AI model, at VivaTech 2025 in Paris, with the event officiated by Union Minister Jitin Prasada. This innovative Small Language Model (SLM), featuring around 534 million parameters, is specifically designed for edge devices and low-compute environments, enabling robust AI capabilities without the need for cloud connectivity. Its ability to function entirely offline and support 14 Indic languages makes it a powerful tool for digital inclusion, particularly in rural and remote regions where internet access is limited.

BharatGPT Mini’s architecture is optimized for deployment across various sectors, including healthcare, education, banking, and governance, allowing citizens to interact with essential services in their native languages. The model can be integrated into small businesses, government offices, and other organizations through the CoRover Builder platform, which offers a no-code solution for deploying AI assistants across web, telephony, and IoT systems. By processing data locally and encrypting it on-device, BharatGPT Mini ensures strong privacy and data sovereignty, aligning with India’s strategic goal of developing indigenous AI solutions. 

The launch has garnered strong support from both the Indian government and industry leaders, who see BharatGPT Mini as a catalyst for democratizing access to digital services. CoRover anticipates significant growth in the adoption of Small Language Models, with early feedback indicating a substantial increase in project demand. As CoRover looks to expand its expertise globally, BharatGPT Mini stands out as a scalable, multilingual, and privacy-centric solution, setting a new standard for inclusive and sovereign AI innovation in India’s diverse landscape.

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Kerala Startup E-Quark Launches Innovative Mobile Holder with Built-In Charger

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Equark - StartupStories

Kerala-based startup E-Quark Molecule Innovations Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Thrissur, has introduced an innovative device called Keratin that combines a mobile phone holder with a built-in charger. This unique gadget is designed to offer users a convenient solution to hold and charge their smartphones simultaneously, addressing the common challenge of managing power supply while using mobile devices.

The device enhances user experience by integrating two essential functions into one compact design. It securely holds the phone while providing efficient charging, making it perfect for use on desks, bedside tables, or other personal spaces where easy access and power are needed. This innovation aligns with the growing trend of multifunctional mobile accessories that prioritize both convenience and practicality.

E-Quark Molecule Innovations is a key player in Kerala’s dynamic startup ecosystem, which has been rapidly expanding in tech-driven areas such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With the launch of this mobile holder-charger, the company is establishing itself as a leader in user-centric mobile accessories, further cementing Kerala’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technology development.

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New Instagram Features Let Users Customize Profiles and Share Quietly

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Instagram Grid

Instagram is rolling out two major features in June 2025 that promise to give users unprecedented creative control and privacy: grid rearranging and silent posting. The long-awaited grid rearranging tool allows users to freely drag and drop posts anywhere on their profile grid, breaking away from the traditional chronological order. This means users can now curate their profiles for a more visually appealing or thematic presentation, without the hassle of deleting and reposting content—an update especially welcomed by brands, creators, and anyone meticulous about their digital aesthetic.


In tandem, Instagram is introducing the “Post quietly to profile” feature, which lets users add photos and videos to their grid without notifying followers or pushing the content to their feeds. This silent posting option is ideal for those who want to document moments privately, experiment with new content, or maintain a cohesive grid without spamming their audience. It’s designed to reduce the pressure of public sharing, making Instagram a more comfortable space for personal expression and experimentation.

 

These updates reflect Instagram’s commitment to user empowerment and flexibility, responding directly to years of feedback. As Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated, the goal is to help users “create and share without added pressure,” giving them more freedom over how their content appears and how they engage with their audience.

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